Great Rock is supported by some fantastic brands for 2015 and it’s something worth shouting about. I’m more than happy to recommend the kit that I use because it’s tried and tested by me and if it didn’t work without lots of faff and fixing then I wouldn’t want it. It also helps if the kit looks good and can put on a pretty face for the relentless Instagram photos!

Kit has to work well in the tough and rocky conditions of Hebden Bridge, as pictured above, as well as at Gisburn Forest, Lake District, Basque Country, Pyrenees and all the other places that it gets dragged, ridden, thrown in vans, carried up mountains, crashed, rained on, sun bleached, sweated on and cleaned over and over again. It’s making me all excited just thinking about all the adventures to come this year!

Frames are Santa Cruz

Clothing, helmets and pads are Sweet Protection

Drivetrains, brakes, pedals and shoes are Shimano

Forks are X-Fusion

Wheels are Mavic

Bars, stems, saddles and grips are Chromag

Tyres are WTB

Dropper posts are KS

Frame protection is Invisiframe

Chain lube and bike cleaner is Squirt

Waterproof socks and gloves are Sealskinz

Trail tools are Lezyne

Bike travel bag is Evoc

Haircuts and beard trims are North West Barber Co.

Hebden Bridge trails are rideable all year round. If you stay on the steep valley sides the water just runs away and if it’s windy you’re protected. Our trails are gritstone based which means there’s a good level of grip and even when conditions are wet you can usually find traction somewhere.

Of course it’s not always grim up north and now that the sun is getting his flat cap on and the green shoots of spring are popping up it’s time to start another season of skills and guiding days.

As well as being the base for the Northern Rock Tours, the Alpine Tech skills courses take place on Hebden trails as well as many private one to one and group bookings. People travel from far and wide to ride the trails, progress their riding and enjoy the food and drink of the town.

The trails in this short edit are classic Hebden: rocky, technical and fast and a firm favourite on our days. Check out the courses or trips we offer and maybe come and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.