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New Bike weekend, t...
 

New Bike weekend, the time to Slay the trails.

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LOL i'm 51, not 26....


 
Posted : 21/03/2023 3:33 pm
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i really do enjoy it.

No finer justification available than that.


 
Posted : 21/03/2023 4:03 pm
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I can count the number of times I've seen the staff at BPW looking at helmets to determine the age on the fingers of no hands.

Weeksy - the shop sells Fox and always tends to have proframe helmets in stock for you to have a look at too.  Never less than full RRP there though as a captive market.


 
Posted : 21/03/2023 4:56 pm
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was at BPW just over a week ago.

No helmet checking (oo-er) and no mention of it in person.

As many have said, probably a stipulation of their insurance/liability.


 
Posted : 21/03/2023 5:01 pm
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Unintended consequence of this could be people choosing to using an open face helmet rather than a full face – going by the view that BPW is a lot of peoples only experience of uplifted downhill riding – and therefore an occasional use full face would be an expensive purchase that someone may forgo?

Full face helmets don't have to be expensive. I've a Leatt one that was less than £50 and there's a brand x one currently on sale at CRC for £24.


 
Posted : 21/03/2023 6:48 pm
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@Weeksy. Good luck mate. No doubt the Slayer will do you proud.

For helmets, maybe try the Proframe RS, I struggled with FF Enduro lids until I tried that. The only other one that fit well was the Sweet Protection Arbitrator.

The 38's were a good choice on my part, can't wait to get back to Dyfi and really hammer them.


 
Posted : 21/03/2023 7:03 pm
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was at BPW just over a week ago.

No helmet checking (oo-er) and no mention of it in person.

As many have said, probably a stipulation of their insurance/liability.

Usually the way. Not as someone suggested, linking it to accidents and injuries. I'm sure the BPW stipulation is good practice on behalf of the insurance company and an way to avoid potential payouts. 😂


 
Posted : 21/03/2023 7:05 pm
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It does seem odd that it is mooted as a condition yet it isn’t checked….

I mean, if it is written into their public liability policy that all riders have to have a helmet less than three years old, and that is a condition precedent to policy operation, and they don’t check, then someone has an accident, then Insurers could decline cover.

There might be arguments about it being material to the loss, ie, broke and ankle and would have done regardless of the age of the helmet, but it seems odd to be a policy, but not checked.

Or it could be a ruse to drum up sales of helmets at the check in desk!


 
Posted : 21/03/2023 7:46 pm
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Well an epic day with the usual result lacking in glory.

11/12 in GVs.
I started off with Wibbly wobbly, a nice flowy red with then some tech. I ended up in the wrong gear for half of it but got down ok.
Then back up and onto Hot Stepper. This was more techy than I thought but I hit both the main drops and survived.
Back up again and over to Pandora's Rocks which goes down as a trail I don't really like. Just has no flow or fun for me. But bundled my way down.
Lastly, back up again to the biggy which was top to bottom with melted Welly into Groot, jeeeez Groot isn't fun. Wet rooty muddy rooty. From there you transition to Surfin Bird which I really enjoyed and into the tunnel for Bush Whacker back to cafe.

Overall I enjoyed my day out, I set a load of PRs on trails and felt I went ok. I think I've got more left on some, but not today. I could have gone back up to top for more, but the legs said no and I listened. As always, a bit disappointed but not exactly shocked 😃


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 4:43 pm
joebristol reacted
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Nice work - that’s a lot of pedalling up I’d imagine! Assumed an enduro would use some of the more difficult trails than that - although I don’t think I’ve ever ridden Groot or Pandoras rocks. Assumed they’d hit Roots Manoevres in there somewhere.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 4:53 pm
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Great effort👍


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 5:00 pm
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It does seem odd that it is mooted as a condition yet it isn’t checked….

I mean, if it is written into their public liability policy that all riders have to have a helmet less than three years old, and that is a condition precedent to policy operation, and they don’t check, then someone has an accident, then Insurers could decline cover.

they've never checked my bike is in good working order with two functioning brakes (I guess they can see I have two levers).

but I have signed the disclaimer that indicates that I have these things.

just gone to check my FF, as I bought it summer 2020. Turns out it was made 3rd quarter 2019.

(I'll happily admit this on a public forum as I believe suing the trail owner if you hurt yourself to be morally bereft and I'd like to actively prevent my employer or next of kin from doing so)

Might not admit it on the day to the bus driver though, for fear of being forced to buy a proframe at full RRP.

Back on topic, well done weeksy! any completed race is a good thing. and you are probably a better rider than you were yesterday.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 5:23 pm
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Assumed they’d hit Roots Manoevres in there somewhere.

They did last time, hence changing this time. I guess to stop repetition.

Can't grumble at the trails, the only downside was going into a few of them blind rather than trails I know.

I've got a Southern Enduro on the weekend too and then it's some much needed coaching with Katy. As to whether she can find me any speed, remains open to debate.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 5:54 pm
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Well done mate 😀

I think the thing about racing is, unless you are troubling the front, your raceday experience is the same whether you place top 25% or top 95%.

It’s just ace you’re having fun out there pinning on a number 😀

I think I called out Enduros as being a good fit for you years ago so I’m glad to see I was right 😉 🤣


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 6:57 pm
joebristol reacted
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You had fun. You weren't last. That's a win in my book!! 😁


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 7:45 pm
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Nice one. How did the Slayer feel? Serve you well?


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 8:30 pm
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Nice one dude.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 8:33 pm
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How did the Slayer feel? Serve you well?

Can't fault the thing matey. It's not the thing holding me back that's for sure.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 8:38 pm
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Can’t fault the thing matey. It’s not the thing holding me back that’s for sure.

It's a banger of a bike. Glad you had a stormer mate. 🤘


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 8:39 pm
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https://flic.kr/p/2ooFtZs


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 9:55 pm
doomanic, nickc, fazzini and 1 people reacted
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Oh yeah... thanks to all who said "put more air in the post"

It was sweet all day 🙂


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 8:57 am
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Have a bit of a self-confidence crisis this weekend and "should i or shouldn't i race" type situation in my head. I'm debating not even throwing the Slayer in the van for the weekend. I'm not even fully sure why... fear of holding people up maybe, fear of being completely garbage... Not really sure. Whilst my BPW performance didn't exactly set the world on fire, i didn't feel like i was a liability. But this weekend on trails i've never seen, slippery muddy terrain, well, lets just say i'm not convinced 😀 😀
I may end up taking it and just seeing how practice goes and making a decision from there.


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 8:43 am
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Sadly i’ve still not found an ‘enduro’ style FF helmet that fits me, despite having now tried a TLD Stage, Bell Super3R, Endura MT500 etc etc… I think it’s only the IXS i’ve not bought and sent back.

I thought from your other thread it was the Bell Super DH, not the 3R you tried and didn't like?

I had a Super 2R before the DH and they are different gravy completely.


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 9:44 am
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I thought from your other thread or was the Bell Super DH, not the 3R you tried and didn’t like?

I had a Super 2R before the DH and they are different gravy completely.

Lost count mate... I am petty sure i tried/bought and returned both most likely. I even have one here but in a Medium which is the lads that i've got up for sale as he prefers his TLD D4 to ride in.


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 9:45 am
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I've just bought a Fox Dropframe Pro for intermediate riding and really like it.

Fox Speedframe Pro for anything gentle

Dropframe for in between

Super DH for t' gnar


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 9:53 am
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Something like this, 10% extra off too, may be worth a punt?

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Gambit-Full-Face-MTB-Cycling-Helmet_244765.htm

They get good reviews for fit and ventilation. I was tempted, the ProFrame I have is a tad annoying as it has a MIPS liner on the brow which you can feel against your skin. This colour sort of matches your bike, ish.


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 10:26 am
weeksy reacted
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I tried one of those spesh gambits and the peak looks a bit odd when you're wearing it


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 10:29 am
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I would always take a bike. Even if you don't compete you can still get out on the bike. Maybe get to a few stages to cheer on.


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 12:32 pm
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I would always take a bike. Even if you don’t compete you can still get out on the bike. Maybe get to a few stages to cheer on.

I'm sure at the very least i'll put the number on and get out in practice in the morning. I'm just struggling a little with the thoughts of holding people up and messing up their race runs. At BPW i was a bit more confident that wouldn't happen (as much) but on trails like this, i dunno... I'll see what tomorrow evenings track walk and then practice makes me feel about it all. I'm just being a bit of a big girls blouse mostly...


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 12:35 pm
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I wouldn't worry about holing anyone up. If your that worried just say to the guy in the que behind you to give you a few seconds more before he sets off. It happens all the time in regional Enduros, the marshals should be aware of it. If you've highlighted it and the guy behind ignores it its their problem.


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 12:43 pm
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Oh yeah… thanks to all who said “put more air in the post”

That photo - the true definition of concentration! good effort 🙂

I might have mentioned it previously, but MET helmets are the most comfortable I've ever found. No other brands 'fit' especially POC and Bell - really uncomfy on my (clearly odd-shaped) noggin. I only use my GIRO Fixture because I've bought it and its very lightweight. If I ever have any spare spends I'll be looking for another MET. My Parachute (not MCR but the older FF version) is really lightweight and very comfy, though its only been used in anger twice


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 12:58 pm
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That photo – the true definition of concentration! good effort

@fazzini

It's a particularly nice little kicker that, if you take the inside line on the left it kicks you over the rock and a little bit of air...I was quite pleased with the pic. Weridly, ALL my pics look just like that... i wonder at times when i find time to breathe 😀


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 1:01 pm
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i wonder at times when i find time to breathe 😀

I've heard its good for you though 🤣


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 1:12 pm
nickc reacted
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Great face @weeksy, got to respect the number board 👍


 
Posted : 24/03/2023 1:32 pm
weeksy reacted
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https://m.facebook.com/groups/4412358368845151/permalink/5978459498901689/

Just in case you're definitely not still pondering a Privateer...


 
Posted : 26/03/2023 11:59 am
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490mm reach on that privateer so that’s a lot longer than the Slayer…


 
Posted : 26/03/2023 4:02 pm
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Sent him that last week to tempt him lol - is up here near me so I can help him out


 
Posted : 26/03/2023 4:13 pm
joebristol reacted
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Lol @mark88 after this weekend I'm debating hanging up my shoes 😹😹😹


 
Posted : 26/03/2023 9:21 pm
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If you enjoy racing, cherry pick your events and don't worry about the results. I race purely to try and get to ride trails or places I probably wouldn't have been to otherwise.

But also, there is so much more to mountain biking that racing. Keep at it.


 
Posted : 27/03/2023 9:52 am
zerocool reacted
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But also, there is so much more to mountain biking that racing. Keep at it.

Oh i'm very much aware mate... The problem recently has been that the weekends are away racing every weekend, so the time for the 'other' riding simply hasn't been there due to lack of daylight etc. Happily the clocks have changed now so it means i can get out after work and get some riding time locally.
I honestly thought the Southern would have been fine (ish), i've done a few southerns before, but this was next level of toughness... So in terms of racing i'm likely at the moment to do the next Haibike Enduro at BPW on the 21st of June and the rest of it will be the lad racing and me putting in some miles and smiles in other ways 🙂


 
Posted : 27/03/2023 10:18 am
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The Slayer is still seeing plenty of action, from FoD coaching to local rides where it's awesome.

I do need to find a time and plan to swap the bottom bracket on it as it was sluggish the other day. But not got around to it yet.
Won't be able to get out on i this weekend as out with the lad, but next weekend it's out at Milland for Southern Enduro. See if the skills coaching from Katy can drag me out of the bottom of the pack and closer to mid-back-pack mediocrity.

I am slightly mullet curious and may throw on a smaller wheel just out of interest really. Although it's possible it'll shorten the reach a bit too much, so not sure.


 
Posted : 13/04/2023 1:35 pm
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Give you a bit of something to mock

Being followed by the boy. Happily he never fell asleep


 
Posted : 19/04/2023 8:20 pm
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How many "Rider!" shouts did you edit out? 😜

All bike fun is good fun. 👍🏻


 
Posted : 19/04/2023 8:29 pm
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How many “Rider!” shouts did you edit out?

Ah he's a nice boy, he wouldn't heckle me.. i thought he may make an overtake though 😀

We may go back tonight and he can then show me his lines at my pace.. we rode it 4-5 times before the video but i don't get to see his lines when he goes his pace, mostly as i can't stay with him. 😀

Sadly it's all a bit wet this weekend and i'm arguably slightly better in the dry.. which is a shame


 
Posted : 20/04/2023 7:55 am
fazzini reacted
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[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52864019999_e510edc353_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52864019999_e510edc353_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2oxpVoF ]2023-05-02_08-35-56[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

thanks to Doomanic, i have a Float X here to throw onto the Slayer. No real reason other than 'just to try' and see how i like or don't....


 
Posted : 02/05/2023 9:52 am
joebristol reacted
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