Correct - it's known as the Devil's Staircase in the mountain bike world (and may even be signposted as such on the posts I have seen above Kinlochleven).
Up on the Penstock Road heading towards Blackwater the is a wee sign that points to Glencoe via the Devils Staircase, on a tiny wee footpath, it may even mention Mhartuim as well.
Year before the old man had his stroke we went looking for THE Devils Staircase but couldn't get to it. I do remember walking up it many moons ago, mid 70s I suspect.
Pipeline is the most Iconic and pictured section in the Scottish and is a must. However stretch your visit and get to see more at the Pre 65, Pipeline, Mamore, Loch Eild Path, Coalsnacoan, Cnoc a Linnhe etc etc Trust me it'll be worth it
Pipeline - as DBF says its above Kinlochleven, most recent years it been used on the Saturday morning in the big trial but used both days in the pre65 held the weekend before the main trial.
Lagnaha (Kentallen)- There is a road bridge at the bottom of the second sub group but they only ride under it to get back onto the road back to Fort William. Used on the Monday afternoon ....Thursday PM...Saturday PM.
The only other places I can think of with a bridge that would feature are Leanachan, Trotters Burn, maybe Forrest Gate
In the past we've seen some of these ebay punters put bikes on ebay just to play games and then withdraw them at the last minute. Often these are bikes which can attract top dollar sometimes it's just guys on ebay being complete to$$ers.
I wonder how many Pre 65 trials have a similar format as the SSDT Pre 65?? How many are 10 sections up a burn with little or no moor work involved, How many pre65 riders have the ability to ride the sections which in some places ARE tough? How many can handle the sections but really struggle over the moor crossings?
I know last year, I had a couple of complaints that the sections were a bit tough but more regularly was riders coming off Meall Na Chruadie across to the sections at the wee dam and having a ten minute break to get their breath back. Now I don't claim to be much of a rider but one thing my old man taught me was how to ride moors and ride them without killing myself. A few years back myself and another guy helped shepherd a bloke on a Dot off Meall na Chruadie down to Loch Eild Mhor, the run was in poor condition and this guy, no disrepect meant, hadn't a clue, if there was a hole or a bog to get stuck in he did.
Now if the complainants are doing so because the can't handle the moors then don't enter, they are a major part of what maks the Pre65 and the Scottish itself.
If the complainants are doing so because they can't handle the sections, well to be honest that's the same as any other trial you get some tough sections you get straightforward ones.......riders will ALWAYS complain about sections!
I don't believe people should not enter but I do think that some of the riders need to have a wee think as to whether they can handle it or not, I know I couldn't.
I do think it would be a good idea to have a TC team in this year. Surely four rider could be found to ride under the TC banner with TC focusing on them through-out the week and maybe one of them running a blog. I'd be keen to follow them and supply news updates and exclusive daily video.
How about it Andy? Nothing for you to do other than maybe identify the four unlucky riders.
While it's maybe a bt disappointing not to have the run across Meall na Chruadie but as my learned friend Mr Big John says, it does need time to repair itself, last time I was across it was a bit of a mess.
It is a tough trial, any trial around there is but as responsible trials people we have to respect the land and if it doesn't get a break it will end up in a horrific state.
Just seen the internal set up of a High end cycle parts manufacturer in the North of England. The investment there is phenomimnal ! Serious Serious machine tools in a superb new factory. You could be in an aerospace factory - its that good. I have travelled the world in my job visiting such facilities and this place is good- very good.
My point ?
The cost of pedal cycles - good enough to compete on & not your Halford specials - is high because of the investment by the manufacturer to have modern efficient kit to make the very best parts on.
(A modern high end self loading palletised machining center - read milling machine - can cost north of
Yeah, and training has begun...
Devils Staircase !
in General Trials Talk
Posted
Officially....my mob were on the Appin/Duror/Kentallen side of the hills, Stewarts.