The Rock Supermarket (Morrisontherocks, Stonesbury’s, Waitrock, Cash and Quarry, etc)

So, the last 3 weeks? As usual, pretty hectic and not much internet time, hence the lack of updates. I left Champery and headed straight to Schladming to make some alterations to the old 4X track. Some minor changes to the first half of the track, steeper, more bermed first turn. Some small changes here and there, which should improve flow and safety.

The bottom half of the track had all been bulldozed to make a new ski piste. The organisers here are great they gave me pretty much all the machines I wanted and plenty of dirt. The only constraint was time and avoiding building on their new ski piste. Check out this link for some photos of the results.

http://www.nzride.com/worldcup07/index.php?artid=04_4xpreview

Best part of working in Schladming (apart from the Schladminger beer) was going to the Rock supermarket. This is basically a massive hole in the ground, full of rocks of all sizes and shapes. There’s a huge digger and you pick and choose which rocks you want! Unbelievable.

Worlds biggest whacker plate!!!! Serious compaction.

Next up, I travelled up to Fort William for the NPS 4X race. This was the first test of the newly extended track. Racing seemed to go ok. Most importantly, it gave me a chance to see what we can change to improve the track again in time for the Worlds in September.

Next up, a bit of R and R for me – 4 days at the Glastonbury Festival. A bit too much mud, the odd pear cider, loads of good music and so, so much fun.

I’ve now just about recovered from Glastonbury, and come up to Leeds for some riding. I made a pilgrimage to my old digging spot, Adel trails. I spent hundreds of hours digging, raking and packing here when I lived in Leeds. It was one of my favourite places of all time. Eventually the local council decided to plough the lot, about a year ago. The locals have been busy still and built the place back up, even better than before. Here are a few pics. I’m so glad this spot is running again. Bit gutted I don’t have my hardtail with me; still, I’m riding DH tomorrow so all good. LONG LIVE ADEL TRAILS!!!

Going back to Schladming on Monday for final track prep before the race.