Alans Bikes

Hello,

This is the Mountainbike section of the blog.

My name's Tim and I "organise" regular MTB rides, usually at the weekends and usually on our local trails on the West Pennine Moors. When I say "organise" I'm using it in the broader sense, as it is in reality just me out riding with my regular riding buddies.

We have a fleet of demo bikes for you to try out if you like. The riding will be "proper mountain biking". Dont let that put you off. My riding buddies represent a broad spectrum of age, ability and fitness. Within the group there will always be someone up front and always someone bringing up the rear, but, either way, the emphasis is on it being a social activity. The riding might not be as easy as you think, but it certainly wont be as hard as it could be, and we'd always wait for you if need be. Tea and toast will be a recurring theme. Like I said, social.

A regular spot we ride frequently is Rivington Pike. The riding round here is great and I feel is a good representation of what I call "proper". It does take a certain effort to climb up there, depending on the time of year the weather can vary, again "properly" and the downhills, whilst challenging, can be done by most riders at their own pace. If you dont feel happy going down some of the more techy bits there will often be an easier way down and it will still be there the next time for you to progress on to. Again I think that riding with a group is a great way for less experienced riders to improve their skills and technique. Above all else it's an opportunity to see people riding mountainbikes as they are intended. Riding MTBs doesnt have to be about jumping 360s off the side of a mountain in Scotland, but equally theyre a lot more capable than people think, and deserve more than the odd few miles down the canal.

Which brings me on to my next bit. If you already have a bike that's collecting dust in the shed, maybe you used to do a bit of riding, but you and the bike are a bit rusty. Dont worry. Clean it off and come along. It's not about having the latest shiny bouncy bike. It's about the riding. I personally have in my quiver of bikes a few, er, vintage, bikes. Providing they're actually working, they're OK for what we do. If you think your bike needs a service, we can sort that out too.

The group of riders are a great bunch and are the key to how enjoyable the rides are. In addition to the usual weekly thing, there is usually a monthly 'EPIC' ride. It could be a day trip to the lakes or a weekend away in Scotland. Coming up is a night out at Manchester Velodrome. Hiring out the whole place, the bikes, the lot. There really is something for everyone.

Oh, and in addition to all that a few of us have roadbikes too and do the odd sneaky training ride. If that's your poison. I'm hoping to throw in some decent roadbike rides soon.

And then there's the, erm, fixie thing.....

Ok ,so that's it. If you'd like some more information Email me or pop in the shop.
TIM


Bikes currently in our 2009 fleet:

• Commencal Super 4.
• Commencal Combi Disc.
• Cannondale Rush 5 Lefty.
• Cannondale Rize 3 Carbon.
• Intense Tracer.

Other models may be available on request.