http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/ Read all the latest blogs from the Cotswold Outdoor community en-uk Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Cotswold Outdoor community@cotswoldoutdoor.com 60 http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/images/common/rss-image.gif http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/rob-harrison/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/31/at-it-again-/ The outcome of another of Cotswold's fantastic training courses, the highly anticipated and eagerly awaited Winter Skills course in Glencoe. 3 days of winter fun and games, kit testing and practicing winter skills. On this occasion thanks are due to the boys and girls at Mountain Equipment for lending us a supply of Gore-tex Proshell gear, as well as fleeces, softshells and gloves. Thanks should also be given to the above excellent guys at Plas-y-Brenin for awesome days out, aswell as the... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/rob-harrison/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/31/at-it-again-/ Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:39:00 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/adrian-townsend/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/31/meet-team-gb-2012-olympic-and-paralympic-athletes-event/ 2 members of Team GB 2012 attended a question and answer session at our store in Hedge End on 18/01/2012. To a turnout of about 50 guests, they shared their experiences and challenges in preparing for the biggest sporting event of 2012.  Our athletes for the evening were: -  Deborah Criddle - Paralympian- Multi-gold medallist, Equestrian Chris Mears - Olympic Hopeful, Diving It was a truly inspirational evening which highlighted the lengths that athletes go to, to su... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/adrian-townsend/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/31/meet-team-gb-2012-olympic-and-paralympic-athletes-event/ Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:36:50 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/thornback/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/31/motorbike-diaries-dakar-dreams/   ‘Dakar Dreams’ motorbike challenge and TV series Starting on 15th March 2012, Danny John-Jules (the ‘Cat’ from Red Dwarf) and team-mate Graham Hoskins will attempt to follow one of the most iconic of motorbike routes, the 1996 Dakar Rally from Granada to Senegal.  Through the Atlas mountains of Morocco, the deserts of the Western Sahara and the chaos of Mauritania, they will be filming their adventure and raising money for Riders for Health. And jus... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/thornback/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/31/motorbike-diaries-dakar-dreams/ Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:05:39 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/henryandpete/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/30/henryandpetesverylongwalk/ From 8 May, 2011 to 18 October  freelance writer Peter Almond (ex Daily Telegraph Defence Correspondent)  walked  from Land’s End to John o’Groats with his Springer, Henry, to raise awareness and funds for  Hounds for Heroes, the new charity providing assistance dogs for injured service and emergency service personnel.  In covering 1,237 miles (and Henry  about 7,500 miles!) he and his pal raised nearly £12,000 from hundreds of well-wishers alon... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/henryandpete/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/30/henryandpetesverylongwalk/ Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:58:12 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/mark-one/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/28/bmc-leading-ladder-at-the-castle/ Well it was off to London to enjoy the delights the Castle had to offer for the Leading Ladder. I always like going to the Castle, they have really got in to doing their bit for the environment, recycling, composting and a green energy policy. All good stuff. And so what were the routes to be like this year. Well they were all quite technical, making onsighting quite a challenge. with moves needing a bit off thought to execute and as we got through the grades, some taking a bit more o... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/mark-one/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/28/bmc-leading-ladder-at-the-castle/ Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:06:44 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/debsmartin/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/28/my-hearts-in-the-highlands/ On Monday of this week (23rd January) I was one of the lucky members of Cotswold staff to head to Glencoe for a week's winter skills training, and so it was with a great deal of excitement, anticipation and a touch of nerves that I set off on the train on Monday morning from Aberdeen, heading towards the general collection point of Glasgow airport, where a large number of other Cotswold staff would be flying into from all across the U.K.   Day One   My day started... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/debsmartin/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/28/my-hearts-in-the-highlands/ Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:56:22 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/adrianw/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/28/bridgemere-lmr-evening-for-sir-john-talbot-school/ On  Wednesday we attended Sir John Talbot School awards evening where 26 pupils gained their Bronze D of E award, we took down various gear which D of E groups use and spoke to participants and parents about the services that we could offer. It was fantastic to see so many pupils and parents so enthusiastic about the award and participation in outdoor adventure.  We are looking forward to further events with the school. http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/adrianw/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/28/bridgemere-lmr-evening-for-sir-john-talbot-school/ Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:56:27 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/jeff-pepper/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/28/rab-moving-the-goalposts/ I have always been a big fan of Rab gear but just lately they seem to have upped their game.Check out the new range of Rab Genesis synthetic sleeping bags-a fraction of the cost of down bags and ideal for car camping. I am eagerly awaiting the introduction of the new Rab Infinity Down Sleeping bags(Mar/Apr as far as I am aware)They follow on from the Rab Infinity Down Jackets which went on sale in 2010 and are hugely impressive.Very light and incredibly warm. As a lightweight camper,t... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/jeff-pepper/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/28/rab-moving-the-goalposts/ Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:32:18 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/jeff-pepper/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/27/outdoor-shops-me/ I seem to spend such a lot of my time visiting Outdoor shops so I guess it's kind of appropriate that I am now working in one.Last year was a little disappointing in terms of the amount of walking and camping which I did.However,I still managed to go camping a couple of times in the Lakes and the Peak District and walked the Cleveland Way in June.I also visited my favourite walking area,Kinder Scout, on 3 seperate occasions so I reckon that maybe it wasn't such a bad year after all.Ho... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/jeff-pepper/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/27/outdoor-shops-me/ Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:01:22 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/the8rac3r/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/26/patience-is-a-virtue/     “Don’t shave on race day; you’ll lose all you power!” I was apprehensive about what was to come at the beginning of the weekend. Last year had been good to me and I’d achieved a lot of the things that I wanted, but with a fresh year, new challenges present themselves. You have to constantly push yourself to go that bit better, but you’re always worried that maybe one day it won’t happen. My first race of the year followed a b... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/the8rac3r/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/26/patience-is-a-virtue/ Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:56:24 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/charlotte-fish/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/25/luxury-backpackers-book-launch/ On Sunday I attended the launch of the Luxury Backpackers new book 'Family Adventures In Style' written by Jill Nash with the photos taken by her husband, Stoke Footballer, Carlos Nash. The book is a great way for adults who want to travel to the wildest places they dream of in the kind of luxury they can afford, and suggests places that are great to go with children of all ages. All of the places that are in the book have been visited by Jill, sometimes accompanied with her 2 ye... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/charlotte-fish/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/25/luxury-backpackers-book-launch/ Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:56:37 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/charlotte-fish/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/25/camp-international-kit-talk-for-canon-slade-school-bolton/ 21 students at Canon Slade School in Bolton are heading to Tanania this summer to take part in some volunteer work and the odd bit of mountain climbing. Several of them came down to our store last night in order to gain some knowledge on the kind of products they need to think about buying. In addition to this it's always handy for them to know what is the most important piece of kit and what might be able to be considered a luxury item. With Dave focusing on boots, Sally focusing on ruck... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/charlotte-fish/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/25/camp-international-kit-talk-for-canon-slade-school-bolton/ Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:17:25 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/charlotte-fish/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/25/world-challenge-velodrome-abseil/ Saturday 21st Jan at the Velodrome in Manchester saw the delights of Team GB (Cycling) training for the Olympics later this year. However, more importantly (and excitingly) it also saw the arrival of 72 World Challenge participants from the North West region as they prepared to free abseil the 40ft drop from the ceiling in the center of the track ring to the floor in order to raise money for their World Challenge Expeditions. It was a mixture of girls and boys of ... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/charlotte-fish/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/25/world-challenge-velodrome-abseil/ Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:58:14 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/chris_hoskins/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/25/travel-photography/ As I mentioned in my last post (for those of you who read it) one of my passion is Travel and Humanitarian photography. I hold these these together as one area of photography because, for me, they are inextricably linked. I love to travel because of my adventurous spirit. I love to experience new things, to push limits, to live life! I find that travelling opens up your mind, your soul, in ways that you never expected. To come into contact with people of other cultures, other creeds, other mi... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/chris_hoskins/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/25/travel-photography/ Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:39:18 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/chris_hoskins/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/25/outdoor-photography/ First, let me introduce myself. I'm Chris hoskins, I hold a few hats in realtion to this community. I work part time at the Aberdeen branch of Cotswold Outdoor, as well as being an assistant in the store, I also work as the Local Marketing Representative (LMR) for the store. When I'm not in Cotswold's, I run my own business alongside my wife, Linda. We run a photography and art business called 'Hoskins Gallery'. My 2 biggest passions when it comes to photography are Travel... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/chris_hoskins/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/25/outdoor-photography/ Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:44:09 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/mark-one/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/24/bmc-leading-ladder-sports-park-round/ Went down to the Peak at the UEA Sports Park yesterday for their round of the Leading Ladder.  Had a really enjoyable time on the routes and carried on going further than we expected to. The competition routes have been set with sprinkling of quite strenuous and dynamic moves, which made things not only interesting, but a little bit spicy too.  As this is our home wall, we were expecting to spread things out over several visits, however we ended up onsighting up to 6c and de... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/mark-one/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/24/bmc-leading-ladder-sports-park-round/ Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:24:27 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/mark-one/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/23/bmc-leading-ladder/ Finally managed to get blog functions working, so I can start on the BMC Leading Ladder for 2011 / 2012. The Leading Ladder is a fun competition open to climbers of all levels and this is the fourth year I have taken part. Although the competition is already about half way through, I have only competed in one round so far, at Northampton. Competing in the recreational category I was pleased to onsight 6c, and despite an ongoing shoulder problem, was not too far from finishing the 7a, ... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/mark-one/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/23/bmc-leading-ladder/ Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:50:29 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/Sarah/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/20/bagging-munros-with-andy-turner-and-stu-mcaleese/ Day One of Course One of the 2012 inaugural Cotswold Winter Skills Course at Plas y Brenin's Scottish base, Alltshellach near Glencoe.  Today saw 25 members of staff summit Stob Dubh on the Buachaille Etive Beag in perfect Scottish winter weather for testing gear - rain, snow and plenty of wind.  Our Mountain Equipment Gore-Tex shells did their job perfectly, keeping us warm and dry whilst learning an array of skills from some of the best mountain guides in the business from Pla... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/Sarah/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/20/bagging-munros-with-andy-turner-and-stu-mcaleese/ Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:46:04 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/paul-78/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/20/open-5-warcop-preview/ With just two weeks to go to the Open 5 race at Warcop I thought now might be a good time to look back at the race from last year that took place just a couple of miles south of Warcop at Crosby Garrett at the same time of year.  Hopefully the conditions this time will be slightly better.  I have included the race report we compiled after last year’s race and I have added a few valuable lessons we learnt based on our exploits. Open 5 Feb 2011 Kirkby Stephen Following t... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/paul-78/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/20/open-5-warcop-preview/ Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:21:43 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/patrick-bird/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/18/algonquin-park-back-country-paddling-trip-2009/ Algonquin National Park - July 2009  You know how it is, the best trips always come from a really odd direction, somewhere unexpected and this one is no different.  I discovered Algonquin through a friend at a Hen do, another story for another time.  It’s a national park NE of Toronto, Canada.  It’s a huge wilderness of lakes & forest with some extra lakes thrown in for good measure.  The Canadians have turned this area into an outdoor haven f... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/patrick-bird/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/18/algonquin-park-back-country-paddling-trip-2009/ Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:16:50 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/paul-78/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/17/open-5-series/ Its a little late this one but we had a few issues setting up our account Open 5 Bacup South Pennines Dec 4th 2011 Team Cotswold Outdoor, Male Pairs, James Daplyn and Paul Ryan For our second Open 5 race of the season we set off for Bacup in the south Pennies on a wet and cold sunday morning.  We got out of the car with the thermometer at 1oC and tried not to think how much colder it would be up on the tops.  After registration we started to get our kit ready for the rac... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/paul-78/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/17/open-5-series/ Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:28:07 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/rachel/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/8/the-12-days-of-crossmax/   The 12 days of Crossmax.. On the 1st day of Crossmax my new loves gave to me Kevlar quick laces with friction free eyelets and a lace pocket for quick trouble free lacing.   On the 2nd day of Crossmax my new loves gave to me  contragrip light and contragrip high abrasion outsoles for superior grip on wet surfaces.   On the 3rd day of Crossmax my new loves gave to me ortholite sock liners and neutral molded eva midsoles for superior comfort and a smoot... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/rachel/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/8/the-12-days-of-crossmax/ Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:41:18 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/simon-lincoln/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/3/sibl-2012-round-2-arch-wall-london/ Sibl 2012 round 2 took place at the arch wall in London near the embankment. For those of you who have never been it's a fantastic venue with one truly amazing feature which is a 45degree overhung bouldering cave. This feature is unique to the arch wall (to my knowledge) and provides an incredible opportunity to work on power endurance and brute strength. The wall features 4 different rooms all with masses to do and plenty of space to accommodate a competition like sibl.   So... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/simon-lincoln/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/3/sibl-2012-round-2-arch-wall-london/ Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:27:35 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/simon-lincoln/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/3/sibl-2012-round-1-craggy-2/ So back once again for sibl 2012........ The format for the sibl competition rounds is always the same. 4 hours, 20 problems and maximum score of 200 points. Each competitor has unlimited attemps at all problems within the time limit. Completing the problem on your first attempt earns you 10 points, 7 for 2nd attempt, 4 for 3rd and all subsequent attempts earn 1 point. Sibl takes place across various climbing walls in the south of the country so you're sure to get a different ... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/simon-lincoln/blogs/index.cfm/2012/1/3/sibl-2012-round-1-craggy-2/ Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:57:49 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/dominic-breen/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/30/langdale-christmas-pudding-race/ The challenge that was set was to run my first 10km race in under 40miutes which I was told is a fast time for club runners and can take 6 months of training to achieve, I had 6 weeks. The morning of the race arrived and true to Lake District winter we were met with rain, sleet and snow on the drive down Langdale valley to the starting point at the Stickle Barn Tavern. Luckily the weather decided to subside so that we only had a wind to contend with. The race started and we set off running a ... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/dominic-breen/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/30/langdale-christmas-pudding-race/ Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:48:44 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/patrick-bird/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/23/wilton-one-crag-clean-up/ WILTON ONE CRAG CLEAN UP The BMC own a number of crags in the UK with the aim of keeping them open to the public. As you can imagine some of these need more work than others. One that's been in need of some tlc for a while is Wilton One near Bolton. The old quarry has become over run by rhododendrons to the extent it's almost unusable. The BMC organise cleanups of varying sorts all over the country. In this instance a local BMC activist John Wilkinson was to be the organiser for t... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/patrick-bird/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/23/wilton-one-crag-clean-up/ Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:44:46 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/sharon-walton/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/21/hill-efforts/ Last night’s hill efforts, I was almost sick! I managed ALL 7 averaging 1min 7seconds finishing the last one with a smile on my face but when I trotted back down the hill for my recovery the nausea was so intense - I have not felt like that for a long time! And as its Christmas week we all ran back up the hill to the pub for a Xmas drink, although I could only stomach water - what a lightweight. Well done to our coach Mr Furley, my goal to gain points for the UTMB 2013 is on track b... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/sharon-walton/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/21/hill-efforts/ Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:34:38 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/Olly/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/17/first-snow-haglofs-open-5-adventure-race-bacup-lancashire/   Adventure Racing Blog Part 2 - First Snow Super keen after my first adventure race down in the Shropshire hills, I was itching for another. 4 weeks since all the decisions, I felt a lot more prepared this time, but was still a frantic mess trying to find all my kit the night before though. I checked the forecast, it wasn't looking great and it was right as I arrived for registration in heavy rain, a bit of a change to the blue skies and sunshine of Shropshire. It was ra... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/Olly/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/17/first-snow-haglofs-open-5-adventure-race-bacup-lancashire/ Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:51:45 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/rachel/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/9/the-human-ice-cube-live-breathesbut-only-just/   Undeterred by my poor time keeping effort the 1st time around (see from Hero to Zero blog) I squared up for my 2nd Solo Adventure Race in the South Pennines, Bacup (said Back Up) with a watch and some steely determination to do better!   Lessons learnt from the last race include the following; Stick to roads and pathways wherever possible, Wear a watch, Don’ t take so many photo’s Don’t stop and talk to people with nice dogs... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/rachel/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/9/the-human-ice-cube-live-breathesbut-only-just/ Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:33:31 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/kevin-long/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/5/wondering-/ Disappointed YET AGAIN!......I know I have not been a member of this site for long, and that some may say I have a job, so why am I kicking up? But the fact that I have now applied for FIVE, full time and part time jobs, with this company over the last year and heard NOTHING, from any of them, not even a call back, even after chasing THE MANAGER or supervisor. This kind of makes me wonder about the ethnics, professionalism and direction of the rest of the company? Anyone care to repl... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/kevin-long/blogs/index.cfm/2011/12/5/wondering-/ Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:23:48 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/michael-hopkins/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/30/font-etc/ Last week i went to Fontainebleau and was feeling pretty psyched until we got there and couldnt see 2meters infront of us, we were baisically sat in a cloud for the whole trip which meant the rock was wet. Not the best start but we still climbed, after drying lots of holds and using lots of chalk we still got no where. I managed to pull myself up 3 7a's and thats all really everything else was either wet or too warm to climb on it! The trip was amazing though just good to be out of the UK... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/michael-hopkins/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/30/font-etc/ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:26 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/the8rac3r/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/30/83025-onwards-and-upwards/ I haven’t kept count of all the hours and miles done in the dark over the years, but it’s safe to say that there have been lots. However it doesn’t seem to matter how many times you train in the same place, on the same lap and through the same sections – there will always be things to trick you and lessons waiting to be learnt. The dark can concentrate you – when you’re focusing on a single beam of light there is only one way forward, but it can also al... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/the8rac3r/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/30/83025-onwards-and-upwards/ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:49:48 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/rachel/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/27/cotswold-dogs-we-get-out-there/ Up here in the Lake District dogs are a very important part of our lives. They run with us, walk with us, go to the pub with us and a few lucky ones get to work with us. Sky, Jazzy and Charlie have all been become unofficial Cotswold Staff members spending their work days in either the Keswick or Grasmere shops. Well behaved, great lunch time entertainment and part time shop security (if we let them!!) they work hard to earn their biccies. But as with their owners they all need a day ... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/rachel/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/27/cotswold-dogs-we-get-out-there/ Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:54:14 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/Stu/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/25/night-ride-time/ Now that the long dark evenings are upon us, it's time to break out the nightriding gear. We're fortunate in that we have the forest trails of http://www.coedllandegla.com/ within a short drive of the store, which is open till 9pm on wednesday evenings, so thats where you'll find the likes of myself, Rich, Andy K and Ally from the store, along with our friends from a local MTB skills company http://www.campbellcoaching.eu This season, i've invested in a new set of lig... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/Stu/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/25/night-ride-time/ Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:34:15 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/gymmembership/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/24/potatoes-are-good-for-your-heart/   New research from the US has discovered that potatoes can reduce the blood pressure of over-weight or obese people. The research, carried out with purple potatoes prepared with no oil or fat, showed that eating the potatoes reduced blood pressure significantly. Unfortunately we can’t wave goodbye to the gyms in London just yet though because – no surprise here sadly - the potatoes didn’t help with weight loss.   Move over Atkins, carbs are back in tow... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/gymmembership/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/24/potatoes-are-good-for-your-heart/ Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:46:12 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/thornback/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/18/the-real-peru-and-on-to-countries-12-and-13/ Puno continues to excel.  One night we are all celebrating the founding of the city and the next night is Halloween and the town is out again en masse dressed as Devils, Angels, Witches, Warlocks and a host of other creatures.  As young as 2 or 3, as old as the Policemen who are on duty in full uniform but with a werewolf’s head every-one is joining in the party.   Even the dogs have little red horns on!   The people of Puno certainly know how to throw a pa... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/thornback/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/18/the-real-peru-and-on-to-countries-12-and-13/ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:04:35 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/andrew-s/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/18/the-eden-project-marathon-2011/ At just before 9am on a dreary, drizzly and very windy Sunday morning on 9th October I pulled into the car park at Cornwall's Eden Project. The Eden Project has several very large car parks, all named after different fruits to help you remember where you are parked, and these car parks were filling up quickly, not just with cars, but with lycra bound and running kit garbed folk stretching, striding, running on the spot and generally creating a surreal atmosphere to the place.   ... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/andrew-s/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/18/the-eden-project-marathon-2011/ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:03:50 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/the8rac3r/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/16/83024-giant-killing/ Sometimes it’s not about who you beat, it’s how you beat them. Stanmer Park in Brighton was the arena that we did battle in for round eight of the London League! I listened out for my name as all the fast riders were called up to the grid, but once three rows were full I’d either missed my shout or it hadn’t been called. So stuck way back in the pack was where I found myself. I shook my team-mate’s hand and put my race face on. First objective would be the ra... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/the8rac3r/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/16/83024-giant-killing/ Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:23:06 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/johnny-parsons/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/15/what-is-the-mongol-rally/ I've been jibbering on about the Mongol Rally for a while now, but there may be some of you out there who are still thinking "What on Earth is he on about ?!?" What is the Mongol Rally??? On July 13th 2012, we will set off in our little 998cc Nissan Micra, on a 10,000 mile journey to UlaanBaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The Mongol Rally is an amateur car rally with no support, no back-up and no set route. Cars must have an engine size of around 1000cc (up to an eye-po... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/johnny-parsons/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/15/what-is-the-mongol-rally/ Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:16:20 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/michael-hopkins/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/15/nibl/ Last Saturday was the first round of the NIBL whih was held in the climbing hangar, it was a good competition with quite a few people who turned out. I ame first in the competition and im looking fordward to the net rpund in deember at the works. Thanks Michael http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/michael-hopkins/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/15/nibl/ Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:46:25 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/the8rac3r/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/11/83002-83vlutionblg-bigrednocturn/ THURSDAY NIGHT saw the 1st 83VØLUTION Night ride, with four of us meeting (eventually) at various locations around Bedgebury for a night of muddy singletrack and even muddier bridleways!   Jonny and I met up just before Eight pm and hightailed it through Bedgebury on the main fire road to catch up Alaric and Emily, before we promptly lost Em on the first bridleway! So we doubled back, found her (or maybe she found us) and started again. The thick Wealden clay was proving ... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/the8rac3r/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/11/83002-83vlutionblg-bigrednocturn/ Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:06:28 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/Olly/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/10/decisions-decisions-haglofs-open-5-series-adventure-race/ Decisions, decisions!! Up at 4.30am, set off by 5.30am. First Costa stop 2 hours away! It was going to be a long day! I teamed up with Rach from Grasmere, and the Haglofs rep Graham. We headed down to the Shropshire hills. I didn't even know there were hills in Shropshire! I was soon about to find out that there were! We were taking part in the second race of the Haglofs Open 5 series run by Open Adventure. It was Rach's and mine first solo adventure race. I really had no ide... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/Olly/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/10/decisions-decisions-haglofs-open-5-series-adventure-race/ Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:08:49 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/dawne-marie-evans/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/10/snowdonia-marathon-report/  Snowdon Marathon  - Race Day It’s 0730hrs, race day and I’m lying in my bed at the B&B next to Royal Oak in Betws Y Coed.  First thing that pops into my head is breakfast and coffee, get it down quick before the race nerves kick in and I can’t swallow – this doesn’t take long.  As I sit there gagging trying to get the mountain fuel morning fuel down my throat, quietly cursing as they seem to have changed the recipe and it tastes vile,... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/dawne-marie-evans/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/10/snowdonia-marathon-report/ Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:37:11 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/the8rac3r/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/10/83001-83vlutionblg-littlered/ RIDE 83.001 LITTLERED SATURDAY saw the 2nd 83VØLUTION ride, with four of us once again meeting at Bedgebury for a morning of singletrack and mud!   November had brought with it some rain, but the trails were holding up very nicely and were still quite fast if you could find the grip. We met up and checked bikes over at ten am (I mentioned the lack of grip, before everyone hastily let some of the air out of their tyres!), and then headed off up Windmill hill, for our u... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/the8rac3r/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/10/83001-83vlutionblg-littlered/ Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:47:40 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/Rosemary-Thane/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/9/craigs-mountain-leader-assessment/ Look at Craig's Blog to see all about his ML training and the kit he used.  We were all pleased and not surprised to hear he had passed.  Congratulations, Craig! http://www.summitdreaming.co.uk/ http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/Rosemary-Thane/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/9/craigs-mountain-leader-assessment/ Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:18:03 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/rachel/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/7/from-hero-to-zeroin-6-hours/ My first solo Adventure Race started at stupid o’clock in the morning (4am) and ended at 9pm. It was the Haglofs Open 5 series (note the 5 – it’s key to the story) I’ve done Adventure Racing before – as part of a mixed pairs or women’s pairs but never solo. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and felt like a true Hero as I strode off into the Shropshire Hills, clad in lycra, map in hand and clock ticking (forgot my watch so set my phone alarm ... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/rachel/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/7/from-hero-to-zeroin-6-hours/ Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:49:24 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/cotswold-guildford-sponsored-athletes/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/7/lucy-clayton-extreme-endurance/ 10 o’clock on Saturday night, the credits of X-Factor are rolling and normally, I would be thinking about clearing up the wine glasses and heading off to bed.   However, this weekend I was preparing to eat my second breakfast of the day.  This breakfast would bring my toast consumption for the day up to 6 slices and I can’t say I was looking forward to it...   I was hoping that the toast mountain was going to fuel me round the Caesars Camp midnight run.  He... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/cotswold-guildford-sponsored-athletes/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/7/lucy-clayton-extreme-endurance/ Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:44:21 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/jonathan-c/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/7/berghaus-gore-and-a-day-of-mountain-bikes/ On 4th November (Day 4, Week 1) the Cotswold Edinburgh staff headed out to Glentress Forest for a day a mountain biking.  Berghaus were kind enough to outfit us with their new Velum Jacket which I have to say is a fantastic piece of kit.  The Velum Jacket makes use of Gore's new Active shell technology, a new super light, super breathable fabric designed to let you keep your cool when getting hot. The Active Shell range is designed for short term use during high energy activ... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/jonathan-c/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/7/berghaus-gore-and-a-day-of-mountain-bikes/ Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:36:58 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/emma-hamilton/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/5/glentress-with-berghaus/   Day 4 of week 1;  had an awesome day mountain biking in the beautiful Glentress thanks to Berghaus.  Got to get some first hand experience of using the new Berghaus velum jacket - designed for high energy short time activities.  The lightweight jacket acts as an ultra thin breathable layer using GORE-TEX active shell.  I found the jacket kept me surprisingly dry even though I was working up a fair amount of sweat - the cooling could be increased by opening the zip poc... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/emma-hamilton/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/5/glentress-with-berghaus/ Sat, 05 Nov 2011 02:40:24 GMT http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/sean-more/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/5/glentress-with-gore-berghaus/ Day 4 of our Cotswold training brought us to the stunning setting of Glentress. The day began by arriving at the car park followed by a  quick but detailed history lesson of how Berghaus was formed and grew to what it is 2day. After our History lesson we got to try on and test out the new Active shell Berghaus jackets supplyed by Berghaus themselves. Then finally we got the bikes out and started our long ascend to the top car park where we got to go down some of the nice blue... http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/users/sean-more/blogs/index.cfm/2011/11/5/glentress-with-gore-berghaus/ Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:55:33 GMT