The Journey North

The five-day residential adventure began in Glasgow with a week’s worth of kit, supplies and kids crammed into three vehicles, along with all the bikes on a trailer.

After some emotional goodbyes (from the parents) we excitedly embarked on our trip to Nevis Range, picking up some more kids/bikes on our journey north.

Upon arrival, it was tricky to stay focussed on setting up the base camp when all we could see was bikes and forest tempting us to explore.

Luckily, we found great entertainment in the construction of the camp as a team-building project, and upon completion, were finally ready to explore what our home for the week had to offer.

Everything you could hope for on a biking trip is catered for at Nevis Range, including skills areas, pumptrack and an almost unlimited selection of trails to choose from throughout Glen Nevis that are suitable for every level of rider – not to mention the gondola for uplift to the World Cup DH track and Top Chief Black trail. There is also the Pinemarten Café, bike shop, washing facilities (including bike wash) and even a treetop assault course.

A number of trails exist in the immediate vicinity, and with only a short climb to the top, provide oodles of fun descending for riders of all abilities. We spent many an hour at the pumptrack, skills features and other play areas to warm up and build skills – including customisable trials sections in the car park.

After thoroughly exploring the immediate surroundings we ventured further afield and rode out to the XC world cup track (there are two world cup tracks at Nevis Range!). It presented new challenges, in terms of riding technicality and also self-sufficiency where riders have to carry enough equipment to keep themselves safe, and fuelled to get the most out of the long and challenging descents.

Mountain biking was the obvious priority, however, we were successfully self-sufficient in preparing food and maintaining the camp. We made the most of our resources and kept time management tight to ensure we got as much riding done as possible – we even dried wet kit on the bike trailer and collected fallen branches from around the site to fuel our campfire.

The final full day of riding included a surprise trip up the gondola to the top of A’anoch Moor to visit the infamous world cup DH start hut.

The entire week had been building toward this point, a combination of the riding skills, teamworking and discipline. These skills all ensured the group both stayed safe while pushing their limits and having fun on the black graded Top Chief trail.

Witnessing first hand the DH world cup track without the race tape restrictions opened the groups’ eyes to the magnitude of the challenge elite riders face. The sense of perspective when comparing their own riding journey to those at the pinnacle of the sport was a real eye-opener.

After initial regimental discipline to create a positive learning environment, by the end of the week, many freedoms were offered that empowered decision making and greater responsibility. Newly-acquired skills and knowledge developed over the course of the trip allowed the young shredders to develop into more prepared, disciplined and conscientious mountain bikers.

We were lucky with the weather for the majority of the trip but unfortunately, on the final day, it absolutely bucketed down. Our hopes of squeezing in a few laps before we hit the road were quickly washed away, replaced with the task of dismantling base camp during a biblical downpour. Unpleasant as it was, the rain added a final flurry of fun to an already momentous adventure.

A unanimous vote for hot drinks and warmth inside the Pinemarten Café gave us some time to unwind (and dry off!) before we reluctantly hit the road home.

After an incredibly successful, fun-filled week of riding bikes with friends both new and old, we arrived back to deliver unwilling children to their adoring parents. The coaching team of Ramsay and Gregor, along with helper Bonnie and cook/mum Hannah, were met with medals and gifts from the appreciate parents – thank you – we look forward to the next one in Summer 2020!