ibrakeforcake

Crikey! SURPRISE!!!!

2011-10-26T19:28:00.002Z

Thanks to everyone who gave us he surprise of our lives with a proper jump-out-stylee surprise party before our move to France!!!

It was great to see family and friends as we'd completely run out of time to organise a send off ourselves. We couldn't have set up Alpine Highs without family and close friends helping us along the way, so THANKS A MILLION!!

We managed to get a lack luster climb in at the MK wall on the Sunday arvo - a good send off and fun even though we were all knackered...

Roc D'Enfer

2011-10-20T08:31:00.002Z

Post from the Mountain Spaces blog for you viewing pleasure, twas a goodun'

One of the best ridge walks I've ever done, not quite as sharp as Crib Goch leading up to Snowdown in Wales but more exposed in parts and much higher altitude. The summit of the Roc D'Enfer stands at 2243m with great views into Switzerland and over to Les Dents Blanche and Mont Blanc. We did the loop from Graydon round to the col de Foron although in hindsight I would do it the other way round next time making some of the more exposed scrambles an ascent rather than an a slightly tricky descent.

It's always hard to judge when a walk is an infamous as the Roc D'Enfer for claiming several lives over the past few years but the warning signs are well justified. Going well prepared with plenty of time, taking a map, making sure someone knows your route and the the weather forecast is nothing but clear skies with no wind is as much as you can do. The rest is walking confidently within you limits and not being afraid of turning back if you are either unsure of the route or not confident in your ability.

Having said that the reward was an exhilarating walk/scramble along one of the best ridge lines I've ever been too!

Alpine Highs

2011-10-06T21:44:00.003Z

Well, its been a long time in coming, but, Steffi and I are dragging Monty and the mog off to France! We have followed in Chris and Kate's footsteps and are setting up our own catered ski chalet company, offering a little bit of luxury for those skiing in Morzine, Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil this winter and beyond!

We have got an amazing new build chalet on the fringes of Morzine, in a superb location to come and relax, ski and generally have fun! The main chalet offers 12 people catered ski breaks, relaxing in an open plan living area with open fire and access to our sauna, enjoying the family en suite and double balconied double bedrooms. Those who wish to self cater or want to enjoy their own space in a smaller group, have a stunning modern apartment in which to relax!

We've been working really hard on this and can't wait to get going, with only three weeks now before we make the move! check us out here at www.alpinehighs.com

The chalet is just having its last lick of paint and finisheing touches, so more photos will come very soon. We are now in full decamp mode, packing up our house in the UK and making last minute adjustments to the menu. You will leave fatter!!!

The rear of the chalet as it was in August.

The apartment. Superb finish.

Commitment....

2011-09-12T20:26:00.002Z

Its all about the eyes. On it or not?

www.alpinehighs.com

Snowdonia

2011-09-12T20:21:00.002Z

I never got round to finishing my post on Daryl and my Snowdonia outing. All you need to know was that after our epic ride, we had a snooze then hit the trad climbing in glorious evening sun. Pics speak 1000 words. Enjoy, as the next day it was WET and WINDY and Daryl did a sterling job leading a sketchy multi pitch trad route on ..... near llyn Idwal. Forgotten. So wet we didn't even get the camera out. Driving rain.

Me and the bros ride Chatel!

2011-08-21T13:42:00.001Z

Chatel Op 2011

Not much to say really. I was on it that day. Yeah right!

Alpine Highs, well almost...

2011-08-16T19:17:00.007Z

Way back in June, Daryl and I snuck west for one of our signature 'stack it high, enjoy it cheap' weekends. We've not been back to Snowdon together since our little accident there and it was time to go back with a bang and tick off one the 'must do's' of mountain biking. Finter, who has been climbing loads recently, also wanted to redpoint the whole country, so the climbing bags were added to the bike kit and camping gear.

We'd settled on camping at Llyn Gwynant, where neither of us had stayed before. The main reason behind this was that it allowed us to do a mother of a loop from the campsite, up to Pen Y Pass and then down to the Llanberis pass where the sloggin would begin.

Clear and crisp night.

Having arrived just after midnight, we were up and out by 5:30 the next morning, shivering in the frost (yes frost - it had even snowed higher up!). Campsite completely dead except for the early morning wee wee crowd, its a nice feeling, knowing you are getting the jump on everyone and you'll have the views and mountain to yourself fro a bit.

Llyn Gwynant.

We stopped on the way to Pen Y Pass as the view of our objective was bathed in beautiful light and the stillness was incredible.

We were able to spot our fall spot from here and it was nice to be back in much better conditions.

We set off soon after and started the climb up to Pen Y Pass, before the great free wheel down past all the classic climbing that nestles deep in the Llanberis pass and soon found the start of the LLanberis pass, our chosen climb.

This was when we realised that our early start wouldn't yeild an empty mountain as we passed probably 50 people coming down in dribs and drabs, doing the three peaks challenge! Many surprised at the sight of the bikes and lots of happy encouragement as they paced the last of their steps on the last mountain.

It was on the up that the weather started to close in and we entered the rain and fog.

Jackets on, and a quick look at the scenery before the real climbing starts. We had done a bit of pushing through difficult sections, but now it really started to get going. There were some sections where all you could do was push or carry the bike and we were both cursing the up. We like going down!

Anyway. We made it and it was a slag. I was happy.

Basically, I was delirious and needed a twix.

We headed to the cafe. WAHT!? I hear you cry, Yes, dry and warm and full of cake and coffee, it was. Bloody lovely. Shame about the window all down one size, it could have been a white wall, but it hit the spot in there and I can remember the old cafe from a trip when I was a teenager, and it is definitely nicer!!

Fuelled on stuff, we headed back out into the cold, damp, fog. The fog made the top half of the descent interesting as it was quite thick, but within a few minutes we'd broken out of it and we were starting to run flat out. The Ranger path proved to be a very good choice!

The downhill went in an absolute blurrrrrr! I have to say, we were pretty pleased with our ride and hit everything flat out and on site with the exception of two sections that were definitely unrideable unless you are called Gee or Peaty.

The scenery was awesome and we stopped for a few quick shots en route.

The view of our route up from the Ranger path.

The bad part was we rode some of the most demanding stuff and were having such a good time, didn't stop to shoot it!

Classic. With I'd shot it a fraction earlier, but this sums up the route down...

Via F*^$%ing-hell-eratta but not so much II

2011-08-14T10:42:00.001Z

New routes in St Jean, not as scary as the other one near Annecy but well worth doing especially as they're at the bottom of the road. May take the scary thing back after I do the harder on next time. Carrying a little holiday weight does however add to the danger factor.

The new routes are open in St Jean D'Aulps just 10 mins drive from the centre of Morzine. I've posted climbing pics on our blog before but this was the first outing for the new via routes.

There are two new routes, the Elephants Head and the Elephants Eye Graded French ED and D+

Details of both routes on on the Topo guide available from the tourist office in the village.

The walk in from the road in to Bas Thex is easy to miss with a tiny sign on the right of the road about 50m from the car park at the Abbey Cemetery. It's about a 15min walk in through the woods and the two routes depart from the same spot.

There are two points apart from the start and finish where you can swap between the two routes if one is proving too hard or too easy.

There not the longest of routes but combined with the amount of climbing available on the face lower down the rock it's definitely worth checking out.

Once we've conquered the harder Elephants eye I'll get some more pictures up, hopefully with the sun shinning as well!

Topo guides for the sport climbing are available from the Tabac in the village opposite Bar Le National

Mountain Spaces
Catered and Self Catered Chalets and Apartments

Woburn chest cam.

2011-08-04T16:09:00.002Z

First time on the bike in nearly a month. Went for an xc loop to wake my lungs up, then ended up doing a few downhill runs with my xc wheels and lid on, for extra danger.

Cam a bit low, but keeping Charlie honest on his session!

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Congrats Gavin and Jen!

2011-08-04T16:08:00.003Z

Well done everyone, my liver is now properly done. Amazing time in France and great to see the two of you married at last! Hope you are enjoying a well earned break in Bali and relaxing...

All our love. The IBFC massive and associates!

Found out what the clunking sound was...

2011-06-19T22:07:00.002Z

Weds night, we were piling into some reasonably sized doubles and I had the same issues I had the week before - I though DU bushings. No. Main pivot bearing case had cracked and the bearing popped out! I'm now bikeless again...

Man o man. I'm feeling the pinch a bit on the busy front and the Trek Remedy is loosing out big time. I have a full set of bolts and most bearings and I am genuinely wondering whether to get the frame resprayed...

Rode/dug/felt sorry for myself today at Woburn, with Tam. I was on his 24" with serious headset play. ;)

Other people did cool stuff:

Bang for your Buck!

2011-06-13T20:07:00.003Z

Absolutely knackered today after a real onslaught weekend in Wales. Here's a teaser...

Snowdon Ranger track...

Dorset Climbing

2011-06-13T20:07:00.001Z

Daryl also said he would post on his Dorset climbing...

Skye!

2011-06-13T20:03:00.002Z

Daryl and Itzi did a mini epic. No internet means no post yet, but I look forward to one!

Here they are at the nudist beach...

Skye-bit late!!

2011-06-12T20:10:00.001Z

Hear me now!

Awesome trip up to Isle of Skye with Itzi for a week of TGO!

Epic drive saw me getting all excited so up at crack of dawn on the first morning and a walk/scramble up the North West Ridge of Bruach na Frithe. Beautiful sunny day and a nice grade 1 scramble allowed Itzi to find her mountaineers feet and meant I got up on the Cuillin Ridge-can't wait to do the whole thing now!!

Climbers on the Bastier Tooth-Cuillin Ridge

Itzi in tourist mode on the way back down!

Second day and I was still full of beans so we set off on the mountain bikes to see MacCloeds Maidens. I thought it would be a long walk, hence the bikes but it turned out to be a bit too rocky and uphill in parts so we shelved the bikes halfway through-not much chance of getting nicked round these parts. Which meant they were up the top ready to roll for the downhill-quality!

Itzi checking out the view

After all that exertion the sun was still beaming hard so we went to the Coral beach, which was amazing-white with clear water. Shame it was bloomin freezing! Oh and Itzi fell over and cut her knee-on the beach of all places!

Nice bit of pub dinner at the Stein Inn and whiskey back at the cottage sorted that one out!

Next day we thought we'd take it steadier so we got on Seamus' boat from Elgol to Loch Coruisk via a load of seals chilling on rocks. The Loch was absolutely amazing and wet my appetite even more for the ridge proper. Also a great view of Dubh's Ridge which is definately on the ticklist

Next day off to the Quirang-again amazing and then the business in the afternoon.....

The Old Man of Storr had been beckoning since I saw it on earthed 4. Almost ran up to the top with my bike I was so excited. Got a bit nervy as a few of the stepped rocks looked quite big coming up, but got on with it and it was amazing. one of the best 5 minute downhill runs I have done bar none. definately worth doing and possible straight from the main road!

After all that excitement all that was left was to have a relaxing rain day-which is what we got! So a brief walk in the rain up to The Fairy pools and then a tour of the Talisker distillery rounded it off nicely!!

Dorset-Easter climbing

2011-06-11T20:44:00.000Z

Easter Weekend saw brilliant sunshine and me and Itzi popped down to Dorset for a lead climbing crash course for the Spanish one!!

Got down to Hedbury on the first day and after a couple of interest moves with the rope Itzi soon got the hang of it-certified expert!

We hooked up with some other guys-very friendly and got a few good climbs in, nothing too hard but fun nonetheless;

Daryl on Goddam Sexual Tyrannosaurus 5+

also climbed New Age New Style, Very Ordinary Route, Another Contribution, Moral Flexibility and Sea View

Next Day we headed to portland, The Cuttings and it was actually too hot! We had fun though and Itzi managed to climb Eat, Stick and Die, Charity Work Mate and Bonsai. I struggled on some savagely polished 5ish route which wasn't in my old guide before deciding I had heat stroke!!!

Had a nice chilled out day on Monday and walked along the coast route from Kimmeridge Bay towards Lulworth followed by lunch in a lovely cove-again boiling hot-amazing

Itzi taking a well earned swig!

Leith

2011-06-07T11:19:00.002Z

Recent ride out with amazing new trail sections being ridden at leith hill. Genuinely great days riding on super flowing new tracks. Loving Leith!

Mid trail double on flytipper - firt time we'd ridden this trail and we knew there was a double in it so a bit cautious and then sessioned it.

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New Shots

2011-05-18T22:06:00.002Z

Nice little sesh at aquiet woburn. We need rain like a canoe needs a river. weird analogy? Yes, but I kept it watery... Woburn is falling apart, but on the upside, the new rock garden is holding up! ;P

Pics. I wanted to shoot the pump bump chicken run to this flat double as I thought I'd get a good compression shot. It didn't work out, so I got these instead... This is a 2 and a bit bike length double, very flat and straight into a right hander with lots of trees to clip. Testing. Charlie and Ben make it look easy. Its just a setup double at the start of the Skyline trail, but I like it...

Love this angle, but it really doesnt show how tight it is.

Different angle.

Ben on it.

Steve owns this gap. Doesn't need a bike, hands in pockets, with camera deployed in tourist mode. Legend...

Proper Dusty

2011-05-04T21:53:00.002Z

Weds night dustyness again. re-took the shot of the step down on skyline, but with proper lighting this time... Enjoy.

Check it out.

Mark.

Charlie on the case.

Ben doing the same.

Leith - I forgot to post...

2011-05-03T20:28:00.003Z

Taking a break from hunting for stag accom, I forgot I didn't post our pics from the Leith ride that produced the sequence...

Not Leith, but Charlie, jumping at Woburn on one of his new Treks.

Stu on the step down trunk.

Daryl on another step down.

Tam about to hit a tree and break his brake line.

G man on a roll in thats steeper than it looks here and ends in a pretty big step down if you don't hit the brakes. Roll it like you stole it, G.

Woburn Sesh

2011-04-29T15:36:00.002Z

Rode Woburn today after a bit of rain overnight and it had started to think about compacting up again. Needs a proper rain and it'll be all good, but it still rode a lot better than Wednesday night.

Anyway, good sesh, considering I didn't want to do anything big-ish. I got goaded into jumping and we had a good sesh with some guys Mark V knows from Aston Hill. Pics:

Lad who was hitting this jump with me...

Me pretending to be Gracia

Mark J on the same.

Mark V. Same jump, different angle.

These berms don't dig themselves.

Mark J on the DT step down.

Mark V on the same.

Getting low on the dug out DT Line berms.

What heart condition?

Peaks with a cold

2011-04-17T19:48:00.002Z

Last weekend I tripped p to the Peaks with Gav, feeling shit after a weeklong cold, which is still gettin me a week later as I write this.

Classic Peaks ride on dusty, hot spring trails.

Classic idiot shot.

Dry kicks...

Ride in.

Scenery starts to unfold.

xc Edwards.

So hard to get the speed for this on springy heather. looked bigger from up top!

Trails flowing beautifully.

Silly shades. LOOK at the dustyness!

Ello!

Lunch with a view.

Brrrrrppp.

Weeeeeeee!

Gav testing the Dawgma.

Who'd be ginger?!

Wharncliff Sunday spew fest....

New trails.

2011-04-17T19:45:00.001Z

Spring has sprung, the grass is rizz, I wonder where dem burrdies is?

New raked action:

And a sequence...

Last night ride?

2011-03-23T22:56:00.002Z

Amazing day today for spring - my car read 18 degrees C earlier. That, combined with a few dry days meant that the trails were running pretty quick tonight and the regular Weds night crew were pushing the pace. Its noticeable that there have been efforts to 'close' trails by tree knocking over (not an exaggeration) and foliage strewing since the re-introduction of the Greensands management... Not that it really is an issue!

Anyway, some of the guys got the jump on me and Captain Faff and managed to get some daylight runs in on the Hogans hill and made a point of letting us know. As i said, it was quick, and probably one of the best/fastest rides of the night series this winter.

The clocks change this weekend, so this could be one of the last night rides before spring sets into summer, so I took out the camera to try and get some night shots. Bad night shots were taken - I really need to get my act together...

tight at night...

Viva la headtorch! Riding trails as flat out as you can at night really puts them into a different dimension and something we quickly forget n summer. I might just venture out a bit after hours this year, though...

Senior Session

2011-03-20T16:41:00.002Z

Tam said that he wants to learn to jump this year. What with being 40 and all, he thinks if he doesn't do it now, he wont. Fair enough, push the boundaries and all that. Anyway, I like that attitude, so struck out on the 9am loop with the boys, before cutting short and heading over to the pump track to hook up with Tam. In my sights were manualling pump bumps and getting some decent air on the lower pump loop's hip. I managed the manny, sort of, and did one or two tables on the hip after a bit of tutoring from some kids!

Tam on the hip...

In fairness, for some reason, Tam's seat post was WELDED into his frame and didn't want to move, so this hindered the jumping a bit... But for me, it was good to rool on the pump track on a hardtail - much better!

Tam needs a lesson in focussing...

This hip is really hard to get air on unless your good at riding the bumps as you need loads of speed and a good pop. Fun though.

This guy and his mate were sessioning with us. Bit more pop.

Peaslake massive

2011-03-08T10:45:00.002Z

Had a good fast ride to exhaustion on Sunday down in Surrey hills, fitting in some of the usual suspects and coming back over to Pitch Hill to wring out the final bits of energy on the singletrack there. I felt pretty crook and almost threw up on the first downhill! Good day out though, with G man on his new Pitch, Daryl, me and Mark from up my way who hadn't ridden there before. It was pretty dry and the trails ran quite fast, with quite a lot of grip...

Pics:

No visit to the quarry would be complete without a pic!

Auron 2011

2011-02-13T17:16:00.003Z

Just got back from a week of SUN in Auron. Pretty sweet weather, but could have done with some more snow. Here are two cheeeeeky piiiicies. More to follow...

Ant slashing it up on an empty red.

Yes, my jacket is bright.

Up Lift.

Epic Forsest...

2011-02-02T21:44:00.004Z

Did I say EPIC?! Erm Epping. Definately not that epic, unfortunately. Gav and I hit up the cycle leg action in a muddy stylee round the Chigwell massive last Sunday. I'd read a bit about Epic before we went, to get the lie of the and, so to speak. The lie, it was obvious, was flat, but considering the last time I was there I saw a Buggatti Veyron, I was prepared to be open mounded. However, as much as you can be nice about this, it is essentially called 'mountain biking' and what we mostly encountered was flat, wet, London clay which had been worked into a frenzy of Somme-like gloup on the sinletracks we found.

That said, it was good to get out, horizons new and all, and see Gav's new Dowgma. Pretty sweet, but not as eager as the on one, it has to be said. Cracking bike for G-star though and I think he will do well on that as his lungs get better!!!

Crazy tree action:

oh and this gem. Chigwell has it all, including a Chromag Audi...

Bracknell Ride

2011-01-29T17:26:00.003Z

Couple of weeks back we sneaked out for a spin at Bracknell as neither Daryl or I have been there for ages. It was a good opportunity to get Jay out for a shred as he's just round the corner, but hasn't got a bike. The 456 was thrown back in to off road mode and off we went...

The riding was good as ever and it was great to ride the shuttle runs in the back edge of the park as the drainage seems to have been sorted. Jay did really well for his first go at mountain biking. All good. I should qualify that the gully jumps were REALLY wet and greasy and pretty unrideable.

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I'm going to take the Remedy frame to my LBS for warranty action on Monday. Here are the pics of the failure - it sea s as if a weld has given way.

This looks as if it was the spot the weld gave at.

Hadleigh farm 2012 track

2011-01-25T12:02:00.002Z

So i finally got my backside out on the Kona for the first time since moving to southend. I only had a couple of hours so i thought i'd go check out where the new tracks are being built for London 2012. South essex isn;t known for its hills and theres been a lot of chatter about W(hy)TF is it being done here?

It's being sculpted out of the hills on Hadleigh Farm and reviews from some riders say its pretty good and that photos don't do its steepness in places any justice.

Anyway, this photo doesn't do it justice but there is no point in going checking it out as this is as close as i could get. and the ride i went on was a boggy waste of time.

And christ alive am i unift.

Step UP!

2011-01-24T20:11:00.004Z

Erm, pretty bad weekend. Snapped my Trek remedy frame at the swingarms on the smallest step down you've ever seen 2ft tops. I'm gutted, as this is the second frame I've snapped in two and a bit years and I really thought that the Remedy was tougher than that. Bearing in mind that I've been using this bike for trail riding on sandy and loam based woods for the last six months or so, I'm pretty surprised to say the least, as this is an All Mountain frameset 160mm travel bike and should take a hell of a lot of punishment. I am a bit fat, though!

Anyway, the only thing that made me smile was whilst waiting to be picked up at Woburn, the DJ boys started sessioning their latest incarnation of MENTALNESS. Basically, a 45 degree, maybe steeper, run in for about forty foot then a maybe 7ft step up kicker, landing 25 ft up. Pretty savage. 3rd run in, literally, local mat Jones backflipped the bugger!

I've nicked this shot from a lad we were talking to that he shot a bit later in the session.

Happy New Year

2011-01-08T14:42:00.002Z

Its grey, drizzly and I've eaten too much over the past month. To top it off, I've got the worst case of man flu ever recorded... I'm basically dead. Oh well. Got to train for the Silverstone half and get out on the bike.

Jay had the right idea and brushed away the cobwebs early on New Year's Day, in Cornwall:

Pls find attached a cheeky snippet of a high tide, very hung-over Cornish New Years day tickler I scored (only a littlun).... Had ice cream head and booze-throbbing head but a fun shorey.

SNOW!

2010-12-18T20:57:00.002Z

I was getting really bloody miffed about our lack of snow, but then, boom, we got some. Thank god, or Michael Fish. Anyway, I set out at about 1 inch and by the time I'd got to my photo spot, it was about 3 inches. quite powdery as it was -2 and decent grip. Anyway, I set up a 30sec timer and did about 1 million passes. The results:

FOCUS! right about here, please...

Better...

That'll do.

Bit close.

VERDICT: Timer is bloody unpredictable, or rather, I am bloody unpredictable compared to machines.

Winter Wild Camping

2010-12-16T17:26:00.003Z

I've been watching the weather a bit over the last few weeks and gutted that I couldn't take advantage of those brilliant high pressure days with good snow that were going on in the Lakes and North Wales during the cold snap. So with that in mind, I managed to sneak up for a quick loop with a wintery wild camp thrown in for extra exposure and adventure.

I decided on a route out of Seathwaite as I've been wanting to go up Glaramara for quite a while now and this seemed like a perfect time. I stayed in Grasmere YHA (BH) on the way in, as I like it there, and got a good night's kip after the long drive. Next morning, out early ish and walking by 9am, up the farm track towards Sty Head Tarn, with light winds, a heavy rucksack and the snow spattered peaks up in front of me.

I was climbing up the route that we took down with Gav in Feb and it was nice to have familiar bits to begin and a nice gentle slope to get the blood pumping. I got up to Sty Head Tarn quite quickly shot a few pics of the frozen water, whilst the mist rolled in around the tops. The forecast had been for clear summits, but whilst some of the lower hills off to the west and north were below the threshold, I was in for misty tops and no views until the next morning.

Stretcher Shelter

After walking up to the stretcher shelter, I found the start to corridor route as its very obvious, and started out with the intention of not taking any risks if the two Gill top crossings were badly verglassed. That said, I had my points and axe, but with the recent thaw, there was a lost of ice and the snow was sugary in placed and pretty crap.

Anyway, the route was good and the going was pretty straight forward, until I got round to the thin step into the head of Greta Gill, where there was a lot of verglass, so I stopped to put on my crampons and take it cautiously. At this point, I was caught up by a chap going for Lingmell and we walked together for a bit and had a chat. The ice step wasn't as bad as I'd thought, but I felt a lot more confident with the crampons and I soon had them back off, parting company, as the ground returned to rocky, mixed with ice and snow.

The next tricky part was the step across the head of Piers Gill, which I knew would be a bit spicy, but was relatively easy as the snow was well consolidated and cut in with other people's steps. Its amazing though, how a heavy bag can make you feel a bit more twitchy and I stepped this one out very carefully, as one slip and its bye bye - not so cool when you're on your own!

After this it was up into the mist and the wind got up a bit for extra atmosphere, with vis down to about 20m. One section of the final approach is quite steep and I stopped again to put on the points, not out of necessity, but more for good practice. I took the steepest line I could and thought it was getting on for grade 1 winter, but just a guess.

On top of Scafell Pike

Finally topped out and was thankful for the shelter wall to get out of the cold wind and have a spot of cheese, bread and chorizo, before quickly taking my bearing and heading off, north towards Broad Crag, Great End and Eask Hause.

I got down to the saddle at Esk Hause after a bit of a glissade near the bield shelter
and made some calls to let people know I was still alive, whilst I had signal. Then climbed up to Allen Crags and on to find a campsite. The winds were light in some spots and picked up in others and the old game of finding somewhere flat/large enough for the tent that wasn't rock, snow or soggy, whilst sheltered, proved fun. I settled for a more exposed spot as the winds seemed pretty light and got pitched as it started to 'ice'. I would say snow, but in reality, the cloud that I was in was just condensing into ice...

Sums up conditions nicely...

A quick pitch and into my new Rab down jacket and I was warming up nicely. Tea, one of Steffi's mince pies and beef stew and dumplings was just what I needed. Then bed by 6! - not much to do when its dark at 4.

I had a broken nights sleep, mostly as my roll mat is crap and I'd occasionally wake up with a cold arm/shoulder/bum as I'd slid off it onto the floor. MYST get a wider one that stays inflated for winter camps.

Bit of a sleep in as there wasn't really a 'dawn', the gray just went from one dulux shade to another. and then that lovely chilly start and packing down the tent.

coffin shape is a bit worrying...

Pike of Blisco looking down towards Langdale from near my campsite.

After a bit of a wander and some pics I struck out up Glaramara - not far - for some amazing views before having some fun sliding and practicing arrests, before heading down towards Hind Gill.

Hoar frost on Glaramara

You sense its been chilly here, lately.

Hard life being grass.

Hind Gill proved steep and I genuinely had one moment where the grass was frozen and I was about a meter from a BIG drop, where I had to take it pretty steady. Beautiful views, though and I sat and watched a shepherd and his 4 collies running up the hill over the other side of the Gill, getting sheep down before the next cold snap.

It was nice not to rush and take it all in, heading down to the Farm where I'd started the day before. Packed up and a coffee in Ambleside before the long drive back. Can't wait to get back out in Jan.

30 Somethings..

2010-12-16T17:17:00.002Z

I forgot to stick this up, so am doing so now... A few of us are the big 3 - 0 this December and Wingstock rolled into town to help us all celebrate and hook up. Really good to see everyone and catch up with some folks that we haven't seen for absolutely ages. We must be mellowing as the chicken was HOT, but edible and no-one went into anaphalactic shock.

That said, I came out in a rash. Anyway. It was a close run thing, but Gav and Jen clinched the Coq and take the party to Southend next time. Also celebrating were Daryl, Rich, me and Gav - with Finter organising a Pompey style live music event for his, that I really wished we had been able to go to. Looking forward to hookking up at Crimbo, Colchster style and hoping everyone has a good one.

My sis made me a sweet cake!

On a side note, I received a pair of Fox winter gloves from Daryl and I'll review them for my Renaud afflicted limbs after a few rides...

Winter's BACK.

2010-12-07T15:28:00.007Z

Ok, so its been pretty chilly here in the UK over the last two weeks, but we didn't really get and snow in MK. We have had some frosts though (-7 last night) and Jon and I went out on a photo mission this morning with bad planning and poor-ish results. need to do some scouting for shots...

This is what we got:

Focus.

Fisrt ride back after a bike rebuild and TF Tuned coil conversion on the Lyrik fork. Pretty sweet.

Also.... Some of the Goats hit the FOD for the first of their mini downhills and put in some decent times - Mark V coming 20th in category and Mark J coming 18th in his. Nice one boys. Click here for Pinkbike report

30th Birthday Bash

2010-12-05T22:24:00.002Z

Wooohoo-what a quality night. I wanted a memorable one for my 30th and it certainly was-venue turned out a beaut, 4 different sets from various mates including a great little set by our very own IBFCer Jay, and a final set by the newly formed "The Yeah Boys" including covers of RHCP, QOTSA, Nirvana and Muse.

And most importantly a great turn out by everyone-plus I didn't embarass myself!!! Well not that much anyway.

Thought I would share this poster for the night which Karl of www.strangechameleon.co.uk very kindly knocked up in between organising all the bands, equipment and getting rehearsals/set list together for me-plus obviously the storming drums on the night :-)

Life Cycles Premiere

2010-11-24T09:06:00.003Z

I'd been waiting for this one for ages and it the cherry on a hanging out with mates, er, cake. Chris and Kate were over and Daryl and Itzi met us down in Southend, to see Gav and Jen's new pad and hang out, drink wine and catch up. Excellent to see everyone, and nice for the lads to hang out too.

It was nice to hang out by the coast and see how responsible people are with Monty, whilst I was hungover!!!

We'd got Life Cycles premiere tickets and shot of into town, drank a beer, met some of the Goats and sat in a fully sold out cinema. Danny MacAskill's Red Bull short was on first and much better in large format, getting the audience gasps in all the right places... Then Vast, which I could have left. Some great shots, but a bit too many, too much TL mountains and riding that most f us could have done. ;p

About to be critical...

Then Life Cycles. Proper bo and I still can't believe how well it was filmed, it really is something different. Massive props to the guys involved and I think Daryl summed it up nicely, saying that although there wasn't tons of riding, it was the one film that made him want to get out and ride. Best flick in ages, I might even have to but an HD tv for that one...

Danny MacAskill

2010-11-16T19:56:00.001Z

OMG (yes I did just type that) I was waiting for this full version as the filming and riding of the sneaky peeky were pretty epic. Not dissapointed!

Seems like a nice lad too. Filming is VERY good, nice one Red Bull...

Forest of Dean

2010-11-12T18:32:00.003Z

Good trip to the FOD last weekend, for Mark's birthday. We booked the uplift and not having done one of these before, I was really pleasantly surprised. Good service, nice guy running the uplift at www.flyupdownhill.co.uk and a good vibe in general. The bus did 14 runs which is pretty fair considering the time of year. It was wet and I made a howler of a tyre setup (the less said the better) reslting in the crash on the flat - see vid - but then rectified it and really got into it. Everyone had a good run and came back thoroughly muddy.

Forest of Dean from Dave Branfield on Vimeo.

Fireworks and food at Jason's place afterward, thanks for a wicked spread and good times..

Night Pump.

2010-11-03T23:24:00.003Z

We all like a bit of night pump, so thought I'd pump some pics your way. Woburn night pumping pumperoony pump track, much fun and unpredictable.

Very hard to see the pump bumps and bits of the track, but you got a good feel after a bit. nice and dry, so good and quick. Tamn had it harder than me as his lights are on his bars, so you cant look round corners or spot landings as easily, but all good. FOD on sat. Very much looking forward to that and will hopefully have some filming from it!

Nice face...

Hip.

As usual I'd prepared by not charging anything and forgetting the syport connectors which is why they look crap. Well done Dave...

Berm manny.

Thats who it was...

2010-11-01T21:12:00.002Z

I can't remember why, but Gav and I had a long drawn out e-mail and phone marathon recently, trying to remember the name of a rather cool looking custom frame/bike builder that we'd stumbled across ages ago. This was him and aint it cool?!

http://www.hufnagelcycles.com

Jordan Hufnagel: Custom Bike Builder from Souney Media on Vimeo.

Glad we remembered. Get saving.

You know you're a hick, when...

2010-10-17T21:28:00.001Z

Your cat thinks its a dog.

Chris and Lemmy living the dream.

New Bits

2010-10-17T16:39:00.002Z

I recently ordered in some new shiney stuff and had a bit of a sort out, turning the On One into a bona fide commuter bike. I did this a little while ago, and there are some bits I need to sort (as ever) like swapping the rotors over, but she's basically there...

XT running and stopping gear - 34 42 up front.
Spare parts from my box.
FSA XC wheelset from On One.
Schwable Speed Cruiser (?) tyres.
New rigid fork from On One.

Verdict? Bloody excellent and quick to boot.

New Hope Vision 4 is excellent in my opinion after the exhaustive testing of one evening - in depth!

Night.

2010-10-13T23:37:00.002Z

Its getting dark. I bought a spangly hope vision 4 and now its all lit up again.

Scot leading the pack.

First night ride of the season - hopefully one of MANY! Dry tonight with a brief chill in the air, autumn has definitely set in...

Wet Leith, I'm sure I've said that before...

2010-10-07T17:04:00.003Z

I had a long standing arrangement to ride with my mate James and it was one of those things that wouldn't happen unless you set a date and stick to it, so we did. What we didn't know in the summer, was what the weather would have in store for us!

I've ridden many times at Leith when it has rained all day, but this time it was a bit different. Looking up from Peaslake, even the hill tops there were stuck in cloud and that was the way it would stay until we'd nearly finished!

Excellent grip despite the rain and great to ride with some new people. Very impressed with Jame's ride and also his fitness - at 59 he's still keeping us all very honest! Hopefully we should hook up with Ben's crew again and big up his mate's new bike shop. Wet Word...

BC anyone?

Near the Tower.

Yes those are tights with holes in.

Ben gets fast and loose on his rigid singlespeed.

Chris is 30

2010-10-07T17:03:00.000Z

Sneaky...

This is what I'm talking about!

2010-09-17T10:38:00.001Z

Ok, so sorry to go n about how amazing one site/photographers are but, I mean, this is pretty epic! www.alpinepics.com

Chris so lazy...

2010-09-16T22:16:00.002Z

I pulled this off facecock as Lawler has seriously forgotten the IBFC!!

Chris writes:

The lifts have all closed with the exception of the Champery cable car so any more riding involves a push up the Col du Coux. We’ve been away on our Honeymoon for a while so not so many riding pics so far this season.

Al got this one just at the top of the trail leading off from the top of Chavannes heading towards some of teh bootleg forest trails.

Hip hop hippopotamus tweak.

Really good.

2010-09-14T18:03:00.003Z

Whilst I'm blogging, I had a look at this chap's site as he had POD recently on Pinkbike. Bloody good and his POD was at Bozen,where Jon had a trip out to recently - I'm trying to get some pics off him to post as he said it was awesome. Via bik-ratta anyone?

www.alpinepics.com

Alpspitze, part 1 from Big Col on Vimeo.

Pompey MKII

2010-09-14T17:48:00.003Z

Should have bunged this up after the Friday post, but didn't. After one or two very very small 2% shandys on the Friday night, Finter and I were off to Surrey Hills to get some more sun and dry trail action. We rocked up in Peaslake with the outside hope of trying to find the trails that Stu had taken me to a few weeks before. Fat chance.

We rode some old classics and found a new (to us) steep tech run off the back hill (other side of PL to BKB) near to the one I rode with Rob and Stu with the log step down:

And, gurn.

Any way, we had a blast and felt exhausted afterwards - stopping before running BKB only to stock up on a meat pie and the NICEST bakewell style cake ever. I've said it before and I'll say it again. A T H L E T S!

This is what it looked like...

Up.

And down...

And up...

And, down.

I should say that neither of these pics show how teck the runs were. Entertaining at full tilt.

South and out.

2010-09-14T17:11:00.002Z

Just re-surfaced from a week long trip with the family down to Bormes to relax and spend some time with Steffi's folks for her Birthday. Amazing weather all week, with the exception of an amazing storm on the Tuesday night. All in all, very enjoyable and Monty has grown visibly!

Steffi's brother, wife and little munchkin were out too, and I managed to fit in a few blasts on a bike - All road this year as the Marin has been repatriated by Steffi's other brother. Boo. My steed this time up was a (fiveish year old?) steel Decathalon hardtail with non existent front forks, although they looked suspiciously like they were supposed to move... Heavy as sin and shakey at speed. Anyway, its all about the riding and I put in a 45km loop up in the hills above Bormes one afternoon and saw literally no-one except some olds playing petonc at a junction - only in France...

Then on Wednesday, Peter and I headed out an did a bigger ride, clocking about 70km in three hours, with 500m of climbing and some stiff winds. I really enjoyed it and we had to play the slipstream game on some of the flat bits. Very good.

Steffi's B'day we went to L'allmanar, a world class (apparently) wind surf spot, and I would have had a go, but it was BUSY and WINDY!! Not the best conditions for learning...

Tan is already fading fast.

Dry Again, Friday, Pompey...

2010-09-06T17:40:00.005Z

Friday saw a little trip down to QE near Pompey for a bit of ragging about, dusty style. I've ridden QE once before and conditions couldn't have been different. The first time was winter, it was wet, you LITERALLY couldn't see the trails for leaves and it was so slidey on my sand tyres, that I two-wheel drifted everywhere, much to the amusement of Daryl. Friday was DRY and fast although, just as drifty, it turned out!

Sun was out.

Jez hits a line in the trees.

In the dry, the chalk turns into little balls and gives you the pine cone effect that we get up here - ie unpredictable berms! All good though, except for how unfit I was feeling. Slow on the ups but managed to keep up with Daryl and hit everything on spec on the downs. Almost had an interesting stack on a step down that I overcooked, but got away with it! Daryl and Jez took me over to the 'Farm', a ghetto little valley of felled trees and sketchy gravel/mud surface. It was good and had some interesting lines in it but we couldn't session as time was against us. Flat out and fast as you like back to the car - I LOVE that final run there.

Farm bermmm. Ghetto.

This is the bigger step down after the berm above, not sure how you go about connecting it to the landing as its sooo tight.

Jez taking in the farm...

Farm stepdown

LIFE CYCLES

2010-09-01T21:58:00.001Z

Its here! A teaser!! OK I know I might sound a bit excited, but that is because I am. These boys are doing it properly and much better than Follow Me if the taser is anything to go by...

wow...

2010-08-31T19:07:00.001Z

Deep summer contender by Adrian Marcoux. Amazing.

Deep Summer Slide show from Dirt Tales on Vimeo.

Watch it full screen.

Oh, yes.... Bikes!

2010-08-30T18:29:00.003Z

Having waved goodbye to Steffi and Monty (they've gone to France ahead of me), I have a bit more time. We've all been pretty slack on the posting, but I for one have been doing a shed load of riding and have various project bikes in the proecess...

Anyway, less baby, more bike! That doesn't mean I like Monty any less, Steffi.

New blue work stand thingumy...

And, look what we found in the woods...

HA!

2010-08-26T19:34:00.003Z

Found this in an old folder, forgot i'd sceengrabbed it from Mark's facecock account. Mark is on the left, but how good is thatr Freddy on the right?!!

Mike Tour 2010

2010-08-24T12:08:00.003Z

Mike. Uncle Mikey. Mikemandingo. He was back briefly and caused a trail of hangover destruction at several venues in the UK. See him here trying to brain wash my son, then cut a Cuban cigar in half with a bread knife before lighting it on a candle. Must be that Aussi culture...

Never mind.

Lots of riding has happened my end, just not got round to taking pics or posting. boo. Will do a post on some riding soon as new things have been shaping up. Local news is that Woburn isn't going to be flattened as some people thought, rather the people who manage the site and the lease holders are thrashing it out with the Duke of Bedford who owns the land. All good.

Woburn secrets

2010-07-29T18:44:00.002Z

New trails, bit of filming. Not too good as this was stuffed into a four hour trail ride, but it was fun, so had to be filmed...

MPORA Action Sports >>

F1 Silverstone

2010-07-29T11:29:00.002Z

A few weeks late, but what the hey!

Come on Jenson!

Gav and I drank beer in the sun and had fun getting into stands we shouldn't have been in. Cracking weather and a good qualifying Saturday!!

Lewis and a Force India.

Vettel, Rubens (?) and a Torro Rosso.

Mobile BEER!

What?

Down and out...

Wedding Raft.

2010-07-05T13:45:00.002Z

This was hungover apres wedding rafting, Morzine style...

Thats Baby Wang!!

2010-06-29T18:25:00.003Z

It is my great pleasure to announce to internet land, the arrival of Steffi and my Son, Montgomery Huw Branfield!! The little tyke was born at 21:08 on the 27th, the hottest day this year so far (!), and weighed in at 8lbs 4. Beefcaaaaake.

Steffi did an amazing job and he was out in just six hours. Both are doing well and we are all tired!

I P H O N E V I D E O

2010-06-29T18:18:00.003Z

Iphonetasticness of some good and bad riding displays...

More Mountain Biking Videos >>

EPIC Peaslake.

2010-06-20T20:56:00.003Z

Stu had been banging on at me to come down and ride as he'd found some new trails up the back hill away from BKB straigh outta P'lake. Weather, Rob and permission from Steffi meant it was on.

Stu has been guiding round here a bit and riding with the shop crew on Mondays, so has his eye in on the trails round these parts much better than we do - and he came up trumps. Some epic trails and flat out fast. Some bits quite steep and tech, too. All good. Nice on to Chris and Kate for last week's wedding (pics to come) and well done to Daryl for his off in France, requiring 9 stitches...

This track was proper steep in the top section, then opened up into a step down and a kicker. Niiiiiiiice.

Chiiiillll Winstaaan.

Wedding Toooooones

2010-05-30T21:41:00.001Z

Sunshineeeee!

2010-05-28T06:57:00.002Z

Rob and I collided in thought and I got a phone call yesterday, saying, 'I can't be bothered to work, fancy a ride up your way?' Yes I did. Good ride bowler, and shame about not being able to hit Wales this weekend...

Weds night sessions...

2010-05-28T06:48:00.002Z

This is from last weds, at Woburn, but I've been insanely busy as always!!! Here's the gist:

Del had one of those stupid slow last run crashes and managed to break his arm. Shit luck, get well soon, mate.

Its been hot in them lids lately...

Mark stepping down on Moto

Charlie on it, he hit it to flat later!

Liam on the same.

Via F*^$%ing-hell-eratta

2010-05-23T10:35:00.002Z

Post from Mountain Spaces except I didn't include that fact that parts of the route where f%^&*ing scary, Kelvin brought a beer bong to the campsite and we all got hammered! Anyone coming out this summer has to come an do this route, it is amazing. Have never ever been that exposed before.

Have also been climbing the elephants nose up the road, again is amazing, needs an IBFC crew to give the 3 pitch climbs a seeing to! Think French grading is a bit kinder than English grading as I lead a 5c/6a yesterday which frankly I don't believe can be the same as an English 6a as I felt like right Malco on bits of the route. Anyway Via Ferrata post, enjoy.

C

Well the snow's all gone and the lifts aren't quite open yet for biking so in between some cross country biking (although I did make it to the top of the Pleney downhill yesterday for a blast down, rough as old boots) and a bit of road biking we thought we've been exploring some of the via ferrata in the Haute Savoie. With snow still lingering around at 1800m we headed down to Thones, near Annency as the route is challenging but not at thesame altitude as Avoriaz for example which still has patches of snow kicking around.

Parked up at the bottom, you can see the entire route from the hotel car park at the bottom. Total Route time 3hrs15

The walk in to the bottom of the climb, it's only about 10mins up a hairpin track and gets the blood goin before you come to the start of the route.

Jamie reflecting on having bought a helmet with 'CAMP' written across the front.

It's not the easiest thing to get the camera out en route, so we've already made it over a 15ft wire bridge (literally one wire to walk on one wire to hold on too at shoulder height across a 60m drop!)

A rare spot with everyone comfortable enough to get a picture, pretty much the whole route is this shear or overhanging.

A tricky little traversing section with not much in the way of footholds.

What can I say......

Kelvin on the overhanging ladder at the end of the route, looks out to a 250m drop or the other side of the valley depending on whether you look down or not!

Jamie tackling the overhang section that runs parallel to the ladder, not particularly technical but really, really tiring especially as it's right at the end of the climb. As usual the pictures don't quite show how much of a prolonged overhang it was.

Me just coming into the steep part of the overhang, with a 250m drop straight down, exposed doesn't quite do it justice.

I did have to restrain myself when Robin said smile, not exactly the emotion I was going through!!

Robin topping out.

A well earned rest at the top.

View from the car park, if you look carefully at the top you can just see the almost vertical line of the final ladder.

All topped of with a night in the campsite on the lake.

All in all an awesome day out and the most exposed mountaineering I've ever done, even if it is reasonably well protected climbing the overhang is still like tackling a lead climb with the potential of a x 3-5 fall. Can't wait for the next one, probably Avoriaz when the snow melts.

Tuesday night at Rogate

2010-05-02T17:00:00.002Z

Well, I finally got the bottle up to nail the big double at Rogate. Took my full face lid for a bit of extra confidence, had a warm up on the 2 smaller doubles and the step up then had it. First one was shady-no style and I hung up but by the 4th I think I had it sussed, gonna try and get some style out next time! looks small on film as usual! paced her out at 5 1/2 bike lengths

Parapenting

2010-05-02T16:46:00.001Z

Here's me strapped on like a sack of spuds-great fun. Little bit scary running at a cliff edge 20 feet away!!

San Sebastian Olidays

2010-05-02T16:20:00.002Z

It's catch up time-yes I'm doing all my posts at once just to well and truly screw up the timeline!! haha

We have also just been on a lovely 2 weeker to Itzi's home town of San Sebastian. I must say I was very impressed-2 awesome beaches, 1 very clean, cultured and hip city, surrounding by mountains between 500 and 1400m resembling the lake district in appearance-Shame it's 400,000 for a 2 bed flat!

We had the Pompey crowd over for the easter weekend which mainly involved 5am nights out, loads of Ron and then mucking about on the beach. Even felt lively enough one day to get out on a board-which fairly quickly saw me frozen and full of water!! Me and Itzi then did a bit of biking, a bit of beaching, lots of eating and visiting friends and family followed by a jump off a cliff on the last day-strapped to Itzi's mate Musti and his parachute of course!!

thats me in the middle about to get munched-haha!!!!!!!!!

Very late Lakes post!!

2010-05-02T16:11:00.003Z

Right here it is-few weeks back me and Itzi went up to Gav's secret cottage to catch the last of the snow. In summary amazing cottage, and a very hectic walk up Scafell. Went up the foxes tarn path from the Eskdale valley which was beautiful until we got to the steep chute up to the tarn-glad I took the rope, crampons etc-thats all I'm saying! Then rushed round and down from the summit as it was freezing, a complete white out and blowing icy wind in our faces....Cracking stuff. We followed this with a very chilled low level walk and a pub lunch the next day :-)

Ronnies!!!!!!!!

Weds night sesh...

2010-04-28T21:45:00.002Z

Bit of a lame one for me as I'm not really feeling it and my ankle is killing me at the mo... Here are some pics. Experimented with some flash blooms on the first few, stong backlighting basically, in shot.

meeeeeeeow

2010-04-27T20:42:00.001Z

meow.

2010-04-26T20:35:00.004Z

THIS is good. Probably just about the best trail build I've seen, or would like to think I'd be able to ride... ;p

Been riding a bit with the goats of late, cheers to Mark for the session pics. Its been really dry and fast recently and its good to be riding with a motivated crew of locals. Am hoping to get digging soon, when the work slacks off a bit and before the arrival of the bambinagio.

Col du Grand St Bernard Plus New Pics!

2010-04-26T14:47:00.003Z

Greetings from France. It's done, the season is over leaving a bit of time for us to all get out before the snow disappears. If anyone comes out next year, possibly pre-season we have to go back to this place.

Anyway, here'sthe write up from the MountainSpaces blog

With the lifts about to shut for the season we headed over to the Col du Grand St Bernard between Switzerland and Italy for a night in the refuge.

The Col is one of, if not the oldest route through the Western Alps with evidence of use as far back as the Bronze ages. The pass is appears in history around 390BC and is well documented by the time of Julius Ceaser around 60BC. Napolean also famously crossed the pass in May 1800 with 6000 men and there's a staue at the top to commemorate the feat.

More recently the Hospice and the Col has become synonymous with the image of the St Bernard dog with the barrel of brandy round it's neck. The legend is that the brandy was to rejuvenate victims of avalanches or hypothermia until they could be rescued by the monks who acted as mountain guides.

The barrel of brandy appears to be part truth part legend but the dogs were certainly used by the monks, to clear paths in the snow following the scent of a trail buried in up to a metre of fresh snow and sniffing then digging out victims of avalanches, one dog is reported to have saved 40 lives, on finding the 41st victim the dog was stabbed by the victim who thought he was being attacked by a bear. The victim escaped from the snow and followed the blood trail left by the St Bernard back to the safety of the hospice where the dog later died. Sucks for the dog!

Not intending to die in an avalanche or stab anything a group of 3 of us set of early to hike up to the hospice, drop off some kit then head over to the Italian side to find some nice spring snow, leaving the rest of the group to come up later and meet us for dinner.

Parked at the bottom of the Col, in the summer there's a road up to the top, this is as far as you can get until about July. Left about 9.30am for the hike up

Heading up with Craig and James, split boards have got to be the way forward, carrying boards is hard work!

Looking up the last part of the route to the Hospice, is a bit steeper than the first part as it doesn't follow the road. About an hour into the climb by now and starting to get pretty hot.

The top, well the hospice/refuge anyway. 2500m above sea level and a well earned 15min break to drop off some overnight kit we didn't need to carry any further. Whole climb took about 1hr30. Jamie blitzed it later in the day in 1hr12 but we can't all be whippets.

Looking back from the Italian side at the statue of Napolean, the frozen lake and the Hospice in the distance, the mountains aren't wonky in Italy it was just really hot and couldn't see anything on the camera display as it was so bright.

We're going up where? There?

Once we dropped down into the valley on the Italian side we traversed round to a non-south facing slope as there were signs of recent avalanche activity on the sun facing slopes. We picked a route up the North facing side of a gully and set off with boards on backs and Craig skinning up, and yes it is as steep as it looks.

It was now seriously hot as my sunburned forehead will testify to! The climb took us another hour or so with the going getting harder near the top as the sun degraded the snow even more until snow shoes were sinking in on the deeper snow on the top ridges. We stopped just short of the top (10m or so) as the snow was almost impossible to walk up by now and we'd run out of time to traverse round any further.

At the top and in serious need of a sit down!

Craig and James set off first in the slush, having seen how soft it was I opted for one mahoosive toe side turn down the main face really letting go as the snow was slowing things down a bit. The climb back up to the hospice nearly killed me!

The best looking refuge ever! Complete with comfy beds, electricity, hot water and an awesome room.

The others including Kate, joined us later in the evening as we got to sit down to veggie soup, pasta and tuna salad and apple compote, none of us lasted very long before hitting the hay.

The next day was pretty cloudy higher up and spoilt the plan to re-climb the same route as the day before and then drop off the back, back down to the car park. Still didn't spoil a good group photo.

Heading back down after a fantastic couple of days. One of the best places I have ever visited without a doubt.

Pompey adventurers!

2010-04-26T07:42:00.001Z

Full post to follow with all latest updates from the south coast!!!

Stuff has happened.

2010-04-24T09:55:00.001Z

We've been slack as hell, but the riding has been going on...

At last!!!

2010-03-23T04:38:00.005Z

I haven't been riding my bike very much because most of the trails I've ridden so far in Hong Kong are difficult to get to and a little disappointing to ride - lots of concreted bits and steps. Plus I have become exceptionally lazy. However last Sunday I took my bike on the slow ferry to Lantau Island, about 50 mins from Hong Kong Island, in a last-ditched attempt to find some satisfying biking.

And it was excellent - woop and holler! The trail starts with a coastal path blast with lots of ups and downs, making for an excellent warm up. The trail proper is an 11km loop with lots of technical singletrack, some challenging downhill bits (well, challenging when you haven't ridden much for the last couple of years), and a nice fast final blast with little drops that can be taken a full pelt. Then it's back along the coastal path in time for the ferry. If I hadn't been sunburnt, dehydrated, suffering major cramp in my legs and ready to pass out, I would have been able to enjoy a cold refreshing beverage in the english-style pub too. Next time.

Freshly inspired, I've finally got an excuse to buy a new rear shock and give my aging steed a general tart-up. No pictures I'm afraid because I didn't take a camera - but yoy can picture it in your minds. Just think of Steve Peat in glasses and that pretty much sums it up.

Mmmwaarpp

2010-03-16T14:58:00.002Z

The season is rolling on and it's starting to look a little bit like spring below Morzine. All the off-piste is pretty much shot at the moment as it's not dumped in a while. Been riding switch and jibbing of the side of pistes instead which has been fun.

Just ordered a load of bits for the trusty Kona steed as the path from St Jean up to Morzine is almost clear of snow and I wanna be ready for this season, whoop.

Can't lose at the moment, sunny = getting out on the bike, snow = last chance to ride the Valley de la Mancheand some of the Swiss couloirs before the spring.

Rollon the wedding!

Follow Me

2010-03-12T12:17:00.001Z

This looks cool!

MK climbing wall

2010-02-25T17:00:00.002Z

Well, thats exciting. I have just got back from a town council planning meeting which voted in favour of granting planning permission for a new climbing wall to be built in Milton Keynes!!

Steve Mayers of http://www.beaconclimbing.com has put together a proposal for a new wall and it looks as though it could be a cracker! Watch this space...

Lakes trip. Farewell Fernando...

2010-02-24T23:27:00.009Z

WATCH OUT. BIG POST!!!

Well, I've only just met our Brazilian friend and already I'm sad to see him go... A group farewell/good times/walking trip was arranged by Monsignor Ginge and we headed up to a wintery Derwemt Water YHA to take on some peaks. Stopping only for snacks...

Snow was forcast during the week and didn't disappoint, as usual the night time arrival gave way to some stunning morning scenery and the hills were capped with snow...

This looks suspiciously like planning!

Rising early, on Sat, we headed down to attempt a loop that I've wanted to do for ages, from Seathwaite up to Green then Great Gable and on over the valley to Glaramara and back. We headed out early and were blown away by how much snow was on the hills and just how good it looked. Blue bird skies and snow, perfect.

Walk in above Sour Milk Gill.

Crampon stop.

I did an axe belay above this point as the snow was quite slippery and it steepened above - just a re-assurance thing, but it worked a treat and good practice. 15m of rope is always good!

Points on.

Matti

Now THAT is a view!

Up onto Green Gable. Quite steep!

Gav laying tracks...

Matti enjoying life...

Summit of Great Gable.

Fernie is now native...

Bloody Swedes. Can't take them anywhere...

Or Brazilians, it would seem...

Erm...

Morzine Avoriaz 2010

2010-02-14T14:16:00.002Z

SNOW!

More Snowboarding >>

This is it. A video of us snowboarding.

Pepsi MAX

2010-02-12T20:50:00.002Z

Dave's slacking with the Valley De La Manche footage so I'm gonna trump it with pics from the Pepsi Max run in Avoriaz. Pictures do not do the climb justice, 300m straight up a real steep slope then working along this little bugger of a ridge.

Amazing snow on the way down, like the valley but 4-5 times as long, gonna write a full story for Mountain Spaces blog so will post full description then.

My legs hurt.

Road blast, walking and massive amounts of food...

2010-01-29T15:47:00.006Z

Weekend trip down to Weston, in the new wheels was delayed slightly as a very ill Minou (Steffi and my cat/catperson) had us all worried. Liver infection or something similar and she was very jaundice and I actually thought the worst at one point. £170 later and she is better - as I write this a week later, I'm sure that the antibiotics have turned her into supercat as she is going nuts and meowing ALL he time...

Thought this suited.

I digress. We'd popped down to Weston as Linz was thirty recently and the girls tripped off to Bath Spa, whilst Anthony and I engaged in more manly pursuits. Anthony has managed to pick up himself his childhood dream titanium frame and 15 years later its still very much a lively beast! We had planned a proper ride, but instead, headed out on the road for a fast blast round his way with a few hills and bits of mud thrown in too.

Anthony was on his Trek hybrid road thingy and by god does it shift unless your going up anything steep, when the gearing on the internal hub isn't perfect, but I was very impressed with my blast, even on spd's and skate shoes - that timeless combo.

Ti beast. Not me, the bike.

Sunday saw me smuggled into a health and safety nightmare. Anthony had invited me to join some of his work colleagues on their first training walk for a three peaks attempt
- against his work's express instructions that no outsiders were allowed. The carpark standoff was a little tense, but I knew some of the lads from the 24/12 earlier last year, which helped a bit! Amazing walk which followed quite a lot of the MBR killer loop that Phil and I did many years ago in that neck of the woods. Great to be out and it didn't rain!

Lovely day.

Cheddar goats.

Now that is what I call a good end to a days walk!

Ahem. Whats that I see?

2010-01-29T15:47:00.003Z

Just looked on the snow forecast site and it appears that we are set to have 45cm of fresh snow in Avoriaz between today and Tuesday. THATS EPIC!!!!

Road blast, walking and massive amounts of food...

2010-01-29T15:46:00.000Z

yum.

'A bit laboured and uncomfortable...'

2010-01-17T19:57:00.003Z

That's how Steffi just described this clip. Never mind, she knows nothing of shore balancing skills. or something like that.

Nice ride. Lots of mud. Ground still frozen.

herb ritts.

OUT.

Quickie !!

2010-01-11T13:47:00.001Z

Morning All

Only got a couple of mins, copy of post I put on the company site plus Kevlin not making a flip!!

Headed up behind Avoriaz to the Snow Cross area for a quick session on New Year's eve with some of the guysfrom All Mountain Rental.

Really good snow and still some bits of powder that only had a couple of tracks if any, not bad for such a busy week. The temperature has really dropped again after a slightly warmer week in the village and as I'm writing this it's snowing hard down to at least 600m.

Overlooking Avoriaz

Tracked out on this side but still fresh of to the right

Setting up for jumps of a nice windlip

Some of the fresh stuff!!

Hampshire Snowboarding!!!!

2010-01-10T21:09:00.003Z

Yes-as you all know we have had lots of snow....so we went boarding on the common in Southsea-as you do. This very short slop gave us a taster so on Saturday morning we packed up the car and ventured up to Phil's place in the countryside to hit a farmer's field opposite his house which he claimed had 1.5ft of fresh powder!!!

He wasn't lying and the farmer was more than happy to watch us whilst he mucked out his horses......

More Snowboarding >>

Love the Mud

2010-01-01T14:39:00.005Z

The time between Christmas and New Year. Its kind of dead, and not being the Oxford St queuing type it seemed like a good time to go for a ride, despite a bad bout of food poisoning initiated by mayonnaise from my parents' fridge dated Aug 08...

The day dawned as it had closed the previous evening, with torrential rain at about 1.8 degrees C and the type of gray overcast that makes you wonder if it really IS daylight at all. All packed and onto the M1, with the sights set firmly on Peaslake. The M1 was like running a long, wet gauntlet. Driving past lorries produced that great, slightly nervous feeling when even the fastest setting on the windscreen wipers doesn't come close and for all you know, you stand as reasonable chance of driving into a black hole, as making past the cab in one piece. Trail conditions might be a tad sucky today...

Luckily Surrey is always hospitable and after a coffee from the stores, I was ready to roll. Finter arrived and we set off into certain drivetrain wearing muddy conditions. It really was quite horrific and after a quick blast along yogurt pots and the off camber route off telegraph road, we re sessioned and did some photos on a sneaky bit of loose trail. All good fun. Then back down on the Peaslake side where we ran a few trails and did some exploring. I should point out that the picture of the puddle above is really quite a tiddler. On several occasions we were up to our BB's in water. It was quite epic!

Wet trail and roots. Daryl gets on with destroying his drivetrain...

Joyrider, as you've never ridden it before!

It really was that proper cold that eats you when you are wet, so after a bit of dicking around and cameras not working - hence the shots here - it was time to run BKB and see how the new surface was taking this amount of water. It was doing well and definitely the fastest bit of trail we'd run all day. IT NEEDS SOME JUMPS/DROPS though as it is thoroughly boring without. So after a quick chat to a riding mate of Daryl's we headed back up and ran Joyrider. This would have been excellent for me ecept I was now into the backing plate of my rear pads and then the travel on the piston ran out, leaving just the front brake working. In anything other than these conditions, I'd have been fine, but it was sheet mud and front brake happy was not the way to go. Boo.

After that we decided to call it a day as we were both freezing and ended off with a nice chat and santa cruz analysis in the shop. Lovely.

I'm off to CRC to order new bits fro everything that moves on my bike...

All chilled

2009-12-23T01:14:00.003Z

Winter is really here and there is snow around to prove it. I was supposed to ride with Jon today, but he got a last minute assisting job in town, so I struck out into the fresh snow with the new HD cam and did a mellow vid. I hope you like.

More Mountain Biking >>

Quite tricky to gauge the grip level, so its a bit lame, but what the heck, its Christmas...

Ha! just been on the dirt website and its in their Monday mashup. Sweet, thanks dirt!

http://dirtmountainbike.com/news/monday-mpora-video-mash.html

2009-12-14T08:11:00.002Z

Good dinner on Sat evening. Great to see everyone and congrats to Gav and Jen on the engagement!!! Daryl had brought his pub bike - a 24 inch jump bike - and I've just about (minus some tweaking) finished my On One 456 frame build. So we hit Woburn and embarrassed ourselves, hungover and not used to riding hardtails. By the end of our little sesh I didn't need to vom any more and we'd got into it. New HD vid camera trial:

Hardtails from Dave Branfield on Vimeo.

Need to work on the filming!

Notes from Newton...

2009-12-10T18:47:00.003Z

I went wakeboarding with friend Tom. We went in late October- the weather was amazing to be honest. The lake is really near Green Park at Junction 11 on the M4 and is well worth the fee if anyone every fancies coming along for a sesh when the season starts again. You only get about half an hour but in all fairness- you really don't need much more than that. The feeling I had after going Wakeboarding was akin to being bulldozed by a large fishing trawler. My upper body was completely jellied and I took a lovely neck-snapper of a stack on my last run! This left me unable to turn my head for about a week. Bob informs me that you are supposed to be sporting a kidney impact vest! Common injury is bruised kidneys from slapping the water! Anyway hope you can Photoshop them to make me look like the pro that I am....)

ciao

Jay

Lake district Long weekend

2009-12-06T17:45:00.009Z

Hi internet. Last weekend had been in the diary for ages and I was really looking forward to it, so with all the bad weather that the Lake District had received the week prior, I had hoped that things had calmed down a bit and we'd get some nice weather. Luckily, Michael Fish had listened to my prayers and ordered in some brilliant weather for us. Result!

James Linford headed to mine and we jumped in the car and sped north to Grasmere, where Rebecca and her boyfriend Goldy were headed for about midnight. After a restless night and a bit of brecky, we were up and away, doing a loop from our Grasmere YHA, towards Swirl Howe, High Rise and then off piste round Easdale tarn and back. The weather was beautiful and all the autumnal colours of the bracken turned the landscape a lovely brown and views into the Landale valley. On our short cut near to codale tarn presented us with an a few unexpected wildlife sighitngs. First we spotted a white bird scooting around on the tarn like a beaver (it then flew away, so I'm assuming it was a bird...) but lookedm like a seabird, and a short while after, when climbing away from the tarn, we got really close to 6 deer. A whole family of red deer and they were quite curious. Amazing!

Goldy risking all!

After a great first day, it was back to the YHA. Food, Beer, Bed and more of the group arriving. Over night it'd rained quite heavily and the temperature had dropped a bit. Basically, that meant 10cm of snow on the hills! Amazing bluebird day and we were set for going up Bowfell and round to Esk Hasue, round Angle tarn and back.

It was perfect weather and no wind, beautiful views and good company. After we had gained nearly all our height, we stopped for lunch and admired the amazing views.

View back towards little Langdale

How is that for a lunch view!

On the way down we were close to an RAF helicopter rescue which was amazing to watch and I hope the person being lifted wasn't too badly hurt. They dropped the winchman, then flew off to limit the downdraft, then winched the hurt party up ten minutes later. Amazing job.

There was also time for some art...

It had been a long day and we came down in the gloom and by the time we had hit the valley, the headtorches were out and looking back up the hill, there were a few more twinkles coming down higher up.

Ben looking like a rad 70's climber...

Sorry there are soooo many snow pics, but they're pretty...

More pub, good food and fun and we retired very pooped. The next day was a complete contrast and as a result I didn't even bother to take the camera. It was basically up to 80mph gusts and driving wet snow and hale. Wind chill was up to -17C! Without Bex, who had a saw ankle, and Goldy, we went up and did a reasonably low level route from Grasmere. Up to Stone Arthur, towards Great Rigg and then contoured under the ridge line, out of the high wind back towards Heron Pike and then back via Alcock Tarn. Really cold and wet day out and most of our jackets gave in, including James' brand new Rab affair...

Shelter was deployed for lunch.

Saying goodbye to Chris and Ross, there were four of us left for a final day that was cold and crisp and still a bit windy. We aimed for Jack's Rake on Pavey Ark, but in the end, decided to give it a miss as it was a bit icy and we were all knackered by this point. Gloroius day with a bit of a scramble and just nice to be up in the hills.

We saw a shepherd up here with his dogs, literally running up cliffs to bring the hill sheep down. Pretty amazing life.

Thanks for a great trip, James, it was great to catch up with poeple and relax. Can't wait for the next one.

Up in Avoriaz

2009-12-02T20:50:00.001Z

Post from the company blog, some action shots to follow when Jamie downloads them. None of us skiing or boarding coz it was just too much fun. Lifts opening for this weekend so noe more hiking, might go up the Grand Terche near us for some more fresh stuff, whoop.

Drove up to Avoriaz today to hike to the top before the lifts open next weekend! Harder to get to the top but then fresh tracks on the way down as there weren't many people around.

Some of the lower piste was bashed making it a bit easier but the top was all fresh snow, fortunately we had borrowed some snow shoes from All Mountain Rental to make the going a bit easier while the skiers skinned up.

On the way down from Avoriaz

Looking back to Les Haute Fortes

From Avoriaz centre

Catered and Self Catered Mountain Holidays
Ski and Backcountry Hire in Morzine

Mountain Spaces
Catered and Self Catered Mountain Holidays

Woohoo, mana from heaven

2009-12-01T08:23:00.001Z

Just a quick one as it;s getting busy, the snow is here!! Think we're hiking tom so I'll try and get some powdery boarding pics!

After waiting for a series of high pressure systems to move from Northern Europe in early November the temperatures have well and truly dropped and it's snowing heavily down to about 700m with a really good base layer being built up on the slopes.

We've already hiked a couple of routes in Avoriaz and will go again later in the week once the weather has calmed down.

BKB

2009-11-22T17:06:00.003Z

Just a quick one...

Had the fisrt 'winter' ride of the season yesterday. For that, read rain and washing-machine clogging levels of mud! Met up with Rob and Stu down at Peaslake and hit up the usual suspects, consuming tea and cake en-route.

What was of note, was that Barry Knows Best is no re-opened after the surface has been compacted on the lower section, which was re-built/altered to avoid the errosion of the final rooted descent becoming too bad. The result is rather good, with some nice berms and a bit of a 'trail center' feel.

This is what it MAY have looked like if I'd had a working camera and if we hadn't run it in the dark...

Well. erm. Nice one boys.

2009-11-15T22:05:00.002Z

Second round of 'my necko' the woods'IBFC style saw Finter come up and ride Woburn. Late and hungover, he was. Wet, it was.

We started out doing an xc loop type thing, riding the stuff that I've been on all summer. However, this was the wettest I'd ridden it for ages and it was SLOW and slippery as expected. BRING BACK SUMMER and DUST!!!!

Then we headed over to the jump spot and had a small and timid sesh... Dusk pics:

Contender for best IBFC shot of the year, me thinks, slow sync. Daryl hoit the bigger line too. Video to follow.

And wash...