Except, that is, when something goes wrong, they look puzzled and ask me to help them out. Which I always do, and I always try to show them what I’m doing so they can attempt it next time.

Personally, I would like to see- for every mountain bike sold on the high street- basic maintenance lessons and tips. Certainly at least how to fix punctures and clean and inspect the bike properly…

However, I don’t think it’s too much to ask people to learn how to do the following, which will get them out of most sticky situations and will keep their bike running smoother, for longer…

Clean a bike properly

Even if using a hose pipe, you need to avoid washing bearings directly, and getting solvents and cleaning products on your dic brake pads. Cleaning a bike is the time to inspect the frame for damage- this should become habit.

Puncture repair

Most the people I know simply install a fresh inner tube when they get a puncture- but that’s wasteful, expensive and lazy.

Get a puncture repair outfit and repair the inner tube- it’s a skill to pass on to friends and younger riders that will help them out sooner or later.

Basic gear indexing and adjustment

Now you don’t need to know about installing a drive train, but due to cable stretch and the high chance of clipping your rear mech and bending it minutely- your gears will go out of index from time to time.

Adjusting the cable slack with a barrel adjuster and being able to use the high and low adjusting screws can get things back in track and keep you away from the bike shop.

Chain break

Having a chain snap can ruin a ride. It’s really not hard to re-join a chain with a chain tool, which are cheap and easy to use.

Make sure you get one with twin jaws- one set for splitting and re-joining, and the other for eliminating stiff links.

Bleed brakes

Unlike the first hydraulic disc brakes out there, most modern brakes are very simple to bleed and come with full instructions.

You may need to obtain a syringe, some brake fluid and clear hoses to complete the process.

To get an idea of how to bleed a brake check out this tutorial on Hope brakes, which use a similar system to most brands.

Essential Mountain Bike Mechanical Skills is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

Probably Fort William World Cup, It wasn’t the best result for me but I really love racing in front of the home crowd.

Where are you going to be training for the season? 

I will be heading to California for some pre season fitness training then we will load up the Vito sport and drive down to Italy for some downhill testing sessions.

 How many miles did you cover in your Vito Sport in 2011? 

I think it was around the 21, 000 mark. Loved every mile in it.

Where are you most looking forward to taking the vehicle this year? 

I’m looking forward to driving down to Alpi bike resort in the Italian alps, its such awesome terrain down there, all the huge mountains with the crazy mountain pass roads to get to the dh tracks….

If you had the Vito Sport Project X for the day (or night) what would you do with it? 

Load it up with some friends and jump into a last minute road trip.

 What are you most looking forward to in 2012? 

The race season kicking off….  I can’t wait to start the world cup season again

What is the most amount of equipment you fit into your Vito Sport in 2011? 

3 motocross bikes, 3 20L fuel cans, 1 tool box, 1 crate of Red Bull, 3 sets of mx kit, 2 packed lunches.

Gee Atherton 2011/2012 is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

After my injury in 2010, my first race back was Fort William, It felt amazing to have the support of the home crowd.

Where are you going to be training for the season?

This winter we are training in  Southern California.

 How many miles did you cover in your Vito Sport in 2011?

Race Organisers like to spread their locations as far apart as possible, so the constant trips around Europe definitely add up.

 Where are you most looking forward to taking the vehicle this year?

We are doing a trip to France to race the epic Mega Avalanche and GT Sponsored Mountain Of Hell, two weeks of flat out riding with the Vito Sport making it all come together.

If you had the Vito Sport Project X for the day (or night) what would you do with it?

Park it in my new backyard, THE FIELD and blast out some music for an evening riding session.

 What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

This coming season I am concentrating more on the Enduro style of Downhill racing, It will definitely be a new challenge but I feel like my body is more geared to these longer races…. This summer will also be the first time THE FIELD has been riding and with the huge amount of work that people have put into it this winter it will be all time.

 What is the most amount of equipment you fit into your Vito Sport in 2011?

Between the race truck and The Vito Sport, we have to fit a complete World Cup set up; pits, bikes, spares the full works, However, that said it all has to come out the other end looking sharp and new.

Read Rachel Atherton’s 2011/2012 summary here

Dan Atherton 2011 & 2012 is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

What was the highlight of 2011 for you career wise?

Winning the World Cup in Windham, America. I’d won the same event the previous year and to do it again was awesome. I love the place and the people so much, it’s such a fun, well-organized event.

Where are you going to be training for the season?

I’ll be training at home in North Wales for the start of the off season, then I’ll travel to California, USA, for a month, then to Italy for another month. I’m excited!

How many miles did you cover in your Vito Sport in 2011?

I think I doubled my miles driving around looking for a perfect Christmas tree!

Where are you most looking forward to taking the vehicle this year?

I’m super excited to go to Italy training, loading up the Vito with all our training stuff, from motocross bikes to medicine balls, and then driving down there. It’s so funny seeing the old Italian men’s faces when we are using the Vito to shuttle bikes to the top of the Downhill tracks, driving it through these tiny little streets where they have never seen anything like it!!

If you had the Vito Sport Project X for the day (or night) what would you do with it?

Oh easy!! I would drive it to our local ride spot, showroom park it, put a BBQ next to it, ride bikes all day then dance all night!! I love dancing.

What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Racing!! I love racing, the speed, the control, the edge.  I can’t wait to race again after the off season! I’m also looking forward to the bits between races where the whole team rides: friends, team manager, mechanics, brothers, it’s awesome and a real bonding experience!

What is the most amount of equipment you fit into your Vito Sport in 2011?

Wow! There’s been times that there is only room for the driver in the Vito, it’s so loaded with 9 bikes, spare tyres, spare parts and 20 crates of Red Bull!

Rachel Atherton 2011 & 2012 is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

Or at least that’s what I thought until I was out riding last weekend, with a friend who’s recently got a mountain bike. He bought himself a 29er hard tail.

So I thought it only fair to take out my hard tail- which is a 26in wheeled trail bike. Fitness wise, he was breathing out his backside, but seemed to be riding at the same pace as me.

So I put it down to him being stubborn.

When the going got a little bumpy I called out the best line to be on for him and tried to exaggerate my moves to show him the ropes. He didn’t have much trouble, and we ended up having a really good ride- I barely had to wait for him anywhere. Which led him in to the false sense of security that he was a better rider than he is.

I’m still trying to work out if this is a good thing or not. I started on a 26in hard tail, and own a few different bikes- including a 29er, which has made me think long and hard.

They don’t make riding easier; they just cover ground differently and inspire confidence through their stable ride- as opposed to the twitchier lively ride of a 26in. But they can be ridden in the same way as a 26in, you just have to ride them like one, rather than pander to the needs of the bike.

My friend didn’t know anything about the advantage or disadvantages, and kept a pretty good pace all day. He’s now sold on mountain biking and is already looking at entering a race later in the year- amazing in my book.

When I started riding, nothing was easy- you had to earn your stripes. The brakes were terrible, frames flexy and forks as rigid as an I-bean girder. They weren’t easy to ride off road, but all being in the same boat you had to develop skills to get around the traits of the bikes- and keep up with your mates.

I think it’s great that someone can get on a bike and enjoy an off road experience straight from the shop floor. It’s a safer bike for those yet to learn skills, and great fun when you work out the limits of what they can do.

Sure, a skilled rider will always be faster and more able in technical environments, but now it’s not half as painful taking out newbie riders for a blast. Surely this should be an incentive to lasso friends in to riding.

I know it’ll be the carrot I’ll be waving from now on…

Maybe bigger is better is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

Perhaps even to the level of not getting back on at all.

This happened to me a few years ago on one of the best trails I’ve ever ridden, and I’ve still got my demons on it.

The trail in question is the world famous A-line at Whistler Bikepark. It’s big, brash and completely man made but it’s the roller coaster of mountain bike trails that makes you feel like a Supercross pro.

On this- my first visit- I was only there for a few days, with some patient travelling friends who knew how much I wanted to ride the park. So I got a hire bike and got to work ticking off as many runs as I could, but then I discovered A-line, and it all changed.

I remember there being about 50 jumps, and after my first run I felt like that kid who’d just ridden for the first time without stabilizers. I was buzzing, and as a result spent nearly a day hammering that trail and perfecting all the jumps. Some I’d scrub low and others I’d pop high. Berms were hit white knuckled and bit by bit I started spotting the locals lines- extra lips cut in to the side of the jumps.

The first time I hit one of these I remember going so high. The highest I’ve ever been- there was so much time to throw the bike sideways or tuck it up in to a table top. It felt amazing.

Later that day I managed to fluke a sweep run on A-line- a last run to check that the park is clear before closing down.

I had the trail to myself, and instead of cruising down sensibly I pinned it, hitting all the best lines. As I came up to the big one I pushed in to the take off to get the biggest pop, before getting the shock of my life. I got kicked up the backside by the saddle- pushing my back wheel up in the air at a dangerous angle. Everything went slow mo for a split second. I was so high off the ground, I was positive I was done for- it would have been a couple of broken arms from a crash this big- but somehow managed to ride it out- wildly out of shape.

I stopped at the side of the trail with my heart pounding and then slowly crawled down, eating humble pie. I didn’t ride the trail again that trip.

Two years later I went back with a friend, and went straight to A-line to face my demons with my friend in tow. I did exactly the same again. But my friend just laughed and said we should go again- with him in front.

So we did, and this time the same thing happened to him.

We were there for two weeks and didn’t ride A-line again- we hit every other trail and combo there was, but left it alone.

I’m just in the process of booking my flights to go back this summer, alone this time. And the first thing I’m going to do is head down A-line to put my demons to sleep. Maybe they’ll win, maybe I will. But it’s got to be done.

Wish me luck!

Facing Your Demons is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

They came off far worse off through, as I had my speed to roll- they were knocked flat to the floor. And they learned.

But recently I was the pedestrian, this time out walking in the hills in an area where I ride.

A guy came past me so fast, and so close that it made me jump- I didn’t even hear his tyres until he was right on me. His bike was quiet too.

As he blasted off down the trail I looked over my shoulder to see if there were more, but the coast was clear. Luckily for me things like this don’t affect me, but had I been on old timer out enjoying the woods it would have scared me to death, and I’d be furious about it.

If I’d have stepped to the right milliseconds before the rider blatted past, he would certainly have hit me and it would have been messy for both of us. I can’t believe he took the chance.

He should have made himself known.

I always make my presence known- I’ll cough, change gear in the distance, lock up a wheel for a split second- what ever. Letting people know you’re there decreases the chance of hurting someone, and increases the chance of them moving out the way. You don’t have to be blunt- a cheery ‘morning’ often does the trick.

I even use a bell on the towpath now, but not to be a good cyclist, it’s because I’ve had so many run ins with 5 abreast walkers that I can’t be bothered with the hassle. I just ring and ride by now.

I’ve even had arguments where walkers have told me I shouldn’t be on their footpath, and I’ve had to point out towpaths were actually built for horses to tow canal barges- and that now it’s an equal use system. It’s no wonder more walkers don’t end up in the drink…

Make Yourself Heard is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

I have to set several alarms to even wake me up properly, and when I rise from my pit I bumble around like some kind of zombie.

Every reasonable attempt to wake myself up fast seeems to fail- loud music; TV, morning radio shows; ice cold showers and coffee strong enough to stand a spoon up in.

There’s been some difference, bit I still struggle- although recently I had an epiphany.

An early morning mountain bike ride was planned before work- a bit of a dawn raid when it was still dark, finishing the ride as the sun rose.

On that morning I barely needed the alarm to get out of bed- I wanted to get up and had no problem climbing out of bed. I felt awake and got out the front door in record time. This was the solution.

So I’ve been experimenting, and riding before work- or commuting by bike definitely does wake me up, and to the degree that it makes me get up and I’ve been riding three times a week before work, since christmas. OK, so only a couple of weeks, but it’s like I’ve discovered a new type of riding that helps me in day to day life.

I think I actually sleep better now, and seem to wake up naturally- which has to be a good thing compared to being shocked out of deep sleep by an alarm that makes me angry.

Climibg aboard my trusty steed in the morning, I love seeing my own breath, and feeling my eyes water as the cold air greets me. For a short while I cruise past some houses where bedroom lights are starting to turn on, before picking up the main road, and charging down a big old hill in to town.

By the time I reach the bottom I’m wide awake, and don’t even need that coffee hit when I get to work. It’s changed my daily grind and I’m even more productive all round.

If you;ve not tried commuting to work, or getting an early morning ride in, I can highly recommend it. Every day I roll up fresher than mouthwash whilst other look like they’ve been pulled through hedgerows backwards…

Fresher than mouthwash is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

Like most mountain bikers, I always have the strange urge to get out on my bike in the snow when we’re lucky enough to have a decent snowfall. Quite why though, I’m not sure as it’s not very nice to ride on, you get cold feet and you always end up throwing snowballs at one and another, ending up with equally cold hands. But I’m drawn to it like child to a christmas tree.

Over the last couple of years we’ve had a fair bit of snow, but not a niffle over this way yet- until saturday. I was doing some work on the house, and had acknowledged that it was settling outside, but presumed it would be gone soon as it wasn’t even the right conditions. But come mid afternoon and there were a few inches on the floor and it didn’t look like it was stopping. And that’s all it took- in minutes I was out the door and off in to the snow to play, Remembering how tough it is to climb was the first thing, but once pointing the bike down across some fields it was all about carving big fast turns, sliding around and laughing at my inner child who was desperately trying to escape. And it seemed I wasn’t the only one- I ran in to a bunch of local riders gooning around on the hills who’d been out in the snow all day.

It’s quite hilarious how a bunch of grown adults turn to kids at the first sight of snow. Why is it so magical? As predicted, it was just a matter of time before one of the riders mentioned the golf course, and we were all over there to hit the bunkers and slalom in an out of the kids on dustbin lids and for sale signs.

I was kind of hoping the snow would stick around, but this morning it was warm outside and the moisture had turned back to drizzle- there wasn’t even a sign of snow, anywhere. Was it all a dream? Maybe I’d just ben quaffing too much cheese and my imagination had got the better of me…

White out is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

I’m one of those people who love it hot and dry, love it cold and dry and don’t even mind cold and wet really, but when the weather’s in the middle it’s just bloody annoying.

It’s been a mild winter so far to say the least, but Jack Frost is knocking on the door tonight, and even started turning the water in my water bottle to slush tonight. That’s a first.

The hill climbs hurt as the freezing air met with my lungs and my teeth occasionally sent minute bolts of pain to the nerves as the cold, moist air froze on them.

But still, I couldn’t help smiling- it was one of those nights.

The sky was so clear I nearly considered riding home by moonlight, and for a while I sat up on the the top of a hill with no lights on just enjoying the moonlight. Maybe I’m just getting old, but maybe there is something special about it all.

Riding a mountain bike back across some fields the grass was crunchy and the ground firm underneath. My bike is cleaner than it should be after a long night ride and I’m feeling a little cocky as I’ve had a damn good ride.

Even sitting here writing this I’m still grinning. And still wearing my full riding kit, glasses, helmet; the lot.

I often wonder what people must think of me heading out for night rider when they’re tucked up asleep, and to be fair the concept does sound pretty damn stupid and dangerous. Except to those who do it and love it, it’s like a well kept secret.

I almost hope no one else realises just how good it is- especially on a night like tonight!
I’ve just seen the news though, and where half the country are probably cacking themselves at the imminent snow fall, all I can think is about digging out my sealskinz socks and wiping the smug smirk off my face.

Snow riding… here we come!

Ice Ice Baby is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

Flat pedals are great fun, and to an extent make you learn techniques and riding style by the book as you don’t have the luxury of a pedal that can amplify your movements.

Flat pedals allow riders to be ragged, trail a foot on those faster turns or stomp a foot down mid turn when you’re throwing up dusty and mud in wannabe MX mode.

SPD style pedals really are a revlation for off road riding, and the more I think about it, the less I even consider that flat pedals are a good idea for mountain bikes.

Brandon Semenuk might find it hard to double tail whip a massive jump in front of a crowd, granted; and committing to an 80foot step down at the Red Bull Rampage might be asking too much to be clipped in. You certainly couldn’t argue the riders aren’t committed after all.

But being clipped in there just isn’t practical.

For years, those prefering flat pedals might just be too stubborn to try clipped in riding. They certainly can’t blame the shoes now, as even companies like Five Ten and Vans make SPD shoes.

Like many, they are afraid of change and don’t see how a clipped in pedal can improve their riding.

Sure, they’re not going to make you a better rider in the short term, but they’ll certainly help you think about your riding style. Rough terrain is smoothed out as instead of trying to hold your foot position on the pedal you can spread your weight between your arms and legs more evenly. They’ll be less pinch punctures doing this.

You can also pedal, whenever you fancy- you don’t have to wait until you’re away from a bumpy section for fear of your feet bouncing off the pedals…

Cornering will take a little more commitment. Being part of the bike is scarier, and argueably faster. And most people ride best when they really commit anyway.

Again, there might be some fast DH riders out there on flat pedals, which is great, but there are a hell of a lot more clipped in. When seconds matter in racing, you need to take advantage of equipment that can help. Keeping it real and showboating only go so far.

Need I even mention the power advantage of them? Look at BMX; look at road racing; look at Cyclocross and look back at mountain biking. Flat pedals are great for a laugh, making a statement and improving your raw skills- but if you want to see the light- get involved with clipped in pedals.

I ride flat pedals on my jump bike, occaisionally for a change and if I’m commuting to work. Otherwise I’m clipped in all the way…

Flats for show, SPD’s for a pro… is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

Where would you get your information? Would you remember things you currently rely on search engines for?

As amazing as internet giants like Wiggle or Chain Reaction are, you need to know what you want to buy in order to get the best from them, and even then it’s still not the same as going to a shop and interacting with people. Especially riders.

I learnt a lot in the early days by hanging around in my local bike shop. They had frequent shop rides; socialised and were constantly in touch with their industry contacts on the phone- bike shops are a hive of activity.

It’s really important to support the local scene in your area, which usually will operate are one or more of the local shops.

Go and introduce yourself, ask if there are any group rides to join in and get friendly with the staff. If you need some advice mechanically, you’ll find the mechanic will be only too happy to get techy and chat about overhauling that grubby old fork you’ve been avoiding for years, or he might have some great advice on home made tyre sealent. You can’t take the michael though and expect all this for free- you’ll have to be a paying customer, or at the least turn up here and there to say hi with biscuits or doughnuts for a chat. The local shop will also hold weight in the community- so if riding access issues come up they will often want to get involved. It’s in your interest to support them.

My old bike shop gave me my first job; my first full suspension bike; riding and industry friends I still have now; mechanical skills and tips that always surprise people and it took me to places I never thought I’d visit. They used to run outings to riding spots and have a late summer camping trip up to North Wales every year.

I rode Coed’y’Brenin before I even realised that trail centres were going to be a done thing- and look where they are now. They were in the know before the internet tipped us off.

All this talk of bike shops has made me realise that the shop that helped me when I was bitten by the biking bug, I’ve not visited for years since moving away. I need to make en effort to go back there and see some old friends. In the meantime though, I’m off to take advantage of the very nice Lavazza coffee machine in my current local shop, and head out for a ride with them after.

It’s always good times down at the local…

Support your local bike shop is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

Out for a ride today, I found myself caught short by the weather- it seems to have dropped right down and is threatening to snow and all sorts. Which made me think about proper riding kit- which can be really expensive.

There are a few neat tricks though, which I’ve learnt from other riders, magazines and by finding out the wrong way. Allow me to expand…

The bitter wind that hots you in the face can give you ice cream head aches, so a great tip I’ve found that doesn’t stop you overheating as soon as you put pedal to metal is by taping up the helmet vents that face forwards. Heat still escapes from the rest of the lid, but the initial impact is far reduced.

Get yourself a Buff, or one of the many rip-offs on the market. They really are amazing- wear it as a neck scarf; pull it over your mouth and nose, use it as a head band or even a slim line hat under your helmet. Ultra useful.

Winter gloves can cost a fortune, and not always feel good. Some of the local mechanics I know wear those blue rubber mechanic gloves under their riding gloves as a wind and waterproof layer. You do prune your hands on warmer rides, but they cost virtually nothing and are useful fo fixing your bike and a whole other host of things.

I use Sealskinz waterproof socks in my riding shoes, but am aware they do cost a bit. For foul weather riding, you can do a home made bodge with using a carrier bag over your socks and under your shoes. You get sweaty, but better hot and sweaty than the dreaded numb toes!

Well, that’s me out of ideas, but I’m sure there are plenty of other great ones out there.

Have you guys got any winter riding kit bodges?

Mountain Bike Winter Gear Tips is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

It drew all kinds of weird images- like those scary Wheelers from the Return to Oz- which gave me nightmares as a kid. And it started giving me nightmares again.

Do I really spend too much time on a bike?

Well, having thought long and hard about it, maybe, just maybe I do.

I ride absolutely everywhere- even short journeys I hop a leg over a mountain bike and cruise down the road, enjoying the flow and glide that wheeled transport allows. Why would I walk when I could enjoy a quick blast?

So I’ve been making a conscious effort to walk more instead, and you know what?

My life has become more boring as a result of it, and I’ve started becoming a sensible, rational person. I typically walk so infrequently for any duration other than a pootle round the shops, that having forced myself to stand upright and walk, I’m sure I’ve given myself shin splints from over doing it.

God knows how marathon runners do it, or even why.

Something felt odd about the whole thing, when suddenly I twitched and sat bolt upright. I was cold and clammy. Are you serious? This was a dream?

It took me about  40 minutes to get it in to my head that it was all just a dream- this one had felt too real. It freaks me out when dreams are such that it feels like an actual even has taken place.

But it has made me think about walking more. I do ride a bike an awful lot, but I think the dream scared me in to a different way of thinking. Thankfully, it all started coming back when I was out on a pretty hairy trail, with a cliff edge section that was exposed and really dangerous. My mate shouldered his mountain bike and walked- but I just couldn’t do it- I didn’t feel at home on my feet. I felt safer on my bike, so just cautiously rode round.

A familiar voice told me I ride way too much if If feel more comfortable on a bike than I do on my own feet. The things I was born with.

Noo! It was happening again!

So I’m going to make a change- but not so drastic as turning in to a walker. I’m going to give cyclocross racing a go- a bunch of friends do it as winter training as it mixes running and riding together, giving a punishing work out. And it still allows me to ride a bike. Perfect!

Obsessed with bikes? is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

But anyhow, I hit one of my trusty local runs with a decent clip and just couldn’t stay in control- I was all over the place. Normally I like this and have a blast- maybe the saddle will go down and I’ll ride a section a few times to use the conditions for  my skill.

But it just annoyed me this time- so instead I went exploring round the wood, looking at sections I’d been meaning to look at for a long time. Pushing back up to the top I followed a path, which I’m guessing had been made by animals rather than people walking, which took me to a clearing and positioned me a couple of hundred feet above where I was before. I could see the regular trail below me and started looking for lines to get down there. Nothing stood out as such, but I could see the way I could imagine it going, and with my saddle slammed right in the frame, I set off traversing the hillside. Immediately I noticed I had loads of grip- the steep banks didn’t hold water, but were moist enough for the tyres to dig in. This made me smile and I had flash backs of some of the early Freeride films when the riders were sliding down huge banks of sand.

The hill I was riding was covering in roots and dead fall- so I had to be creative using it, although some things just fell in to place. I spotted a bombhole, which although not ideal to ride following the line I was on, allowed me to use as a berm and change direction- kind of like a purpose built switchback. Heading back the other way now I started to lose elevation quicker and I could see the trail coming up on my right.

It felt pretty natural and although wasn’t a smooth bit of trail, was certainly fun and I felt a little deflated to be back on the original trail.

I found my eyes were scanning around for other things to ride, and I saw another possible line pop up on my right, so I headed down it, again looking for features to use as bus stops or turning points. I came across some slabs of rock which with some clearing out, could be used as a feature- and suddenly other things kept jumping out at me. My eyes were honing in to new terrain. Instead of doing any work, I just carried on, eventually finding my way to the bottom of the hill and a field I’d never even seen. So out came the iPhone, and I figured out that unless it’s private land, I can pretty much follow it to a road. I’ll check that later on an OS map.

For now, I was marvelling in the fact I’d just ridden down a hill I’d been riding for years, and had ridden something- a bit on the messy side- that could be a new line with not much work. And it annoyed me- I’d wasted all my time having great rides on a single trail, when really there were loads of other options out there.

Next time, I’m going to make a few alterations, and am going to ride it in a few times. I now get what Freeriders search for- they don’t follow the beaten in path, but instead make a trail for others to follow. I’m on it!

Woodland Freeride is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

I’ve got my fingers crossed for a super cold spell of weather, as it turns my local trails in to high speed roller coasters once more- but they feel even better than belting through in summer.

However, like me, you might also find it a good idea to plan a trip away in early 2012. Weather permitting, the bigger trail centres like Afan in South Wales, Coed Y’brenin in North wales and Glentress in Scotland are well worthy of hitting for a long weekend- or longer if you fancy really exploring the trails. There are plenty of great places to stay nearby, and good opportunities for food and drink- the simple things a mountain biker loves after a hard ride.

Don’t discount the many foreign options for relatively cheap- or luxuriously expensive winter mountain biking trips. Southern Spain in particular is warm enough to hit the trails in shorts, t-shirts and sunglasses, and there is an incredible variety of riding that keeps riders coming back year after year.

Of course there are many options- basic flowing XC stuff, aggressive all mountain riding with killer climbs and longer descents than you thought possible, and shuttle based options. One favourite even offers chair lift accessed trails, at a location that’s under 2 hours to get to by plane- amazing.

Check out the following links and get yourself some ideas for winter mountain biking this year- it might be the spark you need to relight your riding fire….

www.glentressforest.com

www.afanforestpark.co.uk

www.mountain-bike-accommodation.com

www.mbwales.com

http://mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Coed_y_Brenin/Coed_y_Brenin.aspx

www.switch-backs.com

Winter Mountain Bike Destinations is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

Our mud is that thick claggy clay based stuff that clogs up like tennis balls of mud around your seat stays and fork arch. The stuff that makes your bike weigh three times as much and reduces your singletrack attacking abilities so much you may as well be a clump footed pigeon.

Luckily though, we don’t have that sandy mud locally- which is amazing to ride as it stays firm and can be shaped nicely, but hates bike drive trains. It makes natures finest grinding paste when mixed with water and wears chains, cassettes, paint jobs and brake pads faster than you want to acknowledge.

On that basis I’ve developed a systematic approach to checking my bike, depending on the amount I ride it in the mud. Although this time things have turned on their head and caught me out, leaving me feeling somewhat humble.

I was having a slip and slide session in my local woodland, enjoying the zero traction and using every bit of counter steering; line picking and aggressive riding I could to get through- so things seemed normal when I went to brake- not a lot happened except a grinding noise. I put this down to the lack of traction and the mud- so carried on trying to tame the old iron horse.

Winching back up again, I decided to take a different route back- down a massive local hill on the road instead. You can see where this is going, right?

Anyhow, I was in a tuck going flat out laughing at the amount of mud spraying off the bike when I approached a crest that I knew traffic backed up on. So I sat up to air brake, which slowed me down to I’d guess about 35mph- judging by the fact I’d run out of gears long ago.

I dragged the brakes, and heard a loud grinding noise. I knew straight away that my pads were down to the metal, and whilst giving myself a mental beating for not noticing earlier, I felt the colour wash out of my face.

I was in a bit of trouble here.

There was traffic too so I pulled out in to the middle of the road and gave the brakes some shit, knowing I had to stop now before the next section. I managed to slow further- but not enough. I was going too fast to abandon ship and using the old foot brake would have sent me out of control.

What felt like five minutes later, although was a matter of seconds, there was a big clunk from the rear brake and all of a sudden the rear wheel locked- I had a bad feeling some real damage had been done but it helped slow me down and I managed to get the bike to the side of the road and use someones upward sloping drive way to lose my speed completely and stop.

I’ve genuninely not been that scared in a long time- if I didn’t stop where I did, I’ve have been doing a good 40+mph when I got to the big roundabout at the bottom, and would have been going straight to A+E in an ambulance.

So what I’m saying is inspect your mountain bike properly- I don’t need another reminder, ever.

Thankfully I just need a new rear disc rotor, pads and hardware- the old pads wore straight through  and snagged on the rotor, ripping them out and twisting the disc.

Lucky- this time…

Right to the metal is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

I see the same guy, rain or shine, on my commute to work- and he rides past my front door thinking the same thing every day. He glances to see if I’ve left yet, or if I’m just opening the door- and then race starts.

It’s not official and I don’t know the guy- but it’s an all out sprint to the front door at work every time and I love it!

This morning, I opened the front door to see him glance slyly at me as he sails past down the hill- he think’s he has the upper hand. But what he doesn’t know is that I have a different route each day- some starting with a climb, and others following his easier, but longer route.

Today is day for the tough route though, so I hammer to the end of my road chasing him down- he goes left, I go right and straight up a hill. It’s an out the saddle sprint and a slap in the face that gets me in to gear for the day. But it’s worth it.

At the top of the hill I hang a left and have a touch more climbing to do, before hitting the descent- I have to give everything I have to get some power but once over the brow of the hill I join the road he’ll be taking.

And at speed.

He crosses as I join the road, but already I’m up to speed whilst he’s building his from the flat road. I sail past him just like he did past my front door and I cruise to the junction at the end of the road- which is where the journey can be made or broken.

The traffic is travelling too fast and I have to trackstand for a second whilst I’m checking the coast is clear. As I pedal out in to the road my commuting challenger takes a change using my visibility and charges straight out in to the road and past me using his speed.

He starts gapping me on his 700c wheels, but putting the power down again I feel my legs burning as I increase the pace. He’s not getting away.

Out the saddle the whole way I reach attack speed and hopping on to the pavement momentarily to avoid a massive pothole I lurch back in to the road and tuck in behind him. I want him to suffer a bit.

He knows I’m there and tries to go faster, but all I hear is him gulping down air as fast as he can- he’s got nothing left. I’ve not got much mind, but enough.

Prince Phillip once said something that rang true this morning, “there’s more in you than you think”.

So I pulled out just like Tom Cruise did in Days of Thunder, using his draft to conserve an ounce of energy, and shot past him. The lights ahead were green so I ran them and turned off for work. He went straight on and cast me the same stare I see everyday.

Same time tomorrow, it said…

The Morning Cycle Rush is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

It’s all in jest of course, but he just asks for it.

He really is the lovelist guy, but has some really odd traits. Like his hair- which he has cut once every year or so- to a grade 4 or soomething, and then do absolutely nothing to it until the next cut. I kind of admire it as he somehow pulls it off without looking like a tramp, but it is a bit crusty.

As are his mountain bike washing skills. Of which he has none.

Unless the’s a reason to wash his mountain bike- to carry out a repair for example, he simply does not wash it.

If it’s filthy dirty from a muddy ride, he’ll detour to a canal on his way home, and dunk it in to get the major muck off, then he’ll just lube the thing.

This annoys me immensly as my bike is the one that’ll develop creaks- and I’m maticulous about caring for it. His just keeps on trucking.

And he’s the same with his cycling kit- almost none of it’s been near the washing machine.

Coming home from a muddy ride he’ll simply hang the jacket and shorts up until dry, then he’ll bang them against a wall to shake the dust off. Sometimes he’ll give them a quick wipe for good measure.

It’s actually a good thing to do with technical fabrics as washing them properly involves waterproof treatment and re-proofing. His method does the bare minimum- and lucky for him he doesn’t suffer from BO. I’d certainly tell him if he did, or at least make sure I don’t ride down wind…

But faults aside with his bike and kit cleaning, I can’t fault his riding. He’s rapid up the hills, can ride any technical trail you point him down and is pretty handy up the BMX track too- all in a damn fine rider.

But he manages to be a great rider, a great mechanic and somehow switch completely off the minute he gest off his bike- which I’m slightly envious about. It’s simply a tool for him to keep fit on and have fun. He’s not on the forums finding out who rides for who; he’s not got the latest kit and he’s not got the latest fashionable move down- but he couldn’t care less.

When he slings a leg over a bike, he’s a ripper. So I have to take my hat off to him.

And his permanently filthy hobby…

Friends Like These is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog

This time last year, the ground was rock hard and it was incredibly cold outside- far from the moderately warm conditions we have by comparison.  And the foul conditions out are a reminder of why we need to look after our mountain bikes- which considering how well they serve in general, perform amazingly really.

Just think of the exposure that our chains, cassettes, derailleurs and clip-less pedals get to mud, road salt and other muck- and they still keep churning round.

If you ride regularly- especially commuting- you should give your bike a clean and inspection once a week. Road salts can be very damaging to the surfaces on components and the paint finish…

Although a hose is great for spraying off big clods of mud and giving your bike a quick once over, getting to work with a bucket of soapy water and a brush is the best way- as it forces you to inspect everything on your way round.

Start by briefly washing the worst off, then, work front to back on one side of the bike, then flip the bike and go again, followed by a good rinse.

Use a quality degreaser and get the chain, cassette and drive train looking shiny, and follow with a rinse then flush out the water using a Teflon spray before lubing the lot.

If riding wet weather- which you probably are- you should use a quality wet lube. But make sure you monitor build up on the chain as the sticky nature attracts lots of grime.

When working through your bike, keep an eye on things that need adjusting, and do them as you see them. If you do your basic housekeeping on your bike, no big job will creep up on you- you’ll learn how things wear and when to replace things.

Finally, taking a tip from car cleaning, use a decent polish on your bike to help stop grime sticking to the frame- just make sure you don’t get it anywhere near the braking surfaces!

Maintaining your mountain bike through the winter is a post from: Vito Sport Mountain Bike Blog