|
Post by Richard on May 27, 2016 8:30:23 GMT
Five weeks or 35 days to go until we hit this and after a few bits of rider juggling we have the final liner ride up: Richard Glenith robinbl in one car and dave deepmud epic in the second car. looking forward to it intensely. Don't forget to get your insurance sorted out before the trip and buy some spare brake pads. full recommended kit list to follow
|
|
|
Post by Richard on May 27, 2016 9:19:35 GMT
Righto chaps, after a few questions on the kit required for a week down hilling in t’alps here’s my recommended list based on ooh eight or nine trips since I lost my alps virginity waaay back in 2005. BikeObvs - Glenith and robinbl, can you please deliver your bikes to me a couple of days in advance so that I can load up the towbar rack in plenty of time. Bike jenga can take a while to get everything in place. EquipmentFull face lid & goggles – let’s not mess around with is a full facer required? YES.IT.IS. 661 do reasonably priced lids Camelbak backpack – it gets hot in mid-France in July, plenty of water is essential Track Pump for leaving in the chalet & mini pump for carrying during the day Spare brake pads – yes you can buy them in Morzine but they are super-expensive versus uber/superstar etc Spare Rear mech hanger Spare DH tubes Puncture repair kit Simple tool kit including spoke keys for Fishybob666 (oops, no longer required) Lube/grease Allen keys Here’s a few extras you might want to think about: DH tyre lever if your tyres are difficult to get on/off Talc also for getting tyres on/off Spare Rear mech – even a 9-speed can be bodged in place in case of a breakage Spare tyres Spare spokes for Fishybob666 (oops, no longer required) Cycling ClothesIn general take multiple pieces of kit. They will get dirty, dusty, muddy, sweaty etc. General cycling clothes, tops & shorts & tees shorts – multiple pairs Body armour either a pressure suit or at the minimum knee and elbow pads Gloves – multiple pairs – your hands will get sore and a change of gloves does wonders at relieving the pressure points Lightweight waterproof jacket (it does rain in the Alps) EDIT: cycling shoes of choice e.g. 5/10's or SPD's etc. Non-cycling clothesJeans n casual gear etc Tees Shorts Casual shoes/trainers Towel Flip flops CameraGoPro spare memory cards GoPro mounts etc USB lead to charge/recharge GoPro stills camera Rechargeable battery charger Wash kitShower gel/shampoo/gel Toothbrush/toothpaste Buff Condoms ;-0 Plasters Ibuprofen/Paracetomol TravelEHIC/E111 Euro breakdown cover details Euros Wallet/credit card Chunnel booking Log book Insurance MOT Driving licence TomTom sat nav Mobile phone and charger That’s about it. Anyone want to add anything else?
|
|
|
Post by mrzr2005 on May 27, 2016 11:46:56 GMT
Ear plugs Spare pillow (no longer required)
|
|
|
Post by Richard on May 30, 2016 21:29:41 GMT
dave, can you post details of where you are looking for the autoroute tag?
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 3, 2016 8:40:16 GMT
Four short weeks or 28 days to go. Here's the Chatel road gap (which I tend to avoid ) Have you all sorted your insurance yet? go to Dogtag if you want a cool err...dog tag to wear around your neck and pretend you are a grunt in the US army or Snowcard for a piece of plastic to put in your backpack
|
|
epic
New Rider
Posts: 9
|
Post by epic on Jun 3, 2016 11:28:00 GMT
For the Insurance: Would runs be described as marked, I'm guessing some aren't?
Looks like there might be a discount for a multi-policy too if people have yet purchased and wanted to bother with the pfaff (we might need to split ourselves up depending on how we fall into the age catefories).
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 3, 2016 12:17:57 GMT
For the Insurance: Would runs be described as marked, I'm guessing some aren't? Looks like there might be a discount for a multi-policy too if people have yet purchased and wanted to bother with the pfaff (we might need to split ourselves up depending on how we fall into the age catefories). Hi epic, your guess would be correct. Most of them are marked but there are a number that aren't. We don't need to go sniffing out off-piste stuff as there is plenty to keep us busy but the un-marked bits could for example be the transfer from one resort to the next. What I mean by that is that we start the day in Morzine but want to get to Les Gets, or Chatel or wherever. We take the ski lift up but need to go 'cross'country' to reach the next resort. Now we might be using some regularly used trails but are they classified as marked or just grown up through use. Either way, if using dogtag i just search by sport www.dogtag.com/sports/i.e. mountain biking and then 'Mountain Biking - Downhill (non-competitive)' and if you hover over the 'i' it indicates 'Using Downhill trails or mechanical uplift' which seems the most appropriate. This indicates Extreme level cover required. There is a separate category for Megavalanche or similar which requires Extreme Plus cover but as we aren't in a competitive environment/mass start type of event then I don't think that is us. I'm open to a multi-policy. Where you seeing that?
|
|
epic
New Rider
Posts: 9
|
Post by epic on Jun 3, 2016 12:43:02 GMT
Both dogtag and snowcard have multi people policies. Although having done some sample quotes it seems neither actually give you a discount for it! So bit of a waste of time.
|
|
epic
New Rider
Posts: 9
|
Post by epic on Jun 3, 2016 12:45:20 GMT
The marked trails question was related to my current annual trip insurance. I can add dh mtb, but for marked trails. I figured unlikely everything to be marked Sods law would be to fall off on a transfer section.
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 3, 2016 14:54:14 GMT
The marked trails question was related to my current annual trip insurance. I can add dh mtb, but for marked trails. I figured unlikely everything to be marked Sods law would be to fall off on a transfer section. Haha, we could all agree between ourselves that if one of us falls off then the standing rules are, and in this order: - Turn off their Strava! (otherwise know as "doing a terry") - drag them to a marked trail - assess damage to bike - check where epic is cos he's the one with the First Aid Kit - think about checking out how the rider is
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 6, 2016 14:45:26 GMT
Hey all, just browsing another MTB forum and spotted a 'new to Morzine' post. Here's some interesting/amusing reports and videos for those of you that are wondering what to expect. 'Pleney' is just a name for the other side of the valley i.e. Morzine is in a valley and you can get two lifts out of Morzine. One is the super Morzine and the other goes the other side of the valley and is called 'Pleney' So first question is: can anyone recommend a ride of series of rides that are big on fast, steep, fairly technical tracks with manageable (i.e. rollable) drops and jumps or chicken runs? Even some nice sweeping banked blues might be nice? I'd start on the couple of blues on the Pleney side.
Up the gondola, turn right, head down towards the main black line Sharp right just before it and down the rough as hell track that passes under the Pleney gondola. Turn right, fast forest path with some horrible drainage ditches At the end go over a small metal ramp (carefully!) and you're on a really nice flowy blue. Nothing steep but loads of flowy turns, some nice rooty sections. When it spits you onto the fire road go right and follow the signs This is the run: www.strava.com/segments/1754984The other blue is really nice and a bit steeper in places. Again up the gondola, head down towards the main trails but stay left and follow the fire road towards Les Gets. Round a couple of corners and the trail starts on the right www.strava.com/segments/7500711Do not be fooled by the "red" grading of the red track on the pleney side. It's arse clenchingly steep in places. Passed many people on the verge of tears clinging on to the side of the track last year! Even my first run down was a WTF moment. Nothing too techy but some very steep sections on very loose surface [Note: this is the one that el Tel, me and Laurent found last year and the report is pretty accurate} www.strava.com/segments/9933995The main black line is by far the best though. It's rough and fast but never that steep, apart from possible the massive chute at the clearing but that has a path to avoid it. Toss up between that, the Super Morzine black and Komaltrail as my favourite in the PDS. Or maybe the Swiss National...or the French National! www.strava.com/segments/5251674?filter=overallHere's a backwards facing run down the Pleney black which gives a better view of the terrain and whoever this guy was (Bob was his name) week's highlights.
|
|
terry
FreeRider
Posts: 1,212
Faster on: his latest bike
|
Post by terry on Jun 7, 2016 12:07:34 GMT
looking at this and thinking sh.. I be missing all this this year. After the surgeon showed me the pre-operation x ray yesterday (collar bone in 5 pieces) I don't think my provisional August trip with Brother in Law will be happening. Have a great holiday. Looks like I have to wait for next year.
|
|
|
Post by deepmud on Jun 8, 2016 8:45:02 GMT
Vids looks great!
Goggles, is there some benefit to them or is it mostly for fashion purposes? Over a normal pair of safety glasses for example. Any recommendations? They mostly look like thick dirt bike sweat factories.
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 8, 2016 11:43:38 GMT
Vids looks great! Goggles, is there some benefit to them or is it mostly for fashion purposes? Over a normal pair of safety glasses for example. Any recommendations? They mostly look like thick dirt bike sweat factories. Partly fashion, partly slightly better at keeping dust and dirt out of your eyes (which was very important last year as it was hot, hot, hot and dusty) but if you want to wear a pair of glasses instead then you will be fine. No doubt others will have other opinions
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 8, 2016 11:48:09 GMT
|
|
|
Post by pjk on Jun 9, 2016 8:15:42 GMT
I'll definitely now be in Morzine 2-9 July with my GF.
It is not a mountain bike holiday. More walking alpine meadows, Lake swimming and a bit of climbing. Although I will have my bike with me.
I should get one full day riding and maybe a couple of early morning or late afternoon uplifts during the week so might try and link up with you guys.
Pete
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 9, 2016 9:45:56 GMT
I'll definitely now be in Morzine 2-9 July with my GF. It is not a mountain bike holiday. More walking alpine meadows, Lake swimming and a bit of climbing. Although I will have my bike with me. I should get one full day riding and maybe a couple of early morning or late afternoon uplifts during the week so might try and link up with you guys. Pete sweet, I will PM you my number, give me a call the night before you want to ride and we can hook up. It is not a mountain bike holiday Is that according to you or her?
|
|
|
Post by Fishybob666 on Jun 14, 2016 13:41:38 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 16, 2016 7:45:41 GMT
thanks Fishybob666 but I hate that sport pursuit site. I don't think i would buy something from there out of principal! I have just this minute renewed my Dogtag insurance (£46-52) and registered for the Sanef Liber-T toll tag so that we can retain our speed through the toll booth's rather than having to slow down and stop, find notes and small change and wait for the barrier to open etc so hopefully that should cut about half an hour off the total journey! 15 days to go...
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 16, 2016 18:26:51 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 17, 2016 12:11:29 GMT
Two weeks, 14 days or 336 hours until the Goat (Capra) says hello to the goats of Les Lindarets
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 18, 2016 8:51:19 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 18, 2016 9:04:51 GMT
|
|
|
Post by deepmud on Jun 18, 2016 21:33:55 GMT
|
|
|
Post by pjk on Jun 21, 2016 13:36:23 GMT
I'm sure it will depend on weather and lots of other variables, but is there a particular day that you guys are planning on doing the full 80K PDS loop? If so then I'll try and join you for that. Webcams www.morznet.com/webcams/
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 23, 2016 7:40:30 GMT
I'm sure it will depend on weather and lots of other variables, but is there a particular day that you guys are planning on doing the full 80K PDS loop? If so then I'll try and join you for that. Webcams www.morznet.com/webcams/no particular day planned yet, no. As the weather forecast looks a bit mixed we will deffo play it by ear. However, it's likely to be midweek as I see the week unfolding a bit like this: Saturday - arrive. We will have driven overnight with little to no sleep and having done it a few times it is exhausting and you are in no fit state to ride an unfamiliar mountain range. Plus we haven't bought the ski passes yet so we will probably catch up on sleep and do some food shopping for the week as the shops are closed on Sundays Sunday - first real day of riding, We buy ski passes at the bottom of the lifts and then mess about on the blue and red DH trails around Morzine just re-acquainting ourselves/getting used to the gradient and the speed that everything happens on a mountain Monday - explore a bit further over to Les Gets and Les Lindarets, consider Chatel (Switzerland) Tuesday - Head over to the Swiss National DH trail which is a great DH trail and we will be the only ones on the whole mountain as it's very quiet over there. It's next to the Champery DH course but that is frankly un-rideable for the likes of you and I Wednesday - see how we are all feeling. if we are loving the DH trails then carry on getting more of them. If we fancy a break then consider the PDS route Thursday - see how it goes. If we didn't attempt PDS yesterday then consider it today Friday - last day riding, everyone feels like they've gone 15 rounds with Muhammed Ali due to the pummelling your body gets on a week like this and we take it easy, revisiting our favourite trails, doing some off the bike GoPro filming etc.
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 23, 2016 7:43:20 GMT
which reminds about food. dave, are you happy self-catering considering your special diet? (I mean we are self-catering anyway but may go out in the evening a few times if we can't be bothered to cook). If we are self catering will you prepare your own meals? The local restaurants specialise in meat and cheese so not muchos vegetarian stuff available.
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Jun 24, 2016 10:43:09 GMT
A week to go and Glenith is well prepared in that he has dropped his bike and kit and toolbox off at my house ready for packing. Unfortunately he didn't buy his Euros yesterday like I did #Brexit robinbl, if you could let me have your bike some time this week that would be good. and in other good news i have been speaking to both my mate and a separate colleague both of whom live and work in Geneva and they are currently in the middle of a heatwave. Okay, it's about a 90 minute drive from Morzine but good to hear that the previously miserable weather appears to have turned a corner. Roll on firm, dry, downwards pointing trails
|
|
|
Post by deepmud on Jun 24, 2016 11:16:26 GMT
Unfortunately he didn't buy his Euros yesterday like I did #Brexit Oops...same, might leave it a few days to see how much further the pound falls!
|
|
|
Post by robinbl on Jun 24, 2016 21:50:36 GMT
Hi Richard, what would be the best day / time next week and can you send me your address
Thank you, Robin
|
|