As a CTC cycling development officer this thread makes fascinating reading, having been with the organisation now for 4 years we have and still are adapting and changing our working practices to meet the ever changing needs of all cyclists…..and this is were the issue sometimes sits……in a similar way that people have stated that one organisation will never represent them 100%, we as an organisation can never fully represent all cyclists 100% all of the time either. With our unique and proud history that many of our members still appreciate and doff their cap to, we have to recognise this aspect of our heritage and the people we represent but equally we are aware of the need to be more in touch with the modern cyclist.

As predominately a mountainbiker myself for the past 26 years I do understand the gaps there are in our provision, however we do represent our group more than (Some) people may be aware and this is another area we are working hard to address…..improving our brand awareness and profile.
The work around Rogate et al has been mentioned already but we also have a great training programme for ride leaders and skills instructors and provide consultation to the industry.

We are actively looking for ways to appeal to and meet the needs of the mountain bike community whilst still looking after our current member groups.

The beardy, pannier riding stereotype is something we are accutely aware of, these riders hold equal standing with us as an organisation the issue for us is, is that we then don’t appeal to your average mountain biker, commuter etc.

This is all evolving though and through development work out in the field the officers have and are continuing to name a few….build pump tracks on school fields, set up and deliver community led rides, map new routes, campaign for improved infrastructure and facilities, train ride leaders, run maintenace courses and much more…..perhaps we need to start shouting more.

Not wanting to sound like a broken record but the points above pretty much sum up the bike, I’ve got an ally version that’s about 18 months young now and I’d also say it’s the best all round bike I’ve ridden.

At this point I should say I’m a bit obsessed by the brand and only owned YETI’s since 1991, so I may have a biased view – I have ridden plenty of other brands though and still go back to the sb. I have an asr and an arc but always pick up the sb when going out as it does everything so well.

I’ve raced the UKGE series all year too, been out to ARE Bike Park in Sweden and ridden everything from the Peaks to my commute on it with only the expected regular service and replacement bushings needed.

Yetifan.co.uk is a great source of parts at a good price and availablility and provides a focal point for YETI owners and their unique bikes…….go and put your hand in your pocket, you won’t regret it.

Aye up Tom

No animals were harmed in the making of said video 🙂

The Captains advice above is worth considering, remembering the old stuff over the road at CYB as still worth riding.

Some of the routes do replicate each other though similar to Degla but on a much better trail.

The only thing with this option is you only get to ride one centre and visiting other places is always a draw, even if they disppoint compared to another.

Penmach and Marin are a lot less ‘trail centre’ with no trail head or facilities, these split opinion but IMHO give a more wilderness natural feel to them than say CYB and much more than Degla which can sometimes feel like a motorway, particularly weekends.

Whatever you end up doing, you’ll be with mates, in the mountains, riding bikes…. it’ll be all good.

I can confirm Tom’s best mans speach was superb but not as good as mine 😉 ……we had the same best man – If I’m freaking you out Tom it’s Ross!

Confirming that the bride and bridesmaids are looking raveshing wouldn’t go amiss but that’s the grooms job really, it won’t do you any harm when trying to get a fumble later on after too many Mablibu and cokes though.

Bear in mind the other guests, Auntie Margaret with her silver spoon in her mouth, might not find your stories of the grooms sodamistic sexual behaviour as funny as ‘the lads’

Grew up watching Phil and Paul, back When all you had was the 1/2 hour highlights show, which they gave a great soundtrack to.

When Roache caught Delgado on the mountain top finish and Lemond v Fignon TT on the last stage were great commentary moments but over the years they seem to have lost some pages out of there quotes book and roll out the same phrases time after time ‘very select few’ being a particular non favourite.

Switched to Eurosport now and Carlton does a great job, supported by Sean Kelly, who sounds like he is playing the Paul and Phil drinking game whilst commentating…….good double act and massively knowledgeable.

Not to the nearest metre but running the course from two years back there where two ‘climbs’ to speak of. One after the long rocky traverse heading upto a ski lift and the second after the grassy section heading for the steep switch backs into the woods. Neither one on a normal Sunday ride would cause you a problem but with pads, a full face, 30 minutes of ful on racing and the buckets of adrenilin raging through you, it’s another story. They are only short and shallow but take their toll.

Got blown to bits at the ‘Ard Rock Enduro. Great take on the Enduro concept though and a big ol’ loop

To be fair they’re nearly as light 🙂

I have several in my collection, they became more popular in the States but as said previously, never really caught on over here.

The oldest one I have is from around 1906, as the keen eyed amonst you will also spot the wooden rims.

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I’ve raced most of this series on my ASR5 with 140mm forks, upgraded to a sb66 (150mm forks) for the Eastridge round.
Got to say the extra travel on the 66 was definitely worth it, although everything is rideable on the ASR5. My fitness is my strong point so transitional timings aren’t a problem for me, the extra weight and travel on the 66 didn’t cause me a problem but helped on the downs.

On a big hilly loop the ASR5 may be the better option, bit comprimised going down but overall a better all day bike…..plus it’s a YETI 🙂

There is a bit of a derth of decent bike shops in Liverpool, however there is the Giant concept store http://www.giant-liverpool.co.uk/ on Parliment street and Evans cycles http://www.evanscycles.com/stores/liverpool on Hanover street.

Further up the coast at Formby is Formby cycles http://www.formbycycles.co.uk/

Your mate should get a decent service from all of these.

kcr is right on this one – not read the full seperate post but pedals off, seat down is the best way. He’ll learn to balance and steer without having to learn to pedal at the same time…..too much to take in at first. Get him to scoot along in a sort of running motion with his feet, then lifting his feet up once momentum is gained. Feet up and steering can then be developed. Once mastered, put the pedals on and get him riding.
Like others have said too, keep it fun, quiet place and time on the bike is vital. Best of luck.

Love looking at these old photo’s, so many great memories, just wish I had more photos

This was me at the NEMBA in Bosley, 1992ish. Decent down from the masts, lap 2 sports cat.

[/url] Bosley NEMBA 1992ish[/url] by Rossco73[/url], on Flickr[/img]