At the moment I’m working on a companion for the Remedy, a downhill rig with a nostalgic touch and one that doesn’t cost me the world. My Remedy is still my baby and the bike that brings the most smiles. But I want to keep it for many years to come (something unique, I usually can’t wait for something new) so I thought it was best not to ride full on downhill with the Remedy anymore.

I visited the Filthy Trails this Sunday with the Remedy (new bike not done yet) and it’s one of these places the Remedy feels right at home. It even jumps the gaps like it’s nothing and if I didn’t have half a brain, I’d attempt to two bigger ones too.

The Trek Scratch was one of the bikes that rode perfectly. The BB height , head angle options (yes options 66 or 66.5 degrees) and chain stay length lead to flawless handling. The model I rode was set with coil springs and in spite of the associated weight it just rolled up the loose gravel road at Bootleg Canyon like a 28 lb XC bike. In fact while riding in the middle ring Andrew Shandro (from Trek Design team) and I were able to have a decent conversation about the purpose of the bike. We both believe that for a bike to be truly considered a trail bike it must climb well

Source: nsmb.com/3320-trek-scratch-ridden

Last sunday I had my first visit to Winterberg of the year! The first! The season is about done, but the weather was great and the track was in perfect shape. That and with 3 Remedy’s on the hill; it was the best time!

Last Sunday I went for another ride in Brunssum. The PPdS is just around the corner, and we haven’t been all that active with regular training rides (shame). When I left home (Brunssum is a 2 hrs ride for me) it was raining cats ‘n dogs, here and in Brunssum. But I had good hopes on a dry ride.

It was somewhat dry, I mean no rain! Some sun and a very comfortable temperature of 19º+, so shirts and shorts and two happy riders on their marry way. The not so dry bit came from the surface, I don’t think Brunssum can get any muddier then this. a thick layer of mud plastered over our gear, bike and any body part not covered. It’s never been this much fun and, most important, we never did the two laps in a faster time!

My friends new ride, Mythic Wildcard was finally fully blessed and approved, if we need new carreers, we can start a bikeshop together.

Oh, and NO-ONE ever gets to say anything bad about the Continental Mountain King tires. They rock! The review is coming up this week here at Bikeblog.nl. Stay tuned.

This weekend I went for two rides! Yes, you heard it right, got the steed out of the garage two times in two days. Almost make you think I got my mojo back again. I’m getting there btw, lovely weather like these days certainly help. If the pollen are done, I’ll be the happiest I can be.

Next weekend another darling will be added to the family, as my friend Ilja decided to get a Banshee Wildcard. What a nice ride! We’re going to build it on Friday (watch this space) and put it to the test on Saturday, probably somewhere Limburg or Belgium. Can’t wait… love springtime, life is good!