A day early this week as I am off to Bangkok to go look at some bikes and gear :)
Courtesy of PinkBike and Banshee Bikes here's some great downhill action. Damn, these guys are FAST! But towards the end the old saying came to mind "sometimes I flick the Bike, other times the Bike flicks me!"
Enjoy.......
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Thursday, 14 July 2011
Friday, 8 July 2011
The Friday Video
For this week’s Mountain Biking video we decided to introduce a bit of International flavour. As the Tour de France is currently underway and serving up some exciting racing indeed, what better than a bit of Gallic fare?
Whilst most of the current crop of MTB and downhill videos now seem to be shot in photogenic, perfectly manicured forests or downhill slopes, this video illustrates the ‘grass roots ‘ side of downhill MTB’ing. The wet and muddy conditions certainly proved to be a challenge!
Brought to you via our friends at Zapiks and 26in France. Visit the Coupe de France Enduro web site for a write-up, race results and more photos.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
50km X-C MTB Challenge – Part Two
Part 2; Down-Hill.
The time worn saying states ‘what goes up must surely come down’…… and so it does!
After the last climb at 24% incline the maximum elevation of 842 ft was reached at a distance of around 37 km. The plateau consisted of a short 840mt long flattish section that formed the pass between the higher hills to the east and west. At about this time the clouds from the south west monsoon began boiling up the steep valley and the heavens opened up with a torrential, tropical downpour. There was nothing for it, but to take shelter below a deserted rubber tapper’s wooden shack. This did allow me to grab a quick snack of fresh fruit and re-hydrate after the long climb up.
Shelter from the storm
Once off the plateau the trail started to descend, gradually at first but soon the down slope increased significantly. Knowing what lay ahead I had had the foresight to drop my seat post down by around 12cm to allow me to get my weight back and over the rear wheel. This was definitely a smart move, as the estimated 25% gradient proved to be a good test of technical down-hill riding. Pedals balanced level at mid stroke, back side behind the seat post and feather the brakes. The surface was similar to the uphill, with deep ruts, large intermittent rocks and boulders, loose stones and steep drop offs. The rain was still falling and riding into the prevalent wind direction it was driving straight into my eyes. One of the secrets to riding downhill is picking your line nice and early by scanning well ahead. The driving rain made this a challenge. Too hard on the brakes and a skid, easily induced by the slippery surface, could have me careening off the side if not careful. Riding alone, in the middle of nowhere, there was always the thought at the back of my mind – what if? But after the first adrenaline rush the pace, and nerves, steadied and the task became easier. Soon I was romping down the gradually decreasing slope and enjoying the gains of the hard earned ascent.
The view from the top
Once at the bottom of the slope the trail re-joined what passes for the ‘main’ road in these areas – a gravel wash board with rocks and ruts a plenty. The trail now passed through a spectacular canyon with towering limestone karsts on either side. However the continuing rain and low flying clouds did not allow for much of a view or the chance to shoot too many photos.
Now the trail branched off onto a very quiet side section and around one bend I was amazed to see a large water monitor ambling across the track. I slowed down to a quiet stop at which point the large lizard (about 1.5 mt. in length) did a slow u-turn and back tracked off the road. I approached quietly with my camera at the ready and peered into the bush to see a large pond and small river system. Although I had clearly heard the large reptile slide through the undergrowth it must surely now be hiding around the pond area. A short wait proved to be in vain and no further sighting was made. Ah well, maybe next time.
Back onto the trail, as the rain started to alternate between a constant drizzle and hard downpours. The trail surface had been recently re-laid after several flooding events in the area and consisted of a sand/red-soil undersurface covered with a thin layer of fine, small stones. A worse cycling surface you could not imagine! It acted like blotting paper, soaking up all the moisture and really sucked the tyres down deep. I remember my thoughts at the time ‘this must be how it feels trying to swim the breast-stroke in porridge!’
After a really fun roller coaster section skirting the mountains and through a double river ford the vista opened out onto rolling moors where sections of the rubber trees had been recently cleared allowing for some pleasant views, well, at least whilst the rain was not so heavy!
I was now getting back into familiar territory from my regular early morning rides and the rain was just getting heavier and heavier, but I knew the end was soon in sight. A final blast over Donsak Hill and it was a short road section back into home for a well deserved cold beer!
Fact File:
Total Distance covered; 54km
Total time taken (including stops); 4h 5min. Riding time; 3h 5min. Av. Speed 17.5km/hr
Max. incline +24% decline -25%
Max elevation; 842 ft.
Total height; gained 2,938 ft. lost 2,851 ft.
View Donsak 50km MTB Challenge in a larger map
The time worn saying states ‘what goes up must surely come down’…… and so it does!
After the last climb at 24% incline the maximum elevation of 842 ft was reached at a distance of around 37 km. The plateau consisted of a short 840mt long flattish section that formed the pass between the higher hills to the east and west. At about this time the clouds from the south west monsoon began boiling up the steep valley and the heavens opened up with a torrential, tropical downpour. There was nothing for it, but to take shelter below a deserted rubber tapper’s wooden shack. This did allow me to grab a quick snack of fresh fruit and re-hydrate after the long climb up.
Once off the plateau the trail started to descend, gradually at first but soon the down slope increased significantly. Knowing what lay ahead I had had the foresight to drop my seat post down by around 12cm to allow me to get my weight back and over the rear wheel. This was definitely a smart move, as the estimated 25% gradient proved to be a good test of technical down-hill riding. Pedals balanced level at mid stroke, back side behind the seat post and feather the brakes. The surface was similar to the uphill, with deep ruts, large intermittent rocks and boulders, loose stones and steep drop offs. The rain was still falling and riding into the prevalent wind direction it was driving straight into my eyes. One of the secrets to riding downhill is picking your line nice and early by scanning well ahead. The driving rain made this a challenge. Too hard on the brakes and a skid, easily induced by the slippery surface, could have me careening off the side if not careful. Riding alone, in the middle of nowhere, there was always the thought at the back of my mind – what if? But after the first adrenaline rush the pace, and nerves, steadied and the task became easier. Soon I was romping down the gradually decreasing slope and enjoying the gains of the hard earned ascent.
Once at the bottom of the slope the trail re-joined what passes for the ‘main’ road in these areas – a gravel wash board with rocks and ruts a plenty. The trail now passed through a spectacular canyon with towering limestone karsts on either side. However the continuing rain and low flying clouds did not allow for much of a view or the chance to shoot too many photos.
Now the trail branched off onto a very quiet side section and around one bend I was amazed to see a large water monitor ambling across the track. I slowed down to a quiet stop at which point the large lizard (about 1.5 mt. in length) did a slow u-turn and back tracked off the road. I approached quietly with my camera at the ready and peered into the bush to see a large pond and small river system. Although I had clearly heard the large reptile slide through the undergrowth it must surely now be hiding around the pond area. A short wait proved to be in vain and no further sighting was made. Ah well, maybe next time.
Back onto the trail, as the rain started to alternate between a constant drizzle and hard downpours. The trail surface had been recently re-laid after several flooding events in the area and consisted of a sand/red-soil undersurface covered with a thin layer of fine, small stones. A worse cycling surface you could not imagine! It acted like blotting paper, soaking up all the moisture and really sucked the tyres down deep. I remember my thoughts at the time ‘this must be how it feels trying to swim the breast-stroke in porridge!’
After a really fun roller coaster section skirting the mountains and through a double river ford the vista opened out onto rolling moors where sections of the rubber trees had been recently cleared allowing for some pleasant views, well, at least whilst the rain was not so heavy!
I was now getting back into familiar territory from my regular early morning rides and the rain was just getting heavier and heavier, but I knew the end was soon in sight. A final blast over Donsak Hill and it was a short road section back into home for a well deserved cold beer!
Fact File:
Total Distance covered; 54km
Total time taken (including stops); 4h 5min. Riding time; 3h 5min. Av. Speed 17.5km/hr
Max. incline +24% decline -25%
Max elevation; 842 ft.
Total height; gained 2,938 ft. lost 2,851 ft.
View Donsak 50km MTB Challenge in a larger map
Sunday, 3 July 2011
50km X-C MTB Challenge – The Reccy
Saturday 2nd July 2011
Ready for the Off
Headed off from home at Tong Ao, Donsak just after midday. The weather was partially overcast but pretty hot and humid. The first short section along the road brought a nice cooling breeze pedaling at around 24km/hr. But knowing this was going to be a reccy and not a race my head told me it would be wise to take it easy and conserve energy, who knew what lay ahead?
The first section over Donsak Hill, through Khao Kloy to Nam Chaa was all familiar territory on quiet backroads interspersed with a high percentage of gravel dirt roads and soily/rocky trails through the rubber tree plantations. As I pushed on the hills ahead ominously started appearing in clearer view, giving a foretaste of what was to come. Turning left into the ‘Hidden Valley’ at 17.5 km the size of the task became more apparent but the pace was good as was still the weather. A bit more cloud, but that meant a pleasant relief from the overhead midday sun. The trail got quieter, apart from the odd motorcycle, local croppers heading into town for Saturday afternoon shopping. From the looks and usual ‘farang’ comments it was clear that they had never encountered any cyclists in this neck of the woods. The scenery was beautiful, the small river running through the valley featured a number of fords and side trails – all good for future exploration.
At a fork in the junction, close to my previous end of the road assessment, I wondered whether the trail to the right might in fact be the correct route. Fortunately a couple of Thai ladies on a motorcycle were just leaving a house close by and I was able to quiz them. I knew the general name of the area I was aiming for as Pak Phraek. The normal way to get there is along the main 4142 highway via the junction at Ban Nai. At first the ladies tried to steer me back towards the main road citing a ‘Big Hill’ as an impediment to my progress. But a quick ‘Mai pen rai’ from my side and yes, they said, ‘pai dai’. I guess the concept of a ‘mountain bike’ was beyond them.
So, off on the left fork and past the Thai Sign on the side of the road, which I had been informed said ‘a road will be built here’, the extent of my previous trip. The trail started to climb and climb. Loose stones, gulleys from the recent rains, rocks and drop offs, quite a technical up-hill section. Unfortunately my front derailleur is on its last legs, which means I can only select the big ring from my most used centre, no access to the granny ring! But by now the slope was steep enough such that even if I was able to get in the granny ring it would probably still be quicker to push the bike and walk!
200 mt. to the summit?
A hundred metres or so and the incline crested. Back on the bike, along a leafy, wooded section the trail was double with tall grass growing in the centre. The weather was closing in, the humidity rising and the closeness of the jungle made it feel like a sauna. A bend in the road and here we go – the killer hill. Wow! Just up, up, up. Shortly after I dismounted a pretty young lady passed by on a motorbike, all dressed up for Saturday afternoon, gingerly making her way up the rutted loose gravel, over the rocks and channels. A long hard push up, what I hoped would be the steepest section, turned out to be around 300 mt. until the summit was finally crested. Relief at last, it would all be all downhill from here on.
Stay tuned for the next part.....
Headed off from home at Tong Ao, Donsak just after midday. The weather was partially overcast but pretty hot and humid. The first short section along the road brought a nice cooling breeze pedaling at around 24km/hr. But knowing this was going to be a reccy and not a race my head told me it would be wise to take it easy and conserve energy, who knew what lay ahead?
The first section over Donsak Hill, through Khao Kloy to Nam Chaa was all familiar territory on quiet backroads interspersed with a high percentage of gravel dirt roads and soily/rocky trails through the rubber tree plantations. As I pushed on the hills ahead ominously started appearing in clearer view, giving a foretaste of what was to come. Turning left into the ‘Hidden Valley’ at 17.5 km the size of the task became more apparent but the pace was good as was still the weather. A bit more cloud, but that meant a pleasant relief from the overhead midday sun. The trail got quieter, apart from the odd motorcycle, local croppers heading into town for Saturday afternoon shopping. From the looks and usual ‘farang’ comments it was clear that they had never encountered any cyclists in this neck of the woods. The scenery was beautiful, the small river running through the valley featured a number of fords and side trails – all good for future exploration.
At a fork in the junction, close to my previous end of the road assessment, I wondered whether the trail to the right might in fact be the correct route. Fortunately a couple of Thai ladies on a motorcycle were just leaving a house close by and I was able to quiz them. I knew the general name of the area I was aiming for as Pak Phraek. The normal way to get there is along the main 4142 highway via the junction at Ban Nai. At first the ladies tried to steer me back towards the main road citing a ‘Big Hill’ as an impediment to my progress. But a quick ‘Mai pen rai’ from my side and yes, they said, ‘pai dai’. I guess the concept of a ‘mountain bike’ was beyond them.
So, off on the left fork and past the Thai Sign on the side of the road, which I had been informed said ‘a road will be built here’, the extent of my previous trip. The trail started to climb and climb. Loose stones, gulleys from the recent rains, rocks and drop offs, quite a technical up-hill section. Unfortunately my front derailleur is on its last legs, which means I can only select the big ring from my most used centre, no access to the granny ring! But by now the slope was steep enough such that even if I was able to get in the granny ring it would probably still be quicker to push the bike and walk!
A hundred metres or so and the incline crested. Back on the bike, along a leafy, wooded section the trail was double with tall grass growing in the centre. The weather was closing in, the humidity rising and the closeness of the jungle made it feel like a sauna. A bend in the road and here we go – the killer hill. Wow! Just up, up, up. Shortly after I dismounted a pretty young lady passed by on a motorbike, all dressed up for Saturday afternoon, gingerly making her way up the rutted loose gravel, over the rocks and channels. A long hard push up, what I hoped would be the steepest section, turned out to be around 300 mt. until the summit was finally crested. Relief at last, it would all be all downhill from here on.
Stay tuned for the next part.....
Friday, 1 July 2011
The Friday Video
Another great MTB video from Scotland, brought to you by Vimeo and http://www.mtbcut.tv/ Follow the MTBcut Team riding Ben Lomond in Scotland before travelling to the Downhill World Cup Tour in South Africa.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Mountain Biking Holiday - Thailand
Thailand, commonly referred to as ‘The Land of Smiles’ is a great destination for a mountain biking holiday. From the lofty peaks of the northern mountain ranges, through the lower plains of Bangkok and the central/eastern region, down to the limestone formations and beautiful beaches of the south, this diverse Kingdom offers something for everyone.
The Northern mountains which surround Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai probably offer some of the longer established riding trails and adventure areas. With peaks rising to over 2,500 metres there are ample opportunities for uphill ‘grinding’ followed by serious downhill ‘grinning’. The trails vary from quiet, backwater blacktop and gravel/dirt roads to single track jungle trails and just about everything in between. The vistas are overwhelming and the friendliness of the local people and hill tribes are welcoming and sincere. Throw in some great Thai cuisine with its reputation for a fusion of flavours, and herbal delights with a liberal sprinkling of the famous Thai chilli pepper and every turn of the trail, lunch time and evening stop throws up another memory to savour.
You might think that an urban sprawl such as Bangkok (locally referred to as the Big Mango) would be a ‘wasteland’ for mountain bike riding but within an hour’s drive in most directions out of the city some excellent riding can be found. A few examples that spring to mind are Phuttamonthon Park (30 mins west of the city centre), Khao I-to (close to the Khao Yai National Park) and Tam Pratoon in Chon Buri Province, the latter being around 1.5 to 2 hours east of Bangkok. These sites are a favourite weekend haunt for the city dwellers.
Heading south the coastal area from Cha Am to Hua Hin and Prachuap Kiri Khan offers some great riding trails, not least the trek from the nearby mountainous border with Myanmar and the Kaeng Krachan National Park. Continuing further we find Pranburi and the Sam Roi Yod National Park with its towering peaks and myriad caves.
Surat Thani, the gateway to the South of Thailand, offers a mix of stunning scenery and laid back beaches. From the National Park at Khao Sok (reputed to be the oldest evergreen tropical forest in the world) to the amazing limestone karst formations of Phang Nga, Phuket and the Andaman coast down to Krabi, there are a variety of trails and riding options. Despite the intense heat and humidity of the summer and inter-monsoon seasons many of the trails in the south pass through vast rubber and palm oil plantations, which form a natural shaded, cool riding area. Meanwhile on the eastern, gulf side of the peninsula, you have the tourist islands of Samui and Koh Phangan, across to the Thai Riviera from Khanom down to Nakhon Si Tammarat where the coastal plains steadily gain altitude leading to some refreshing waterfalls and mountainous national parks with summits up to 1,800 mtr.
So whether your passion is bombing downhill, riding singletrack jungle trails, exploring the national parks and waterfalls, cruising the beaches and islands or just some excellent X-C, there is something for everyone in Thailand, where mountain biking is sure to ‘make you smile’.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Mountain Biking Holiday – Discover Asia
Whilst many people think of California and the US Rockies when a mountain biking holiday springs to mind more and more people are discovering the delights of Asia.
From the more well known and travelled areas such as the foothills of the Himalayas, Tibet and Nepal, South East Asia is now offering a host of new destinations. From the established areas such as Hong Kong, there are now more routes and operators opening up in mainland China. Heading South, Vietnam is one of the newer destinations offering more operators and varied trails. From the northern mountains such as the Tonkin Alps the countryside develops through the splendours of Halong Bay, the beaches and coastline from Hue via Da Nang to Nha Trang and on southwards to the paddy fields of the Mekong Delta. Or you can even cycle the Ho Chi Minh trail.
Another country that offers mountain and road biking holidays is Cambodia. From the lost city of Angkor in the north, via the waters of the Tonle Sap the trail leads to the Oudong mountain close to Pnomh Penh. Further south is Kirirom National Park and the coastal road from Kep to Sihanounkville in the shadow of the Bokor mountain.
Then to Laos, where the southern area offers a whole range of Bio-Diversity sites and National forests, the Pakse area of the Mekong river is dotted with 4,000 islands and the Bolevan Plateau is famous for its coffee growing. In the north the ride from Vientiane to the ancient capital at Luang Prabang gives an insight into the lives of the Hill Tribes along with some spectacular mountain scenery.
Then of course there is Thailand – the Land of Smiles. But we will save that for a future post.
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