With the arrival of 2007, and my mates brand new Specialized Stumpjumper it was time to get out back on the mountain bikes. We only had a gap of 2 or so hours so decided to head for Yarrow Valley Country Park. I had previously been for a walk around the lake and noticed a variety of downhills I wanted to try.


We headed for the first which is a huge jump depending on how fast you want to approach. If you chicken outa the jump you can coast down the almost vertical hill and pick up enormous speed to blast you down the hill.



We pressed on to look for more jumps, hills etc. We noticed a huge tree which had been blown down in the recent storms. We decided to climb it for a laugh. Unfortunately I got stuck and couldn't get back down. I blamed the shoes, they didn't have enough grip and I had no confidence in them. I eventually manage to get down by sliding along. Oh yeah, the barb wire fence directly below me didn't look to appetizing.


We pressed on following a path wondering were it would lead to. We came to a small stream which had worn away the path, my mate Finan flew down and wanted to clear it without stopping. He did manage to clear it, OVER HIS HANDLEBARS! which was horrendously funny.


By now we were in a forest called Burgh Wood. There was loads of trees which had been blown down. We had a bike around and decided to head off.


We headed for an old slate mine situated near Coppull Chorely. The slate mine has a variety of downhills and amazing views of Rivington and Winter Hill. The slate mine is also popular with Motorcross riders. This tends to leave big divets on the downhills which adds an extra technical element.

Below is a series of images taken around the slate mines and some of the amazing views.

Due to some technical problems with my house ie. gas leak and fractured water pipe, I havn't had much opportunity to get out on my bike. I did however manage to go to Formby Point at the weekend to walk around the squirrel reserve (maybe I'll push the blog in new directions to include none mountain bike related content).

Formby Point boasts a beautiful beach and miles of walks across the sand dunes and through the woods. The woods are owned by the Natural Trust, and contain one of Britain's last thriving colonies of Red Squirrels.

On arrival we parked up and were immediatly astonished by the houses that lined the road. All of which had private gates and huge walls with cctv cameras. If footballers and millionaires don't live down there then I must be nuts!.. haha.

Anyway, we started the squirrel walk and followed the path round to a fence with broken up trees behind it. We only had to wait 30 seconds and the first red squirrel came out to say hello. This was then followed by 5-6 more red squirrels, I manage to capture them on camera.




All in all a grand day out. Even though it was freeeeezing. I'll definitely be back in the summer with hordes of other people.

ps. If you go take some nuts to feed the squirrels. I forgot and they didn't look to impressed.

Ever thought about what it would be like mountain biking on snow or sand?

Now you can find out with this impressive system from Ktrak, due for worldwide release in January 2007.

The Ktrak Rear-Drive Kit is an amazing universal attachment that replaces the rear wheel on a mountain bike with a track drive system. It is designed to create traction on previously unridable surfaces such as snow and sand. The sleek design effortlessly blends with virtually all bikes.
To further improve the Ktrak experience in snow or sand, they will also release an optional Front Ski Kit.

A big thanks to Ktrak for allowing me to feature their product. For more information on Ktrak please click here to visit their website.

Labels: mountain bike on snow, moutain bike on sand

Well, it's 2007 and I'm really looking forward to a new year of mountain biking challenges. I think the first port of call will be to reutrn to Healey Nab, situated in Heapey, Chorley.

On my last visit I found many a promising downhill to push the limits of speed and daring. My biggest discovery was a path that leads down through the forest and ends up on Eaves Lane in Chorley. The main reason, a series of jumps and sharp technical turns. This route also has mini routes within it, seperate paths which can be taken so no run is exactly the same.

I also want to master a mountain bike trick, "The Manual." This is where you freewheel on your rear wheel whilst leaning backwards to maintain balance. I have only been able to do it for short periods so more practice and I'll be there.