I've got an '09. When I first got it it felt a bit ungainly, but once I got a feel for it and trusted it more in the corners it flew. Had some issues with the rocker linkage when a bolt snapped and the whole lot turned into an expensive ball of aluminium, but it was all replaced under warranty no questions asked.

:D

Only pulling your leg Matt, sorry. Actually going for the opposite as I have a 160g CO2 limit and the 3 Series has lot more bang-for-your-emission. 330D is within where as 2.7 and 3.0 Audi's aren't.

New car policy's just been launched at work. Was thinking of going for a diesel 3 Series estate, however discounted it and going for the trail centre middle class cliche; A4 Avant. Looks like it's got more poke than it's German counterpart, and the SLine should be a sportier drive.

Sorry .tv

http://www.mtbcut.com has always got a few things worth looking at

Alas I think Sanny and others have hit the nail on the head. There are half finished schools and hospitals littering the country, never mind there being public money for anything like this. The FC are clearly not ineterested anyway, so that only leaves private investment and even those knobbers at Monster wouldn't take this on.

I think the build-it-and-they-will-come is quite interesting though if compared to Xscape in Braehead (just outside Glasgow). When I started snowboarding in the mid 90s it was a pretty niche sport although admittedly still much larger than gravity assisted biking is now. Although there was a slow increase in interest, it's only in recent years that the popularity seems to have exploded. I remember everyone saying as Xscape was being built "no one will use it, there's not enough of a market". That place is heaving, and there is a huge new generation of snowboarders kitted up to the eyeballs with all the latest boards and clothing that have only picked up the sport because of the facilities there.

The one point that's been skirted over about Innerleithen is the current Uplift Scotland set-up. Tally runs a quality service, and there's little hanging about if you time things right, especially when there are two busses/trucks on. Not sure the place needs any more than that. IMO.

I can't comprehend how any of the pros (and decent National guys) are so fast, and maybe "B List at best" was harsh. I don't think MB's in the same class as those I've already mentioned though, but it's my opinion only, and his result today obviously flies in the face of it.

Nonk – not sure if you mean on a bike or in life, either way it's fairly patronising.

It's a fair point. Logically he was the best in the world today, and therefore "great". I'm not convinced though, his results don't match the length of time he's been about (IMO!).

Maybe he's a late starter and about to dominate.

12th and 16th isn't the top is it? It's "good" and he is consistently "good", but he rarely troubles those that are "great" or close. He's not a Hill/Peat/Minnar/Atherton/Blenkinsop etc, etc and never will be by the looks of things. There's a whole generation of younger (British) riders that are already beating him and others, and will only improve over the next few seasons.

Good on him winning VDS though.

Result of the day has to be Lewis Buchanan in 16th, got to be on the podium over the next few years. Good result from Beaumont but he's surely "B-list" at best?

Amazing looking things, and amazing what Honda (and all the hype) brought to DH. Gearbox looked very straightforward and was basically just a derailier (sic) in a box. Can't see them making a return alas.

That sounds logistically difficult (walk from top of Cliffhanger if you don't want to pay for helicopter I presume) but absolutely bloody amazing! Aside from the endurance aspect I'd say harder than the Mega as well! Bring it on!

I read somewhere that Gee Atherton was on £100k, if that's true I can't see anyone else being even close.

Puck's Glen is a pretty small FC area that's not really ideal for biking unless you know the area very well. There are loads of dog walkers and grannies.

It does have a nice descent if it's quiet which I suppose could be linked to doing a circuit of Loch Eck. Follow the forestry road up the West side of Loch Eck to Glenbranter from the Botanic gardens, then back down the East (you'll need to link a few on the way back so check an OS). You'll eventually drop down a walkers path with loads of switchbacks to Stratheck (couple of houses and a caravan park), immediately climb back up the forestry road for about two miles until you reach the top of Puck's Glen (again you'll need to check map for exact details) then follow your nose down.

Aside from the brief switchbacks and the rooty descent at the end of Puck's Glen, the rest of the above is pretty mundane and 99% forestry road – nice views if the weather's good though.

Anyone? Thanks

My problem was too much aggression off the start. I was so physced (sic) up I went off like a loony when the tapes went up and was on my head after four bike lengths, then hanging out my hoop for the rest of the run.

Totally agree though Conor, your position is decided by how you start, I was on Row Z for the Megachallenger, but finished 117th and that was with people passing me on the climbs; so I must have made 200+ places on the snow!!!

I'm not saying he doesn't know what he's talking about, or that he's not a good rider, I'm saying his writing is over the top sometimes without actually saying much. That article reads that a large Blood is a total waste of time which is baws. Doesn't stop Dirt being the only mag worth buying.

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iPhone has it's uses.

That review was classic Steve Jones, over the top waffling that didn't actually say much. Standard post on the large was too short for me, so Gravity Dropper is a 400mm – sorted now.

I'd love to post a Megaavalanche themed Blood photo, however BT are a bunch of fannies, so I can't!

I'm 6'2" and have a large Blood. I read that Dirt review just before I got mine, but came to the conclusion that Steve Jones isn't massive, and went for the bigger size. I have to say I haven't regretted it for a minute, just back from doing the Mega on it and it was amazing. It's no marathon machine, but that said I'll happily pedal round a trailcentre loop or Highland day out on it.

I've got a Gravity Dropper post that looks precariously long when in the XC saddle up position, but my (shorter) mate's small Blood looks just as fragile with the seat up (it's not, they were both hammered in Alpe d'Huez without missing a beat).

Anyone recommend a particular shop in Greater Manchester or Central Scotland for doing C2W with? Our scheme seems to have endless shops to choose from rather than the Halfords/Evans effort.

Anyone know anything about the Trek 2.3? My logic was that Trek MTBs are generally decently specced in their price bracket (some Bontrager finishing parts excepted) and this one seems okay with 105 groupset etc. Or am I just believing the Armstrong marketing hype!?

While we're banding about the rumours I was talking to a friend of the old man's who works for Tillhill. Tillhill UPM (forest manager at Llandegla) are a major forest owner/manager in parts of Scotland, and apparently there is some interest in recreating the Llandegla set-up north of the border. Clearly one of the reasons Llandegla is economically viable (and shit) is the huge population catchment it has, so there's limited Tillhill run locations in Scotland that would (maybe) work. But there is an interest at senior level apparently.

In other news VW have just launched a car that runs on fresh air.

"The claw" we were calling it, defo feel your pain. Calves are in tatters from pedal bites on the snow.

I was there, it was my first and what a week! Now I've rid my body of (most) of the pain, I'm counting down the days until next year!

Had an absolutely shite qualifier and scraped in to the Megachallenger in last place to start on the not ideal Row Z, but I had a great upper section on the snow and finished on 1:32 in 117th (although clock said 1:29 – anyone know if there was a timing problem? I think the race was just late starting.)

Can't recommend it enough to anyone who's swithering.

I'd say phone them and see what they say, the website is sometimes bit out of date but I've always found them competitive.

I'm not sure if there's any truth in it, but I was told if you put a club or race team name on your entry form (or I suppose if you use a race license rather than a doctor's letter) you get a better qualifying start position. I put a club name, and was on the fourth row so it's possible. There are some big bottlenecks, but I don't reckon qualifying starting position would stop you getting in to at least the Megachallenger if you were good and fit enough.

The Mega(avalanche) is in Alpe d'Huez, and we're only in the van the odd night and an apartment the rest, so it shouldn't be too bad. Thankfully the race was entered, the tunnel booked and the missus persuaded before the egg wall was breached.

Annecy could be a good shout, it's a long drive but so is everywhere down there. Cheers.

Didn't know that Diane, very handy, cheers! When you say secure is it manned do you know?

Northwind – Member
I'm well excited about Fort William, going there in 3 weeks to ride my own bike. Not sure why I'd go there to watch someone else do it, especially since they'll be better than me, the cads

Errr, cause the town goes bike daft for a few days, they are the worlds best, there's a cracking atmosphere and you might even pick up a tip or two (unless you're already sub 5 minute?)?

Rob
We don't need your negativity! The sun will be shining, and the euphoric buzz of victory (booze) will keep them away! You heading up?
Robert

Same here, cannot bloody wait! Should be a very strong showing from the Brits, many of the younger riders are on cracking form just now. Atmosphere will be electric.

Those of you moaning about the coverage, load your grottiest tent, cheapest burgers and warmest beer in to your car, point it north and drive (assuming you don't live in Inverness).

Bring on the camping, booze and midgies!

This is defo the stuff I reckon, Majokit, this has got me all misty eyed!

http://www.google.co.uk/m/search?site=images&source=mog&hl=en&gl=uk&client=safari&q=majokit#i=2

I reckon it was Marjoretti (sic) the French mob. There were various lamp posts, buildings etc that clipped on to the pavement. Bloody loved that stuff.

I do it all the time, and in the last couple of months the chain has broken three times; the final time sending over me the handlebars on a climb. Just bought some power-links….,

Bought one for my Blood for the Mega, but already a firm convert.

I think most mortals would agree that you don't need to be a World Cup DH racer to be "trail riding" in places where having your saddle down a bit is a distinct advantage?

+1 to a tee for Jemima. I have a Blood and DH bike, and I'm more than happy as a combo.

Not to mention Hans Rey – he's with them!!!!

I'm lucky enough to live in an Edition 30/Clio 197 household and they are both phenominal but completely different hot hatches. The Golf is refined and luxurious (for a htachback) but still has a fair bit of poke – noticeably more than the standard mk5 GTI I used to have – and has a great but 'German' chassis. The Clio gets a bit wearing on the motorway and is fairly Spartan inside, but down a B road is absolutely amazing. It can literally be driven at 100% and is so adjustable and playful.

If I had to have only one it would definately be the Golf, but Id be very sad to see the Clio go!

Gavin was that you that did the winter series? Red T5 130 (I'm a Transporter geek)? See you up there.