Cat MTB weekend - update # 3 - Destination: Zermatt!

It's done! Decided! The doodle is closed, and the Jo's have spoken. This year, the Cat MTB weekend will take place on August 3, 4, and 5 in Zermatt.

This is the result of the doodle:

So we will be 9 people in total. I still hope some of the other Jo's will be able to rearrange their calendars to join us. The next step will be to secure accommodation, so we'll start making calls.

Please block your calendars and order the parts you need NOW so the bikes will be in perfect shape for the ride.

In terms of organization:

Balls: thanks a lot for your offer to help! I'll take you up on your offer in the coming days, to help us make calls to the potential bike-friendly hotels.

BoumBoum: should we find a time to go over your list of hotels over a beer? Do you have some time next weekend?

Dopey: can we count on your help to recommend the trails? Do you already have a place in mind for the Friday DH?

Missile: can you confirm your presence to the Friday DH, and to the rest of the weekend? Your answer on the doodle said you needed to double-check with your vacation plans.

All other Jo's: anybody else want to join for the downhill on friday Aug 3rd?

Papy: will give you a call to discuss Caterpillar-specific issues.

Labrico: you now have about 2 months to find a gonzesse in Zermatt...should be plenty of time for you.

3Decis: are you really not coming?!

Nascar: any suggestions for trails are welcome, the sooner we start the discussions, the better.

Alpine: you won't become a real Jo until you join the Cat MTB weekend...

BeauJoeLais: I'm counting you in for the hotel, we will not let you sleep in your car...mainly because we might need it if Simon has a bad snoring night.

Limoncello: we're still waiting to hear from you!

Husky: anybody out there?  Any chance you will join?

Tanya: should you come to realize that this weekend is (a lot) more fun than a triathlon, we'll be delighted to have you with us! Might even warrant a name...

I hope you're all as excited as I am about this weekend...we're going to ride in a truly spectacular place!

Last but not least, I've heard that the Goat is in Zurich so no excuse not to join us. Zulu, if you want to win the most km. traveled award, you'll need to fly in again this year! Bring Honeybadger with you if you do!

That's all for now, folks. To be continued!

Nameless.

Blizzard in Crans-Montana !

The Mini made it on ice and snow covered roads, overtaking stranded many cars, bringing safely Balls and Papy to Swiss heaven Restaurant Le Mayen where they stuffed their faces - getting ready for magical powder skiing day ! More please !

Rochers-de-Naye.....The last Epic ride of the season! Pics included

Details & Timing:

Getting there: Train Montreux - Rochers-de-Naye

Timing: Train leaves at 9h47

Price: 2 x CHF 16 demi-tarif

Ride: 2 hours, 1.500 meters down hill

Views: Superb!

Weather forecast: Meteoblue.....crispy but sunny!

Bring: warm clothes, good brake pads and sunglasses....

GPS: GPX track available up on request at Dopey

Webcams here...!

What you are up to!

Map of the ride:

GPS file (GPX or TXC) and be downloaded on Garmin Connect (caterpillarmountainbiking). Click here!

Getting the bikes loaded on the Goldenpass train!

A nice swiss train. Old but still looking good and rock solid.

Views from the train!

First descent....Vroaaam!

Second descent......!

Nascar & Papy zooooooming along....

Views from the trail

Renaud....tour guide, racer. Thanks for showing us the trails! :-)

Papy riding along the mountain.

Thanks all for a great ride and laughter. As Papy says;"More please!"

UPDATE SUNDAY - Pierre Avoi

Due to weather moved to Sunday.

Details:

Start: Martiginy CFF

Time: 10h00 train leaves at 10h13

The ride: Train Martigny to Le Châble. Les Ruinettes, Croix de Coeur, Pierre Avoi.....to Martigny CFF. 400m up, 2000m down.

Riding time:+/- 3 hours.

Lunch: Martigny or on the mountain somewhere....bring food.

Train Martigny to Le Châble: 10h13

Parking: Start ride from Martigny CFF and take the 10h13 train to Le Châble . Parking at CrossRoad cycles (Map)

The ride....

Crans Montana Bike Weekend - Day 3 - Lazee Boys!!

Riders: Missile, Balls, Husky, Dopey, Nascar, Labrico, Papy, Zulu, Artur

km ??

metres ??

Pointage:

Nothing to write home about....oh maybe....

Labrico on time(ish)!!

The Joe GPS Award: Husky and Labrico -0.25 each.....MUD + TRACKS = FOLLOW THE TRAIL !!
(and don't keep stopping to fiddle with your hair!!!)

The "Little Head" Award: Labrico +1 points for picking up a girl in dirty biking clothes, in a Tea Room !!!

c u next year !!

Crans Montana Bike Weekend - Day 2 - Bliss in the bisses!!

Riders: Nameless (50%...boo), Dopey, Missile, Nascar, Husky, Papy, Zulu, Artur and .....eventually....    .....   .....   .....   .. .. ..   Labrico

Where: Les 7 bisses...

How much: 50km +1500m

Pointage:

The MC award: Dopey +1

The "Lack or Respect" Award: Labrico - 2 points for f***ing our timing up royally! We won't wait next time ! Seriously

The Joe GPS award: Labrico & Husky for being unable to follow 8 other bike tracks in the mud.... -0.5 each

The "I may be 57 but I can still squeak like a girlie" award: Husky.....+0.5 points

The OTB King: Husky: 4 OTB = 2 points

The "Failed Drafting" award: Nascar for doing an OTB next to nameless +0.5

The "blind mans tire change" award: Papy for dawdling during a (how difficult can it be) tire change -0.25

The 25-30% er award: Nascar, Artur, Dopey for climbing the impossibly to Chermignon D'en Haut by bike +0.5

The heidi award(s): The two heidis we saw below Chris Roy....9 points each ! (-)(-)

Chamonix - Genève

While some were pedaling in Canada, Papy, Husky, 3DC, Zulu, No3 and I sweated along the Arve between Chamonix and Geneva. I suggest we do that again.

A poll is in place to allow as many to participate. If you wish to do so, please indicate your opportunities:

http://www.doodle.com/5u7uui2r4hr63drf

See you.

Testing the camera....during Saturdays ride.

Missile and Nascar going at speed that is "matches" their nicknames!

Thanks for the ride! More video coming soon :-)

Not riding.....Missile is disappointing us! :-)

Niceeee......

I am getting old.....I need a 1.200cc engine with wheels!

The Brazilian - July 02....back up date July 03

Sign up here and now! The Brazilian.....those that have been there know and need no convincing!

For those that need a reminder:

Brazilian 1

Brazilian 2

The plan:

Wake up early....its going to be a great and long day.

Timing: departure cable car Chalais 08h30

Cable care: Chalais - Vercorin - Crete du Midi

Ride 1: Crete du Midi - Col de Cou - Nax (Lunch) - Vercorin

Next: Postal bus from Sion (Bramois) up again

Ride 2: Another fine descent hosted by Serge!

Please confirm by Thursday because I need to reserve the postal bus!.....and make sure your bike is in fine shape!!

Saturday - Tour de la Dole - Something new in the Jura

Saturdays ride....tour de la Dole. A new trail with a descent from La Vesanciere in France, back home.

Planning:

Departure: Train NStCM L'Asse

Time: 08h59

Ride: Les Pralies, La Dole, La Vesanciere and La Rippe.

New descent....one that makes you smile :-)

Birthday cake, Pasta and beers at my place afterwards!

Please confirm by Friday noon svp....

Passport du Soleil - June 24 or 25

Lots of fun....little climbing!

Who is in for a nice day of Freeriding / Downhilling in Portes du Soleil during the weekend of June 24th or 25th?

Bring out your fat tires!

PHOTO REPORT - Portail de Fully - Sunday May 29

The dancing fool...."we are going Ninering!"

Thinking;.....how long was the uphill again?

Almost there....?

Just about rideable....15% at 2.250m....I need air!

He is checking out the sticker on his frame...."Pedal damn it!"

A bit of snow riding was included in the fun!

Then....there is flowy single track.....for now...

Ohhhhh!

Photo, photo....

Let the party start....!

The first 3 switchbacks done....Missile;"Is that it?"

And 78x more to come...who said steep?

Nascar in full concentration!

An easy moment....

Look fruit juice trees!

Double load for Nascar on the way back....Missile our thoughts are with you.

We hope to see the chicken suit gone and the smile back soon!

Thanks for a great ride!

UPDATE - Portail de Fully - Sunday May 29!

Yes, you are invited to enjoy one of the best rides in the Valais! The Portail de Fully....for those who missed it last year...See the ride report here.

Latest update:

- Date Sunday May 29. Meeting at 09h00 Dorenaz telepherique!

- The weather looks excellent!

- Confirmed: Nascar, Missile and Dopey

- Unconfirmed: Labrico and Nameless

- Possible guest riders: Gaby + Friend, HP Serge

- We may do a XL version but it depends on time, legs, weather, group.

- Don't forget energy supplies (bars, H2O, etc.)

What, Where and When:

Dates: May 28 or 29 (weather permitting)...let me know what is your preference.

Time: 09h15 at the Dorenaz telepherique. If we are more than 4 I will reserve for 9h00. Be there well in advance to get your ticket and place in the cabin.

The ride: Portail de Fully....; x 1oo switch backs, superb single track and stunning views.

Rider level: 1.2oom climbing and technical challenging. This is not a ride for beginners!

Lunch: Will be enjoyed at: Relais des Chasseurs, Fully

What to bring:

- Fresh brake pads (and spare)

- Big balls...you will know why!

- Demi-tarif for the cable car

- A camera!

Sunday ride in the Jura with a nice lunch!

Here is my suggestion:

Departure: L'Asse train station

Time: 08h59 train or one earlier

Ride: Easy up and over through the Jura

La Givrine - Jura - Col de Marchairiuz (Lunch) - Back to L'Asse

Early lunch at the Marchairuz restaurant

Back in L'Asse no later than 14h00!

Easter rides!

Hike a bike? Almost there?

Col de Porte almost within reach!

Ninering down la Dole...Missile and Nascar go vrooaaamm!

Labrico...see no rain in the Jura!

Nascar need some attention.

Oops!

Chicken!....What? You call me a chicken!

Enjoying the views on the way up to Le Voiron.

Boumboumland...Mr. Saleve next to Le Petit Saleve.

Enjoying the views and the culture on our way down.

Navigating the stairs after a new nice sweet single track!

Thanks to Labrico for sharing!

Stairs or a ladder?

Nascar + Geneva's jet d'eau.

What is on your mind this weekend....riding?

When: Saturday, April 2nd.

Where: Jura

What: bring a suspension bike and no hang-over

Timing: Start 10h00 in Cheserex city

How long, far and high: ...we will see!

On Saturday and Sunday the weather is going to be beautiful. I like to ride both days and I am flexible with timing however I would like to ride one day in the Jura.

Let me know what you want to do!

UPDATE - This Sunday....Mont Mussy and the flying bike!

Looking at the weather forecast I suggest an afternoon ride.

Time: 13hoo

Place: Cheserex - Jura / Mont Mussy

See you!

You wonder who's bike it is. Missile give it back!!