Simon Nieborak and Ian Lean are braving the (frankly horrific) conditions up in Ae Forest, Scotland, to cover the first round of the 2016 Shimano British Downhill Series for us. You’ll see a whole host of photos and stories coming out of the event over the next week, but to kick things off here is a quick check-in from the bog trot that was Friday track walk.

Over to Ian:

Friday at Ae Forest was better suited for canoeing. Unfortunately though, the Shimano British Downhill Series season is upon us so track walk was the order of the day. Dressed to the eyeballs in waterproofs, riders braved the consistent rain to feast their eyes on the track here at Ae Forest.

Not too many changes have been made to the track from last season, most notable are on the bottom section in the woods where new berms, jumps and improved surfaces have been added to the existing berms exiting the woods.

Conditions for Saturday look like you won’t be needing your shorts or sunglasses… I would bring a wetsuit and rubber gloves if I were you! Moist is an understatement.

Saturday is practice day and I wouldn’t like to be the first down the hill. I can only think you’re going to end up resembling a soggy turd by the bottom.

On that note, and now we’re in the mood, take a look through some images from Simon and Ian of Friday: