Your best Morzine t...
 

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Your best Morzine tips

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Did the descent to Samoen last year and it was my riding highlight of the Year (Dry!). Col du Cou a few years earlier- although this may be considered v cheeky these days. The fast run from top of Les Gets back into the Morzine valley is great.Loads basically.

"Don’t drink more than 3 pints of Mutzig in one sitting…you have been warned!"
Hmmm I can only describe it as being like the men in black pen flash - all memory of the second half of the night erased!!!


 
Posted : 15/05/2023 10:51 am
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zerocool
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The Harley Festival is great, everyone is really friendly and the first year the had Staus Quo headlining which even my wife enjoyed.

Be very weary of where you're staying if there at the same time as the festival. "oh how quirky, that one has a siren" gets wearing very, very, quickly


 
Posted : 15/05/2023 11:03 am
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Thread resurrection!

Probably a dumbass question. We're flying and I'll be taping up a cardboard box but WHICH cardboard box?
I have a large 27.5 wheeled bike - would there be much/any benefit in getting a 29er box as opposed to a 27.5er box? Any noticeable size difference between the two?
There's 2 of us hoping to go to Luton airport in my Golf but not convinced 2 bike boxes plus luggage will fit in the car...


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 10:26 am
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in my Golf but not convinced 2 bike boxes plus luggage will fit in the car…

2 chain reaction bags (which I imagine are about the same as a cardboard box - fork stays on, both wheels off) will go in the back of a 5 door audi A3 which is pretty much the same car


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 10:38 am
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I think that bike boxes are likely to be the same size no matter what wheel size.

I’m also pretty sure that you’ll get two bike boxes in the back of a golf.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 10:43 am
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Don't drink Mutzig, and have the week off drinking all other alcohol as well, best way to maximise your time there.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 10:46 am
leegee and jacobff reacted
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Scare yourself silly and do the Les Hauts forts hike a bike .. much reward coming back down.
And eat here the Keoran beef was devine https://www.google.com/maps/place/La+Chaudanne/ @46.1865421,6.6968438,3a,75y,67.58h,82.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sPr8sT2ijT30B6HYfR_LvOQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m18!1m8!3m7!1s0x478c1d5daa6ea4cb:0x94def0ff3a70fb28!2s74110+Morzine,+France!3b1!8m2!3d46.179192!4d6.708877!16zL20vMDFxYmx0!3m8!1s0x478c1d3fe3474965:0xc989ee3ded68a0f5!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d46.185384!4d6.698772!16s%2Fg%2F1v6wn67b?entry=ttu


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 10:49 am
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A friend and I will be going out mid July, can't make up my mind on if we should drive or fly.

We are going for 4 days, Friday to Monday, but can leave Thursday evening.

How long from Aylesbury/Luton would it take? google maps says 11 hour, is that accurate?


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 10:56 am
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How long from Aylesbury/Luton would it take? google maps says 11 hour, is that accurate?

Sounds about right non stop. Usually a little longer to allow for the tunnel and stops for petrol and food but the roads are fast and generally empty once you leave the UK. Our usual way is to leave straight after work, get an evening channel crossing, drive until late, but not too late, bed down in an F1 hotel (Reims, Troyes, Dijon depending on timing), get up and drive the last bit. There by lunchtime having had a decent rest and ready to ride.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 11:01 am
jacobff reacted
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the blue “family”* is probably a better warm up – similar style but much easier. The red is a very different style – and if its even slightly wet, its harder than the black.

*bizarre choice of name, it is in no way a family trail. always some scared looking parents to be spotted on it.

Yep. I quite enjoyed Family but we did it last thing before lunch and my wife is not happy when she’s hungry.
I was chasing our 11 year old down it while our 16 year tried to talk my wife down it.
She got down through the forest (though I think divorce was being considered) then caught her front wheel on a 2” water bar as you come out into a grassy area and went down.
The boys loved it.
We’re going back again this summer.  I suspect she’ll want to nail it.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 11:39 am
 wors
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Don’t drink Mutzig, and have the week off drinking all other alcohol as well, best way to maximise your time there.

Is this a wind up?


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 12:41 pm
lowey reacted
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Has anyone managed to hire a 625 bosch ebike battery?
I am staying in samoens and Google is not helping much.
Mountain spirit and extream glisses don't rent.
Landing in Geneva and even trying some large bike shop there won't reply to messages.
Also looking for vehicle hire recommendations please, possibly van for 3 bike boxes.
Cheers Steve


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 12:58 pm
 Robz
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Mutzig is rank! My top tip is to completely avoid it and the places that sell it.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 1:14 pm
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Has anyone managed to hire a 625 bosch ebike battery?

Can't speak for Morzine / Samoens, but round here (Les Arcs) nobody rents ebike batteries. It's just not a thing. It was something that got talked about when the issues of travelling with ebikes became apparent, but in reality it's just not practical or financially worthwhile for shops. There are far too many different proprietary batteries / mounts.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 1:15 pm
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Don’t drink Mutzig, and have the week off drinking all other alcohol as well, best way to maximise your time there.

Is this a wind up?

Well, there's nothing more sure than some eedjit wrecking themselves on the first day straight after a well "hydrated" lunch. As for temperance, meh. I think somewhere in the middle works quite nicely, just with something nicer than Mutzig. I spent enough of my youth drinking that pish on roids.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 1:25 pm
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me and a group are there from 1st July until the 9th.

Luckily one of the group has been every year for the last decade, so is a perfect tour guide!

I havent been for ages, so looking forward to it. Will be a change to Finale etc.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 1:52 pm
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I haven't been since 2019 in 'the before times'. Since then I've had 3 new jobs, 2 car crashes, bought a house, had a kid etc.

I'd love to go this year but I think it's getting too late to book anything.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 1:59 pm
 wors
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Well, there’s nothing more sure than some eedjit wrecking themselves on the first day straight after a well “hydrated” lunch.

I can understand that! I'll be looking very much forward to sinking a beer or 3 after a day in the mountains! Mutzig or otherwise!


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 2:12 pm
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Some random thoughts on riding:

Avoid les gets other than the mt Chery lift, super rough and not especially fun trails. Used to do a warm up day there but really it just batters your arms.

Pleney black is incredible, the blue is okay but pedally and the red is super rough and not worth it imo.

Supermorzine is good fun, as is the avoriaz trails, especially the newish red down towards supermorzine from avoriaz.

Lindarets red is great, our usual way down when going further afield.

Upper chatel is good fun, as are the blacks lower down, but the blues in the lower section are usually totally blown out.

The Swiss side has the best riding imo, deffo worth a couple of days out to the grand conche, Champery etc. The blue in-between those two is the best flow trail in the PDS imo.

Then there's the off-piste, if you're a fan of very, very steep loamy tracks go down the pleney black/blue and head down the dozens of trails branching off them. I usually tend to end each day with 3-4 runs on these. Also some even steeper stuff on the supermorzine side but i think there some issues with land owners there nowadays.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 2:50 pm
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Also some even steeper stuff on the supermorzine side but i think there some issues with land owners there nowadays.

TBF there have been land owner issues with lower SuperMorzine trails since the dawn of time. Varies from year to year just how serious those issues are though


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 3:01 pm
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I could do Pleney blue into lower black (joining at 10%) all day, mixing it up with some off piste bits (including the ones off the blue) on the way down. In fact, I think I have done that all day before... For maximal terror, follow the fireroad down past the top of 10 percent and carry on into the trees instead of following it round to the left. Be warned though, there's no pushing back up...


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 3:03 pm
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Not my tip as I've never been, but a mate has suggested not falling off - he went OTB at not much speed and ended up in hospital with a cut kidney...ended up with 6 extra days in France, but they were all spent in a hospital bed.

His advice is just don't crash...but if you do, be like him and do it on the last day of the holiday, that way you at last have several days of good times before spending several in a hospital bed trying to sort out the insurance to pay the hospital stay and get you back on an available flight (which in his case, seemed to be the very last flight out on the day he was ejected from the hospital). Doctors wanted him gone in 3 days but his insurance was kicking up a stink about something so when it all got sorted he literally got turfed out the hospital into a taxi at 5pm and whisked to airport when he got a flight at 22.30 and was due to land at 01:00 but got delayed and didn't land until 02:15 and his pain killers had worn off just as he got seated on his flight for take-off.


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 3:30 pm
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I'm going in 4 weeks, 10 days riding on a guided trip covering Les Gets/Morzine, La Thuile, and Alp Du Huez. Well be riding 'wild' natural trails though, not bike park stuff.

Just ordered a photochromatic set of goggles (already have a cheap brand x set) to go with my MET parachute convertible helmet. Trying to find a set of lightweight elbow pads, I don't normally wear them but will if I can find a set in stock.

I'll be taking plenty of pads, hope green are my usual but I'll probably stick in a couple of sets of the purple e-bike pads for those big descents!


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 3:31 pm
mlltt reacted
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Trying to find a set of lightweight elbow pads, I don’t normally wear them but will if I can find a set in stock.

This is actually a very good idea. Opening an elbow at home is annoying, bursting open an elbow when on holiday can ruin the whole trip if it keeps opening back up (or you get really lucky and land on it again)


 
Posted : 06/06/2023 3:36 pm
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This is the first time riding in Europe, do I need to get a carnet or whatever they are for my bike?

when Brexit was on the cards, I remember talk of it for European motorbike track days, but never paid much attention after as I stopped doing track days.

Not sure if it also applied to non motorised bikes.

<script src="chrome-extension://bmdblncegkenkacieihfhpjfppoconhi/scripts/in-page-script.js" type="text/javascript"></script>


 
Posted : 19/06/2023 9:15 pm
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Nope


 
Posted : 19/06/2023 9:18 pm
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Someone above mentioned that the Col de Cou ridge line trail might be considered cheeky now. Can anyone confirm if this trail is ok to ride? I’ve admired the photos of that trail for years. I’ve been in the PdS many times, but have never managed to ride that trail. So I was hoping to cross this off my bucket list on an upcoming visit to the area. I’d be really disappointed if it was off-limits now.


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 10:49 am
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johnhe - that was me.
It’s 8 years since I did that so not sure of the state of play now - interested in the replies as I intend doing it in 3 weeks again if it’s still a goer


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 10:55 am
johnhe reacted
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I'm sure it's off limits now. I last rode it maybe 5 years ago and it had new, no bikes signs up all over the place. Never bothered going near it after that


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 2:48 pm
johnhe reacted
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For maximal terror, follow the fireroad down past the top of 10 percent and carry on into the trees instead of following it round to the left

That bit's not too bad.

If you want real terror, follow the black after the 10 Percent until you come to the wee tunnel. As soon as you exit the tunnel, turn right immediately before you go down the chute.

Absolute death!


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 2:50 pm
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Col du Cou Ridge was closed to bikers the last time I went in 2019. The guide we were using said absolutely no chance of taking a bike down it without repercussions.


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 3:42 pm
johnhe reacted
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I'm going with rascal and another mate in 3 weeks and have been bedding in sintered brake pads for the trip. However after a discussion this last weekend at the golfie one of the guys who goes on the trips run by stevomcd has said that if it's dry we should be using organic or Kevlar as they don't squeal and limit the heat transfer into the pistons. pointing to this thread

https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/what-brake-pads-for-the-alps-sintered-or-organic/

I'm a bit of a brake drager especially the rear, anyone used the finned pads from superstar? I'm considering using only in the rear because the kit comes with 4 sets of pads in the hope They'll see the week out. I'll run the normal ones in the front.
There is a 15% code on superstar stuff so would make sense cost wise. But are they worth it?

Ta!


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 4:05 pm
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My only top tip for Morzine riding is; on your first day, Just Take It Easy. Ride around, take a look at things, go steady, head out for a couple of hours max, and chill the **** out. A fella I was with was so excited that he completely ignored the advice of a guide to "watch out for the water bars, they just dug them out last week" and got a wobble on after riding one, and broke his ankle in a freak accident. He managed to ride about 400m...

Also; learn some French. It doesn't have to be a lot, and while you can get on just fine in Les Gets and Morzine without it, it doesn't hurt to be able to order food, or chat to folk.


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 4:06 pm
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Wrong thread linked above, should have been this one 🤦‍♂️

https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/sintered-or-organic-pads-for-the-alps/


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 4:30 pm
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If you want real terror, follow the black after the 10 Percent until you come to the wee tunnel. As soon as you exit the tunnel, turn right immediately before you go down the chute.

Absolute death

Ha ha maybe save that for the last day, i took a friend down there whose a really good rider, he stopped and said what the **** have you brought me down 😈

It's almost impossible to push down too. . . Can't wait till August to ride it again


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 4:35 pm
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Pleney

Forgot about that bit. It's brilliant. You've just got to aim for a rut and hope it catches. This one doesn't in the wet.


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 4:41 pm
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I have to say that I used organic pads in the Alps last year and they lasted 1 day per set.


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 4:43 pm
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Kevlar pads for me seem to work well without too much wear. Buy a new front tyre - might be psychological but having fresh rubbber with sharp edges on the knobs  is good. Panoramic (only a green but) is a great warm up with lots of air if you want. The long more natural run from top of Mossettes, past the lake and along and above the long valley back to half way down the Chaux Fleurie runs back into Linderets is a belter for me. The reds in Super Morzine into the woods (dry!) are great. Swiss National into Les Crosets too. Don't push the last run of the day when tired.


 
Posted : 20/06/2023 5:02 pm
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Any returnees that can report if there’s any good new runs? I read one cryptic article mentioning new building in the woods above linderet?


 
Posted : 29/06/2023 7:55 am
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Am currently out here at the moment. First time in about 6 years (and that was a one off since about 5 years before that).

We have avoided pretty much every ‘official’ trail for a week & just ridden off piste. It’s been hot & bone dry so everything is looking pretty tired already, thankfully we have a local friend who is pointing us away from the motorways. Nyon off piste is still great, genuinely think there is now 50+ ways down the Pleney hill, it’s pretty obvious what’s being ridden & what isn’t, but they are some of the highlights for me, as a fan of steep & natural trails.

If you want really steep, the transfer between Pleney & Les Gets (before you cross the road) has some death in the woods. Some gold in there.

Made the mistake of riding the Pleney black after someone crashed, don’t plan on that again. It’s shyte & got more arm pump from that half a run, than the whole rest of the day.

The French approach to trail maintenance apparently hasn’t changed in 15 years it would appear 😆


 
Posted : 29/06/2023 8:34 am
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local friend who is pointing us away from the motorways.

@HobNob, does your local friend want some new friends?

A group of us are heading out on the 8th. We're not motorway riders and prefer the more natural trails over the balls out go as fast you can type of riding. Any pointers are greatly appreciated.


 
Posted : 29/06/2023 11:30 am
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Made the mistake of riding the Pleney black after someone crashed, don’t plan on that again. It’s shyte & got more arm pump from that half a run, than the whole rest of the day.

That's a mistake I think we've all made. Riding an "easier" trail definitely ends up far harder work than off-piste stuff when you're having to battle with braking bumps.

Also worth mentioning that riding the off-piste in the wet is frowned up. Certainly not innocent here myself, but makes sense that the builders would like to limit traffic to stop them getting churned up


 
Posted : 29/06/2023 11:37 am
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We’re not motorway riders and prefer the more natural trails over the balls out go as fast you can type of riding. Any pointers are greatly appreciated.

On the Pleney side you can't go too far wrong (famous last words). Everything will eventually drop you back in Morzine.


 
Posted : 29/06/2023 11:48 am
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I remember being invited for a lock in at Robbos bar having impressed the staff with my ability to kick flip a skateboard after 5 pints of mutzig. All went horribly wrong when some chap who worked there started to offer everyone the chance to dip their fingers in a suspicious white powder in a bag. Whilst i didn’t partake myself, my mate who did was later found wandering around the local countryside in his underpants..


 
Posted : 29/06/2023 4:13 pm
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I've just booked for 2 weeks from the 10th.
Lift prices, bloody hell!
Last visit was 2019 and I recall about 150€ for 10 days. Maybe I have my rose tints on though or am mixing up £ and €.
2023 403€ for 13 days or 407€ for a season.
So my tip is don't fall so you can't ride.
Wonder if I can sell the remaining season pass..


 
Posted : 01/07/2023 10:10 am
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That seems expensive, I paid £145 for 5 days?

Just checked, £338 for 13 days? £26 a day seems like bloody good value to me.


 
Posted : 01/07/2023 10:33 am
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Yeah ive just rechecked. I got my info from mtbbeds which seems wildly inaccurate.
https://www.mtbbeds.com/morzine-summer-lift-pass-prices

Im also seeing the 338euro cost on other sites now for 13 days. Phew, much more reasonable.


 
Posted : 01/07/2023 10:42 am
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It's slightly cheaper if you book online and if there are 4+ in your group there is 10% discount when using one payment method.

Still reasonable though at 26 euro a day, an uplift is 35+ at most uk places now


 
Posted : 01/07/2023 11:05 am
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<p style="text-align: left;">I'm not impressed with the transport prices between Geneva airport and samoens return. 700 euro for 3 of us, it's not much more to hire a van.</p>


 
Posted : 01/07/2023 12:30 pm
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Avoriaz into Lindarets is always fun (except for breaking fingers on pokey out rocks)
right hand? I think I know which rock…

I now know exactly which rock, I’m just hoping the finger is just bruised and missing some skin, and it owes me a pair of trousers from the subsequent fall.


 
Posted : 02/07/2023 12:47 pm
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My top tip- don't develop an arthritic hip that's so severe that you become pretty much uninsurable 🙁


 
Posted : 02/07/2023 1:18 pm
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@bear-uk

That sounds steep. assume just less busy/further than Morzine. 3 of use did Geneva - Morzine - Geneva last week with Alpybus and was £108 each in bikes.


 
Posted : 02/07/2023 3:17 pm
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I found it cheaper too book a car than get transfers, maybe I just wasn't looking for the right sites?

Information on summer transfers, buses etc is pretty thin for the summer. I feel like someone could make a fortune filling the gap !


 
Posted : 02/07/2023 5:30 pm
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Skiidy Gonzales for the transfer win. About 100 return.


 
Posted : 02/07/2023 6:35 pm
ready reacted
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I’m travelling today and I’ll be riding solo tomorrow before my pal arrives on Friday evening.

Is anyone else around and fancies teaming up for the day tomorrow? I’ll probably start on Le Pleny and then see where the day takes me but I’m kind of up for whatever.


 
Posted : 06/07/2023 1:36 pm
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My main top tip for the Aples, is take it steady for the first day or so (unless you’re very used to long, strep mountain tracks) as I’ve come across too many people who’ve broken themselves within 48 hours of arriving.


 
Posted : 06/07/2023 3:08 pm
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I’m going to ride tomorrow, as it’s the last day - will be riding the hidden Nyon trails in the morning & on the Pleney steeps in the afternoon. We have had a bit of rain & some very spicy new lines have been cut in, so I’m going to go & have a look.


 
Posted : 06/07/2023 3:28 pm
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@hobnob maybe I’ll see you, and mayyybe we’ll recognise each other. I’m on a gold transition sentinel with your old fork 🙂


 
Posted : 06/07/2023 4:14 pm
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Oh cool ok, I’ll keep an eye out. I’m on a Red Deviate Claymore.

If you like (very) steep natural stuff I’m happy to show you about a bit, might not be first day friendly however.


 
Posted : 06/07/2023 4:41 pm
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I've done 3 days based in Les Gets with a group, riding the non bike park trails mostly - couldn't tell you where we've been but it's been bloody fantastic. Lots of natural rooty steep goodness with some open singletrack, and some green/blue park trails as well. Was up at 2250m yesterday and we've done between 3200m and 4800m of descending each day. The forearms and thighs are feeling it today!

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Off to La Thuile tomorrow!!


 
Posted : 08/07/2023 9:23 pm
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I know exactly where that pic is taken and No, I'm not jealous at all.

Have fun!


 
Posted : 09/07/2023 12:40 am
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For anyone there or heading out soon, Bec Jaune reopened this weekend. Best food and beer in town by far

Depending on how some work stuff pans out, I may be down for 3-4 weeks over August and September


 
Posted : 09/07/2023 12:46 am
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Did anyone take part in the chainless race on Friday? Eldest placed 17th out of 100+ field - with no bake brake either...he is mad.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zS2j8mDX9MzKpQon8
> https://photos.app.goo.gl/zS2j8mDX9MzKpQon8 <


 
Posted : 09/07/2023 9:23 am
ready and appltn reacted
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My tip for Morzine would be don't crash

I did !

Arm in plaster with a fractured scaphoid.

The medical centre is very nice ...


 
Posted : 09/07/2023 1:22 pm
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Oooft, heal quick..


 
Posted : 09/07/2023 1:24 pm
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Can anyone give me a pointer towards the Nyon trails? Or will I find them if I look?


 
Posted : 09/07/2023 9:45 pm
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Or will I find them if I look?

Unlikely, they are pretty well hidden. Easiest way to find them is onto the Morzine Retour, at the section where it very briefly joins the road, don’t drop back in, stay on the road & climb it up to Raverettes for some of them, and La Combe for the others.

The first are easier to find, as you get to the lift station on the left, you need to duck into the field (it’s electrified, with cows in), then drop into the woods on the left. Watch out though, there is electric fencing in the woods too.


 
Posted : 09/07/2023 10:06 pm
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@ta11paul La Thuile is amazing, hopefully be there one day this week. Have fun!


 
Posted : 10/07/2023 6:15 am
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Unlikely, they are pretty well hidden. Easiest way to find them is onto the Morzine Retour, at the section where it very briefly joins the road, don’t drop back in, stay on the road & climb it up to Raverettes for some of them, and La Combe for the others. The first are easier to find, as you get to the lift station on the left, you need to duck into the field (it’s electrified, with cows in), then drop into the woods on the left. Watch out though, there is electric fencing in the woods too.

That’s awesome, thank you. I reckon I’ve got it on google maps now, kind of follow the red lines? How does the steepness compare to the off piste at Le Pleny? I’ve got a friend with me who’s less keen on the mega-steep.


 
Posted : 10/07/2023 7:31 am
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@appltn I don't think those lines are quite right (at least, the lines i know are further left). I haven't been up there yet this season so don't know what newer lines there are, but was planning to head out on the bike a little later today , message me if you want to meet up and could ride a couple of the lines i do know (i'd say generally not as steep as pleney)


 
Posted : 10/07/2023 9:12 am
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There are trails over by the right line, but the left one, there is a lift to the left of your pin, as the person above said, the easier ones to find drop in there.

In terms of steepness, they arnt as steep as the ones that drop off the Retour route to Les Gets, more in line with the stuff that drops off the Pleney black.

There are a few spicy sections, but not as sustained.


 
Posted : 10/07/2023 12:20 pm
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The Chavannes and Nauchets lifts in Les Gets broke my mudguard and my friends mudguards. Mine was an official Fox 40 one mounted to bleed ports, so not exactly a big mudguard and also not easy to take off trail side. The lift man was telling everyone to remove their mud guards (no muddy guards!). I'm sure I've not had this problem in previous years. So a cheap zip tied on one would have been better as this would flex out the way.


 
Posted : 10/07/2023 12:41 pm
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Was there last week for Mrs Readys 1st Alps experience.  4 days of Morzine / Les Gets / Chatel and then a day at LaBresse Bike Park on the long scenic way home (highly recommended - if you're passing!)

Found this in those woods I think, pretty much where the other blue that's not Family spits you out.  Turn left, and look for an in.

[url= https://i.postimg.cc/zBFYzn8H/Off-Piste.jp g" target="_blank">https://i.postimg.cc/zBFYzn8H/Off-Piste.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

Starts pretty chill with some nice features.  Then starts to get pretty steep with some big dropoffs into tight chutes.  Then even steeper still down to the fireroad.  There's one called 'back of Natalies' that was pretty spicy too.

Great fun!


 
Posted : 11/07/2023 2:44 pm
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Just got a message to say the Plenney is staying open until 7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays. A little bit of extra riding if the arms can take it.


 
Posted : 11/07/2023 2:53 pm
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i was there last week.

Bike park trails were ok, assuming you like berms, tables and braking bumps.

But the off piste stuff is utterly awesome. The steep stuff that you end up surfing down was such fun. Thankfully a buddy has been every year for the last 10, so knows a lot of off piste.

We went over to Champary twice and rode the WC DH track. I remember walking most of it 9 years ago. Either they have made it easier or i have improved greatly, as we did quite a few laps down it, without getting off.

But overall, was a great trip. The lifts just make the riding endless. Pretty tough on the bike tho, so that needs a good once over!


 
Posted : 11/07/2023 3:04 pm
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I’m out in Morzine at the moment but struggling to find any natural tech. Does anyone know any good enduro style loops? Would be great if anyone has a GPX they would be willing to share to get to know the trails outside of the bike parks. Could maybe use lifts to get out but get out the bike park on some backcountry Singletrack somewhere?


 
Posted : 11/07/2023 9:40 pm
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The Chavannes and Nauchets lifts in Les Gets broke my mudguard and my friends mudguards. Mine was an official Fox 40 one mounted to bleed ports, so not exactly a big mudguard and also not easy to take off trail side. The lift man was telling everyone to remove their mud guards (no muddy guards!). I’m sure I’ve not had this problem in previous years. So a cheap zip tied on one would have been better as this would flex out the way.

Same happened to me last year with my 38s mudguard and saw others with same issue this year.  Even the short Zeb guard I ran this year snagged.  I've got an old mudhugger which I also tried which snagged but the plastic is more flexible, I did break some of the fixing velcro on this too and the flex scratches the forks.  I think next year I'll mod the mudhugger, apply some helitape to the rub points and cable tie it on.


 
Posted : 11/07/2023 11:03 pm
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@poshtiger here’s the strava activity from when we met up with @tfelotthgir the other day. There’s a great loop off the Nauchets lift in Les Gets (furthest south in the strava) and also a detour off the Les Gets to Morzine return that hits a Nyom trail (pretty much furthest east).

https://strava.app.link/yT5bzRpfmBb


 
Posted : 11/07/2023 11:28 pm
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Cheers @appltn, we’ll check that out.


 
Posted : 12/07/2023 8:14 am
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Now that I've been and come home I can share my own best Morzine tips (a lot of these are repurposed from earlier replies).

1. Ask this forum for help - we discovered tonnes of great riding, great places to eat and drink and fun things to do so thanks to everyone and especially to @tfelotthgir for meeting up and showing us some trails we would not have found on our own.
2. The Pleny black run is amazingly fun and the best trail to build speed on. It was the one trail that I was able to get up to what I consider my fastest pace because it is just so well built and when the rest of the resort was a dustbowl it was still grippy because it's in the trees so much. I must've done 30 laps on this, just going for one more again and again at the end of each day.
3. There's a million off piste lines off of the Pleny black and blue. The gnarliest by far drops straight down the fall line from the point where the Les Gets retour and family blue split. I've never ridden a steeper, more sustained trail and it was terrifying and awesome.

deathly steeps

4. Food: Bec Jaune (just re-opened), The Hideout, O Chalet Burgers, L'Etale (the Tomahawk steak was quite a thing), Kamado and Satellite Coffee for breakfast.
5. Swimming in Lac de Montriond after a day on the bike was awesome. We rushed there because google maps said it closes at 6pm but it turns out that's just when the lifeguards go home so no need to rush the post-ride beers.
6. The red and black runs under the Lindarets chairlifts were different from most of the other trails we found. The black was very low speed rocky tech and the red was a mellower and therefore faster variation of the same.
7. Chatel has the best bike park style trails that we found in the area. Don't be like me and ride the top reds before the lower trails though (we did this because we arrived over the mountain), a warm up on the lower blues would've probably helped me not to have my only OTB of the trip.
8. As @ready mentioned above, the off piste trail just off the other blue run from Pleny has these beautifully crafted wood & dirt features, it's worth finding them just to admire even if you're not planning to hit them.

9. BA left my bike at Heathrow and it didn't turn up for the first 2 days which was very frustrating. I was able to hire a Transition Patrol from The Woods which was great, but I later learned that La Pédalerie have a fleet of Hope HB916 this year which I would've loved to have a go on.
10. Keep your eyes open! We were able to join a blue flow party train with Andreu Lacondeguy, queued for the Pleny lift behind Vinny T and look at Paul Aston's new Sunn inspired bike outside a bakery.


 
Posted : 12/07/2023 2:08 pm
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