You can never have too many bikes, or too many wheel sizes, even on just the one ride.

This film was specially made by Whitenosugar Productions for the Kendal Mountain Festival bike night, which I presented last Friday. It was great to show this, along with a couple of my other videos, to the sold out crowd of 500 people. I was also interviewing legendary mountain bike film maker Clay Porter, and it was quite funny having my films up there on screen alongside clips of his movies. I think we held our own and I love this edit that Tim Royle made of my ‘spoof ‘ride from Hebden Bridge to Kendal. Hope you enjoy it.

I’ve just received stock of the new, heavier weight Booicore changing robes. They really are a must have for the mountain biker. It’s just so much more comfortable, discreet and convenient to get changed with one of these roomy robes after a ride. No more baring it all in car parks and no more naked freezing as you grapple with your under pants in the howling wind.

One size fits all. Comes in a black canvas bag for storage. Costs £33.99 posted to you.

I’ve got 2 of the older Booicore, which have a slightly lighter weight towelling and come in a white bag. These are priced at £29.99 to clear.

Email to order yours now. Don’t forget that you can also buy Great Rock gift vouchers to give as presents. The vouchers can be for any amount you like and the lucky recipient can book their own day, whenever they like.

 

The contractors have now completed the Hope line and it’s open for riding. There is still some tidying up to do before the official opening and signage will be put in place. There’s another video edit being planned as well, which will be made by Whitenosugar which will include riding shots all of the new sections. The trail has been built by Ben and Dan Hemingway with help from mountain bike stuntman and former downhill racer, Rob Jarman. Tim from the Dog & Partridge has also done lots of work on the trail and has organised volunteers to help and I’m proud to have also worked on the building of the trail.

Want to learn how to ride all the jumps, drops, rollers, pumps and berms on the Hope Line? In November, January and February I am running courses with the Chain Reaction/Nukeproof team manager and former World Cup downhill racer, Nigel Page. Nigel will share his experience and pass on the skills for all those who want to learn to jump, as well as showing those who can already jump, how to add some style to their efforts. Check out the ‘Nigel Page’ tab under the ‘More Advanced’ heading above.

Here’s the first Hope Line video:

 

I’m over in Greece at the moment, running skills courses with Greek mountain bikers. The weather at this time of year is cooler than summer and is perfect for riding. I’ve been exploring some new areas with friends, as well as running courses on the great trails of Ymmitos and Parnitha mountains near Athens. Greece is well set up for tourism and I hope to be offering trips over here some time in the not too distant future. The riding is varied with plenty of singletrack. Rocky mountain trails and flowing forest paths are plentiful. Amazing views are all around and there are many fascinating ancient sites to ride past. The people are very hospitable and the food is excellent, with good fresh ingredients and very reasonable prices.

Last night I went night riding in the centre of Athens and saw the Acropolis and many other famous sights. More courses are scheduled for the next few days, as well as scouting new locations and feasting. It’s not a bad job!

I’ll be back in the UK next week, but have full internet access here so am able to take bookings and answer any enquiries. Lots of courses coming up, and I’m especially looking forward to the winter series of Nigel Page weekends.