Cwmcarn Ride + New Vid!

Wow... talk about wet.

Went for a solo ride today, was belting it down from the second I got there. I was soaked before I'd even set off!

Slippy conditions but still a load of fun. Managed a few technical climb sections I've never completed fully before which was a real boost! I have changed the rear tyre to a Kenda Dred Tred which seems to perfect for these conditions!

It was so wet I had to take it easy through some of the faster sections because I couldn't see due to spray! Constantly rubbing water and grit out of my eyes! I think some glasses may be in order, Lidl are having a bike wear sale soon so I'll pick some up!

Tried the contour too, impressed with the results... not the waterproofing though. A bit of water got behind the lense cover and steamed it up, fortunately its really easy to clean!

1st vid below, I'll get the one of the final decent uploaded asap (its almost 1gb!).

A Wet Day at Whinlatter!

An early start on Saturday greeted my and my Bro with very wet weather and a horrible outlook.
It rained all the way to the trail centre, but it didn't dampen our spirits!

Once we got there we did a quick setup and bolt check before we set off.
The 1st climbs on the North route were slippy but relatively gentle climbs, kept in the granny ring and slowly powered to the top.

Once at the top, it was a fairly quick descent with one stop to lower the saddle. The roots and amount of water made the trail very loose and greasy... you had to be ready for anything, parts of it were like riding down a stream!

The final decent was great fun, both Andy and me getting a bit of air over the jumps. I just wish I'd had my Contour HD camera mounts so I could record it all!

We had a quick break at the car to refuel and rest.... the car boot made a good shelter from the rain!

We were cold an wet when starting out on the South loop, but fortunately there was a break in the weather and we actually saw some blue skies!
Again the climb was a slow grind, but once at the top the views were excellent!

Then the final descent was again wet and slippy but loads of fun. We'd dried off by the time we'd got to the top of the trail, but on the way down there were so many deep puddles and muddy holes that we were soaked again by the time we got to the bottom!

Cheers Andy for driving, was a great day!

Boardman Update....

As its my Birthday, I figured i'd chill out with a bit of bike fettling!

I seem to have had no problems with the BB since the new bearings were installed which is good.

Everything else is still standard and untouched as planned :D

This morning I gave it a good clean and service, the brake pads were looking worse for wear so they've been changed to some sintered Superstar pads.

Also going to have to start saving for a rear tyre, its starting to look a bit like a slick tyre now... I think i've done around 250-300km all off road since buying the bike so i'm reasonably happy.

I'm really enjoying the ride of the Boardman at the moment too. Its very nice to swoop through tight switchbacks, but it really holds its own on steep descents and over TTF's such as drops and root sections.

The only thing I find is that the geometry isn't suited to getting much air, it much prefers to stay close to the ground and glide instead.

Big smiles though, the difference between the Canyon and the Boardman gives a nice mix :D

Got a ride planned on Saturday with my little bro at Whinlatter.. Just hoping that the vented helmet mount for my Coutour HD camera turns up tomorrow!

A few pics from today.. as you can see, the paint is keeping very well indeed! and its not helitaped apart from the headtube!!

New Layout + Update!

I've added a few more pages to the blog (after only figuring out I could tonight!). Also had a rethink on the design,think it looks alright!


But the bigger news - you'll notice I've added a "My Videos".. thats because I now have one of these...

http://www.contour-hd.co.uk/contour_hd

It is full HD at 1080p at 30fps or Full HD 720p at 60fps. I reckon the 720 at 60fps will be the best for the Mountain Bike, but I'll have to have a play about with the settings!

I've got the flat surface mount for the full face helmet, a goggle strap mount and a vented helmet mount for the normal helmet so there is no excuse for me to not get some good shots!

I'm riding at Whinlatter on Saturday, so it will get a good test there... ride report to follow!

Its been over a year....

Thats right, I'd almost forgotten about this!

Since the last post, I've moved to Cardiff the P7 has been sold, I've owned a Commencal Meta 55 and now have an XC bike and a "big rig".

Been out loads since moving to Cardiff, Cwmcarn is practically on my doorstep and its just so easy to get out!

I track all of my rides using Endomondo, so I'll try and get some route maps up as and when I get out!

So, the current fleet as it stands....

2011 Boardman Pro Hardtail.

2011 Canyon Torque 6.0 Rockzone.