As someone not really used to DH racing, I did find the amount of flashes a bit disconcerting at times but I wouldn’t say it particularly distracted me. It actually gave you a bit of a buzz really! I nearly had a off on the rocky corner just after a flash on stage 3 but I think that would’ve happened anyway :).

Either way, I reckon it was worth it for the shots going by what I’ve seen so far. I just need to find one where don’t look a complete tool 😉

Yeah – as above really. You do ping off rocks a bit but the traction still seems ok and the rolling resistance is great 🙂

Some nice pics there Rich – especially the results list.

You did catch me on one of the runs – unfortunately a bit dark, although not seeing my face is probably a bonus 🙂

Can’t wait to see the pics of my 2mm of air.

Yeah – it’d be great if I could find a decent picture of me riding but they never seem to quite capture the Huge air I get of those drops 😉

Just got back having stayed the extra night for a few beers.

Definately the best race format I’ve ever done. Very laid back, great riding, good variety of terrain and some fantastic descents (SS 1 and 3/6 especially). The number of photographers down stage 3 made you feel like a pro too 🙂

No egos, just friendly banter from everyone I met. Anyone round the 70-90 group? I was the guy on the Whyte E120; the one panicking just before the prologue with his forks in bits in the car park!!

Yeay – 6 of us doing this for the first time this year (RaveRacing team).

Staying at the Log cabins on the lake about 5 miles from the Castle. Going by all the good things I’ve heard from last year, I’m Really looking forward to this one 🙂

Andy_hew – I wouldn’t worry too much about diversions. I guess they’re for the Avalanche Enduro but the new Red trail is opening this weekend – should be plenty to ride :).

Bring on the racing!!

Got it – much appreciated.

Neil

I’ll use it if no one else has taken it please – mail in profile 🙂

Been to a few of these in the past.

Good for stocking up on spares as they usually have good deals on tools, tubes, GT85 etc etc.

Normally some good offers on clothes too if you get there early enough. Most stuff isn’t particularly “current” though.

Really? Hmm, maybe it would be worth trying a quick bodge then.

I dread to think how much postage to the US will be.

According to Easton, CNT bars are fine with bar ends and the warranty is unaffected by their use so long as you use a particular clamp type (see the easton website) – I think they’re the only manufacturer to state this mind.

As for what they look like, who cares! I ran carbon bar ends on my old CNT risers for years – worked well and looked fine (imho).

I have to say though, after damaging the bars/ends in a crash last month and replacing them with some monster-wide 09 CNT low risers, I haven’t missed them since.

I changed from X7 to X9 shifters recently. Mainly because of the choice of mounting position making it easier to run brake levers in-board of the shifters. They do offer a fair jump in quality and bling factor too though 🙂

SYHA hostel in Aviemore itself is really nice as hostels go – handy position just outside the centre and a shed to lock the bikes in (you’ll still need your own locks though).

Frustrating but yep, don’t think you’ve got much of an argument really.

I had a Mount Vision (original quad link) for years and currently ride a Whyte E-120 which some may say is a posh carbon fibre Marin!

I love them. The only “criticism” would be they do ride a bit tall – I quite like it though as I don’t clip the pedals quite so much as on other bikes. They climb/decend fantastically well and the quad link system just works and requires very little maintenance (life time bearing warranty and great ATB-Sales after care too).

Oh, Medium (17.5″) and 6 foot 🙂

Never been back after someone tried to sell me a Nomad that had “about 4 inches of travel”. Pet hate of mine that – people trying to sell (quality) stuff who clearly know nothing about it.

I think I caught them on a bad day!

Your welcome. 😉

I’ve seen some on eBay recently – may ship to abroad. Happy shopping 🙂

I may be being stupid but how would the soundsticks be computer-bound. Surely they just plug into the wall and then into your iPod via the jack plug?

I’m looking at the Soundstick II though – may be different. Looks quite funky though 🙂

Ah, just realised – you don’t actually mention iPods 🙂

Comments still stand re the Klipsch though.

I’ve got a Klipsch Sound-dock type speaker system which seems pretty good, gets really good reviews on Amazon.co.uk and is significantly cheaper than a Bose.

If you’ve got one of the latest gen iPods just be aware they won’t charge in all but the newest speaker docks.

I haven’t got any pics online so wasn’t going to bother but, in the name of getting this thread into the 1000’s, this is me last year (as seen in MBUK 🙂 )

Yep – moving part, small spring, close to the sh1t level = potential corrosion.

I stick a bit of GT85 on mine fairly regularly – seems to do the trick.

That’s unbelievable – under no circumstance would I volunteer that amount of info, especially not via email.

If that is legit, I don’t think many people will be using Evans internet services in the future!

Yes I am offended – I don’t work in IT/engineering and I don’t own an Audi! 👿

Rest of it seems spot on though – finally somewhere I belong 🙂

I’ve seen worse. Not bad effects. Yes, the plot is full of holes though and the ending’s a bit rubbish but there ya go

Ooh spookey – just about to watch it on anytime!!

Blimey! Nice collection but yeah – why all so similar. You need some suspension in your life..

I can recommend the E-120 😉

I was going to get a hope but apparently they don’t do one compatible with Mega-Exo crank sets. 🙁

Got to stick with the FSA ones, which admittedly seem more durable than RaceFace cheese.

Using real ale to clean the frame?.

IPA?…

IGMC 😕

Yep – got confirmation today too.

I’m assuming Gary_M isn’t doing Mayhem this year then 😉

Mwahahahahah

Crap telegraph article too 🙂

Yeah – the info on the website recommends a “light weight endurance bike” with 5″ travel, whatever that means! I’m sure you could do it on a HT and have just as much fun. Just be a bit slower assuming they’ve put some proper rocks in 😉

Not quite sure what to expect but it sounds fun.

And brant – you follow Richard Branson?!!!

I don’t believe I’ve just gone through the whole process of joining just to sign up to those – I’m such a freebie Tart! 🙂

There is a link to one of my threads though – about as much fame as I’m ever likely to get!!

richc – I know there’s a video of last years event floating around somewhere – part of a series on the Extreme Sports channel.

Possibley on Youtube?

I guess when you’re that popular it doesn’t really matter 😉

Nope, no direct email. Only one via Facebook!

We’ve entered the Kielder Avalanche Enduro this year too. It got some great write ups last year and the format looks interesting – a chilled out enduro with timed DH sections.

Not sure how full it gets though

Agreed, the first descent needs some care due to traffic and yes you do get some complete cocks trying to over-take where they really shouldn’t (uphill as well as down) but on the whole the Dyfi is better than most I’ve done for not having too much of that kind of thing – I guess the first climb spreads people out nicely and there are lots of line choices on some of the more “interesting” descents 🙂