Alps MTB trip 2022

[weeksy]

Wife isn't coming, she's off to Croatia to a dance music festival for the weekend.

So it's just me and the lad.... However, him dropping the card, leaving my bank card in the machine or even falling out of the car, well, it's far from impossible

I've spent the last 24 hours watching YTube videos and planning where, what, how and how much death we'll be riding over there.

We've got Lindarets, Chatel, Morzine and Les Gets all mapped out in our head... well, mostly my head not his. My worry is whether i can get my big boy pants on for some of the gaps on the reds.

[porter_jamie]

where did you find the chalet? airbnb?

[weeksy]

where did you find the chalet? airbnb?

Yup, basically. AirBNB and picked one not far out of town center with enough beds. We've used airBNB lots so not hugely worried.

[weeksy]

Jamie... useful vid here

[weeksy]

6 weeks today and we'll be off.. I'm either getting very excited or very scared depending on how you look at things

I'm also thinking "we're gonna need a bigger bike" at times..

[Mr Moofo]

6 weeks today and we'll be off.. I'm either getting very excited or very scared depending on how you look at things

I'm also thinking "we're gonna need a bigger bike" at times..

I'm off 1st July.
My bum is already very twitchy ...

[weeksy]

What's your plan, how long you going for ? how many people ? What are you riding ? What trails/locations you thinking ?

[Mr Moofo]

What's your plan, how long you going for ? how many people ? What are you riding ? What trails/locations you thinking ?

If that was aimed at me - 3 days. Based at Pleney - staying in a hotel with 9 other (one who paralysed himself for 9 months after his last visit. Still not too sure why he is even thinking about going).
Route - dunno - as have only been there skiing and snowboarding, so I know nothing about the terrain. It won't be backcountry / blacks / bike park stuff. As I said in SDW - more likely blues and greens to get a feel for what it is all about - and then build from there. And to see if I want to return ( with better gear)
The major issue about being old (other than you die sooner and things don't work like they used to) is that it takes ages for damage to repair. If should really affect you life life less - but it doesn't.

Bike is a rental so Nukeproof Pulse.

And thankfully (looking at the the state of Gatwick) we are driving there and back.

[weeksy]

Bike is a rental so Nukeproof Pulse.

Ooooh a big boy

I'll be really curious as to how you get on and your reports on it. As you know, i've been there more than a few times and love it.... Although i've usually gone on a bigger bike or with slower folk lol.

[Mr Moofo]

Bike is a rental so Nukeproof Pulse.

Ooooh a big boy

I'll be really curious as to how you get on and your reports on it. As you know, i've been there more than a few times and love it.... Although i've usually gone on a bigger bike or with slower folk lol.

Bike was chosen on advice of others - stating you won't need all the travel but it will make the trip more enjoyable ( I guess if I am over-biked, I can always swap it).
And I am in no doubt I will be the slowest on technical down hill/ any up hill, but can hold my own of the more sleepy stuff. I will probably riding on my own a lot - which will be sensible!

[weeksy]

4 weeks tomorrow we're off to Morzine..

@Mr Moofo is currently there so i'll be interested to see his reviews. Very much looking forward to it though, if a little afraid by the difference in skill levels between the lad and me.

Was watching some YouTube vids about Lindarets which looks cool and tech.

[Mr Moofo]

On the road back-so full update later.
We were very lucky with weather - thunderstorms- but only at night.
I was surprised how good the standard of biking was across all age groups / sexes.
I loved the categorisation of green runs as “ easy”. I would say they were the same as “difficult” on the South Downs.
Blues taught me a lot about berm riding - and I need to get some serious standing uprising practise. Still can’t jump - and I want to be able to pop off stuff.
A couple of reds done. Very steep in places - but when you were in the zone that didn’t matter.
Went down to Linderets so more on that later .
Only another 7 hours in the car!!

[weeksy]

It's a long arse drive that's for sure. We're splitting it up both ways and on the way down getting to mid-north-france on the first evening, then into hotel there and we should be able to knock the final part to the Alps in 7 hours on the first morning.
Coming back we're heading to Burgundy for the night and going wine shopping for @Welsh Muffin

[Mr Moofo]

The Nukeproof was a good choice - but very alien to me. No dropper post , sitting on it like a BMX. But solid , raked out and stable on the steeps but Turing surprisingly well.
Annoyingly it knocked loudly all the time ( due to tyre inserts appt).
Spring shock was certainly plush - but a little under sprung for my weight.

If I go back I would look at buying something enduro and taking it with me. 300 quid for 3 days makes owning worthwhile. I am never going to be a balls out downhiller or bike park hound - so something that is comfortable if I have to pedal would suit.

PS Endura short liners are bloody uncomfortable! Two pairs will be in the bin this evening.

[Mr Moofo]

@weeksy
When you go, should you find my very expensive varifocal glasses that were 3 weeks old, on Pleney anywhere, if you could bring them back, It would be much appreciated !