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Post by Rupert on May 10, 2011 19:31:32 GMT
Has anyone on here got experience of these guys? puremountains.com/We were looking at FlowMTB, but this looks like it'd be a bit more suited to the type of riding we do. Also anyone any experience of flying bikes on Monarch? Only ever done Ryanair and Easyjet before. |
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Post by oldgit on May 15, 2011 14:11:43 GMT
 Or!!! You could do what we do. We head off the the foothills of the Alps, find a camp site near a village and enquire about VTT and usually the local tourist office will have maps and/or the campsite manager will no doubt help. There a good spot north east of Gap in a valley called Vallegaudemau; first village is St Firmin but 5 miles in is a good site called Bocage. Either side of this steep sided valley are marked routes incorperating the GR trails and at times difficult to ride. It's a cul de sac valley with a steep rough road climb at the end into the mountains of the Ecrin National Park We go here every year during our 2 month journey round various riding areas; found some good ones. If you want any more info get in touch; also have a look at my last years gallery pics
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Post by Rupert on May 17, 2011 20:45:54 GMT
Thanks for that Geoff... too late though we're already booked |
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Post by tinytim on May 18, 2011 21:53:59 GMT
ye you definatly made the right choice there rupert, flow do cater for that sort of riding but i think you get a downhill culture bias with being in one of their chalets. there ain't no welsh man on that leader board of the farmhouse bike park so i expect to see you on it when you get back!!  |
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Post by Rupert on Sept 2, 2011 21:17:46 GMT
Well we're back from 6 day's back to back riding in glorious sunshine and dry dusty trails. No real injuries and the bikes survived Easyjet in one piece. I think we were the only people on the plane flying to Malaga without kids, and not intending to lie on the beach for the whole week  . Bit of a shock to come back to a rather chilly North Wales last Saturday after temperatures into the 30's most days, although was surprisingly bearable for riding once we got acclimatised as it was very dry heat. The Pure Moutains guides, Tim and Jenny were fantastic and despite a very varied experience level in the group they managed to find something to challenge everyone, from steep windy fireroads for the beginners to the "valley of death" for the young whippersnappers from Cumbria, and everything inbetween. They have their own chef who cooked fantastic meals (all inclusive together with the booze), but best of all was the Cake of the Day, freshly baked with proper tea (has to be the first holiday abroad I've come back from not craving tea). I don't think either of us could think of anything to find fault with, although if you have an aversion to dogs or any kind of allergy pet hair or dust (if you ride too close behind the person in front you can't see a thing due to the dust cloud) then it wouldn't be a good place to go. Also not a good place if you suffer from vertigo and don't like trails cut into the side of very steep mountain sides. The standard of the accommodation was incredibly high considering the place is 1700m altitude in the middle of nowhere, and the only way to get there is with a Landrover Defender up a bumpy dirt road. Oh and my best lap time on their track was 5 mins 6 seconds, so not a record  A few photos, although there's a complete album here: s744.photobucket.com/albums/xx84/rupert_smith/Pure%20Mountains/View from the house    Courtyard at the house  Timed laps of their on-site singletrack         The axe murderer in our group (Mulberry juice from trailside delicacy)        We could see Africa from here:    |
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Post by BenKMV on Sept 2, 2011 21:33:38 GMT
Looks super hot Liz & Rupert  great pics whats with the bandage Rupert have sprained your arm or wrist |
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Post by sally on Sept 3, 2011 9:05:54 GMT
amazing pics! looks like you had a great holiday ;D
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Post by oldgit on Sept 3, 2011 12:53:37 GMT
8-)A hot and barren landscape Looked good riding ;D ;)About the price of a good ski-ing holiday; but warmer |
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Post by Rupert on Sept 3, 2011 13:53:28 GMT
Looks super hot Liz & Rupert great pics whats with the bandage Rupert have sprained your arm or wrist Someone's observant! I sprained it slightly trying to ride up some steps.... don't ask. It's fine now |
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Post by BenKMV on Sept 3, 2011 18:22:51 GMT
I thought you where good at going up hill Rupert like me, you must be loosing your touch  |
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Post by tinytim on Sept 3, 2011 18:30:51 GMT
looks great! your still up on the leader board rupert, need to work on your sprinting speed ;D nice to see the mbnw top!!
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Post by Rupert on Sept 3, 2011 19:00:32 GMT
I thought you where good at going up hill Rupert like me, you must be loosing your touch Careful...  HSP in 19 & a bit minutes this morning |
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Post by BenKMV on Sept 3, 2011 19:11:45 GMT
18.38 HSP Thursday ;D
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Post by BenKMV on Sept 4, 2011 16:59:43 GMT
You'll be pleased to know Rupert i had a HSP PB this afternoon 17.12 |
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Post by motoxman on Sept 4, 2011 20:42:17 GMT
Get a room you two |
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Or!!! You could do what we do. We head off the the foothills of the Alps, find a camp site near a village and enquire about VTT and usually the local tourist office will have maps and/or the campsite manager will no doubt help. There a good spot north east of Gap in a valley called Vallegaudemau; first village is St Firmin but 5 miles in is a good site called Bocage. Either side of this steep sided valley are marked routes incorperating the GR trails and at times difficult to ride. It's a cul de sac valley with a steep rough road climb at the end into the mountains of the Ecrin National Park
. Bit of a shock to come back to a rather chilly North Wales last Saturday after temperatures into the 30's most days, although was surprisingly bearable for riding once we got acclimatised as it was very dry heat. The Pure Moutains guides, Tim and Jenny were fantastic and despite a very varied experience level in the group they managed to find something to challenge everyone, from steep windy fireroads for the beginners to the "valley of death" for the young whippersnappers from Cumbria, and everything inbetween. They have their own chef who cooked fantastic meals (all inclusive together with the booze), but best of all was the Cake of the Day, freshly baked with proper tea (has to be the first holiday abroad I've come back from not craving tea). 
great pics whats with the bandage Rupert have sprained your arm or wrist 
HSP in 19 & a bit minutes this morning 