Some more time on the MTB.

I popped over to Llandegla forest this morning with Dan for a quick blast around the black trail.
There are a few newish sections which have been added/altered since I was last there, and they defiantly are a good addition! In particular the new section of jumps called 'The Parallel Universe on the first major black section are pretty spicy!!
The ride went well, no incidents to report, and the trail isn't as wet as I thought it may have been, although as normal, it was pretty busy.
All made for another enjoyable ride, and hopefully more progress with the foot.
Hopefully it will be time shortly to get back on the rock with a few classic Vdiff's!

                                       
                                                     The new Parallel Universe section

The Video content is not mine.

Back With A Bang!

As you can see, the blog has not seen much activity over the recent months. Not for the want of trying though, more like the old broken foot is still causing me problems, 11 months on!
Anyway, this week I completely had enough of not being active and with so called, 'profesionals' telling me I should be doing this and that, and me saying, "I have been doing that for months, it wont help!".
So I decided to get back on the bike for some stimulation. As the pain I get in my foot is caused by a side to side motion I knew this would cause me minimal discomfort compared with trying to climb again!

That all lead me to rolling up at  the start of Penmachno trail at 8.30 this morning. Dan was obviously with me, after pretty much being stuck without a partner in crime for the last year.

I have ridden loop 1 of the trail a few years ago, and always fancied going back. This time we did loops 1 &2 as the foot was feeling good, this cant be said for me though, months of watching tv and doing little else certainly shown, but this is what I needed!

The trail itself was exciting to say the least. It was pretty wet after some rain last night, resulting in the rock on the trail being VERY slippery, and with it being a natural trail you encounter lots of it! The flat (ish) open sections high up were pleasant with the weather holding off and there being virtually no wind.
As expected, in those conditions and with us  making the most of being back out, we both took a trip over the handle bars on the duration of the course. Dan had a great one, as his front wheel seemed to suddenly slip from under him, leaving Dan whithering in the overgrown rough. Myself, I slid on some polished wet rock slabs, not getting the turn in, which sent my front wheel off the track and down a small drop, I then conveniently got propelled over the bars and into a waiting tree trunk!!
It was great to be back out,  even though I was blowing at times, and up to now, the foot feels ok.


                                          Dans tumble, ha  ha. I was quick with the camera!

If your looking for a rugged trail, with fast, twisting singletrack, boardwalks, beautiful views and a great remote feel, then give Penmachno a try!

Llandegla Wednesday Eve

Fun and games last night as we headed to Llandegla for a spin around the red trail.

We took lew out for his first outing on the bikes and he ended up with a snapped chain!. Not to mention me and malc getting a puncture, Dan coming off, and some how Ian went for a swim as he fell into a stream!!

After all the incidents we had to cut the last section of the trail and head back to the cars as it was getting dark, but more importantly the bbq at the visitors centre was coming to a close!!

An eventful evening all round, and we made it for a couple of sausage baps of the bbq!
So all ended well!!

Today at the Marin trail - Gwydyr Forest

Today i was out with Mike, Dan, Daz, Ian and Malc. We headed to Bewts-Y-Coed, to have a bash at the Marin trail in Gwydyr forest.

Surprisingly we also managed to avoid the rain, and the day turned out quite pleasant.

http://shop.bike-fax.com/catalog/downloads/marin.pdf

The Marin trail, although it has a good ammount of climbing, is pretty spectacular, it has some difficult riding, both physicaly and technicaly and also takes in some fantastic views.

The downhill sections are truley brilliant. Wild, rugged singletracks which require precise riding and a fair ammount of confidence.

The main event at the Marin has to be the final 3 downhill sections, which are worth all the effort put in to the difficult climbs. These sections are fast, winding and have some great jumps, (which i came off in good style!) and finaly led us back to the carpark where it all began.

Cheers guys.

Mountain Bikers - Snowdon Voluntary Cycling restrictions

SnowdonVoluntary Cycling Restrictions in place for the summer.
Summer is finally upon us and with that it the Voluntary Cycling Restrictions come into effect on Snowdon. So if you do fancy tackling the mighty peak at the moment its either going to have to be a dawn raid or and after hours sortie
So far this voluntary restriction is working well, safeguarding our long term access to this very fine ride. The restrictions apply to The Llanberis Path The Rhyd Ddu Path The Snowdon Ranger Path
The voluntary restriction on cycling on the Snowdon bridleways is in effect between 10 am and 5 pm from 1st of may until the 30th September. This was agreed by a wide range of public bodies and individuals, and seeks to ensure safety of all path users, and avoid conflict between users
Please respect the voluntary agreement, or risk having a complete ban on cycling.



Bridleways affected by the agreement


Bwlch Maesgwm bridleway

Thanks

I have finally got this thing up and running! Not being a wizz on the laptop, it has took me a while!

I hope to keep the blog updated, not only with what ive been up to, but with any useful information related to the outdoors. Things like new mountain paths, any significant new lines that have been put up or repeated, new developed crags, recent climbing restrictions, new or adapted mountain bike x- country and down hill trails, and in the winter, the most recent Scottish and (sometimes!!) Welsh winter climbing conditions.

Cheers for reading

Allan