Hog_

So I'm joining the PdS trip during the first 2 weeks of August (2nd - 16th). I'll be travelling down from Munich to Les Gets by car, and I'll have the basic tools with me: allen key set, torx, torque wrench, shock pump, spoke wrench, BB tool etc. If there is anything specific you need, just ask. If I have it and it fits, I'll bring it along. Here though is my good guy offer for you guys: I'll be doing orders from bike-mailorder.de and bike-components.de before the trip, maybe 26bikes.com as well. If you need small stuff that you can't find locally, let me know. SMALL things like brake pads, levers, drop outs, goggle lenses, grips, headsets, maybe even pedals and handlebars. I wont have space for frames, forks, wheelsets, shoes, helmets or anything big like that. If you ask me to order something for you, I'll need a link to the exact item. I will pay for it in advance, but you will pay me for the item, in cash, or else I'll loosen your front wheel or something. Disclaimer: If you order the wrong thing, you're stuck with it. I don't care. Dates may change, since I'm still waiting on confirmation of my chalet. By 'cash', I mean 'Euro'. None of that monopoly money you guys use down there.

Uhm... no. But I'll leave the twins with him and enjoy some uninterrupted sleep!

Guess it's time to sort out my accommodation!

Who are you flying with? I always thought SAA only allows 20kg for sporting equipment. When I flew back to Germany the one time I had a bike, the asshat at the checkin counter was trying to give me a hard time, even though I was under the allowed weight. He was probably just fishing for a bribe, but I played it dumb and he eventually let me through.

What for? It's all downhill!

Don't see it as hitting the cow, see is as tenderising your steak.

The Kalula (definitely not my lack of skill) caused me to crash and have a shoulder operation, so we're not on good terms at the moment. Also, the squeeky BOS Shock was getting annoying. Also, I got such a good deal on the Giant that I couldn't resist. Also, all the cool Euro kids aren't impressed by Kalulas, so I can't be seen on one.

Was told this belongs here. https://vimeo.com/96889171

Sounds like you're near Munich? Osternohe is great fun, although it's somewhat on the small side. They only have a Schlepplift so first timers get to embarrass themselves by falling off halfway. Definitely worth a visit if you don't need super-steep terrain. I have a love-hate relationship with Leogang. It's a great park, but I'm always annoyed by the long lines for the lift and by the lack of trail maintenance. The downhill course feels like one long brake-rut from top to bottom. Other parks in the area (±3 hours from Munich): Spicak - Excellent, well maintained and designed trails. Cheap. Bischofsmais - Great trails, especially the Flow Country. Queues can get a bit long at times. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis - New park, only opened at the end of last year. Good trails. Samerberg - Small park, but close to Munich. Good for a few quick runs on a half day off work. Hopfgarten - A steep, nasty, natural trail. Cheap. Close to Munich. Great fun. Nordkette - Steep as ****. Rocky as ****. Suicide by bike. Wagrain - Only been there once. Looked like a nice trail underneath all the mud. Saalbach - Apparently it's awesome. On my to-do list for the year. If you're near/in Munich, let me know. We go riding often and there's usually an space in the car and a bike to use.

Rain? Nothing like a onesie to keep the elements out. http://26bikes.interbikes.eu/file/16778/ixs-rain-suit.jpg

Ben, just to add something productive to the discussion: I've been using the Brand-X upper body armour from CRC for the last 2 years or so, and it seems to work well enough. I rolled down at least half the hill when we went to the very rocky and steep Nordkette, and I only had a few light bruises so I think it does a decent job. I've seen a lot of similar/identical suits floating around, so I think it's a standard "Made in China" item.

All the Eurokids on their Demos will be so jealous!

Just as I was looking to buy a skinsuit.

Send me a link. I still need to look at accommodation, and I'll have my car so being a little bit away won't be a problem.

A little tip for first timers: Your hands are going to take a beating. Start doing hand strengthening exercises now, otherwise you'll struggle to ride 2 days in a row.

Honestly, I only bought the Hornet because On One didn't have stock of the Inbred Evo at the time, and I wasn't going to spend Cotic money on a hardtail, but now I love it! It's awesome for trails and it's not afraid of the rough stuff. I've even had it on the local dirts and pump track where it's perfectly fine - maybe not as good as a dedicated dirt jumper, but still very good. I'll probably hang on to this one for a while.

I was told this belongs here. http://i.imgur.com/YxJDC5Nl.jpg Not the most pimp of builds, but it brings a smile to my face every time.

**** that. I need a lawyer and a doctor in the family. They're my retirement policy.

That's enough space for me and the bikes... but where do I put the wife and kids?

I should be able to join as well, assuming I don't injure myself before then, and I can find suitable accommodation for me and the family. Will have a look closer to the time.

That guy is carrying decent speed. Samerberg is the type of park where a DH sled is overkill. An Enduro rig is pretty much the ideal choice for it. I quite like taking my hardtail, even though one or two sections can be a little rough.

Superstar Components has a sale on wheelsets at the moment. I paid under €180 for a DH wheelset last week. If the wheels are as strong as the AM wheelset I've been rocking on my old Morewood, they should last for ever. http://www.superstarcomponents.com/

Manitou Circus Expert. Light, nice hard spring, thru-axle and the reverse bridge fcks with people's minds.

That section is about halfway down the mountain, and from what I remember he was already quite a bit off pace by then? Maybe he came in too hot because of dodgy brakes, then crashed?

Could those be tool marks? Either way, unless you used oil with rocks in it, that's not caused by using the wrong oil, and unless you had to replace the fork legs and/or stanchions after the crash, I highly doubt that was the cause. The damage had to happen while the fork was disassembled.