Glentress again

Early morning start down to Glentress, only to find the place full of people setting up the Scottish XC Championships. Went up to 'Spooky Wood' a build section at the top of the red run that we had not done before. Lots of jumps, berms and a few drop offs. The first time were were distinctly careful, but after a couple of steep climbs back up we were getting some speed and managing to jump off, if not over, all the tabletops and little bumps. Still braking too much, so some parts not enough speed. By the 3rd time round there was a crowd at the top - people with all sorts of bikes - a couple of old hard tails, full sus, hard tail jump bikes etc. One group were putting on armour. I wonder if by next year it will be normal to do this, given the greater number of jumps being built, and the higher incidence of injury. The manager of the Hub, who was setting up the XC race told us that lots pf people were trying to do the red jump course on XC bikes with the seat up! The advice they give on the signs is full face helmets and body armour.
After the jumps we headed off to the V-trail - the Boundary, and down the boneshaking trail and a long climb up though the rain forest section that is hot and full of flies. Managed the log piles and rooty drop offs no problem, and even the rock steps, but still defeated by the sharp left hander in the deep dark woods. No injuries though. Fantastic day, although I was compeltely knackered by 9pm. 3:25hr out, 30km, 800m climb. Rear derellieur not working well in gears 2-4, so time for a professional service.
Picture of Neil

and me after the ride modeling 2006 bike fashion.

Links:
Plans for a big new visitor's centre at Glentress
Forestry Commission mountain bike portal.