[Closed] Pass Portes du Soleil - 2010 err what is it like?

click on this [url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/leave-of-absence-to-go-biking ]Ambrose link[/url]

try finding my mate Ambrose he's been before and I think he's trying to go this year too. He did put a post up regarding getting unpaid leave as he's a teacher

He maybe able to advise you

cheers

BUMP

Great fun. Nice atmosphere. Amazing food stops.

Not as hard as you'd expect, most of the tracks are wide and quite easy.

Nothing scary unless you do the DH options really.

Easier to cover distance than you might expect, because of the lifts.

I'd say not to underestimate it too much; while it is very accessible and there's nothing desperate on it, there are sections that can catch you out and it's actually a longer day than you may realise. Every time I've done it I've been pressed for time, usually because there is always some mechanical that ends up taking an age to fix.
There are optional loops around the course that you can opt to leave out and that makes it easier to get around.
It is a fab day out and like others have said it is a great atmosphere. Take plenty of spare inner tubes; run heavier tyres if you can as this will help prevent pinch flats; make sure you've got a good day pack with food, spare links etc, a good pump etc and make sure you start early, like around 8.30am as this will mean you don't have to stress too much to get round the course.

It was sweet last year, lots of brits.
Lets be honest; its lots of mountains, your on a mountain bike so just ride um all and take care. Its all rollable/pedalable.
One other thing remember to listen out for shouts from faster riders and get out the way. Some guys didn't for a mate of mine last year and he end up in a river. It was funny though 😈

what bikes are people riding..............assuming a 4 inch travel be the least?

We're doing it this year, although we've been to the Alps for the last three years so I know the route.

If you can ride the natural trails in the Lakes, Scotland, Wales then you'll have no problems. If you can ride The Beast at CyB or the Skyine at Afan then you'll be fine. It's all rollable, just pointing downhill.

If your group falter at every drop / rooty section / chute then you may struggle. Just an excuse to get riding and you skills up. 🙂

vondally - re what bikes... Last year between 4 of us we took an Orange 5, Orange 5AM, Commencal Meta 5.5. and a Spesh Epic if that helps?

You see a lot of people on big downhill rigs in storm trooper fancy dress, but we did it on bikes we'd normally ride in the Peaks, Lakes etc no problem. It's like mk1fan says - last year at least there was no downhill we thought we needed bigger bikes to complete, and there are sections where it'd be a definite disadvantage. There are flat bits, technical flat bits, and some climbs, all of which would be a right pain on a big downhill bike.

And overall we clocked 91km - possibly a long way to drag a monster bike!

First time I did it was on an 8" DH bike. Second time was on a 150mm AM bike and had by far the better time on that, even on the faster DH sections for some reason!
There is way too much pedalling involved to make it fun on a DH bike.

what bikes are people riding..............assuming a 4 inch travel be the least?

Do it on an XC HT if you like. Plenty of locals will.
DH bikes are overkill really, we all had loads of fun on various 5-6in FSers last year, with my Pich being the beefyest, a Titus Motolite being the lightest and a Commie Meta 5 and an Orange 5 in the middle.

Brakes are more impotrant than travel IMO. Take spare pads out on rides with you.

Lots of it isn't very technical at all, but becomes 'differently technical' because of the sustained high speeds you keep up. I reckon on one gravel road descent we averaged in the region of 50kph for 10-20 mins or something silly like that. The speed fries your brain!

Going again this year too. Great event, great crack. 😀