Recent gear reviewing

Cactus Climbing Zero

I was introduced to Cactus Climbing while working in New Zealand.  

http://www.cactusequipment.co.nz/ 

Made famous for gear that 'wears in, not out!'

Once again, simplicity is key.  One large compartment (15litres) and a mesh pocket.  Plenty of space for gear required for a full day out.

The harness system is very simple yet effective.  Thick webbing for the shoulder straps and waist band.  There is no chest strap but as Catcus say, its not required.  I have always used a chest strap so I will see how I get on.  So far so good.

Thanks Rach for a great Birthday present! x  

 

Shimano SLX stoppers

These replaced the frustrating Avid Elixier 5's that came as stand on the Treks of 2012.  

The Elixier were powerful but needed regular bleeding, and this was their major down fall as it was so faffy! even for the LBS.

The SLX on the other hand, are just as powerfull and are a joy to bleed!

...They also look nice 

 

Maxxis High Rollers

After been let down by cheaper tyre brands I was advised with the following;

Maxxis high rollers 2.35 on the front and a slightly faster rolling 2.2 on the rear.

They are so good!

Rolling fast on gravel tracks, tarmac and grass.  

On steeper mixed terrain the 2.35 provides stacks of grip and with it confidence.

 

Foggy trails

 A smashing day on quiet trails in misty conditions

These sheep couldn't even see us!

Briefly below the mist line.  Classic Swaledale scenery. We love Yorkshire x

At the top of the belting descent back into Arckengarthdale 

 ...Here we go...

Rach just visible cruising the final section through the tips

Transformers...

Trafic / Vivaro Double seat swivel

http://www.kiravans.co.uk/  

 'The job takes 30mins'

No.  The job took two engineers (Me and Dan) about 2hrs and needed a couple of extra washers.  at least no parts were left over on completion.

However, what a piece of kit it is.  The front double bench seat now swivels round to form rear seating when the van is parked up.

Ingenious construction that is tough to put in to words... so here's a few photos!

 

Workstand

As I become more proficient in bike maintenance, a bike stand was an obvious addition to my arsenal.  Just wish I had invested years ago!

I would recommend any cyclist to invest in one.  

Basic maintenance is made much easier and more enjoyable.  

  Half an hour was spent changing gear cables, replacing a worn chain and re indexing the gears.

Now ready for spring road cycling!

  

Cann't see why this won't work...

Sunday morning Swaledale.

Wood carving the natural berms heading into Arkengarthdale

 

A perculiar slow speed blow out destroys inner tube and tyre.  DBC blamed the whole thing on poor quality tyres...

This temporary trail side fix consisted of a butchered inner tube taped to the inside of the tyre to cover the slash in the side wall.  A new tube was installed and the whole fix fastened to the rim with three cables ties.

This lasted about 6-7km back to the road, and to be honest I didn't really slow up too much on the stoney descents so all in all a good fix!

Could the repair have been better?

 I think a better material could have been used to cover the hole in the side wall.  I have seen (empty!) toothpaste tubes to very effectively fix similar issues. I will now carry colgate along with a bigger stash of zip ties and gaffer tape in my repair kit. 

 

But, should it have happened in the first instance?  Should we / I  be inspecting our bikes more thoroughly?  ...I think so

    

MTB Mohawk 

New rubber! 

Bday(s)

A great weekend was had by all at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre to celebrate many birthdays.

Disc spinning, wheel spinning, beer swilling, sausage eating and danger darts was enjoyed by all.

Thanks for coming everyone x 

  

 

Scratch and sniff!

 

DJ silver fox! 

 

Kate...theres no phone reception!   

Ready to drop!

 

Scarth Gap.  

Looking into Buttermere

DJ & MC 

First aid

Up dating our first aid qualifications was the order of the weekend.  We chose a 16hr REC Outdoor Specific course based with the Swaledale Mountain Rescue, North Yorkshire.

The course was very professionally run with a heavy bias towards first aid in remote locations.  Almost half of the course was spent outside practicing skills and working mocked up scenarios.

  

Keeping the blood sugar levels up and avoiding hypoglycemia!

 In safe hands (Think!). Alan Hinks bandaging my eye.

 Blood goes along way!

Working on one of the many scenarios.  This was a severed femoral artery.  

This was a close call!  Puncture injury to the chest with major blood loss.  

Kit seems to be a very personal thing.  I all ready seem to carry what was suggested but think I tweek / include / discard a few items.  Duck tape, cling film, clothing scissors, a SAM splint and a trauma fix dressing will be included.  

We discussed that all items included should have more than one use where possible.  So for example a trauma fix dressing can be used for; a dressing, a sling, casualty straps.

We used a group shelter for a variety of uses including a stretcher which worked a treat.  I carry a shelter on many days out, but now it will accompany me on most (if not all) outdoor journeys. 

Snowy swales