This is the 2011 follow up to this thread from last year-
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/2010-a-year-in-mountains
This year time has conspired against me a bit and I've not done as many mountains or races as I should have, but you have to take what you can. There's been some real crackers this year, trails I can really recommend. If you have the time, big mountain riding is well worth the effort you have to put into it. You remember each mountain a lot better than you do a trail centre.
The Quirang
The Quirang is a long way from anywhere, and a short ride, but one that is brilliant from start to finish. An easy climb leads into a traverse with a drop to the right that really enlivens the whole experience. The trail then cuts right at breakneck speed before launching into a technical chute. Skye is a magical place and everything there feels special.
The Old Man of Storr
Short up, short down but an hour (if that) of some of the most exciting riding, and highest winds, you'll ever experience.
The Jock Road
Pound for pound, the most fun you can have on a trail with your clothes on (or not...). The trail starts off as a bit of a bog at the top then turns into a twisty technical trail with some rock drops that require real focus. Once the hard work is done the trail tracks the contours down, gently twisting it's way to Glen Doll. Smooth and fast and easy to get to, I've ridden this trail 3 times this year- sometimes straight up and down, sometimes in a loop- and loved it every time.
Ben Nevis- North Face
This was a mistake- up the tourist trail then around to the North face trail. The North Face trail is OK, a bit tame and the water bars are daft. Someone really needs to have a word with whoever is in charge of trail design in the Highlands. The trail round is unrideable though- this is the price you pay for riding the mountains. Sometimes it just doesn't work. The tourist path, while at the top is a bit dull, is still the best as it's head ache inducingly technical.
The Pelvis Breaker
I wasn't on this ride but just look at this trail! Spineology always makes for interesting riding and you do have to pick your days carefully for the weather, but it always makes for an experience.
Carn Bhan Mor
We can't get enough of this mountain- I think we've ridden it as a group at least 5 times now. With familiarity comes carelessness however and this time we had our first big spill on this trail. The wind was very high- high enough to swing the back of the bike around as you pushed up- and we turned back early. After only a couple of hundred metres the wind blew me off line into a big rock. I was over the bars so quick I had no time to put my hands out and used my face as a brake. Managed to ride the rest of the trail, though- adrenaline is great stuff!
Skiddaw
Yes, we know it's a footpath. We went down the spine on the Keswick side and from below the ascent to the summit looks unrideable- it's very steep and took a fair bit of climbing. Fortunately it's just scree and so going down it is easy enough and it's the bits that follow that test your brain. Beautiful late autumn sunshine with a touch of ground frost meant a day of stunning trails with stunning views.
Helvellyn
I wasn't there for this one but I've done it in the past. It's a long climb, and you lose some height along the edge which is a pain but the descent down Dollywagon is seriously tough and then the trail down Grisedale is flowy, fast and techy all at once.
As ever, I can't thank my friends that I ride with enough for coming along this year. Mostly Huw who pours over maps in the small hours sniffing out rideable mountains. He's done far more big trails than are listed here.
Once again Spokes Cycles, The Bike Shop Hexham and The Bike Chain in Edinburgh have been nothing but helpful in their support of us all with deals and so on.
Hopefully 2012 will be a return to form and there'll be a big adventure a month.
