Team MuleBar headed off from La Colmiane this morning with around 500 riders for the epic endurance race the Transvesubienne. Known for it’s tough climbs and tricky technical descents this is not a race that’s undertaken lightly.
Biffa, Jimmy and Damo ready for the off…..
Archive for May, 2009
After a few years in the wilderness we’re pleased to say that Ridemorzine.org lives on - the site has been updated and will soon be sharing news and views on the riding scene in Morzine. It’s being edited by us and endlessride. Should be worth watching.
Big ones, round ones, knobbly ones, fat ones, thick ones. It’s a question we get asked here at flowmtb a lot. The answer really depends on the sort of riding you’re doing. There is no simple answer!
However if you, like the majority of people that ask this question, are a regular trail rider, on your 4/5/6 inch travel bike and want to ride the lifts all day with a bit of pedally stuff then the answer is probably quite straight forward: Bigger tyres than you normally use.
I personally use Dual Ply 2.5 inch Maxxis Minions or High Rollers. I stick a super tacky compound on the front and a harder compound on the rear. This gives me better rolling on the rear and better traction on the front.
The added weight is worth every gram in the time it saves on punctures (for me anyway). The added width and volume give a bit more cusioning and grip on the descents. Yes they slow me down on the climbs, but I only climb stuff in order to descend. I don’t want to save a few seconds on the climb in favour of having the optimum tyre for the descents - for me it just isn’t worth it.
If it’s a bit muddy you might want some Swamp-things or even some real spiky numbers like the Wet Screams.
Having a great time down at Nice for the Transvesubienne. Hot, sunny and loads of friendly mountainbikers. Busy with MuleBars. Just wish I was able to ride tomorrow. If you’re there you’ll find me at the end with Mule ReFuels.
Nice sunny evening here. Nomad is working well - albeit perhaps a tad small for me for climbing up roads… just have to sit and spin! And I hope they're planning on fixing this "singletrack" that they messed up in the Autumn in the name of skiing (last pic).
As we charge in Euros, the real GBP price of a flowmtb holiday has dropped by 15% since Christmas.
That means that a catered week in Chalet La Musardiere is now 70 quid cheaper than it was a few months back.
And the great news is that if you booked your holiday back then and are paying your holiday balance now as you still get to benefit from this exchange rate related discount.
And hopefully the Mutzigs will be even cheaper later on in the summer.
I'll drink to that!
Just built up my new Nomad. All old (slightly dirty!) parts from my Heckler…
Medium Nomad
Fox DHX 5
Fox 36 Van R
Formula The One Brakes
Sram X9 gears
Old Old XT chainset + E13 DRS
Hope Pro2 / DT 5.1 Wheels
Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 tyres (I know the front is on the wrong way round - but it's so bald it doesn't really make a difference!)
Thompson bits
Funn Bars
New Syncross pedals - look pretty good as well.
Taking it for a trashing tomorrow above Montreux - feels like it could be a lot of fun if the car park test is anything to go by!
Well done to Fionn Griffiths for her performance in Andorra this weekend. Coming 9th in Andorra, she’s 5th overalll in the World Cup standings after round three.
With a training trip to Morzine planned in just over a month’s time Fionn’s set to keep on top form.
Brits in general did pretty well this weekend, with Steve Peat winning once again and Tracy Moseley in third place.
After getting back from Finale yesterday, we're all fired up about the coming season. So I've set about ordering plenty of bike related bits that we'll need to keep us going over the summer.
Firstly the MMA order is getting rather large - plenty of Maxxis Tyres for our bikes and for sale in the chalet. Then there's some SixSixOne helmets and some box fresh body armor to replenish the stocks (we get to chuck out the worst of the previous years stinky stuff!). Plus a few bits from Royal Racing. Just waiting on Phil's choice of rubber (ooh err!) for this year and that order will be away. I'm gonna try out a Larrson TT on the rear this year.. see how that goes - should be a bit faster rolling.
Then onto the French distributer Tribe for some more tools, some cleaning products and pedros brush sets, and (lots of) brake pads for the hire bikes.
Then there's some Truvativ chain guides for this year's Bullits and some other odds and sods.
And I've finally 100% ordered my full sus frame for this summer: A lime green Nomad with a DHX Coil shock. I've antagonised about this for a good couple of months. I was all set on an LT2 but have decided to go for something a bit bigger. It'll be sporting my faithful 36 Van Rs on the front to match the rear shock.
I've also gone with a size Medium - a slightly smaller bike than I'm used to (a large Heckler) - but it should make it a bit more fun on the downs and not feel so tall… here's hoping!
The Trail des Hauts Forts (off road running race) will take place on the 15th August 2009 and offers two courses taking in the trails and paths of Morzine and Avoriaz. If you’re into trail running as well as mountain biking, come to Morzine this week and get in a bit of both!
You can register online now for both the 21km and 42km runs. The 21km race costs 15€ and the 42km version 20€. These registration fees cover the course fees, refreshments at the stops throughout the courses, a full meal, a free gift for all runners and an Acti’Card which gives you free access to the swimming pool, tennis and mini golf.
Both races will set off from the Avoriaz Tourist Office and the finish line is at Morzine for both. The 42km race starts at 08:30 and you’ll be tackling a total of 2700m of uphill vertical height difference and the course passes through the golf course, the col de la Croix des combes, Avoriaz, col du Fornet (the highest point at 2215m), vallee de la Manche, Cuidet’s chalets, Nyon’s footbridge, Nants’ track and Morzinette.
Sign in details are on Active Europe:
