Well, finally got round to writing something about July's Les Gets trip.
Had a v good time despite problems with my car on departure, so had to hire one.
Saturday:
Rode on Saleve at Geneva with Martina and Stuart. Did our old route from top of telepherique - ooh v difficult, struggled down the first section and soon had a unscheduled stop, sliding on stones on rock. Stuart crashed in the first 5m and Martina & Stuart walked the rest. Harder than I remember, seems like the rains have washed most of the soil away leaving loose rocks on rock. Soon got lost as often used to and couldn't find our nicest route. Ended up riding down the old railway track, horrible as ever, like riding on marbles. Hit the road and soon found the usual path crossing between the switchbacks. Arggh, no more soil, just big loose rocks on rocks - can't control the front wheel. Struggled down walking much, Martina agreed it used to be much nicer, Stuart not impressed with his baptism of fire. Bravely managed the nasty drop off onto the start of section two (Martina threatened to do it so I had to!) but soon had to bail again. Less loose rock on section three but no more confidence in front tyre (well it was only a Racing Ralph) so ended walking most of the rock section. We all got to Monnetiere relieved to still intact.
The first puncture of the week's at least ten punctures struck for no reason. Fixed it and rode up Petite Saleve. Managed the first technical section much to my surprise. Stuart suffering so skipped the final/top section and went straight for the superb downhill -yeehaaa - still fantastic, not as badly washed out as on Saleve. Too soon we were at the bottom and heading back into Geneve. Martina showed she's lost none of her blonde-on-a-bike form by riding across red lights and forcing the traffic to stop/avoid her!
Sunday in Les Gets - another babtism of fire:
For some bizarre, sadistic reason the Phils decided that we'd be best riding the Mt Cherie downhill to warm-up and introduce Luke, Stuart & John to the area. It was as tricky as ever with slippery mud and roots on the steep parts. First fall to Luke. I resolved to replace my uncontrollable Racing Ralph on the front, and did at lunchtime with a Conti kindly provided by PJ - much better. We all got to the bottom intact so did it again after lunch. Much better on the Conti so managed to ride it all clean until I punctured at the v steep part towards the bottom. Replaced the tube set off again and discovered that Luke had crashed heavily and damaged ligaments in his shoulder. This was a a big disappointment for Luke and all of us.
Monday:
Did the Morzine downhill I think? Lovely. So did it again, then headed up towards Avoriaz.
Tuesday:
Made it to Avoriaz, Stuart and I did the Fantasticable - fantastical, but not as scarey as I expected.
Wednesday:
Rode the Portes du Soleil circuit alone. TBC.
Thursday:
Set off again to do the PdS circuitwith PJ but my fork packed in so had to bail. Just as well 'cos we had a huge storm at 15h00.
Friday:
Hired a Scott Nitrous and armour and ended up at Les Crosets with PJ. Could really fly on the fast sections with 180mm travel suspension - lovely! Speed is the secret but self-preservation instinct winning too often causing problems.
Conclusion
A good week, marred by Luke & John's injuries. Next time, stay in Morzine 'cos tired of missing the last lift and having to ride up to Les Gets. Also consider using fullys for the week, or at least body armour and full face helmet.
Eppstein mtb marathon