The PH Megavalanche thread 2008

[neil_bolton]

Don't forget people, sign up to your nice and easy jaunt down a snowy mountain with 1400 other nutters in mid July

www.avalanchetrophy.com - sign up from 12 today - First 400 get free jerseys (which are VERY cool)...

I'm ready with my finger poised - anyone else?

[Rico]

[Scho]

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

[neil_bolton]

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done. Then add 1400 riders (in 400 man waves) and then do it for 20 mins for quali, and then 1:20 (if yer quick) for the race.

You can practice your heart out until the Friday and Saturday when the racing starts, and you get a lift pass as part of the entry fee - its all very slick, AND cheap!

Do it, no matter what your skill, you will never look back.

[Scho]

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

[Rico]

Neil did it last year and has convinced me to give it a go.

I'm just looking for my first experience of Alps riding, so why not Mega. It'll be a good giggle and should be tonnes of Brits in the resort to have some good parties with. Can't go wrong really

[neil_bolton]

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

I would take a look at my profile

Don't be kidded by the vids you see - there is more than enough gnarly stuff.

I'd hazard that its better trails than Morzine (but without the braking bumps) howver not as severe in places. However there ARE some very tricky bits, never mind when you throw other people competing for the same spot you want into the equation.

You WILL be scared, no doubt - I was, and I'm not usually fazed by stuff, let alone racing.

There are some other trails, not part of the race, for example the black run, which is bloody rediculous, and fantastic fun - and scared the crap out of me - I ran right out of skill and I'm pretty confident on anything...

I'm also signing up to do the Sprint race too - the shorted World Cup course thats on the Thursday (I think)...

[Hob Nob]

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

it depends on what DH you have done before but its definately not that scary. The Glacier is great fun just hold onto you bike like your life depends on it. More like the Swiss National once you get past the glacier part its pretty rocky all the way down. Some sections of it are tough others are what i would call typical alpine singletrack. Depends on how seriously you take it too because once you are in the singletrack it become hard to overtake. Be prepared to be taken out by a kamakaze though because it will happen and probably more than once.

[Scho]

Hob Nob said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

it depends on what DH you have done before but its definately not that scary.

I spent two summers in chamonix and made it over the morzine a few times. did a hell of a lot of technical downhill in cham whilst i was there so i'm used to prolonged decents and can handle the tricky stuff.

i mentioned it to a couple of mates, was planning a trip to the alps this summer anyway so i might well be up for it. would be nice to have a bit of a focus for the trip. only reason i can think of not to go is accomodation? is it an expensive time to stay? can you camp?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:52

[neil_bolton]

Hob Nob said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

it depends on what DH you have done before but its definately not that scary. The Glacier is great fun just hold onto you bike like your life depends on it. More like the Swiss National once you get past the glacier part its pretty rocky all the way down. Some sections of it are tough others are what i would call typical alpine singletrack. Depends on how seriously you take it too because once you are in the singletrack it become hard to overtake. Be prepared to be taken out by a kamakaze though because it will happen and probably more than once.

Quite right on the Kamakaze note - you get some 'interesting' moves pulled on you to gain places, but you can usually get them back later. I suffer slightly from being deaf, so I can't hear some people under my full face, however I'm usually quick enough to not get in peoples way.

Its important to note, that whilst quite a bit of the middle part of the course (through ALpe D'Huez for example) is predominantly easy, its worth considering that some peoples idea of easy can be anothers gnarly.

Certainly one or two sections were frankly bananas to expect hundreds of people to cram through - the five foot drop off at the top just off the glacier was pretty nuts - never mind that I was trying to do it with no chain or rear mech, and hence, no ability to kick the front up with a quick pedal stroke!!!

Either way, there are parts of the course that would be worthy of inclusion in a World Cup DH course, but other parts that my gran could ride.

The scary bit is all the other riders, especially on the Glacier - the biggest buzz I've ever had!!!

This year I'll be aiming for a decent time as I had mechanical last year meaning I could only scoot/run round without a chain, and I ended up doing it in 2 hours.

This year I'll take the DH centric bike for the quali which is DEFO a DH course in parts, and then ride my more XC rigged Commencal Meta 5.5 for the race itself, aiming to get a 1:15 or less...

No point worrying about it though, you will giggle all the way down - least until you hit that ing hidden ditch at about 75% the way down on the off camber grass field "Easy peasy" I thought, as I, at the last minute, averted a over the bars disaster...!

[neil_bolton]

Scho said:

Hob Nob said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

it depends on what DH you have done before but its definately not that scary.

I spent two summers in chamonix and made it over the morzine a few times. did a hell of a lot of technical downhill in cham whilst i was there so i'm used to prolonged decents and can handle the tricky stuff.

i mentioned it to a couple of mates, was planning a trip to the alps this summer anyway so i might well be up for it. would be nice to have a bit of a focus for the trip. only reason i can think of not to go is accomodation? is it an expensive time to stay? can you camp?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:52

You'll have no problems then I expect.

Accomodation is very cheap if shared - we had a 6 person apartment with ace views and quality, and only paid €550 for the week.

You can camp though, right up by the lifts.

[Scho]

what brakes do you run?

my old M4's on 205 rotors used to heat up like crazy. i'd end up coming up to a corner, braking and just pulling the leaver all the way to the bar.

my new bike has m4 mono's which i've yet to test on DH.

[Scho]

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

Hob Nob said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

it depends on what DH you have done before but its definately not that scary.

I spent two summers in chamonix and made it over the morzine a few times. did a hell of a lot of technical downhill in cham whilst i was there so i'm used to prolonged decents and can handle the tricky stuff.

i mentioned it to a couple of mates, was planning a trip to the alps this summer anyway so i might well be up for it. would be nice to have a bit of a focus for the trip. only reason i can think of not to go is accomodation? is it an expensive time to stay? can you camp?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:52

You'll have no problems then I expect.

Accomodation is very cheap if shared - we had a 6 person apartment with ace views and quality, and only paid €550 for the week.

You can camp though, right up by the lifts.

camping wouln't be much cheaper than that :-) how did you find your flat?

I must discuss this race with the boys at once.

[neil_bolton]

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

Hob Nob said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

it depends on what DH you have done before but its definately not that scary.

I spent two summers in chamonix and made it over the morzine a few times. did a hell of a lot of technical downhill in cham whilst i was there so i'm used to prolonged decents and can handle the tricky stuff.

i mentioned it to a couple of mates, was planning a trip to the alps this summer anyway so i might well be up for it. would be nice to have a bit of a focus for the trip. only reason i can think of not to go is accomodation? is it an expensive time to stay? can you camp?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:52

You'll have no problems then I expect.

Accomodation is very cheap if shared - we had a 6 person apartment with ace views and quality, and only paid €550 for the week.

You can camp though, right up by the lifts.

camping wouln't be much cheaper than that :-) how did you find your flat?

I must discuss this race with the boys at once.

I can forward you details of the lady who helped us, and will be helping me later - I believe shes in the tourist office there.

As its off season, its very cheap. We were VERY impressed with the accomodation (having been in some right hovels when snowboarding before) and were glad we decided to spend the extra €100 on the extra 2 person size - only five of us, but the extra size helped when we threw in all the kit...

[neil_bolton]

Scho said:

what brakes do you run?

my old M4's on 205 rotors used to heat up like crazy. i'd end up coming up to a corner, braking and just pulling the leaver all the way to the bar.

my new bike has m4 mono's which i've yet to test on DH.

Not too hot on what Hopes are like but let me give you this:

Running Saints, with cheap Aztec pads =



One dead pad, welded to my disc, and absolutely no rear braking down a 40mph long, one foot wide singletrack chute, and lots of switchbacks.

As it is I qualified

Anyhoo, I threw on Goodridge Sintered pads, and they were fine there after - the aztec pads were shite - I blew one rear set in ONE RUN!

[Scho]

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

Hob Nob said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

it depends on what DH you have done before but its definately not that scary.

I spent two summers in chamonix and made it over the morzine a few times. did a hell of a lot of technical downhill in cham whilst i was there so i'm used to prolonged decents and can handle the tricky stuff.

i mentioned it to a couple of mates, was planning a trip to the alps this summer anyway so i might well be up for it. would be nice to have a bit of a focus for the trip. only reason i can think of not to go is accomodation? is it an expensive time to stay? can you camp?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:52

You'll have no problems then I expect.

Accomodation is very cheap if shared - we had a 6 person apartment with ace views and quality, and only paid €550 for the week.

You can camp though, right up by the lifts.

camping wouln't be much cheaper than that :-) how did you find your flat?

I must discuss this race with the boys at once.

been in some right hovels when snowboarding before

so you've been to tignes then? :-)

aka the ghetto.

a lot of resorts sell the flats thru the tourist office so i can allways get in touch with them myself.

getting a bit exited about this now.

[neil_bolton]

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

Hob Nob said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

it depends on what DH you have done before but its definately not that scary.

I spent two summers in chamonix and made it over the morzine a few times. did a hell of a lot of technical downhill in cham whilst i was there so i'm used to prolonged decents and can handle the tricky stuff.

i mentioned it to a couple of mates, was planning a trip to the alps this summer anyway so i might well be up for it. would be nice to have a bit of a focus for the trip. only reason i can think of not to go is accomodation? is it an expensive time to stay? can you camp?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:52

You'll have no problems then I expect.

Accomodation is very cheap if shared - we had a 6 person apartment with ace views and quality, and only paid €550 for the week.

You can camp though, right up by the lifts.

camping wouln't be much cheaper than that :-) how did you find your flat?

I must discuss this race with the boys at once.

been in some right hovels when snowboarding before

so you've been to tignes then? :-)

aka the ghetto.

a lot of resorts sell the flats thru the tourist office so i can allways get in touch with them myself.

getting a bit exited about this now.

Le Deux Alpes actually (Mayrhoffen, Austria was worlds apart - Snowbombing rocks )

Happy to forward the details on if you like - the lass is very helpful, and speaks english, which is handy

[Scho]

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

Hob Nob said:

Scho said:

neil_bolton said:

Scho said:

whats the score with this then? do you get to practice before the run?... never ridden on snow before!

seen a few vids on youtube and i really fancy it. whats the course like in general? is it tricky or more of an endurance thing?

Think scariest ever DH run you've ever done.

how does it compare with something like the plenny at morzine? from the vid's a lot of the start seems quite wire and fire road-esq.

have you done it before?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:35

it depends on what DH you have done before but its definately not that scary.

I spent two summers in chamonix and made it over the morzine a few times. did a hell of a lot of technical downhill in cham whilst i was there so i'm used to prolonged decents and can handle the tricky stuff.

i mentioned it to a couple of mates, was planning a trip to the alps this summer anyway so i might well be up for it. would be nice to have a bit of a focus for the trip. only reason i can think of not to go is accomodation? is it an expensive time to stay? can you camp?

Edited by Scho on Monday 14th January 11:52

You'll have no problems then I expect.

Accomodation is very cheap if shared - we had a 6 person apartment with ace views and quality, and only paid €550 for the week.

You can camp though, right up by the lifts.

camping wouln't be much cheaper than that :-) how did you find your flat?

I must discuss this race with the boys at once.

been in some right hovels when snowboarding before

so you've been to tignes then? :-)

aka the ghetto.

a lot of resorts sell the flats thru the tourist office so i can allways get in touch with them myself.

getting a bit exited about this now.

Le Deux Alpes actually (Mayrhoffen, Austria was worlds apart - Snowbombing rocks )

tignes, les duex alpes,les arcs........as they say in france ' c'est la meme chose '

i've got a mate in tignes, been there last two seasons and LOVES it. i've been last who years running and going again at the end of feb, don't know if i could handle a season in on of those high rise resorts. it's allright for a week tho and it's allways handy to know a few seasonairs. + the free riding is great as you can see everything without those pesky trees.

[neil_bolton]

Sign up using this link chaps - its not immediately apparant on the website:

http://www.activeeurope.com/Events/index.cfm?AC=Ev...

We signed up for the Platinum entry, as this gets us into the Oz sprint race - which looked awesome last year

[Rico]

Congratulations! Active has successfully processed your application, and you are now officially registered for the event listed below.

Registration ID:
Name: Rico
Event: Saab Salomon Megavalanche Alpe d'Huez
Category: PACK PLATINIUM : Avalanche Cup DH of Oz + MEGA + Lift Pass for the week
Start Date: 07/07/2008 - 00:00