Mountain Biking Scotland

Sore Legs and Autumn Leaves

2010-10-29T00:04:00.003+01:00

Casting my mind back to this time last year, saw a trek down to Glentress, with three 'Tress Virgins'
Wet! Wet and more Wet (no singing!) with some puddles, slippy roots and soggy leaves thrown in.
It was a reaction that you would expect even from the most fool-hardy cyclist..
..Are we mad?
Maybe, but it was a different reaction as we returned soaked and grinning ear to ear.
Everyone wishing the light would last a little longer and we had an inexhaustible supply of dry cycling gear.
Alas, no! Cakes, coffee and bacon rolls rounded it off.
"We will be back" they said, with a hint of Schwarzenegger about them.
Well I think it is time to make the call, for a return trip.
The weather seems just right....
...where is the phone..
Tony HaresignMountain Biking Scotland"Get Out of the Woods!"

Some fun in Falkland

2010-04-14T15:00:00.002+01:00

We went back to visit the 'GAP' yesterday...still as large as ever..
Did I have a go?
No way..to many Direct Debits!!!
Here is another clip just to remind you.

Stay dirty...
Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

West Highland Way Double Attempt- CRAZY!!!???

2010-04-13T23:12:00.003+01:00

UK endurance mountain biker, and Team Syncros Endurance Team Manager, Rob Lee has announced that he will attempt to ride the full length, and back again, of the West Highland Way later this week. The West Highland Way is Scotland’s premier long distance route and runs from Milngavie, on the outskirts of Glasgow, to Fort William which sits at the foot of Ben Nevis. The route itself is 96 miles (154km) and so Rob will undertaking a journey of some 192 miles (308km) through some of the most scenic off road wilderness in the UK.

No stranger to such undertaking Rob was the first rider to take the South Downs Double record without a support crew, back in 2008, and has ridden a double version of the Pennine Bridleway, and linked all of the 7Stanes Red Routes, in his following rides, as part of his Seven Deadly Spins project.

This ride will be the sixth ride of that series and looks likely to be the hardest one yet. Having recently returned from filming and reconnaissance rides of the route Rob had this to say about the upcoming challenge:

“The route is really special, it goes through some amazing countryside and covers some really tough trails. I particularly like the way that it regularly changes and throws up so many variables that kit and bike choice are a really serious consideration. Looking back on the other rides I’ve done of this type this one is by far the toughest. The distance is no higher but the terrain itself is much harder to pass over at any great speed. I’m in fantastic shape at the moment, having worked very hard with my coach over the Winter, but even so I think this challenge is going to take about 32 hours to complete. This time I’m going to go supported; it makes sense really as we are producing a film about endurance mountainbiking so there will be a crew following me. I think this ride is hard enough as it stands so why make it harder? Whatever happens it’s going to make for some very interesting viewing. The scenery is so good and Mark (from film production company Reset Films) has a real eye for capturing visually stunning, and inspirational footage for the movies he makes”

This season Rob is working on a joint project with Mark from Reset Films – the makers of acclaimed mountainbike move ‘Home’ – to produce a new film that captures the spirit of the ultra-endurance adventures these riders undertake. The crew will be following Rob on this ride and gaining footage from trail, air and water as they search for the best vantage point.

The ride is scheduled to start at 11am on Friday this week (the 16th) from the southern end of the trail and Rob hopes to be finished some time before midnight on Saturday! As with all his challenge rides online viewers will be able to track his progress from the live tracker page, on his blog site, as well as following live updates via Twitter.

Tracker Page: http://roblee7ds.blogspot.com/p/live-event-tracker.html
Live on-the-ride Twitter updates: @RobLee7ds

West Highland Way Double trailer from ResetFilms.co.uk on Vimeo.
Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

UCI Mountain Bike World Cup 2010 in Fort William, Scotland

2010-04-06T22:05:00.003+01:00

Downhill mountain biking’s most successful competitor and reigning World Champion Steve Peat rolled into Scotland today (Monday 22nd March) to mark the official launch of the UCI Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup 2010.

Sheffield-born Steve stopped off north of the border to show off the world-class skills that have led to him being crowned the most successful Downhill competitor ever, (with more than 50 podium results in World Cups and World Championships) and helped to kick-off ticket sales for the 9th annual World Cup.

He and hundreds of other professional mountain bikers will return to the scenic Scottish Highlands on 5 – 6th June 2010, for the multi award-winning event – an adrenaline-packed weekend of world-class Downhill and 4-Cross action which this year features a new Downhill Rock & Roll theme.

As he prepares to head off around the globe on the competitive mountain bike circuit, Steve said he can’t wait to get back to Fort William: “Scotland has some of the best biking terrain in the world, and there’s a real enthusiasm for the sport here which always makes for a brilliant atmosphere. It always helps to have a vocal UK crowd – especially when I’m going to be defending my title!”

Last year’s event attracted more than 18,500 fans to Fort William, and generated an estimated £2.5 million* for the local economy.

Mike Jardine of organisers Rare Management said the World Cup is much more than a sporting event: “Steve’s such a hero in the mountain biking community we’re sure the crowds will be even bigger as they come to cheer him on as reigning World Champion. It’s all shaping up for a really entertaining and exciting two days, both for fans of the sport and those who’re simply after an action-packed day out or weekend away.”

Tickets for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup are now on sale at the new look event website www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk where event-goers can also find out more about this year’s programme, tickets, the course and competitors as well as travelling to the event and accommodation in the local area.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

In The Dark Forest Of Falkland

2009-12-16T03:14:00.003+00:00

After dusting off the cobwebs we took a trip up to Falkland to have a spin and a look at the Freeride/Downhill sections that are part of the local downhill club.
Here is a clip of the Gap Jump.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

A Long Time In The Shed

2008-09-22T21:36:00.007+01:00

After the last writings I have not even had the wheels back on my bike, this might go some way to confirming that the Strathpuffer 24 was indeed the hardest race in the World, so much so that even the thought of a 'wee ride' was right out of the question.
I have spent my summer months playing with my new toy...the sea.
Skimboarding (Google it if you don't now) and sailing have been my main distractions, but yesterday it all changed.
Moving the dusty bottles and gardening tools out of the way, I pulled the bikes of the wall mounted rack to asses the damage/rust/flat tyres etc.
After a bit of tinkering, a new tube in the rear and a good dose of GT85, we were ready to rock and roll.
Spinning down the main street of the village, I followed the coastal path for a few miles.
Passing by the old tank traps and look out posts at Dumbarnie Links, the sun was blazing down and the 'wind' was truly 'in my hair'. Accompanying the huge grin on my face my sunglasses and Buff were enjoying the kind of freedom they had not experienced for some months.
On to Elie, to the beach, where I snatched a few lazy moments in the sun, along with a drink and a snack before setting off back.
The return journey was made on the 'black stuff', which wasn't too bad but for a few over zealous ' White Van Men' cutting in on the corners, but that's the usual for any road isn't it?
Somehow getting out the 'old steed' just as the night are getting darker does seem a bit stupid but hey, I never did anything in the conventional way.
I'm off to shake the sand from my shoes...more soon.....

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

The Hardest Race In The World - The Strathpuffer - Part 3

2008-01-25T23:19:00.000+00:00

And they are off.......
The real racers set off at and alarming pace with Dougie Vipond somewhere in the middle, with a cameraman following close by his side.
Ross was jogging happily at the near the back, smiling away.
Picking up this bike he set off up the steep fireroad climb, which was all covered in inch thick ice after the first 600 yards.
I headed to the catering, which was in one of the farmers sheds, hastily cleaned out due to the high winds and flooding. Grabbing a cup of tea I headed back to the tent to get the bike ready and stuff down half a bar of chocolate and a few chocolate digestives, obviously for energy reasons.
Trekking down the mud slide entrance to the start/finish to get a few shots of my partner coming home from his first lap.
Flying down the down the ice riddled fireroad about 45 ish minutes came the first load of riders, many of them just dibbing in and going straight out for another lap. There was a steady stream of competitors rolling in over the next 45 minutes with some of them looking ready for going straight to the 'recovery center' for a beer, other why they came but most were grinning ear to ear despite the course being 80% ice and 20% 4 inch mud.
Ross came around with the same grin on his face covered in mud (pictured here) and describing the first loop as ICE! ICE! MUD AND MORE ICE!...mmmmm very encouraging.
Handing him the camera to take a shot of me setting of I to wondered why I was here??..

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

The Hardest Race In The World - The Strathpuffer - Part 2

2008-01-23T20:41:00.000+00:00

Bleary eyed, and rubbing my head due to the 'few beers' from the night before Team MountainBikingScotland.com strolled down to the Square Wheels bike shop to hear the announcement, on whether the event would go ahead or not.
With hats, gloves and warm jackets up to the max we were promptly told that it would go ahead but must park where the organiser say and not to park in ' any random places' as it was likely we would get stuck in the ever softening ground.
After returning to the hotel and wolfing down as much 'Scottish Breakfast' as possible we set off to the site with Ross riding up. I took the Team Van with all the supplies and on reaching the turn off and slowly winding down a wide-ish footpath, realised that there may be trouble ahead.
Ross returned from the 'recce' to inform me that the organisers had said 'once you are on, you are on' (the camping field). What did they mean?? As I moved around the corner I saw to my amusement a 45K 4x4 Mercedes being dragged onto the field by a tractor!!! At this point I was looking/wishing/hoping for alternative parking.
Ross scooted off to sign on has he was up for the first lap (so I could take photos) and I was still stuck in the queue waiting to get parked.
Managing to find a space right at the bottom of there hard-pack road, I dumped loads of the gear at the top of the hill and cycled as fast as I could laden with equipment to the sign on, got my 'dibber' and numbers and rushed to the starting line, for the 100 meter sprint to the bikes, and the first lap....
Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

The Hardest Race In The World - The Strathpuffer

2008-01-21T23:43:00.000+00:00

THE TRIP & TALES
As we loaded up the MountainBikingScotland.com Team Van (my wife's Scenic with the back seats out) our anticipation and excitement of the road trip ahead was hard to contain.
As usual I had packed 2 0f everything and a spare one just in case, filling more than half of the space in the boot, whereas Ross had 3 bags and a sleeping bag for the whole trip.

We wound our way North past Perth and onwards as the wind blew harder and all around us was getting colder, snowier and icier!! Was this the shape of things to come?
After two and a half hours of pointing in a Northerly we pulled into the Ralia Cafe on the A9 for a bowl of the best tomato soup I have tasted in ages and a double shot 'milky one' to set us up for the final furlong.

Dingwall was passed and onto Strathpeffer to the Ben Wyvis Hotel where after checking in and heading to the bar we heard the rumour that due to the high winds the campsite was closed and that the registration had moved to the Community Center. After a beer or two we dashed up but found it closed, so we got back to the bar as quick as we could to hear the tale that there would be an announcement at 7am out side the Square Wheels shop.
Find out what happened tomorrow.....

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Scottish Champion Cyclist Dies In Road Accident

2008-01-15T22:42:00.000+00:00

Jason MacIntyre, who broke cycling legend and fellow Scot Graham Obree's 10 mile time trial record last year, died in hospital from injuries he suffered during the collision with a Highland Council van, near his home town of Fort William.
Jason, 33, was a triple British and multi Scottish champion road and time trial cyclist.
He lived in Fort William with his wife and eight-year-old twin girls.

The athlete was looking forward to the new season, writing on New Year's Day on his on-line blog: 'Having made it through Christmas and now New Year, all be it overfed and over weight, I'm looking forward to January and a 2008 to see what it brings.'
He was born in Lochgilphead but had lived in Fort William since the age of 10.
He trained and finished his time as a printer and lithographer at Nevis Print in Fort William.
His entry to the sport came late, taking to the road at age 18. Since then, coaching himself, he had gradually progressed, winning the Tour of the North in Ireland at the age of 23.
He achieved selection to represent Scotland - in the Road Race & Circuit Time Trial - in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
The cyclist won the British 25 mile Time Trial twice and was the first Scot ever to win the British Circuit race Time Trial Championship.
Last year Jason broke Obree's 10 mile time trial record, clocking 18 minutes and 47 seconds.
Image by Ian MacIntosh at Imac Images

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

New Video Site Partner

2008-01-15T22:30:00.000+00:00

We have teamed up with The Review Junction to supply an exclusive page for us of Mountain Biking in Scotland videos.
Check it out here.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

The Strathpuffer 24

2008-01-13T23:21:00.000+00:00

Another year over and time for more New Year madnesses in the the shape of the Strathpuffer 24 hour Mountain Bike Race.

This is the only 24 hour race in the World in Winter conditions...and MountainBikingScotland.com will be there as a Duo/Pair/Couple of Loonies (delete as applicable.)

Since we missed it last year due to injury and laziness we will be going full tilt to have as much fun as possible, get as muddy as possible and hopefully be able to make it home in one or two pieces.

My riding partner for this event is my long time 'bike buddy' Ross J Aitken, also a photographer and former courier (come on out of the saddle lad!!)
He will be in charge of editing and uploading images from the event and I will be updating the site throughout the night, keeping you amused with our progress, or lack of it.

We have a couple of tents to use as Base Camp, but as back up have booked a hotel in the village of Strathpeffer just in case (we get tired/cold/fed up/want to kill each other!!)
Keep a eye on the site for up to the minute news and pictures.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Extra 9K For Laggan Red Route

2007-11-07T13:59:00.000+00:00

Mountain bikers are having their skill and nerve tested by two new trails at Laggan Wolftrax that offer more choice and challenge to riders keen to take on the terrain across Forestry Commission Scotland’s Strathmashie Forest.

A new ‘green’ grade circular trail also offers beginners an opportunity to hone their skills across 4km of less difficult ground – and more experienced bikers an excellent warm-up before tackling harder graded routes.

Jack Mackay, Forestry Commission Scotland, said: "Laggan Wolftrax is one of the best places in Scotland to go mountain biking. It's a great reputation to have and we will do what we can to make sure that we've got what it takes to keep mountain bikers coming back.

“The exciting extension of the Wolftrax red route makes maximum use of the site's natural features. It also links up to parts of the black trail and lets red-grade riders try out some of the rock features that were previously only available to expert bikers.

"From the new green route, the big-and-bermy orange grade Fun Park, the extended red route and one of the toughest black trails in the country, we can now offer a high quality experience to riders of all levels of ability."

Jim Langley of Laggan Forest Trust said: "The Commission and Laggan Forest Trust have been working together to deliver these new routes, which are sure to attract more mountain bikers to the area to test their skills. It's an excellent example of how forest recreation can maximise the benefits from tourism to the local economy and I am confident that the new trails will boost Laggan Wolftrax's strong reputation as one of the top places in Scotland for mountain biking"

More information about Laggan Wolftrax and other Forestry Commission Scotland mountain biking sites and routes can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbscotland

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

How 'NOT' to do it!!!

2007-10-04T00:23:00.000+01:00

With stylish crashes like these who needs to get any 'Air'???

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Scottish SXC - Final Round - Glentress

2007-10-02T22:50:00.000+01:00

The Scottish XC series comprised of seven rounds in 2007, beginning in Laggan and, via Dalbeattie, Fort William, Gleniffer Braes, Contin and Drumlanrig, finishing proceedings in Glentress. The series has been hotly contested all season, with the racing for the title going right to the final round. Taking his second 2nd place overall, Whyte Racing UK's Andy Barlow reports:

The final round of the Scottish XC series moved to Glentress - a place that is renowned for its hard-packed, all weather tracks. This time, however, we were in for quite a surprise.

The course was totally different than anything we've been given before. And it rocked. Long fire road climbs and BMX style descents were replaced with steep natural climbs, rooty and off-camber singletrack, with a long rooty muddy descent that twisted its way down over multiple lines. The lap finished with a trip down the new 'Blue Free Ride' section. The best Glentress track I've ever done.

www.colinrobinsonimaging.com (Thanks Colin)

I felt fast on the course in practice, so I just focused on getting a good start. Well rested from my mountain biking holiday to the Alps recently, I blasted away from the gun; confident that I was on good form. The race settled to a comfortable pace (180bpm) and I got in to a rhythm.

The first two laps were fine - apart from having a lucky escape on the long downhill on the back straight - so I thought I'd turn up the pace and drop the guy I could see in second place behind me on the switchback climb. I was in the lead by just under a minute, so I cooled things down a bit so as not to blow up.

And here the problems started. I thought I'd try a new hydration method at this round, as for the last two months I've been training without energy drink or bars. The thought being I could mimic the same benefits from affordable food - such as fruit juice and water in my bottle, oat cakes and muesli bars in my pockets.

It's all been good - so much so, in fact, that I was starting to wonder why I'd been spending so much on all this 'hocus pocus' all these years. So when it came to making my bottles up for the race I just added a squirt of 'Elite' to stop the cramp (the only thing I've found to work), and thought I'd be fine.

Half way round the fourth lap and “BANG!” I hit the wall harder than I've ever experienced before. The guy in second place caught me and passed me with ease. "Oh oh,” I thought, "this is bad". Sure enough, by the time I was at the top of the climb I knew I was in trouble. I was already starting to sway, and my vision was going. Somehow I managed to get round another lap and only got passed by another two competitors. I took some major chances on the downhill's, luckily I never came off. But by the time I finished I could hardly walk.

I crossed the line and could hardly stand. I freewheeled down to my van and, after crawling in to the back, promptly fell asleep - still in all my kit. I woke up twenty minutes later; freezing.

I think I learned a lesson: energy drinks are worth the extra cash. But despite my lack of common sense, I placed second overall in the series. So another year in the number two board.

Once again I'd like to thank everyone that's supported my racing this season. My Dad for being my 'bottle bitch', James at Fine A.D.C for finally solving the riddle to my cramp with 'Elite', and of course Whyte Bikes (ATB Sales) for giving me the sweetest bike to ride. Thanks guys.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Whyte 19 Trail

2007-10-02T22:31:00.000+01:00

Whyte's high-end 19 hardtail has already been a cult success with singletrack aficionados and speed demons, but 2007's line-up has had a complete makeover.
The Trail spec takes the tried-and-tested 19 chassis and adds a long travel fork, chunky tyres and a bigger front disc rotor to the mix. It promises pace with a big-hit edge.

A state of the art hardtail platform that mixes sublime handling, beautiful frame detailing, light weight construction and a unique and innovative dropout system that allows geometry adjustment and easy conversion to a singlespeed setup.
Fundamental to the design is the exceptional quality of the frameset - custom fabricated from AN6, an advanced aluminium alloy that helps us create riding characteristics that are reminiscent of a top quality steel frame with its all day comfort and rapid acceleration, but without the weight penalty.
So now you don’t have to decide whether you want a latest generation performance hardtail, or a simple and elegant singlespeed. With the Whyte 19 you get both.
And at £1995 it has all the equipment you'll need, to have fun going downhill and making it easier going up!!!
See WHYTE BIKES WEBSITE for more details.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

New Mountain bike Speed World Record

2007-09-24T17:26:00.000+01:00

In the time it takes to say “new mountain bike speed world record,” the extreme biker Markus Stöckl can cover 120 meters. His highest speed reached on September 14 on the basic, no-frills mountain bike: 210.4 km/h (130.7 mph)

At a mountain bike downhill world cup race he would be three times as fast as his competition. He would have won the average Tour de France stage with a good four-and-a-half hours’ advantage. And as a Red Bull Air Race pilot he would have already have lifted off with his plane. Ample absurd comparisons one endeavors to make in order to aptly describe Max Stöckl’s mountain bike record trip in La Parva, Chile.

But the facts are quickly listed: On September 13 the Austrian rode his “Intense M6” faster than any person before him on a basic, no-frills mountain bike. On a 1.6 kilometer long ski slope with a decline of up to 45 degrees he reached the speed of 210.4 km/h (130.74 mph) – and thus broke his own eight-year-old record by 23 km/h.

Top speed despite bad preparation

“But the circumstances were anything but ideal,” said the 190 centimeter, 100 kilo giant from Tyrol self-effacingly. Preparation for the event took a modest seven days. The prepared slopes were narrower and softer than he had hoped - and the visor on the aerodynamic helmet fogged up in the practice runs, so that during the 40-second record run Stöckl had to hold his breath. But the speed chase was fun anyway: “I was very calm. At the end of the course I had the feeling that I was watching myself riding.”

Next record in sight

Instead of wet pants Stöckl, came home with his head overflowing with ambitious plans: He now wants to break the Eric Baronès’ 222km/h record for prototypes – with better preparation and top material. The new record try is supposed to take place in 2008 on the same route as the current record was broken.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

New Look Site

2007-09-18T19:22:00.000+01:00

After much deliberation we have updated the site to allow faster publishing of news, photos, videos and reviews.
There has been a lull in our coverage of the SXC Series due to other commitments, but hope to make it to the final round at Glentress on the 23rd of September.
But for now here are a few pix from Fort William to keep you keen.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

UCI World Mountain Biking Championships 2007

2007-09-17T18:33:00.000+01:00

Mountain Biking Scotland has been at the BIGGEST Mountain Biking event in the World.......
In FORT WILLIAM! Yes, that's right it is finally here all of he glitz and glamour of the Mountain Biking circuit are upon our shores. As this is THE WORLDS the number of media in attendance is huge. Expecting over 40,000 people to attend this is the 'other' event happening in Scotland other than the national teams playing football and rugby. We will be bringing you the results and photos of the 4X, XCountry and of course the crowd's favourite the Downhill.

USA certainly made their mark in the 4X with Brian Lopes taking 1st place in the Men's and Jill Kintner taking the Gold for the Women. It was certainly an eventful evening with he racing starting at 8.00pm to comply with live TV, the Men's 4X got off to a great start with Gee Atherton setting a blistering start from the gate, taking the lead and jumping with style into the next round.
His luck never held out though and was knocked out in the quarter finals, but Scott Beaumont of Team GB made it through to the Small Final taking 3rd place. Cedric Gracia was not so lucky taking a crash in the bomb hole in the quarter finals, he was led away by emergency crew limping and dusty, but still in one piece. Lets hope he will be ok for the Downhill on Sunday.

In the Elite Men's XC Julin Absalon of France took the win by more than one minute in a field of over 100 riders.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

TransScotland Solo Winner Tells His Tale

2007-06-05T23:46:00.000+01:00

Five hundred kilometres of some of the most beautiful trails Scotland has to offer, back to back, every day for seven days straight. Fantastic. The guys at MTB Events Ltd did an amazing job of organizing the first ever TransScotland race.
The format was simple: seven 'Linking Stages' (to get the miles in) that would take us around a variety of natural and man made trails. And four 'Special Stages' where you could make up time on the competition. Kind of like MTB Time Trials if you like. Everybody got the same times for the Linking Stages, as long as you didn't go over the allowed time, and tried to save their legs for the 'Specials', where they could go for it.
It was a format that meant you could actually stop and take in the amazing views. Instead of having to race through the county side, staring at the wheel in front with sweat dripping off your chin. It also meant you could get to know some of the other competitors - some of which had come from places like South Africa, Hong Kong, Germany, Belgium and even sunny old England.
The first stage was a link from Selkirk to Moffat, and the scene was set almost immediately when after less than ten minutes on the road, we turned off and on to some sweet singletrack that wound it's way down through the woods and over the odd 'skinny' here and there. The smiles on every ones faces were infectious as we all realized that this was going to be a different kind of event.
After a damp night in a tent, we all packed up our kit and set off at nine o'clock. I think most people were trying to save themselves for the afternoon's Special Stage, but we pressed on to get a good camping spot, and to avoid any ques for the showers.
The first Special was to be held in the grounds of Drumlanrig Castle, and after over a hundred kilometers in our legs so far, the event was already starting to take it's toll.
I know the grounds of Drumlanrig pretty well, or at least the kind of things to expect, so I just pointed the Whyte 19 along the single track, and went for it. You had to keep your eyes peeled for arrows pointing you down the right track, as the woods have hundreds of trails crossing each other, but as long as you were careful you could follow them well.
After thirty five minutes I crossed the line fifteen seconds ahead of the closest solo, and took the win. And my Mum, who had come down from Edinburgh as my race support, was rewarded by seeing her 'wee laddie' receiving the leader's jersey (Thanks Mum).
The third day was the long one. Over one hundred kilometers, and almost all off road. Some of the trails through Ae forest were so bumpy that for the first time in ages I was wishing for a full sus. This stage was all about damage limitation, but I couldn't help nailing some of the amazing tracks on offer. I was rewarded at the end of the day by a leg massage and an early night. The miles were starting to add up.
Wednesday morning was the second Special Stage, this time in Dalbeattie. As I was seeded well, I was off at thirty seconds past nine - so no lie in for me. The track was hard packed and fast with long fire road stretches - totally different than Drumlanrig, and the sun had come out as well. A quick last minute tyre change for a pair of Razors, and I was away. Ben, the guy in second, was setting off thirty seconds behind me. But with only a fifteen second lead I knew that if he caught me, my lead was gone. I absolutely buried myself on the pedally sections and after thirty minutes or so, crossed the line with the fastest time of the day - managing to beat all the teams as well. A Whyte 19 race with a pair of Razors is a combination that's hard to beat. And as it turned out, a good tyre for the rest of the day as well: with lots of fire roads and stretches of road.
After some atrocious weather in New Abbey during the night, we awoke on Thursday morning to relatively clear skies. Once again we were racing first thing. A quick tyre change on the front for a Tubeless Fire XC, and I was once again away. The tyre choice was perfect, but my legs were really starting to feel the K's. Second place on the Special, but I kept my lead by over two minutes. After a spot of lunch we were off again to Moffat Rugby Club for another comfortable evening on their pitch.
Friday's weather was just great. Blue skies and warm winds once again had us arrive in Peebles with a tail wind. There was a bit of a panic near the end of the stage as everyone started to feel the cut off time looming, but after a quick chat to some of the local 7Stanes riders, they assured us that there wasn't far to go. Sure enough, in no time we were plummeting down the Gypsy Glen and down in to Peebles for the Special Night Time Stage at Glentress.
After pre-riding the course and fitting my Lupine light we were off. This was my first time using the Lupine, and I was blown away with just how bright it was. I had no problems seeing where I was going so just rode as I would during the day. Going into the event I had a two and a half minute lead on Ben, but was only twelve seconds down on the leading Team. I knew that even if Ben caught me all I had to do was stick on his wheel and he would never make up enough time. But instead I decided to try and catch the pair that set off in front of me. I overtook one of them after about ten minutes, but started to feel the pace on the climb to the top and he got past me again. I just went for it on the natural downhill section they had included and almost came a cropper when I lost control on some slippery roots. I composed myself and decided to just play it safe. After all: to finish first, first you have to finish. I crossed the line and had a look around for the timing board. Ben came in behind: eleven seconds up on me - but I still had the win overall by over two minutes.
The final day was all about just finishing the event. After all we still had to actually cross the line in Selkirk to complete the race. But Ben and I couldn't help leading the pack through the well practiced Black trail round Glentress. I stopped at one point to talk to my pal, Iain, who was marshaling on one of the gates near the end, and pretty much just coasted in to Selkirk with a couple of hours to spare.
This was one of the best events I've ever competed in. Thoroughly well organized, great trails and good people. After a shower and a bite to eat at the local chippie, we settled in to the evenings celebrations. Job done.
A HUGE thank you has to go to the guys at Whyte Bikes for the 19 Race and all the support. It truly was a joy to pilot the Whyte around for the whole week. The Fi'zi:k saddle kept me going with a minimum of discomfort despite the gnarly terrain and the excessive mileage. and the Panaracer tyres were perfect in their respective environments. Thank you also to my parents for all their support and encouragement, especially my Mum's endless supply of pasta.
I will definitely be competing in the Trans Wales next year.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Barlow Wins TransScotland

2007-06-03T22:42:00.000+01:00

The final day of the Chain Reaction Cycles TransScotland (Powered by Merida Bikes) brought Britain’s toughest mountain bike challenge full circle and home to Selkirk after seven full days in the saddle and almost 498km (310 miles) and 14,100m of climbing (46,300ft). Course designer Pete Laing brought to bear the big singletrack guns together with more open country riding and vistas, to make the final linking stage from Glentress to Selkirk one to truly savour.

The riders clipped in by The Hub café and bike shop and got on with the business of climbing upwards on a mix of singletrack and fire roads into the heart of Glentress forest to 602m. The hard work and effort of forcing reluctant legs and depleted muscles into action for the final push was more than rewarded once the summit had been crested: the trail dropped down on curvaceous singletrack, broiling downwards with an unmitigated intent to deliver a turbo-charged, endorphin shot straight to the frontal lobes that, for the smooth singletrackeers in particular, was simply seventh heaven.

Then after 21km, the riders were eventually spat out to refuel at Cardrona from where they snaked down into the Cardrona Valley and upwards once more to 400m up Wallace’s Hill. The trail dropped via the Glen Estate and onto Innerleithen’s Traquair trail, where riders steeled themselves one final time for some serious gravity gains up to 500m on the singletrack climb up Minch Moor and out onto the Southern Upland Way. A descent and 230m climb back up Broomy Law to the Southern Upland Way had to be cut out at the last minute, so the riders were left with a final chance to savour Scotland’s scenery from the back bone of the Borders before a fast skittering descent swept them finally, gratefully, and for the last time back into Selkirk to complete the course and to receive their finishers’ jerseys.

With What Mountain Bike magazine hosting the finisher party, providing copious amounts of free drink and a choice selection of good time tunes for the well deserving and saddle sore riders, the final prize presentations were made: For some, the spoils of victory, for others the commiserations of coming so far and yet so close; yet all could lay claim to a share in the proud knowledge that they had completed and survived Britain’s toughest mountain bike challenge, the Chain Reaction Cycles TransScotland (Powered by Merida Bikes).

Meggie Bichard (Extreme Endurance) took the Scottish Tourism Women’s Solo Open Category competition, whilst her male counterpart was the popular Andy Barlow (Whyte Bikes), who had a winning time of 47:13:13.

The Scottish Borders Veteran Women’s race was claimed by Julie Dinsdale ahead of Tatjana Troll. In the men’s, Rob Waller (ERC One Week Younger) clinched the title and led the thanks and praise for the organisers and support teams from the podium. The High5 Mixed Category was a runaway win for the pairing of Maddie and Jay Horton (XC Racer.com/Trek) who finished almost 20 minutes up on second placed Alice Crook and Neil Hamblin (Cakemonsters).

Elsewhere, the Gore Veteran’s Category was sewn up by Bryan Singleton and Peter Strong (Global/Torq/Buff), whilst Robert Barker and Mark Langdon (Sportstest.co.uk) took second, with the charismatic and ever playful Police Team Italia pairing of Mario Brunello and Fulvio Damian rounding out the podium in third. The winners of the Buff Female Category were the strong and fearless pairing of Julie Cartner and Renel Brennan riding for the 7Stanes. And finally, Keith Bontrager finished the event himself to claim ninth overall in the Scottish Borders Veteran’s Men’s Solo race.

Thanks to Matt Skinner of TransScotland for the words and pictures.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Scotsman Leads The First TransScotland Mountain Bike Race

2007-06-01T18:55:00.000+01:00

On the final day of the first ever TransScotland Mountain Bike Race (Sponsored by Chain Reacion and Meridian Bikes), from over 100 competitors, Scotsman Andy Barlow, of Wyte Bikes and MountainBikingScotland.com guest writer, is currently leading the Mens Solo Category.

The route covers an overall distance of approximately 498km (310 miles) with a cumulative total climbing tally of 14,100m (46,300ft), split over seven linking stages and four special stages, including one night time-trial, in just seven days. Beginning and ending in Selkirk, the route comes full circle via Moffat, Drumlanrig Castle, Dalbeattie, New Abbey, Moffat once more, Peebles and finally Selkirk. The special stages take place at Drumlanrig, Dalbeattie, on the New Abbey to Moffat Linking Stage, and finally at Glentress.

I spoke to him breifly last night as he prepared his bike for the next days riding.
‘How are you doing?’ I asked as the signal faded in and out.
‘I’m bleeding…….’ He said.
Oh no, hope is is Ok.. the signal came back.
‘What?’ with a hiont of concern in my voice.
‘I’m bleedin my brakes!’ he replied ‘then I’m off to bed. The signal wavered and crackled.
‘We have ridden some fantastic trails, all kinds. Road, paths, mud,roots and rocks.’ He added.
‘Some of the route has been extremly difficult, but I am enjoying it all the same. Some great views!’

So onward they go snaking their way across the Scottish Borders, a great line of athletes, hopefuls, trail riders and their entorage of trucks, tents and supplies. Probably the most picturesque of the link stages, day 6 starts with a partial retracing of steps to the source of the Ettrick near Overpawhop.
Climbing over to the Yarrow Valley on the S.U.Way will raise a ‘dab’ but the view down to St Mary’s Loch from will make the slog worthwhile. After a quality section of trail along the south shore of the loch, some hill tracks and a huge climb to the top of Birkscairn Hill, the Trans’ riders will be rewarded with one of the all time classic descents in the south of Scotland.
6km of open hill drove road which follows a long ridge north to the edge of Peebles. After that rush there is a short but tough climb up Janets Brae into Glentress forest and a fun blast down the new blue route to The Hub.

Tonight is the ‘Special Night Stage’
The night stage will start at around 9.00pm. The 12k course will take in a selection of trails from the Black, Red and Blue routes plus a couple of hand-cut descents normally used for XC racing. Afterwards, The Hub café should be buzzing with stories of night-time near misses.
Knowing that Andy has riden Glentress trails for many years he must be quietly confident. I asked him.
‘We will have to see. After the night stage there is a linking stage in the morning.
I still have to make it to Selkirk!!’

MountainBikingScotland.com would like to wish Andy all the best.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Fort William SXC Round 3

2007-05-25T02:07:00.000+01:00

Post event is possibly the worst I have felt later in the week for a long time. Maybe it was the course, maybe it was the food or maybe I did actually push myself for once.... but I didn't do this.....

OWCH!!

I hope he is OK..he did get up and ride on...

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

The Cool-ist Rider at Dalbeattie

2007-05-10T01:31:00.000+01:00

The pic is of Elite Mens rider Paul McInally for East Kilbride who finished in 10th place, but in 1st place for style!!

Read all about the race of an Elite Rider, Andy Barlow, Whyte Bikes Team Rider and guest writer for MountainBikingScotland.com here.

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"

Dalbeattie SXC - The thirst

2007-05-10T01:19:00.000+01:00

The SXC Round 2 at Dalbeattie was a fantastic weekend. I have ridden in previous years in the 'fun' catergory I was looking forward to a clear and hot day on Sunday for the race. I arrived on Saturday afternoon in time to go for a quick loop around the course. After the first 5 minutes of smiling riding the boardwalk section it was head down for the 2k singletrack climb....sweaty nightmare!!!

Having succesfully negotiated the steep on-the-shoulder-carry-section in was mostly downhill, some very steep and gnarly with a few drops, one large one in particular that I managed to avoid, many didn't. Watch ou for the chain ring on a few bits or jump them.There was plenty of time to enjoy the hard work of the 'Trail Faries' at the end of the course on the built up sections which included the infamous Log Ride,avoiding the deep mud, which I managed to clean twice!!

During the race on Sunday I ran out of water 10 minutes into the second lap and was dying for a drink but just had to keep going. I treated myself to two cups of sweet, milky tea and a double bacon roll to make up for it.

All in all a great course and a fun filled weekend, including staying in a great B&B 2 miles north of Dumfries called South Park House, who have given us a great deal for all Mountain Biking Scotland members. Watch out for the offer in the forthcoming newsletter. Not a member?? Sign up now here!

**SIGN UP NOW for you free 2 Day Scottish Epic Route to download NOW**

Tony Haresign
Mountain Biking Scotland
"Get Out of the Woods!"