I click therefore I am...

Anglesey sea kayaking

2010-09-07T20:28:00.000Z

Just had a great weekend attempting to circumnavigate Anglesey in a sea kayak.

The trip was great fun, even though we didn't manage the full loop. We started from Beaumaris to get the tide through the Menai Straits - nice and calm to start with..

Obligatory 'before' shot..

Quick stop for a snack at the other end of the Straits..

Then I had to put the camera away because we had some serious distance to cover. 10 hours of paddling later, we got to our bivvy stop, on some cliffs just over halfway round - 38 nautical miles from the start (just over 40 miles)..

Zee boats..

Lots of rugged coastline, including some mad tidal races. At one point we hit a patch of huge standing waves, just breaking on themselves in the middle of the ocean... Scary Mary! One of the other lads had a waterproof camera, so hopefully he'll have some decent 'action' shots - my camera unfortunately spent most of it's time in a dry bag..

Waking on the second day, we realised the weather had turned against us a bit, and due to a slight error in our tidal calculations, we would be fighting the flow for the first few hours.. (nothing to do with staying up too late drinking whisky on top of a cliff and missing our planned early start...oh no). The other lads (joined by a mate from Anglesey for the day) decided to have a crack anyway, but I decided discretion was the better part of valour (I was feeling rather beat up from the first day's exertions, but these guys have paddled across to France for the weekend before, so they're made of sterner stuff).

I shuttled the van to the other side of the island and went out along the coast to do some kayak fishing, but the waves had picked up too much to get the kit out without losing everything (and probably going for a swim) so I called it a day - just in time to meet the rest of the group who had also decided to pull out after battling the flow for 15 miles or so.. So the circumnavigation is not yet done, but we managed about 3/4s of the island in total. We'll just have to go back for another bash..

All images hosted by Flickr.com

Rock climbing and Via Ferrata in the Italian Dolomites

2010-07-29T15:15:00.002Z

We recently spent two weeks rock climbing and playing on the via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites. While it is very easy to fly, we were taking a fair bit of kit, so opted to get the ferry and drive down over the course of two days. This also let us pop in to see some friends in Bavaria on the way home.

We stayed at Camping Olympia, just north of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The campsite is decent enough, and very well positioned for a wide range of mountain areas, with several via ferrata accessible by foot from the campsite itself.

Although some protected paths pre-date the First World War (being used to ease access to some of the higher climbing areas in the range) it was during and following the war that the iron ways became widely used. Many of the routes now equipped for sport started out as a means for troops to access precarious observation posts, and relics of barbed wire, trenches and dugouts are a regular feature of the mountain scenery even today. The other main relic of those terrible years is the large number of tunnels that remain, some dug through entire mountains (such as those in Kleine Lagazuoi, which can be navigated in their entirety from top to bottom even today).

The modern day Alpine Troops still train to navigate and fight at altitude, and they are responsible for building several very well equipped via ferrata in recent years.

The Dolomites of course are also home to some classic rock climbing, with perhaps one of the most recognisable massifs in the European alps, the mighty Tres Cime.

With a fair network of cable cars and ski-lifts that run during the summer months for the benefit of walkers and climbers, it is very easy to get up to proper altitude. Revealing stunning views in every direction

The via ferrata themselves obviously lend themselves to drama, with a great combination of stunning exposure, and (mostly) excellent protection.

The routes vary and are graded to reflect their differing nature. On the harder routes however you will find a combination of wire protection, stemples (large metal staples used as steps), wire bridges and ladders.

The Dolomites, as with most alpine areas, do have their greener side, with some very beautiful green meadows marking the lower slopes. In the background though, the peaks are never far away.

A full gallery of photos is available here in my Photoshelter archive. These images are all available for use on a rights managed basis (just choose add to basket for a quote), and I also work to commission if you have a specific project in mind.

Bristol Bikefest 2010

2010-06-21T13:52:00.001Z

This month saw the 2010 Bristol Bikefest (http://bike-fest.com/). This is a two day event in the UK MTB calendar that gives mountain bikers of all abilities the chance to race around some of the excellent singletrack around Ashton Court just outside the city.

Although I’ve raced in the 12 hours singlespeed solo in previous years, this year at the last moment a friend had to drop out of a team place, so I stepped in to race as part of a four man team on the Saturday. After a few laps of the short but brutal course I was quite happy not to be facing another ten hours alone on a fully rigid mountain bike. Racing as one of four was still demanding, but much more sociable than going it alone.

As I’ve always been a rather better photographer than racer, I’m more than happy with our team result of 98th (closer to the bottom of our category than the top), but it was good to see some friends from the Welsh mountain bike scene taking some of the top honours, such as endurance specialist Dave Buchanan (http://www.davebuchanan.co.uk/) taking 3rd in the 12 hour solo event, despite riding with a nasty chest infection, and Mark and Andrew from the Bike Mechanic team (http://www.thebikemechanic.co.uk/) taking top spot in the singlespeed pairs. Sunday’s race equally saw a good fight from the Welsh contingent, with Jo and Kate taking top spot in the female pairs. Rich and Dom from the Bikeshed Wales (http://www.bikeshedwales.com/) team sadly lost out on a podium place following a protracted puncture problem.

As usual for the Bikefest I spent Sunday wandering around taking a few photos, although not as many as previous years. I like the challenge of creating innovative images at an event like this, although it can be hard to break the mould.

On that note I spotted that the event photographers this year were not only using a tripod mounted camera with remote release (as in previous years) but they had actually invested in a light beam trigger, ensuring identical shots of every single rider to pass their position... I’m sure it’s very efficient for their purposes, but seems to have more in common with photocopying than photography!

A few more photos of the event (along with a lot of other mountain biking pictures) are available here (http://mcope.photoshelter.com/gallery/MTB-inc-Bikefest-2010/G0000Lhnoa1rgxIE) in my Photoshelter archive. These images are all available for personal use downloads, or commercial use on a rights managed basis - and I also work to commission if you have a specific project in mind. You can see more of my work or contact me through my adventure sports photography website mattcope.co.uk

Scilly kayaking in the sea Isles

2010-06-07T22:54:00.001Z

Around 30 miles off the tip of Lands End, the Scilly Isles are a strange cross between the outer Hebrides, and the English home counties. The islands have a rugged look to them, huddled together against the forces of the Atlantic, but when you get closer you see cricket pitches, delicate wild flowers and pubs serving St Austell’s excellent ales.

Before travelling to the islands by ferry we arranged hire of a double sea kayak through the guys at Kayak Scilly. Our plan was to spend the first and last day or so on St Mary’s (the most populated island, and home to the ferry from the mainland) and to spend the rest of the week paddling from island to island, camping as we went.

Everything went to plan with a pleasant few hours aboard the Scillonian III from Penzance seeing us landed on the dockside at St Mary’s (don’t ask what happened to the Scillonian I and II – this is shipwreck country). After picking up the boat (a nice modern Perception double) and some other bits of kit, we headed out up the coast of St Mary’s to Bar Point. From this northerly patch of coast it was just a short crossing to St Martin’s, the first of the ‘off islands’ in the archipelago.

From St Martin’s we headed out to the ‘Eastern Islands’, a string of rocks and islets now completely uninhabited by man. As the islands are now devoid of human activity they are a haven for seabirds (as are many of the rocks around Scilly) but also for Atlantic Fur Seals which popped up in force to investigate our kayak, and who followed us around for an hour or so while we explored the islands.

Next on our itinerary was paddling around the northern side of Tresco, to the campsite on Bryher (Tresco is the only inhabited island without a campsite, and wild camping is not allowed anywhere on the Scillys). Once we had dropped the kit off on Bryher, we paddled off for an explore of the Norrad Rocks, and also to Tresco itself which boasts a very impressive sub-tropical garden, including all sorts of exotic plants and sculptures.

The next leg of our explorations took us down to St Agnes. This is the longest open water crossing required when paddling round the islands, and is the most exposed to the tide and weather. So much so that we ended up staying an extra day on St Agnes until the sea was calm enough to make the return journey. As it happens, St Agnes is home to a farm that makes its own excellent ice cream, and the Turk’s Head pub, so it’s not too much of a hardship to be marooned there for a short while.

With the final leg completed, and an excellent meal at the Boat Shed we returned to Penzance the same way we had come. One day I quite fancy paddling there from Lands End (you can just see it on a clear day) but I think that will have to wait until I’m a bit fitter.

A full gallery of photos is available here in my Photoshelter archive. These images are all available for use on a rights managed basis, and I also work to commission if you have a specific project in mind. Check out mattcope.co.uk for contact details and more information about the type of adventure photography I specialise in.

Upcoming events..

2010-05-19T12:02:00.000Z

Got a busy few weeks coming up. A friend's wedding next weekend (leaving the camera at home for this one), then It's off to the Scilly Isles sea kayaking for a week. The weather is looking good, so we should get some good shots..

After that it's back to mountain biking for a while. Dave Buchanan is repeating his Welsh offroad end to end, but this time doubling it up to go there and back! Madness for sure, but gives more me more time to document the challenge.. Should be doing a few promo shots for Dave over the next couple of weeks as well..

A few weeks after all that, it's off to the Dolomites for a couple of weeks. Looking forward to shooting some crazy via Ferrara, should be stunning!

- Posted using BlogPress for iPhone

Children and bubbles

2010-05-19T11:45:00.001Z

I've been taking quite a few iPhone photos recently. While the quailty of the files is pretty shocking, the ability to apply processing effects in the phone more than makes up for it.. The shot of the Gower below was an iPhone snap, and so is this shot of my niece blowing huge bubbles..

..and this one of the kids 'in' the bubbles..

It may be a crappy phone camera, but it's fun!

- Posted using BlogPress for iPhone

Ash clouds and weddings

2010-05-19T10:48:00.000Z

It's been a busy few weeks. First our planned climbing trip to Spain got scuppered by the ash, leading to a week split between the Gower (pictured) and north Devon. Then it was back to north Devon a week later to shoot the fabulous wedding of our friends Ollie and Clare, joined by loads of friends from university days, it was a great bash!

- Posted using BlogPress for iPhone

Noodles for one

2010-01-21T21:13:00.001Z

The glamour of business travel -an overheating Blackberry and noodles for one...

- Posted using BlogPress for iPhone

Location:Bloomsbury St,Camden Town,United Kingdom

Brecon Ice

2010-01-14T14:31:00.001Z

Brecon Ice
Originally uploaded by Matt Cope

Got out at the weekend to take advantage of the cold conditions. Bagged a few pitches of ice at RAC corner and on the other side of the A470 behind the Storey Arms. Sadly it's all melting now (popped out again this morning) but it was fun while it lasted!

Happy Christmas

2009-12-23T17:36:00.001Z

Amy
Originally uploaded by Matt Cope

I know this blog has been a bit quiet lately, but now that I have a short break from a hectic work schedule, I'll be putting up a few posts. Til then, have a happy Christmas!
Cheers
M

Sploooosh!

2009-11-15T20:43:00.001Z

Neil
Originally uploaded by Matt Cope

Been a hectic few weeks, hence the lack of posts. Just got back from a great weekend at the Real Ale Wobble - mountain biking and beer, a match made in heaven.

Sadly the weather was too bad for any kind of serious photography. This shot was about the only (half) usable frame I got all day. Everything got soaked... It was great.

Off to the Quantocks

2009-10-15T22:21:00.001Z

Quantocks sunset
Originally uploaded by Matt Cope

Looking forwards to a long weekend in the Quantocks. I've signed up for a course with Seb Rogers, one of the UK's leading mountain bike photographers. The weather is looking good, so hopefully I should pick up a few good tips...and the riding over there isn't bad either.

Work, training and imminent race day..

2009-08-12T11:35:00.001Z

Avatar
Originally uploaded by Matt Cope

So my perfectly planned training regime ran into conflict with my slightly erratic work schedule. Too many last minute trains to London, meaning that I missed half of my peak training week, and I don't feel fully ready for the Triathlon this Sunday. That said, I am light than I have been for a year or so, and fairly confident I bang the swim out in roughtly my estimated time (8mins for 400m). The ride leg should be fine, and I've been coming in at just under 8 minute miles for the run.. Putting it all together will be a challenge, and I'm worried that I'll have trouble with my breathing in the pool under race conditions, but with a following wind I should put in a respectable time.

The question is, what event next?

Bontrager TwentyFour Twelve

2009-07-30T21:02:00.001Z

Bontrager TwentyFour Twelve
Originally uploaded by Matt Cope

A good weekend down in Plymouth, with an unusually dry couple of days for a British 24hr bike race. Got a few nice shots while playing around with heavy rim lighting, though the window of opportunity for shots like this is very short with the sun dropping fast. What I wouldn't give for a camera that syncs at 1/1000th... Some of our local Welsh riders did very well, with good results in the pairs and the solo events.

Otherwise recently I've been training hard for an upcoming triathlon (hence the lack of blog posts), and fighting the urge to pre-order a D300s... It looks like the perfect camera for my needs, but I just can't get past my aversion to buying any product that hasn't been on the market for at least a few months for the bugs to come to the surface.. I'm going to try and hold out until later in the year, but I fully expect to be shooting one before Christmas.

Mountain Mayhem 2009

2009-06-26T23:50:00.001Z

Mayhem 6
Originally uploaded by Matt Cope

Another year, another Mayhem. This year was different to usual because we only had a few hours rain. The course was fun, but unfortunately a diversion was put in place around the most technical section. Due to actually being all responsible and marshaling, I didn't get to shoot as many photos as I'd like, but still enjoyed the weekend.

Toilets

2009-06-10T15:10:00.001Z

b
Originally uploaded by Matt Cope

A slight change of pace for me, swapping high speed cyclists for the more sedentary atmosphere of a bathroom. Very elegant and perfectly finished, the room was rather a challenge to shoot, not least due to the fact that I was reflected in the chrome from almost every angle.

Great fun though, and nice to not have to carry my kit for miles through the mud for a change.

Llantrisant

2009-06-03T11:35:00.001Z

Llantrisant
Originally uploaded by Matt Cope

Great evening riding and shooting at Llantrisant, but sadly Flickr is playing up, so having a few problems getting the photos online.

It's grim up north...Cardiff

2009-05-12T19:36:00.001Z

It's grim up north...Cardiff
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Had a great time yesterday. Managed to convince a bunch of friends to come out and do a short local ride just to grab some photos. Got a few nice shots, but learnt a lot about a few things I've been wanting to do for a while. Need to get out again soon to put those into practice.

Great fun all round.

A not so local Hero...

2009-04-22T18:17:00.002Z

The Herald
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Not sure the Glasgow Herald can really claim Dave as a local hero, seeing as how he moved down to sassenach land years ago... Still does a good impression of the accent though ;-)

Interesting choice of shot for this one. I didn't think think the night shots would reproduce well, but this one works well in the layout.

Not riding, just shooting

2009-04-17T22:14:00.001Z

Tearsheet
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Been a bit of a slow month for riding, but been nice to see a few riding shots in print. Dave's epic challenge has made it into two papers so far, with possiblity of a few magazine pieces to come.

Ahhh, not as bad as expected

2009-03-05T10:34:00.001Z

Quarry ahead
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Why do I always forget that riding to work is actually really good fun? I lie in bed in the morning convincing myself that it will be unpleasant, that driving will be easier, that I'm too busy, too tired, too lazy... IT's daft. The ride in is far and away the best part of my day..

Full moon

2009-02-18T21:40:00.001Z

Moon
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Ah dear. Lots of work and not enough time to play. I seem to spend more time sat inside looking out than I'd like these days. Still, another six months and things should take a turn for the better. If they don't, it will be time to shake things up a bit.

Back in the USSR..

2009-02-06T22:32:00.001Z

Clown bike!
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Well, back in Wales at least. Back to work, back to the rubbish weather, but also back to the WNR. Last week was a bit eventful with crashes, and chav fights...but this week was more sedate, with snow, and unicyles..

Back in black

2009-01-15T05:07:00.001Z

After weeks of touring on skinny 1.5 inch tyres, it's nice to see the bikes shod with some decent chunky rubber again. We've been winding down for the flight home with some mountain biking in the Port Hills and a few days in Hanmer Springs. The riding is all pretty good, but not quite as good as Wales.. Amy had a bit of a tumble today too, so it's probably lucky that we fly back to the uk tomorrow. I have to admit though that we'll both be sad to leave NZ.

Hangdog days

2009-01-11T22:07:00.001Z

Finished messing around in the Abel Tasman park, and nipped down to golden bay to grab a few climbs at Paynes Ford. Luckily for us the gravity meter at the Hangdog campsite showed favorable climbing conditions! We bagged a couple of nice lines on Little Lost Wall using borrowed kit, and then retired to an awesome swimming hole for a swim in the sun. We'll definitely be back.

A successful voyage

2009-01-11T21:55:00.001Z

Well we had an ace week messing about in boats, and walking up the coast. Great scenery, good weather and lots of wildlife. Dropped the kayaks off a few days ago and now hoping to bag a day's climbing tomorrow.

Abel Tasman

2009-01-05T01:57:00.001Z

Ah, this is the life. Sea kayaking in the sun on Abel Tasman. Weather is ace, the beers are cold and the scenery is stunning! We have 3 days paddling ahead, and then a two day hike to get out. Then back to Christchurch for some mountain biking. Happy days.

Te Anau

2008-12-29T04:01:00.001Z

Well we had a good couple of days cross country. We got a lift across Lake Wakatipu on a steam ship and then pedaled across empty backcountry and sheepstation land for two days to reach Te Anau. After serious thought, we then elected to get a bus rather than cycle down to Milford Sound and go for a day cruise. The road to Milford is the most dangerous in NZ, so i think we made the right call. Milford itself was stunning, not only the scenery, but also a huge pod of dusky dolphins and then a pair of Hectors dolphins playing around chasing the boat.

Happy Christmas

2008-12-25T08:15:00.001Z

Had a nice ride today, the promised bad weather turned out not too bad, and even the climb over the Crown Range was bearable. We had a beer and a nice christmas lunch on top of the pass, but are now stuck trying to find somewhere to eat on christmas day and all the half decent restaurants have been booked up for weeks!

Paragliding in Wanaka

2008-12-23T23:55:00.001Z

IMG_8070
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

The weather has finally perked up and we've been enjoying a few rest days in Wanaka. It's a nice chilled out town with nice beer and fantastic views.. We succumbed a bit to the tourist thing and went paragliding this morning, but it was well worth shelling out a few quid for. It' a great way to see the mountains, and very relaxing.. Tomorrow we have to ride over the Crown Range though, so Christmas lunch will be a sandwich on the top somewhere..

Wanaka

2008-12-22T06:10:00.001Z

Well we finally got some sun. After a few more horrid wet days on the west coast, we climbed over the Haast pass and after a fairly epic day, we now have a few days rest in Wanaka before heading over the crown range to Queenstown.

They don't call it a rainforest for nothing..

2008-12-19T20:28:00.001Z

Hanging out by the Franz Josef glacier today, and it is rather wet.. In fact it hasn't stopped raining for days! Oh well, pedaling off south now, into wet more rain.. Just like being at home.

A windy day

2008-12-18T22:18:00.001Z

Just arrived in Hokatika after several hours of purgatory into a horrible headwind. Hope the weather helps us out a bit more tomorrow. The run down the Otira gorge was awesome though, even in the rain.

On the road

2008-12-16T00:42:00.001Z

Pathway
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

So, no new pics to post at the moment, but that's because I don't have access to any RAW conversion software while cycle touring. We are currently in Arthur's Pass, South Island of NZ. Tomorrow we ride down towards the west coast, and then south towards Queenstown and Milford Sound.

The weather has been rubbish so far, but the scenery is fantastic. Huge glacial valleys with trestle bridges spanning massive rivers.. Very Montana-esque, with a hint of Scotland about it.

The cycling is going fine so far, though we've only really put in one proper day. I had to buy a new wheel in Christchurch (when we unpacked the bikes on arrival in NZ I found my rear wheel bearings had seized completely...serves me right for washing my bike before flying..).

We managed to pare the kit right down this time so we both have quite managable loads. I think we're going to try to put in a few epic days in order to get an extra day off... Watch this space to see if we make it..

Iron Horse team photoshoot

2008-12-04T21:40:00.001Z

Montage
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Had a good photoshoot with the guys on Saturday in Leigh Woods, Bristol. The weather was freezing and foggy, with a nasty washed out sky and gloomy woods. We got some good shots though, and the guys were great, hitting the same corners again and again... mind you, I think they were just glad to keep warm..

Life keeps on rolling…

2008-11-21T13:33:00.001Z

Wheel
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Been very busy recently. Planning for New Zealand, fixing burglar alarms (and trying to exterminate mice) as well as more than a little work.. Which all means I haven’t had much time to take photos for fun. Things are coming together though, the new site looks good and I’ve got a few projects lined up. All I need now is the time to fill out my portfolio with some really killer images.

Extreme Endurance Cyclists

2008-10-28T17:34:00.001Z

_DSC4161Web.jpg
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Took a few photos for Dave and Josh of the Iron Horse/Extreme Endurance team on Sunday. The weather was horrible, but the guys were very good sports and I managed to get a few decent frames..
You can read more about the team on Dave's Blog.

Another hotel room

2008-10-16T16:46:00.001Z

Another day, another hotel room. Only this one is not quite up there with Rome or Paris... Welcome to the Tottenham Court road..

Black mountains

2008-09-23T14:45:00.000Z

Did the black mountains killer loop for the first time on saturday, what a cracking day out. It almost made up for our joke of a summer.

Where now?

2008-09-15T19:27:00.001Z

Ok, so it's a bit melodramatic, but i have been thinking more than ever recently about my direction in life. Time to make some decisions is near. This post though, is mostly to try blogging from my new phone ;)

If in doubt, rip their legs off...

2008-08-27T13:24:00.003Z

Nice ride in this morning, though I did fall prey to every commuter's weakness. I was overtaken by a chap on a mountain bike on Newport Road, not a problem in itself, but he did not offer any cheery hello, or friendly good morning. As a result of course, I was compelled to draft him to the bottom of Rumney Hill (noting with satisfaction that he was slyly looking behind to see if he'd dropped me yet) and then, as the gradient picked up, I pulled round him and sprinted up the hill until my lungs were burning. He was nowhere in sight by the time I had crested the rise, and as I kept the hammer down for the next 7 miles or so, he had no chance of catching me back up...

Satisfying, yes...am I an overcompetitive cock? ...probably ;-)

Ha, back on a faster machine

2008-07-22T13:48:00.001Z

Quarry ahead
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Felt good to spin in this morning on the CX bike.. It may not be a tour de France winning machine, but its a hell of a lot easier to pedal than a mountain bike..

Not cycling, but canoeing

2008-07-21T21:30:00.001Z

Campfire
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Took a weekend off the bike, and paddled down the river Wye with friends.. This shot is from our little campfire and camp on Saturday night...it was great to be out..

I love my Surly

2008-07-16T12:27:00.001Z

Surly
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

But it ain't half sodding slow when cycling along the road to work.. Hopefully the ride home off road will make up for it..

Back from the Mega

2008-07-14T16:24:00.001Z

Qualifier start
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Well I survived the Mega Avalanxche, even though my bike ain't quite in one piece.. This vid is of the qualifier race, the main event this year started at the same point because of bad weather, usually it would be even higher, on the glacier of Pic Blanc at 3300.. I'll be back next year and hopefully will get to race over the whole course..

Off to the Alps

2008-07-04T17:15:00.000Z

Tomorrow morning we leave for the Alps, to race in the MegaAvalanche (google it, it's the worlds most stupid downhill race). Apparently there is a lot of snow on the course this year...eeep!

Marshalling and downhilling

2008-06-30T14:24:00.002Z

Stef
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Been a bit patchy on the old riding front for the last few weeks. Marshalling at 24hours of Mayhem took it out of me a bit, but otherwise I've been getting into shape for next weeks Megavalanche race.. it looks completely ridiculous.

All washed up...

2008-06-16T16:03:00.001Z

Bikes waiting to be washed
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Well not really, but feeling a bit run down. Had a good ride last wednesday, and then unusually, had a whole weekend off the bike.. Made up for it today though by rding in, and hope to do so again at least a few days this week..

Wales north to south ride

2008-05-28T07:03:00.000Z

A few pictures from a short ride across Wales we did last week, from the north coast (Bangor) to the south (Cardiff), mostly off road. The route came out around 250 miles, with a huge amount of climbing...literally huge...some days we were climbing for about a million hours...great fun though.

Starting off in Bangor, on the pier no less...

Riding past Lwyn Ogwyn

One of about a million forests we rode through..

Some bits were not entirely ridable...

Though bits of Sarn Helen we came across were mostly pretty tame like this..

There's a lot of twee countryside in Wales..

Waterfalls and that...not ridable.

Some of the bridleways were a little indistinct..

Some a little wet...

Pedal power and wind power in the same shot... All that's needed is an organic yoghurt weaving plant, and you'd have a hippy paradise..

The trip was of course powered by highly advance Polish carbohydrate replacement solutions..

A bit more 'challenging' climbing...just a few miles or so across boggy sodding tussock grass...A feature that is strangely lacking on most man-made trails..

All in all a top week. The weather was mostly hot til the last day (44 miles down the taff trail in the sodding rain...joy..). We travelled light with just a 32l sack each, and I can highly recommend the OMM sacks on the back of this trip too, very comfy even heavily loaded for a long day in the saddle..

A couple more piccies here if anyone is terminally bored at work or similar..

Two commutes and a Sunday

2008-05-16T13:25:00.001Z

Surly
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Well, I've been taking it steady after my recent off spell, but have managed two commutes to work with attendant Wednesday night rides, and we did a good ride on Sunday, from home up to Ton, then over to Machen Mountain via Caerphilly mountain and home..

Still not feeling 100%, but starting Sunday morning we are going to be riding from Bangor to Cardiff over the course of a week all off road...should be ace!

Bit of a break

2008-05-01T20:13:00.001Z

Unhurt
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Well, I've had 5 weeks off the bike. After a hectic week at work (including trip to Paris) I got off to a stag do in Devon and managed to break a rib and put my back out in a go-karting accident.. 4 weeks of physio later, I am finally able to get back on the bike. It's put my training schedule off a bit, but c'est la vie. Just trying to get in shape now in time for our north coast to south coast off road epic in mid May..

The road to success

2008-04-01T09:37:00.001Z

Pathway
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

So I’ve had a bit of a long lay off, mostly because I’ve been resting my shin, but also because I’m lazy.. It was actually getting to the point where I was worried my sister was going to run rings around me on race day. Luckily though, I got out last night and managed 5.9 miles in 55 minutes. That equates to under and hour (just) for the 10km, which I think is my sister’s target time.. Now all I have to do is keep that in my legs til the event..

Night ride Wednesday

2008-03-26T11:39:00.001Z

Sunset on the Quantocks
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

It's that time of the week again, so a slow twiddle in on the Surly.. Looking forward to this evening though, I need a ride and a pint* to sort me out..

* Actual number of pints may be plural

Bit of a cross training weekend

2008-03-26T11:36:00.001Z

Rafting
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Soo, Friday running and cross training.. Saturday Rafting (thanks Pete) and Sunday Kayaking (cheers Warwick). All this was topped off with a 70km ride on Monday (thanks to Mark & Mel) so a pretty good weekend for exercise and company all round..

Missed a run yesterday though as my legs felt dead. Hopefully this slightly longer break will get my shin a bit stronger for this weekend's running..

Hanging on

2008-03-19T11:18:00.001Z

Scruff in flight
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Had a good run on Saturday, though my right shin was still complaining so I limited it to 3 miles. Same again last night sadly.. I feel more than happy with the distance, but don't want to push it until my shin is completely happy..

Good ride to work today though, looking forward to a nice spin along the ridge later..

Just a short one today

2008-03-11T21:00:00.001Z

ASICS Running shoe in black and white
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

3 Miles exactly. Newport Road, Colchester Ave, down to Marlborough road, funeral home, then Stacey road and home down Cecil street. 30 minutes and 1 second. Probably would have been 5 minutes quicker if it wasn't for waiting at traffic lights..

Felt fine, nice easy pace, though my right shin did start to twinge a bit..

Riding Sunday

2008-03-10T11:37:00.001Z

Turning in
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

This is actually I pic I shot on at the BUSA's at CwmCarn on Saturday. Due to the rain I didn't take a camera to Afan on Sunday. The new section of Whites level (NRG) was really nice. Good to get some jumping in between the hailstorms..

The running has started in earnest

2008-03-09T18:52:00.001Z

ASICS Running shoe
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

3 1/2 miles on Saturday, round the park and the lake. Didn't feel too bad, but my shin was twinging a bit by the end.. Still, should be on track for race day.

A night off

2008-03-05T15:53:00.001Z

DSC_0568.jpg
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

I had a good ride in today, but will not be going on the Wednesday night ride tonight. iding at CwmCarn on Friday I had an off on the bridge in the picture..basically a sidewind scuppered me mid flight, causing a slightly bikeless landing.. Oh well. Looks gloomy outside too..!

Training starts here

2008-03-04T15:41:00.001Z

Airborne Blackbird
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

So, after lots of huffing and puffing, I've finally kicked off my training program. Not quite the right photo as I actually went for a run, but I don't have any decent pictures of me running (apart from the Tough Guy, and they're too muddy).

This also marks the end of me using this blog as strictly a record of my rides to work, I've decided to use it more as a general training and photblog sorta thing.. Not that anyone actually reads this (hi Steve.. ) but just so you know.. ;-)

You what?

2008-02-27T12:36:00.001Z

You what?
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Started on the long road of my multi-faceted training programme today. Got a run in april to train for, followed by an off-road coast to coast of wales, then a 12hr solo singlespeed MTB race and finally, the daftest MTB event in the world, the Mega-Avalanche.

So riding in this morning was a gentle way to start, but felt good nonetheless.

Wooo tired

2008-02-21T10:11:00.001Z

Yesterday was hard. Singlespeed to work, then along the ridgeway to the Lewis, then little Garth, big Gart and Badger Avenue..

Another long gap...but I'm going to have to be more keen

2008-02-19T11:05:00.002Z

Lovely cold and crisp ride in this morning, all good stuff. Been a while since I last rode in though, which won't do. I've entered the Bristol Bike Fest 12hr solo race, so I need to get in shape soon.. That and a week long coast to coast from north to south wales offroad in May..

Woohoo

2008-01-30T10:50:00.001Z

We're up to twice a month for the ride in...stunning.

Nice morning actually, if it stays like this I might ride in Friday as well.. Nice.

Finally

2008-01-10T17:53:00.000Z

Rode in yesterday, after a hell of a break.. Ride in ok, but home along the ridgeway was gopping! Thick claggy mud..

Roundabouts..

2007-11-23T09:05:00.000Z

...when giving way to right, please include me in the equation.. Mind you, the look on the poor wee lassies face as I sounded my large vocal horn ("Ooiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!") an inch from her side window was almost worth being mown down for.....almost.

New job

2007-11-14T12:50:00.000Z

...same organisation, but now in a shared office instead of my own little den.. I thought this would cause problems with riding in, but a new locker seems to have sorted most of the probs.. :-) Nice ride in after all..

2 inches

2007-11-02T14:22:00.000Z

...from my elbow at about 60mph.. I honestly can only imagine these people have no concept of how scary it is to a cyclist.. and I forgot my lights, so I had to ride home before going out for the evening..bah.

Oooeee

2007-10-25T10:05:00.000Z

That's been a while. Changing jobs soon which may make it tricky to ride in very often...though I hope not. Will have to make the most of my last few weeks.. Alright ride in today, though back hurting a bit. Must do more core exercises..

Bicycle race

2007-10-03T12:59:00.000Z

Slow ride in this morning, on the big bike for this evenings ride, so wasn't going to break any records.. That is until I was overtaken on the way up the hill by a bloke in jeans on a rigid mountain bike.. He was pedalling away like fury, clearly trying to make a point to the guy in all the pro-looking kit...plus ca change. Anyway, usually I just draft behind such folk until they run out of puff and then casually overtake, perhaps commenting that it's a marathon not a sprint (if feeling overly smug)...this time however, I'd just overtaken him when a fast road bike came up the outside, not really standing a chance on my MTB against a skinny tyred bike, I was happy enough to be in the middle of three, but gave it a bit of welly to show I wasn't a pushover...until my chain fell off. By the time I stopped and rechained myself I was far at the back, and only managed to reel in the two riders ahead just as they both pulled off my route. Oh well, I should know better than to get into races on my commute. Most of the time my opponents are only riding a mile or two* so can afford to put in more energy than myself with 11 more miles to go..

* the exception to this being the guy I started to race on the way back to Cardiff once, who when we got chatting turned out to have ridden from Bristol..

A head wind..

2007-09-26T10:37:00.001Z

...and dead legs. Although I've been keeping up a fair mileage recently, I always notice the difference a big tyres bikes makes.. It'll be fun this even when I get out on the trails on the way home, but on the road to work this morning it was a grind..

To the driver of the blue Ford Escort.

2007-09-24T08:55:00.000Z

If you cast your mind back to this morning, you may remember overtaking a cyclist just before you got onto the roundabout below Rhymney Hill. After you had passed him no doubt he dropped from your mind, sadly you failed to wait for your entire car to pass him before choosing to forget his existence, which explains perhaps why you pulled in across him forcing some alarming avoidance manouvers on the part of the cyclist, who as I'm sure you've now guessed, was me. If you had bothered to check your mirrors once in the following half a mile, you would have seen me chasing your car so that I might have a word about your behaviour, perhaps you did see me gaining on your feeble family saloon despite the steep gradient and that is why you ran the red light on the way up the hill...outside the police station. Either way, I just wanted to say that I'm sad you didn't look in your mirror enough to appreciate the wide range of hand gestures I was performing for your benefit, and I hope the daytime TV show you were rushing home for was entertaining enough to offset the lives of those you nearly killed en route.. If it had Carol Vorderman in, or perhaps John Leslie, then at least I won't have had my enitire existence nearly snuffed out for nothing..

Bah, red car rage..

2007-09-21T13:58:00.001Z

Idiot driver this mornign thought getting to his dead end job 5 seconds earlier was more important than my continued good health.. Mind you, the sprint up Ryhmney Hill trying to catch him should have put my cardiovascular system into tip top order.. ;-)

A bit wet

2007-09-20T10:25:00.000Z

It were a bit wet yesterday, and riding to the pub to meet the WNR I realised how crap my little LED light is... Oh well. Managed to pinch flat riding the CX bike down the steps too.. ;-)

Traffic jams..

2007-09-18T08:21:00.001Z

Big sky
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Well, after taking 45 minutes to drive in yesterday (some poor folk took 6 hours), there was no way I was getting in a car today... Lovely cool crisp wintery morning too, probably the end of summer.

Pic from Brechfa at the weekend.

Full speed ahead

2007-09-16T14:49:00.001Z

Full speed ahead
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Fairly uneventful ride to work on Friday, although on the way home a bus almost cut me up, noticed me at the last minute and pulled back out again. This meant he left a load of irate looking passengers at the stop we were passing at the time, more people who now hate cyclists I suppose.. :-(

Photo is from a lovely sunny blast we had round Brechfa on Saturday. Fun in the sun..

45lbs of fun

2007-09-12T10:04:00.001Z

Well it took me over an hour to ride inthis morning..a new longest record. But I was riding my downhill bike, so I don't feel too bad.. Putting SPDs on makes it quite ridable for longer distances, but it ain't exactly nippy..

Rode in, yadda yadda

2007-09-11T16:10:00.000Z

Another day, another donut. Actually tomorrow should be interesting, I'm planning to ride in on my downhill bike... At 45 odd pounds, with 2.5" tyres, it's not really made for the tarmac.. but it should be worth it when I meet up with the WNR on my way home...sadly after 25 miles of slogging. Watch this space.. (but don't hold your breath cos even if I set off at 8am, I still might not get to work in time for lunch..)

Friday comes

2007-09-07T09:33:00.001Z

The Welsh mafia size up the Slab at Dalbeattie
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Well a nice non-eventful ride in this morning...sadly not via Dalbeattie (pictured). Got a lot of work to do over the next few weekends which is a pain with akll this nice riding weather suddenly being upon us... Oh well. I'll try and get it finished and get out to play as soon as I can..

Dead mammals

2007-09-05T10:29:00.000Z

Been a bit lazy this week, but rode in today as I'm meeting the WNR after work.. Lots of dead things on the road today though, squirrels, rabbits and a rat (I think)... I just hope cyclists aren't next..

Evening ride ahoy..

2007-08-29T15:48:00.000Z

Rode in on the medium sized bike today, so home via the ridegway (stopping for a pint at the Maenllywd) to meet the boys at the Lewis and then go on a ride (probably back to the Maenllywd) and then back to the Lewis and home.. 30 odd miles, 5 or 6 pints... not a bad way to get to work and back..

Bits and pieces

2007-08-28T10:27:00.001Z

Quantocks
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Been a bit of a random week. I rode to work on Wednesday, then left the bike and went drinking in Newport in the evening.. Thursday I got a lift to work and rode home.. Friday I rode to work and got a lift from work to a wedding for hte weekend..and today (Tuesday) I got the bus to work and will ride home.. Got out yesterday for an offroad ride in the Quantocks though..

Splashdown

2007-08-20T09:32:00.001Z

Mugs
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

Just had a cracking weekend riding around Rhayader.. It was a tad damp on the saturday, as you can see from this pic of the bombhole at the top of the golf links descent.. Still great fun though..

Nice ride in this morning too, except for the car on newport road which passed me so close I almost took his wing mirror off with my elbow :-(

Fair weather biker

2007-08-08T08:41:00.000Z

I got accused today of only cycling in when it's sunny...and the worst thing is, I can't really refute that. Had a nice ride in this monring and will be meeting the WNR tonight, but it is concincentally a glorious day outside.. Might have to make a point by riding every day for the next few weeks.. Saves on fuel anyhow..

Motorway jams

2007-08-06T11:57:00.000Z

After spending 5 hours in a traffic jam between Cardiff and Newport last Thursday (yes, 5 sodding hours) I have discovered anew the joys of commuting by bike.. Imagnie my cackling laughter as I cycled over the motorway bridge this morning to see yet another lengthy tailback on the M4 :-) Viva la (pedal) revolution..

Skateboard ramps and grannys

2007-08-01T14:43:00.000Z

Rode in this morning, first time for a while, but (a) we've had more rain than Borneo in the wet season recently and (b) I've been away a lot... Anyhow, as I was on the big bike in anticipation of this evenings night ride, I stopped off at the skateboard ramps at the top of Rumney Hil.. Great fun, but i almost landed on some poor dear walking her little terrier.. She looked a bit surprised.. ;-)

Back pain

2007-07-04T09:28:00.000Z

It's been a while since I last rode in (and we've had torrential rain nearly every day..) so finally forced myself to this morning. As usual the ride was actually much nicer than driving, but my recurrent back problem seems to have reappeared. I need to build up my core to stop my stronger back muscles from messing me up.. Time to buy a swiss ball I think..

Wettest month ever

2007-06-22T09:30:00.000Z

Well it's been raining rather a lot recently, so I've been driving a lot.. A bit pathetic really, but there you go.. Finally back on the bike today, with a 24hr race this weekend so was a bit anooyed that I was going to get some of my kit wet so soon before the race...but actually had such an enjoyable ride in I don't care. I had plenty of time so went along the top, up the rollercoaster and down coal pit lane, ace fast zooming over the motorway bridge..

Knockdamph

2007-06-05T12:44:00.001Z

Knockdamph
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt

One of many pics from our Hebridean adventure. This was taken while crossing the mainland (we had to ride a quick coast to coast to get to a mainline railway station).

Headwind to welcome me back

2007-06-05T12:42:00.000Z

Blimey, didn't realise it was a month since my last pedal in. Had a nice headwind all the way in to welcome me back, though nothing like as windy as it was durint he week we spent cycle touring around the Hebrides a week or so ago.. :-)
Great trip.

Poor dog

2007-04-30T13:42:00.000Z

I ran over a dog on my bike on the way home on Friday. No lasting damage I think, but it ducked in front of me at the last minute and got clouted at about 15mph.. Lots of whimpering..

No such drama today...so far. Just an ugly headwind all the way in.

..and rode in this morning

2007-04-27T14:30:00.000Z

Having spent half of yesterday evening stripping and re-building hubs, it was reassuring to find the wheels going round properly on the way in. Meant to be meeting Amy on the way home again to get a few bonus miles in..

Rode in yesterday

2007-04-27T14:29:00.000Z

And met Amy at the Maenllwyd on the way home. Originally plan (I thought) was to go for a bit of a beasting on the roads as prep for our touring trip, but the couple of pints we had instead were very pleasant.. ;-)

Breakfast on high

2007-04-25T09:35:00.000Z

Bought a bacon, sausage and bean breakfast pastry thing on the way in (had actually just stopped to buy some P-clips, but the bakery smelt good). It was a bit hot so I pedalled up to the top of the ridge and found a handy style to sit on, not a bad spot for a munch..

Quarry ahead

2007-04-23T08:49:00.001Z

Quarry ahead
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt.

Went home via Rudry and the ridgeway on Friday, an excellent ride in the sunshine...though steep loose terrain with drop handlebars is interesting to say the least..

CX Bike

2007-04-19T08:52:00.001Z

CXBike
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt.

Well, I picked up my new toy last night, and after swapping a tube and tightening a few bolts, it rode in very well this morning. not as quick as the road bike (shorter gearing and fatter tyres) but a lot more confidence inspiring when hitting rough stuff. I think it's going to make an excellent tourer/commuter. Just need to sort out some chain skipping probs, and it'll be sweet to take the off road route home..

Sunshine

2007-04-18T13:47:00.000Z

The weather shows no sign of breaking, so another lovely ride in for me today.. Nice..

Castle Coch Photoshoot

2007-04-17T12:13:00.001Z

DSCF1406.jpg
Originally uploaded by hairy_matt.

Headed out last night for a dedicated photoshoot evening. Shot lots and got a few good uns, like this one of Rich leavnig a dust trail in his wake. Learnt that I need to practice more to get the best out of the flash, I need to work on timing and also remember to think about focal length. Wide angle wacky distortion is fine for a few shots, but I need to start using more of the range of my zoom.. Good fun though :-)

Rode in this morning too..pretty uneventful..

Hole filling

2007-04-13T12:44:00.000Z

Well, I'm not sure if it was a result of my complaint or not, but the pothole at the top of Rhumney hill has been patched up making for a much smoother ride to work this morning. The other potholes in the newport side are still there though, obviously they aren't as on the ball as their cardiff collegues.

Slow puncture

2007-04-12T09:40:00.000Z

Booo. I hate slow punctures. I pumped it up yesterday before riding in, before riding home, this morning before riding in and no doubt later before riding home. It's only losing around 5psi/hour so not really worth changing the tube, but I'm going to get bored of pumping soon.