Last minute bike training = climbing!

Next weekend is the Dyfi Enduro, a 60km mountain bike event in mid Wales. I have neglected all training for this and planned to get out on a last ride this weekend...

Quiet at Stanage

George following up Retrovision

However when I heard that a few people were heading to the Peak District to climb on the grit stone, well I had to go!

George and Shaw on Wuthering a classic Stanage E2

Shaw fighting through the overhangs

A great day at Stanage in the sunshine climbing 8 routes ranging in grade from VD to E1. Lets just hope that my legs carry me round the Enduro next weekend.

Shaw on a very slippy/polished VS

Cath and Suki enjoying the sun

Glencoe backcountry - Dragon Bowl

I couldn't resist one last ski trip as the conditions and weather on the Scottish West coast looked epic this weekend. I arranged to meet Gav and go and explore some backcountry, so after a night in the car around Loch Lomond I was sitting in the sun waiting for the first uplift at Glencoe mt.

Warming up on spring line

Chris and Gav heading over to Creise

I met up with Gav and Chris a couple of local split boarders and after a few runs on the piste we headed over to Creise the next hill/munro over as there was good snow cover in a few of its bowls.

Gav checking entry points

Gav dropping in

It was a bit of a trek (walk) over, but the Dragon Bowl was full of snow so well worth it. It was pretty warm and the snow sugary higher up, but brilliant skiing/boarding. Gav did a steeper first line whilst Chris and I did a mellow run. The skin out was epic, and due to the 'sugar snow' we had to boot kick our way to freedom so that we could have a second run. 

Chris

The 'easy' skin out

Turned into fun (ski's off!)

After 2 great runs we headed back towards the joining ridge hoping to do another line but it was too late, we were wasted and the other bowl was now in the shade. We trudged back over the never ending col/ridge back to the Glencoe 'resort' (which was now deserted/closed), and only just made the last lift down. Phew - I was absolutely wasted. 

Having a rest on the 2nd walk out, scoping endless lines

Looking back at the top of Dragon Bowl

Chris looking cool!

The 'short' walk out - endless ridge!

An amazing day - already excited for next winter :-)

Easter snow hunt

I'm turning into a ski bum..... driving through the night, sleeping in the car in a spooky forest somewhere near Pitlochry so that I can grab another days skiing this winter.....

Walk to the snow.. wasn't too far

Nice angle to skin up

Just before the summit

At the moment there's more snow on the West, but the forecast was for better weather on the East of Scotland so I arranged to meet Des and Cath at the Pass of Drumochter for a ski tour (great idea guys). 

On top of Geal-charn

The next munro along was just too inviting...

The plan was to head up the Munro of Geal-charn (917m) as the snow line looked pretty good/complete, and after a short walk the ski's were on and we were skinning up the easy angled hill. The weather was amazing, and we got to the top with only a short carry of the ski's at the bare rocky top. 

Short carry again to the snow

Sitting in the sun soaking up the views we decided it was too early to stop what with the 'beau temps', so we easily persuaded ourselves to carry on to the next Munro of A' Mharconaich (975m), as the drop to the col wasn't too far and the snow bowl on the opposite hill looked awesome to ski. 

Geal-charn behind Des

Cath heading for the top

It was an interesting trip over to the second hill, spotting a pair of ptarmigan and migrating toads on route (bizarre but true). After the second top we retraced our route to make the most of the snow cover and had a brilliant last descent on soft spring snow. 

At last some downhill...

Spot the skier (Des)?

Skins on again for the climb back up Geal-charn

When we hit the cars we were all pretty tired but smiling as it was well worth it, a fantastic day in the mountains - thanks guys. 

Last bit of uphill

Telemarker in action

Heading home.....

Spring snow in Scotland

This winter one of my goals has been to improve my skiing. I've learnt to ski in the last year, but I'm not totally sure what I'm doing well, and what I'm doing badly. 

Contemplating the steep drop into the back Corries at Nevis!

Nico's drop in

To me this is steep terrain!!

Therefore it seemed logical to get some good instruction. I'd read lots of positive stuff about Off Piste Performance and their course in Scotland seemed like a great idea to try and move my skills forward. 

Nico shredding the Corrie

Gillian leading the way

A break in the back Corries, the Braveheart Chair was running, which is rare I'm told

Wow!! What an amazing 2 days skiing in Scotland! The weather was great, which was a bonus, but going on this course is the best decision I could have made. We spent the first day at the Nevis Range, basking in the sun working on piste before dropping into the back Corries (exhilarating/terrifying!) to work on other skills on the slightly steeper and more varied terrain. 

Glen Coe

Sunday at Glencoe was equally fun/amazing, and included some great skiing 'playing' with the varied terrain. I have learnt so much from Gillian and this course, and feel my understanding of skiing, and my 'tool box' of skills has massively improved/expanded. I'd recommend it to any skier/mountaineer who wants to improve their skiing ability, and help them get out into the mountains. I write this with 2 heavy tired legs, but still a smile on my face. 

Checking the views (it was meant to be bad weather)

Dropping into Spring time

A tad windy on the Walna Scar road

Today's weather forecasts promised a great improvement after midday, including a lowering of the high wind speed and even sunshine, so with this in mind I decided to head on one of the highest mountain bike routes I know in the Lake District. 

Grey and windy on Coniston Water

The Walna Scar road is a rough track (old road) built to link Coniston to the Duddon Valley and provide access to the old slate quarries on both sides. Its a pretty high and exposed route (600m) and courted controversy a good few years back when it was closed to motorised vehicles/4x4's (but this doesn't seem to stop dirt bikers!). 

The famous Walna Scar road

When I set off the wind speeds were very high even in the valley. I cycled past Torver alongside Coniston Water and dawdled thinking its going to be hard work battling the wind high up. As I got off the road and onto the rough track beyond the high car park luckily the wind didn't seem too problematic. 

Still a long way to go

Its a beautiful ride as you gradually gain height (I admit I had to push a good few bits), with fantastic views of the Old Man of Coniston and Dow Crag. Even though I'm sure I've been over it before on my bike I couldn't remember it, and it went on for much further (and higher) than I thought! 

Sensible sheep sheltering in the old mine ruins (I was too!)

As I reached the top/pass there were some old snow patches, but I didn't linger as the wind was fierce! Dropping steeply down towards the Duddon Valley I had to lean about 45 degree's into the wind so I wasn't blown off the track. 

Playing in the sunny forest

It got more pleasant as I turned South off the Walna Scar road at the old mine workings and spoil heaps to take the brilliant bridleway to the forests that start at Natty Bridge, where finally the sun came out and I enjoyed the views, and last half an hour sheltered from the earlier wind.