Nice article John. Sounds like you almost enjoyed the trip back to these shores for the first time in years



See you next time I hope if I don't get over to yours to write an article the joys of French trails

That's the first time I've been called a foreigner in this country.

Good write up John. You did fail to mention that we spent more time in the pub than on the trails though :-)

Was a hot night, re-hydrating needs to be done

Good oh! Mike D published it despite overuse of the D word. :) Proof that there's no censorship in BM towers.

You're welcome on my local trails just as soon as I can ride with you. We met so many people we'd like to see again that we hope to organise a semi-official BM meet out here for something like the Roc d'Ossau. Ryanair from Stanstead to Pau. A pick up for up to six riders at the airport on Friday (more would have to hire vehicles). Accomodation in Pau (more than six would have to camp in the garden). Lowland trails on Saturday and the Roc d'Ossau on the Sunday (very big hills). Return via Pau airport on Monday. The Roc d'Ossau is a 55km race but you can also do a shorter 'rando' version.

My knee probably won't be up to it this year but as soon as I'm fit again I'll be happy to see people.

Sounds like a very pleasant plan


I'll look forward to your returned fitness so that I can join you

Someone mention a party at JG's ?


;-)

Nice write up.

#hides the booze#

*switches on booze radar*

You'll have to do better than that.

*Sets off for Gourette*

JG. A much needed touch of class on BM.

Totally enjoyable article - nice work, fella! You'd be welcome oop north anytime.

Good it finally got posted John!!

You likely saw 1/2 of Clent, and 20% tops of the Wyre so yeah coulda kept going, next year maybe ??

Got some Knarly stuff in the wyre next time to, it was coming up right where we turned back :(



And not long got in, from a night ride on my tod in the wyre, maybe the last ride for the GT, regretting ordering a new one :( it rode perfectly.

Maybe next time you could come over to Wales ;)

You'd be missing some of the best (and it's official) riding in the UK otherwise!

Careful Starsky, you'll cost me a larger helmet.

I got a ride to finish in the Peak Grenville and Scotland is tempting.

More of the Wyre Forest the next time we're in Brum is a certainty Dylan.

We saw some of Wales on TransWales Welsh but I'd like to get to Afan which looks more our kind of riding than CyB looking at webcam footage.

Afan certainly suits me more

Superb article John. I enjoyed it.

Well done John - next time - come out with another Swinley crew and we'll ride rather than jump - also I have the best coffee in bracknell (not much comp TBH)

It certainly means I will have a closer look at the trails in the UK!

LOL @ all the invites ;-)
Nah, North Yorkshire Dales and Moors is where its at John, come on!

Afan less made with huge boulders then ??

Try the centre west 10miles of Wrexham to, LLan something or another, fast flowing made with small stones not boulders.

So you're based in the hills John. Every year I run a summer type Polaris just by Mas D'Azil, we get a small band of UK devotees turning up year after year.
Great trails and not hugely different from much of the stuff along the Marches. We struggle to get it accepted amongst the french riders, though the locals are really friendly.
Are you anywhere near there?
Note to the Welsh Idiot, as John did the Trans Wales he's experienced Wales already.

We're further west Cloggy. 200km west of Toulouse is Pau where I'm posting from now. Gourette is another 55km south but it's dismal up there when it's raining and foggy. Mail me details of your event, though we often travel during the summer.