Packing

Packed up the bike today in preparation. Not that exciting but I thought I'd do a quick post about packing your bike, spares and tools.

If you're flying, I wouldn't recommend packing your bike like I did... Ideally you need a bike box (mine is a frame box, hence wheels and forks separate) or a bike bag, and you need to be aware that the baggage handlers seem to have it in for your bike. So pad it as best as you can. I always used to put my body armour in with it, as well as foam pipe lagging around important bits. But you've also got to be weight conscious! Definitely take your mech and mech hanger off, and definitely take your disc rotors off. Get an old hub, block of wood or your jewellery box and put it between your rear drop outs too.

Of course, if you're awesome, you'll be driving like me. Only I will be handling my bike, so I don't need to worry about it as much. This also means I can pack as many spares as I think I'll need. Now I've always found a mix of advice as to what spares to bring. "I went through 3 sets of tyres in a week" or "you'll need at least a set of brake pads per day!". In my season, I changed my rear tyre once, and used about 4 or 5 sets of brake pads. So with CRC doing free delivery to Europe, I've gone with what I have, and can order stuff if I think I'll need it.

Obviously if you're only here for a week or two that isn't really an option. So my advice is, if you can fit it, bring it. As for tools, the same applies. Don't forget however, if you're with us at Riders Retreat, both chalets have a toolkit. If you've got something specific for a part on your bike, remember to bring it though!

I'm back!

Or at least I will be in a week. Getting pretty excited to be out in the mountains again. Preparation has been expensive, breakdown cover in particular, but I didn't want to risk it, and it costs what it costs. I also need a more up to date banner at the top of the blog, that's something else to add to my long to do list.

First things first, no longer on a patriot, moved on to a rocky mountain slayer SS. Not sure if slopestyle is quite what it's best at, but then I'm not sure downhill (which is essentially what I'll be doing on it) is quite spot on either. Maybe it's one of those mythical 'freeride' bikes. Or something. All I know is, where I ride in the UK, it's damn fun. However, I've made it a little more Alps friendly. A new headset from Works Components went on today giving me a slacker headangle. According to a posh phone, it's now at 63.8 degrees. This coupled with the longer wheelbase should make it a bit more stable at speed, and a bit less scary on the steep stuff. I also raised the bar height a little, cos that's what the pros did at Champery, and I want to be like them. Anyways here she is:

Blogspot has changed a little since 2010, but I reckon I can get to grips with it. Hopefully this year I'll get a few more videos, plenty more pictures, as well as my usual ramblings. See you in a week Morzine!