A bicycle built for 6

Here’s something that you don’t see every day – a bicycle made for 6.

These guys stayed over at Clachaig on Sunday night, during their fundraising John O’Groats to Lands End charity ride. We see plenty of ‘end to end’ers during the course of the season, but we have to say that this is probably one of the more memorable groups to pass by.

Being bike fans ourselves, we were rather taken with the details of the bike. But so many questions...

• Riding a tandem is hard enough but when there’s six of you all working together..?
  
  
• How big (or a little) a bump does it have to be before it bottoms out? We’re guessing that at 17 feet long off roading isn’t going to be that easy.
  
  
• What’s it like when the guy at the front has the front brake and the guy at the back has the back brake, and you’re hurtling down a steep incline towards a hairpin bend? And what’s it like when you’re sat in the middle and have neither brake?
  
  
• And just how fast could a hand picked half dozen of the strongest legs from the local bike club complete a 10 mile time trial on it? Assuming no up hills and no dead turns, that is.
  
  
• Just how much torque is there through the axles when you’re braking for 6?

And even more remarkable is the fact that the bike can be configured for 3, 4, 5 or 6 to ride. Groovy! See the Saddle Row web site for more.

The ride aims to raise money for a variety of 6 cancer related charities and we’re sure that they’d welcome any donations you’d care to send their way.

Good luck chaps!

Like drowned rats...

That the Scottish Highlands can be pretty wet is a well known fact and waterproof clothing makes up a big part of most of our wardrobes.

 

 Check out the pink slippers!

Three young men cycling through Scotland thought they were well prepared for the weather conditions up this way - but then met with Rannoch Moor. Setting up camp on the Moor on one very wet night, they discovered (the hard way) overnight that their tent was not as waterproof as most of their wardrobe. 

 

The following morning they arrived at Clachaig Inn hungry, cold and with not a dry thread on their bodies, leaving small puddles at every step. There was space for 3 more guests in the breakfast room so the hunger bit was easily solved. In order to warm them up, we offered them staff uniforms while their clothes were being dried in our drying room and tumble dryers. Fluffy pink slippers were found to warm their feet, to much hilarity of the serving staff. (We actually had plenty of alternative footware, but we thought the pink slippers would be quite amusing, for us at least).

 

After the refuelling and a quick snooze they set off for Fort William, braving more of our Scottish weather. No doubt they probably got a soaking all over again. We hope they wont find themselves waking up quite as miserable on the rest of their trip, but if they do, we hope some more Highland Hospitality will see them right.

More biking news from Glencoe Mountain

Regular readers will have realised that, in line with other ski centres across the globe, Glencoe Mountain are looking to mountain biking as a summer/non-skiing activity.

 Glencoe Mountain Bike Trail Map

We'll leave you to read the latest update from Glencoe Mountain copied below (you can subscribe on their web site to receive these direct). But we'll just add that with the potential expansion of trails such as the Weasel Track, and new events such as the Macavalanche in the pipeline, there's every reason to get rather excited about these new developments.

This from Glencoe Mountain...

Downhill Biking

The downhill track is currently being upgraded with new jumps and features on the top section and some modifications to the bottom including a widening of the finish area to allow for overtaking in the finishing area.

Our KONA Stinky downhill bikes have at last arrived (only 3 months late). So if you don't have your own kit or don't want to bring it we have everything you need - goggles, gloves, full face helmets and body armour all for hire.

XC Biking

Some work on the Weasel track has been done so that those who prefer downhill XC biking can follow a rough 4km trail from the top of the chair down to the car park. This is a very rough trail which rides well in the dry but is still a little (or very) swampy when it's wet. Feed back on this trail has been mixed. From "brilliant old school XC mountain biking", "great fun" to "bl**** awful". The differences in view seem to be a combination of expectation and different weather conditions.

This is not a nicely manicured trail it is very rough and it is guaranteed you will get wet and muddy if you choose to ride it.

You may only have a few more months to try this trail in it's current state because we are currently applying for funding to get the track upgraded to a wide blue trail making it accessible to all standards of riders.

At the moment we would only suggest riding the track if you are comfortable riding red downhill trails. It can be ridden on a hard tail bike but it is more fun on a downhill bike.

We have a whole fleet of Kona Cindercone XC+ bikes for hire at the centre so if you want to bring a group up to try the weasel track or one of the more gentle, plateau or valley bottom trails then please phone Angela on 01855 851226 to check availability.

Downhill events

The next event at Glencoe is "Wild and Dialled" on the 4th and 5th of Sept. We are still accepting entries for this event so if you want to enter or just want more details just go to the link at the bottom of the page.

This will be an awesome spectator event so if you have nothing planned for the 4th and 5th of Sept come along and see some of the top riders in the country take on one of the toughest tracks in the UK. Spills and thrills are guaranteed.

See you at the centre soon.

Andy
P.S We are planning a ski/snowboard car boot sale at the centre on the 7th Nov. More details very soon.

Clachaig to the Holly Tree by bike

Any day now the bike tracks along the A82 from Glencoe to North Ballachulish will be complete. After months of work, which passers by can't help but have noticed, the new tarred paths alongside the busy road are all but finished.

 New signage to guide your on your way - Glencoe crossroads

The new bike paths provide both an important link between scattered rural communities and a valuable addition to the local tourist  infrastructure. Being able to travel safely by bike amidst such gorgeous scenery is a must, and so to prove a point we checked out the ride from Clachaig Inn in Glencoe to the Holly Tree Hotel at Kentallen Pier.

The first couple of miles are on quiet single track roads, and there's a nice bit of downhill gradient to get you into the swing of things. Nearer the village, the first sections of the Glencoe Orbital Track will take you off the road as far as the Hospital Drive. In time, it is hoped that there'll be a path all the way along the old village road as far as Clachaig, where it will then meet up with a return down the glen, past An Torr and Signal Rock and then back to the village by the National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre.

If you haven't got your bikes with you, then try hiring from Davy at Crank It Up Gear. Leave your car in the Glencoe Village car park and start the journey from here.

From Glencoe Village, the route uses the old section of road past Craft & Things (save your coffee and cake stop for the return!) and along TighPhuirt. Sections of new tar then take you along past Ballachulish Village and towards the impressive setting of St John's Church. Built in 1842, the present church is now in need of repair and restoration and attempts are being made to raise the estimated £1m required.

It's definitely worth stopping to take in a bit of history, and to also marvel at the panoramic views across Loch Leven from the church.

 St John's Church, Ballachulish

Stunning panorama across Loch Leven to the Pap of Glencoe from St John's

More smooth tar will take you to Ballachulish roundabout next. If you're heading for North Ballachulish, continue on over the bridge, but we took a left turn along the old Ballachulish railway line, which continues through Glenachulish and is currently rideable all the way to Kentallen Pier.

 Left turn for Glenachulish, Kentallen and Oban!

But a little more exploring and a much needed coffee break was required, so once in Glenachulish we took a right turn off the Sustrans track and headed down past Ballachulish House to the Dragon's Tooth Golf Course.

 Passing the walled garden at Ballachulish House

Simply exploring this hidden corner of the area is a good enough reason to head down to The Gathering Place, but equally, the prospect of coffee, cakes and a more extensive bar menu might tempt you!

Parked up at The Gathering Place. Cakes, coffee, golf... Take your pick!

Back on the bed of the old railway line, the views open out, and on a day such as the one we chose, it's just amazing. The views across Loch Linnhe to the Ardgour and Morvern Hills are the best you could wish for. There's a few little shingle beaches and coves where you can get off and search for crabs, watch the cormorants, or simply take a snooze.

Carved stones and impressive ironmongery add to the atmosphere of the route.

The Sustrans route will hopefully continue beyond the Holly Tree Hotel, all the way to Oban and beyond. When it does it will be a superb journey. For now, you need to join the road again as far as the bad corner at Lettershuna, where you can join another section of track past Castle Stalker and the Strath of Appin. Further on, there's also a complete section from Creagan Bridge to the Sea Life Centre. 

 I just want to jump in!

Time to head back again

In the meantime, take a while to enjoy the view (and a beer!) at the Holly Tree before jumping back on your bike and doing it all over again in reverse!

So near, yet so far!

It could be a rather cryptic start to a review of last night's footie match. But We're actually referring to the Isle of Lismore. Quite literally translating as "big garden", this island is very easily accessed from Port Appin, just 20 minutes down the road from Glencoe, and yet it's taken about 15 years since my last visit to get back to the island.

 The monument to Waverley Arthur Cameron, son of the founder of the Oban Times

The island is just large enough to be too big to explore properly on foot, though you could easily walk around Port Ramsay for a couple of hours. The scenery and the views are stunning, and it's always great to get close to the water. And there's a little bit of history too with the lime kilns and the old cottages. However, the island is better explored by bike, and they are free on the ferry. Other forms of transport are available!

Pre-book a ride on a horse and cart.

The gradients on the modest hills aren't too steep, and there's plenty of side roads to go and explore. And you can do as we did, and try connecting a couple of the roads with a little 'off roading' adventure. Nothing quite like a loch side picnic and the promise of an ice cream at the island's cafe to keep the little legs going!

Stopping for a picnic

Good weather certainly helps, but there's plenty of exploring to be done on Lismore. I've already got a couple more trips ear marked for further exploration of the island, both with the bikes and on foot. And if it looks like the sun is going to shine again next time remind me to pack the sun cream!

The view north towards the point and the ferry pier.

Kids will love a trip to the island too. Whilst there's the history of limestone quarrying and lime kilns, castles and brochs for the adults, the sea shore is a great place for searching for all sorts of crabs, shells and other sea shore goodies which seem much more abundant on the island than even just over the water at Appin.

For more information see the Isle of Lismore community web site or see WalkHighlands for a number of suggested routes with easily viewed maps.

Want to buy a bike?

Want to buy a great bike, dirt cheap? Don't we all! But should you happen to be offered a "too good to be true" deal on a Kona then you might like to get in touch with Glencoe Mountain Resort. Here's a little press release...

A £1500 Mountain bike was stolen from Glencoe Mountain Resort on Saturday. The bike, a 17” 2010 Kona Stinky Six, was on loan to the resort from bike manufacturer Kona as a demo bike for riders to try out on the black graded downhill track. The bike was stolen around 11am from the front of the main building where it was on a rack alongside some of the resort’s 20 hire bikes.

Great to see Glencoe Mountain really getting back on it's feet again. Not great to hear that some miserable *^%$£"!(^*  has been helping themselves.

The Postscript

I think I've done some stupid things in my time. Everything from marathons, to the Ben Nevis Race, to 24 hour endurance rides. But, in retrospect, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Cyclocross Race could quite well have topped the list.

Finish line and still smiling - must have been good!

I mean, just where is the sense in carrying a bike up 3 dirty great big hills and then trying to ride down them, especially when the bike is lacking all those modern luxuries such as suspension and disc brakes to make riding back down again comfortable, and perhaps even safe?

About 500 riders lined up in a tiny Dales village yesterday morning, all dressed in lycra and wearing nervous grins and deep heat in abundance. The start is like a road race, with the bunch moving fast & furious through to Horton in Ribblesdale. After a very quick few road miles the route then turns uphill, on rough farm tracks and then out onto the fell. Last time I was here was about 25 years ago and I was disappearing underground down Long Churn Cave. This time we were pushing, sweating grunting over the top of it, bound for Simon Fell and the summit of Ingleborough.

The climb was purgatory. I was drowning in snot, not having much fun and ready to pack it all in. But then came the descent to Cold Cotes. Oh yes! Back in business and smiling again!

Back on tar again and heading round towards Whernside, came the most bizarre moment of the race. A small group of riders, all huddled together in a little chain gang, lead out by some chap with a babyseat complete with 2 year old on the back. No one saw how he got on carrying it up Whernside!

By comparison to Ingleborough, the ascent of Whernside was a doddle. Well, easier anyway. The descent off the other side slightly more interesting. I passed a fair few punctures, broken bits of bike and at least one broken collar bone.

Nearing the road again at Ribble Head

Then the home run. From the iconic Ribble Head viaduct there's another blisteringly fast road section back to Horton. And then it all goes horribly wrong again. A left turn up a narrow cobbled lane and a 450m climb upwards, ever upwards to the summit of Pen-y-ghent. I quickly rang out of gears but somehow managed to keep on turning the pedals to the final steepening. All the while, far more able riders than I were hurtling back at us at ridiculous speeds over the cobbles - this was an out and back section.

The summit came and went. All there was to do now was finish. Back down that track, hanging on for dear life all the while, memories of a recent trip over the handle bars trying to break the concentration, and then a quick road sprint.

Crossing the line - an emotional experience!

4 hours, 45 minutes after starting, came the joy of crossing the finish line. Mission accomplished. Race finished. And completed in under 5 hours. You beauty!

A few more pics here, courtesy of my support crew!

National Cycle Route No. 7

At long last, some cracking weather. The word about some big blue skies and some glorious sunshine must have got out as it looked like every available parking space in the glen was full this weekend.

In search of some family friendly biking, we found ourselves a bit off the patch, down the A82 & A84 towards Stirling, in the small village of Strathyre.


Here you can pick up the National Cycle Route No. 7 and follow relatively low gradient and easy trails all the way into Callander. Well away from the traffic, its a scenic ride round the far side of Loch Lubnaig and then down past the Falls of Leny.

The Cycle Route continues on through the Trossachs to the south, or through Glen Ogle and to Killin to the north, and I can see us coming back to explore some of these other sections in due course. Stopping off at the top of Glen Ogle and then riding down the old railway line, bypassing Lochearnhead and then heading on the Balquidder looks a favourite for the next visit.

The only problem with the plan is getting back to the car once you've reached your destination. However, for me its a chance to get the legs working again with a sprint back along the track. And with a play park by the river in Callander, and sweet shops that sell huge gobstoppers, it wasn't really an issue for us!

The virtues of wearing a helmet

Enjoyed the pleasures of a trip to Dalbeattie forest, near Dumfries, over the weekend and took wee Sam and Jodie round some of the highlights of the red /blue 'taster' mountain bike routes. Being part of the 7 Stanes, the forest offers some excellent biking and I decided to test whether it was indeed for 'all abilities'.

Mashed helmet

And I'm pleased to report that it was. Sam had a great time on the run back in to the car park, blasting along on his little single speed Giant Animator round switchbacks, over lumps and bumps, going with the gentle gradient. But I saw an odd thing. Something I rarely see these days. A couple riding the trails without helmets.

Move on a couple of days to last night, and to the club night weekly Wednesday evening ride. Fantastic. Making the best use of the ever decreasing evening light, we opted for one last go at the Devil's Staircase. Its a real classic, rising from the head of Glencoe over and down to Kinlochleven. Catch it in the late evening and you can concentrate on the riding and not have to worry about dodging the West Highland Way walkers.

All was going so well. A little bit of testoserone and adrenalin mixed up with some of the best natural biking going. And so to the last obstacle. One I've ridden dozens of times. Descending a greasy convex slab I knew I'd cracked it when I hit the deep rut in the peat that marks the exit line. And then wumppphhh... My world flew by like a camera mounted in a crashing rally car.Sky, rock, dirt, sky... nothing.

I'd clipped a boulder, which in turn fell down into the rut jamming solid. My front wheel came to a resounding sudden stop and I cart wheeled into a flying head butt of the Devil's Staircase's finest rocks.

There was some seeing of stars, spitting of blood, and moments of disbelief, but we all eventually got home and its now just another notch on the bike frame, counting the crashes that really hurt. But on closer inspection of my helmet, it really did what it was supposed to do. A golf ball sized stone was lodged between the vents, collapsing the polystyrene which is also cracked around the rim. If I hadn't been wearing it then I think that today's West Highland Wayers would have been treated to brain soup up at the Pen Stock.

So, the moral of this tale; Don't even think of riding without a helmet.

And does anyone know a good plastic surgeon who can sort my nose out?

Build it and they will come

We’re big fans of the new Sustrans bike track that’s slowly taking shape between Glencoe and Oban. If you’ve been paying attention then you’ll have seen the odd mention here on the blog. It’s idyllic. Particularly the bit between Glenachulish and the Holly Tree, where the traffic free smooth tarmac skirts the water’s edge and brings you out at a place where you can buy beer and crisps. What more can a cyclist ask for!

Its much the same in Annecy really. Watch the Tour de France this week and you’ll see a load of cyclists whizzing round this French lake in one of the closing stages of the famous bike race. But they’re missing the best bets. They really should take more time over it and enjoy the lakeside cycle track.
In many ways the Lake Annecy track is simply the M25 version of the Oban one. Built on an old railway, and often skirting the idyllic waters edge with a mountain backdrop. But the traffic can get a bit nose-to-tail at times (watch out for those in line skaters!) and, of course, its at least 10 degrees warmer.


If anything, it just goes to show that when you provide the facility, it’s not long before people come and use it. Lake Annecy might have the most famous bike race out there to whet folks appetite, and some rather pleasant weather too, but you’ve got to believe that when the connecting sections of the Sustrans route are completed, cyclists will flock to it in significant numbers.

Sustrans Bike Route

World Cup Mountain Biking a bit too extreme for you? Fancy some ideas for something a little easier? Something with a pie and a pint included perhaps? We've got that too!

Since opening last year, the Sustrans bike track between Glenachulish and the Holly Tree Hotel has been very popular. No matter when you go, you'll always meet someone making use of this great new facility. We like it because its one of the few places you can go with children that has a good surface, isn't full of steep gradients and is safe from traffic. Oh, that and the Holly Tree Hotel at the end of it, where you can sit out on the deck and feel like you're on holiday, even though you are in fact just a few miles from home.

At present, the route is quite short and for those without young children, it might not be worth the effort of driving to Glenachulish. However, the route from Fort William to Oban is under development and other sections are nearing completion. Try from Creran Bridge to the Sea Life Centre for example (but don't hold out much hope of a tea and a bun there unless you pay the full entry price - which is a bit odd)

We understand that the route which terminates at the old Ballachulish Ferry railway station at present (look on the left as you approach Ballachulish Bridge and you see the tarmac track) is soon to be extended to Glencoe village. Here's hoping, as a safe cycle track by the incredibly busy A82 will be a real benefit to the entire area.

Want to try this but haven't brought your bike? Hire a bike locally at Crankitup Gear in Glencoe village.

Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup

Readers of the Grog Blog will already have seen most of these, but thought these were worthy of posting here too.
Last weekend the circus came to town in the form of loads of Mercedes Sprinter vans covered with logos and the odd bus/truck/incredibly huge American 4WD. Yes, mountain bike teams from across the globe made their camp in the car park at Nevis Range for weekend of World Cup competition.

Action from the 'side show' - the British Trial competition. All the things you never knew could be done on two wheels. Or one, for that matter.

You'll here us go on about events like this quite bit throughout the course of the year. There's two reasons for this. One is that we (I) love biking, and biking doesn't get much better than this.



The other is that its quite simply a great event to go and see. Its well presented, plenty to keep you entertained and, as the final runs of the downhill competition approach, the atmosphere and the tension builds, in anticipation of who'll shave seconds off the fastest descent from the gondola top station.

A great day out!

Devil's Staircase

The cracking weather continues. And when its hot, clear and sunny, you've just got to get out and play!

Keith and Buachaille Etive Mor

Wednesday night is bike night. However, the West Highland Wheelers must be all recovering from 10 Under the Ben as it seemed no one wanted to come out to play last night. No worries. We kept it local, and Keith, your host at Glencoe Independent Hostel, and myself headed for the classic Devil's Staircase up at the top of Glencoe.

In your best Cartman voice, say "Sweeeet!"

Conditions were ideal and it was quite simply a pleasure to be out. Soon enough, the slog to the top is over and its some fantastic mountain biking all the way down into Kinlochleven. And the best bit about going in the late evening is that there's no one with map cases swinging and walking poles clinking to scowl at you as you pass them, clearly having much more fun than they are.

One of the smoother sections

The Blackwater Reservoir and a whole lot of nothingness.

What better way to finish than with a pint of ice cold lager at the Tailrace, as you sit in the evening sun and reflect on some of the best biking anywhere, all successfully achieved without so much as a trip to casualty or a puncture!

Oh yeah...!

Bealach Na Ba

So, remember the bit on Friday when I joked about snow and bike rides? Oh dear! Don't get fooled by the photo. That's how it should look according to the PR on the HandsOnEvents web site. It wasn't quite like that on Saturday.

It was an early rise to get up to Shieldaig in time for the 10.30am start. And it rained hard all the way. Driving down through Glen Shiel was more like winter than winter. Snow down to low levels and a howling wind to boot. The weather looked little better at the start line. Never before has it been so difficult to get out of the car and get on a bike.

The headwind and the lashing rain over the first leg was just the warm up for the climb itself. Once onto the ascent of the highest road pass in the UK, it turned to hail. And 50 minutes later crossing over the summit it was indeed snowing. Oh joy!

But come the village of Applecross, at the bottom of the most amazing few miles of road proving that moutain bikes go downhill much much faster than road bikes, the sun started to shine, the crowds cheered and the wind swung round to follow us. Life was sweet again!

A great event. A lovely part of the world. Get on your bike and go see it!

Mountain Bike Heaven

That's the tag line for the 7 Stanes, the forest centres spread across Southern Scotland scattered with man made mountain bike trails. Regulars to our blog will realise that we're keen on our outdoor activities, so while biking the 7 Stanes has little to do with Glencoe we thought we'd include this one anyway.

Airs Rock at Laggan Wolftrax.
Not one of the Stanes, but equally good and only an hour (ish) from Glencoe.

Our base for a couple of nights was the Mabie House Hotel, just south of Dumfries. Its a cracking spot right at the trailhead for the Mabie mountain bike trails. The hotel is a Georgian mansion and was fantastic - just how hotels should be. Friendly and accommodating staff, good food and comfy beds! Highly recommended. Being a bit soft, we opted for the huge bedrooms but if adventure is your middle name you could always try one of the camping 'pods' in the garden!

First up was the red route at Ae, just the other side of Dumfries. A good hard ride but I have to say probably my least favourite of the Stanes so far. The surface was very rocky for much of the way round, making it hard to settle in to any sort of rhythm. But with some good easier graded trails for the family, and a cafe and bike shop on site chances are we'll definitely be back soon to explore some more.

The red at Mabie was next, with a trip to the Dark Side in the evening (full body armour/no brain required). And before heading back up the road we had time for a blast round the red route at Dalbeattie. I forgotten just how good this ride is, particular out as far as the slab.

If you like your biking but you've never visited the Stanes then you really should. Each of the centres offer some fantastic riding of varying grades and character.