Dolomites Horse Show in Italy, in Selva Val Gardena 29.06 – 03.07.2016

Published by Mountainblog on 05/30/2016.

For the very first time the prestigious Dolomites Horse Show event will be held in the beautiful Vallunga – the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE location of the Puez-Odle Nature Park will be an ideal setting for the arrival of the international jet-set.

This outstanding event will take place in the Carabinieri Alpine Training Centre, it offering sport and holiday in one of Italy’s most famous tourism destinations. The event is being coordinated by the undergraduate in economics, Alex Delazer, he a horse-lover from an early age and now an international rider himself.

Val Gardena offers an ideal location for the Dolomites Horse Show, it providing sporting activity and glamorous style in a party atmosphere. Througout the event here will be the opportunity to both horseride and find time to relax and enjoy the mountain life to the full – and then there are all the holiday opportunities which Val Gardena has. When the idea to organise the event came about I thought about my home town Selva immediately, it known throughout the world for its landscape and breathtaking mountain peaks. Thanks to the help and support of the local authorities and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor themselves, as well as the contribution made by the Tourism Association, we have been able to take the event project forward.” These the words of Alex Delazer. The event will have two competitions: a CSI reserved to professional horseriders and a CSI foe young riders and amateurs.

The top 70 riders and horses in the world will be invited to take part in the competitions in the CSI, including a Grand Prix valid for Olympic qualification, this latter spectacle taking place on Sunday 3 July, the final day of 4 days racing. Among those taking part are well-known riders such as Giulia Martinengo Marquet, Italian Ladies Champion in 2015, the Belgian Philippe Le Jeune, World Champion at Lexington, and from Holland Gerco Schröder, silver medal winner in the last Olympics in London.

In the CSI 1 * young talents from the world of showjumping will compete and the amateurs will have the privilege of competing in the same conditions as the best of the world’s riders.

Programme:

Wednesday 29 June 2016

Vet check 15h to 19h

THURSDAY 30 June 2016

Race 1 – 1,15 m, from 09h to 11:00h

Race 2 – 1,25 / 1,30 m, from 11h to 13h

Race 3 – 1,35 / 1,40 m, from 13h to 15h

Vet check, from 15h to 19h

FRIDAY 1 July 2016

Race 4 – 1,15 m, from 09h to 11h

Race 5 – 1,25 / 1,30 m, from 11h to 13h

Race 6 – 1,35 / 1,40 m, from 13h to 15h

Race 7 – 1,45 m, from 15h to 17h

Race 8 – 1,50 m, from 17h to 19h

SATURDAY 2 July 2016

Race 9 – 1,15m, from 10h to 12h

Race 10 – 1,25 / 1,30 m, from 12h to 14h

Gara 11 – 1,50 / 1,55 m, from 14h to 16h

SUNDAY 3 July 2016

Gara 12 – 1,50m. from 9h to 11h

Race 13 – GP 1,40 m, from 11h to 13h

Race 14 – Grand Prix 1,60 m, from 14h to 17h

* Programme subject to change

INFO: Selva Val Gardena
Dolomites Horse Show

South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria Region Offers A Summer Season Filled With Exciting Events For Cultural Connoisseurs

Published by Mountainblog on 05/27/2016.

The Alta Pusteria region is far more than just breath-taking landscapes and a wide range of outdoor adventures: The charming valley with its villages Sexten, Innichen, Toblach, Niederdorf and Prags also boasts some true cultural highlights, from the colourful “BERG_SOMMER” in Sexten, the renowned Alta Pusteria International Choir Festival and the South Tyrol Jazz Festival Alto Adige through the International Street Theatre Festival OLALA and the Gustav Mahler Music Weeks – for a magic summer in the Dolomites.

The Sexten BERG_SOMMER (mountain summer) event series, which starts in June and runs through October, puts the imperishable, beautiful UNESCO world heritage property at the centre of attention. During the “BERG_KUNST” (mountain art) program Berlin-based plein air artist Christopher Lehmpfuhl captures the beauty of the Dolomites right there on site, while for “BERG_WISSENSCHAFT” (mountain science) scientists introduce during one week the world of astrophysics in a way that makes it easy to understand even for lay people, and the BERG_KULTUR (mountain culture) days in fall feature informal discussions about the “megatrend Dolomites”.

Lovers of the fine arts should mark their calendars for the following Alta Pusteria cultural events: Choirs from all over the world gather during June 22 -26 for the 19^th Alta Pusteria International Choir Festivall to celebrate their passion for singing. One of South Tyrol’s largest cultural events, the South Tyrol Jazz Festival Alto Adige, takes place from June 24 through July 3 at various destinations throughout the region and guests are able to enjoy concerts in impressive settings. On July 29 fourteen groups from eight different countries flock to the quaint village of Innichen for the International Street Theatre Festival OLALA to delight their audiences with extraordinary, funny and colourful performances.

The Gustav Mahler Music Weeks make for another summer season highlight. This year, the internationally renowned high-class music festival dedicated to Gustav Mahler’s works and tradition is scheduled from July 16-28. Another music-centred event is the Alto Adige Festival from July 30 through September 16, with the Haydn Orchestra of Bolzano and Trento as the “orchestra in residence” as well as various other well-known orchestras presenting a mix of classic and cross-over.

NFO: Alta Pusteria

ICEBUG Xperience Run&Walk: Discover the Swedish Western Archipelago

Published by Mountainblog on 04/26/2016.

“It’s hard to tell what we like best: To indulge in our favorite running or trekking during three days or to share the unique experience with old and new friends.
Good thing we can have both – and top it with sampling some of the finest local food and beverages. Come join us for 3 days and 75 km (or so) of spectacular archipelago trail in our backyard playground Bohuslän, also known as one of the most beautiful places in the world”. David Ekelund – CEO of Icebug

The Swedish western archipelago is always something special – exploring it by foot is close to magic. At Icebug Xperience, we offer 75 kilometers in the most beautiful surroundings you could ever imagine. During three days, you will cover some of the greatest trails Sweden has to offer. Walk or run – you choose. Either way, you will have the best days of your life.

DAY 1 – 24K: Start the day with 8 kilometers along the sea on the red-colored granite cliffs of Ramsvikslandet. Continue with some great narrow single tracks
through stunning mountains and forests before you finish the day with an awesome lunch at the pier in Smögen.

DAY 2 – 28K: Start the day with 8 kilometers along the sea on the red-colored granite cliffs of Ramsvikslandet. Continue with some great narrow single tracks through stunning mountains and forests before you finish the day with an awesome lunch at the pier in Smögen.
Start off with 11K around the cliffs of the famous island Bohus-Malmön. Have some refreshments on the short ferry trip back to the mainland, where you
will continue for another 17K of beautiful forests and gravel roads.

DAY 3 – 21K: The last stage offers a varied landscape where you will pass the mountains of Hunnebostrand as well as the forest trails along the Sotenäs canal.
At the finish line at Ramsvikslandet, the sauna will be warm so you can finish the weekend with a swim in the ocean.

To visit Bohuslän in September is a unique experience. The summer tourists will be gone, but the weather will still be great for exercising. Expect between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius in the air and somewhere between 16 and 20 degrees in the water.Icebug Xperience is an event for the whole family. We provide what we call KIDZ CAMP, where experienced outdoor guides will take care of your children while you’re doing the stages. At the Kidz Camp, the youngest will do things like fishing crabs and building sand castles – while the older group will do things like climbing, geocaching and kayaking. Kidz Camp, while you’re out in the nature.

EXPERIENCE ALL YOUR SENSES
Most running and walking events only lasts one day but Icebug Xperience is a social event. Here, a lot of participants are staying at the same place to share experiences, memories and of course, some world class food and beverages. We want Icebug Xperience to be an event for all your senses. This means that we will provide you with the best food we can find.

All food is made by organic and locally produced ingredients.
And since we know that you get quite hungry after 25 kilometers by foot, we offer a huge buffet (breakfast and dinner) for you twice a day. The lunch will be served by food trucks at each finish line. Bon Appétit!

INFO: Icebug Xperience

Summer Outdoor Events in South Tyrol’s
Alta Pusteria Region

Published by Mountainblog on 03/30/2016.

Mountain bikers, rock climbers, alpine runners and mountaineers alike love the Dolomites for the ever new choice of challenges and the majestic backdrop they provide. This summer’s event schedule for the Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal region features a sheer endless array of sporting highlights, starting out with the Dolorock Climbing Festival in the Val di Landro, followed by the Cortina-Toblach Run, which leads along a historic railway track. In July, visitors get the chance to take part in the legendary Dolomiti Superbike and the Adventure Outdoor Fest Innichen, an action-packed fun sports platform. The season closes with the Drei Zinnen Alpine Run, one of the most impressive and toughest mountain races in the Alps.

For rock acrobats: The 3^rd Dolorock Climbing Festival / Val di Landro
An established event in the scene, the Dolorock Climbing Festival takes place May 27 – 29, 2016 in the Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal region, a true paradise for any rock climber. This is the place to live their dream and compete against some of the biggest names in the field. www.dolorock.com

For endurance runners: The 17^th Cortina-Toblach Run
Runners participating in the Cortina-Toblach Run should mark their calendars for July 5, 2016. The 30-kilometre run follows the historic railway track between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Toblach, crossing rugged landscapes, leading through tunnels and over spectacular bridges. www.cortina-dobbiacorun.it

For bike lovers: Dolomiti Superbike
On July 9, 2016 the Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal region welcomes the toughest mountain bike race in the Dolomites, the 22^nd Dolomiti Superbike – one of the most famous bike marathons worldwide, featuring a 119 kilometre tour through the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. www.dolomitisuperbike.com

For the adventurous: The Adventure Outdoor Fest / Innichen
The Adventure Outdoor Fest takes place July 20 through 24, 2016 in Innichen featuring fun sports activities such as highline, parkour, rock climbing, mountain biking, running and yoga. Classes, conferences and demonstrations, workshops, film projections in the evening and an exciting kids’ program are also part of the five-day event. www.adventureoutdoorfest.com

For cross-country lovers: The 19^th Drei Zinnen Alpine Run
Its incredible mountain backdrop makes the Drei Zinnen Alpine Run one of the most scenic mountain races in the world. At 17.5 kilometres with a vertical drop of 1,350 metres the run is also one of the most challenging races of its kind. On September 17, 2016 the event goes into its 19^th edition. www.dreizinnenlauf.com

INFO: Alta Pusteria

Südtirol Gardenissima: Getting The Best From The World’s Longest Giant Slalom

Published by Mountainblog on 03/15/2016.

Super G skis, the right head and eye protection, curved poles and fluoro wax: technical advice on getting the most from an Alpine skiing race as tough as the Südtirol Gardenissima which marks the close of the Val Gardena skiing season on April 2.

There is now less than a month to go to April 2 and that means that the Südtirol Gardenissima and the end of the Val Gardena skiing season are both getting seriously close. Any training you can do now has to be honed to perfection. Having worked so hard to lay the foundations for success throughout the winter, you’ll need to arrive at the start line of this long slalom with the very best of specialist equipment.

Super G skis for a giant slalom to remember
Anyone that breathes the intoxicating air of the Dolomites all year round and has grown up with the Südtirol Gardenissima will advise you to avoid giant slalom skis and instead go for Super G versions because the extra seconds you might shave off in the first stretch of the giant slalom can easily be lost in the final one where what you really need is improved glide. So the perfect solution is Junior Super G skis of between 190 cm and 195 cm. They have enough flex to play on the bends and a 28 – 34-metre radius – in other words, you’ll be able to tackle the Südtirol Gardenissima’s big curves beautifully.

Ski with your head
Another pivotal factor in such a long, challenging race is taking care of your head, absolutely essential if you’re to hang in there for six kilometres. If you want to ski in absolute safety, then you’ll need an approved yet aerodynamic helmet, possibly fibreglass. Do not go for helmets with an incorporated visor. Vision-wise, we don’t recommend using sunglasses. It’s better to opt for aerodynamic goggles with mid-light coloured or, better still, polarised lens to give you a clear view even in the final stretch where the light dims because of the surrounding woods. You’ll also be exhausted by then and that can play nasty tricks on you so every little helps.

Curved poles and fluoro wax
The length of the run and the incredible physical toll it will take can mean you’ll be feeling a little out of it and so even the tiniest detail can really be vital to your performance. That includes using curved ski poles which you’ll be able to keep close to your body, thereby avoiding knocking against the gates. Lastly, there will be spring weather on April 2 and seasoned skiers recommend a high performance fluoro wax: 100% fluoro is best – apply three layers after rubbing it well with granular snow.

INFO: Südtirol Gardenissima

Green Concepts For Body, Mind and Soul Sustainability in the Alta Pusteria Region

Published by Mountainblog on 02/22/2016.

Life in harmony with nature: Set against the majestic backdrop of the Dolomites in South Tyrol, the Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal region takes sustainability and ecological awareness beyond being just a catchy idea. The communities of Sexten, Innichen, Toblach, Niederdorf and Prags actively support a series of projects from different areas and incorporate green concepts in everyday life and tourism. Activities range from renewable energy supplies for as many households as possible, a powerful public transport network and environmentally focused hotels, to the annual Toblach Talks, a discussion forum on sustainability which touches even sensitive issues and has developed quite a number of efficient resolutions.

Green energy: Full speed ahead! The Toblach district heating power station, which uses wood chips, bark and saw dust to produce energy and heat, was designed to keep carbon dioxide emissions below the level of previously bound CO2. More than 1,000 households in Toblach and Innichen are supplied with renewable energies from this source. Compared to the cost of fuel oil this creates annual savings of four million euro. A special trail presents the way biomass is used to produce power. It is part of the district heating power station and the only trail of its kind in Europe.

The Alta Pusteria mountain gondolas, too, rely on green energy: The Sextener Dolomiten AG uses power that originates solely from South Tyrolean hydropower sources, thus reducing CO2 emissions by 3,680.5 tons annually.

Green think-tank: The Toblach Talks Founded in 1985 by Hans Glauber, the Toblach Talks have grown to become a renowned think-tank for issues relating to the ecological turnaround in the Alpine region. Once a year, experts from various fields, scientists, community officials, and business and tourism representatives meet at the Grandhotel Toblach to discuss topics like “Soil: War for the last resource” or “Wealth without growth”. In addition to the green think-tanks the Toblach Talks Academy, too, organises training programmes and supports energy restructuring programs in the Alta Pusteria communities along with various projects focusing on energy efficiency, mobility, tourism and agriculture.

Sustainable products: You are what you eat! Whether it is at home or when eating out: Sustainable and regional products play an important role in the Alta Pusteria. From breakfast jam to cheese snacks, the destination boasts a great variety of locally produced specialties. Many manufacturers even open their doors to visitors. This helps build trust and raises awareness of the products’ origins. Beekeeper Ewald Kamelger e.g. offers in Niederdorf a programme called “Visiting the beekeeper and his honey bees”, which provides exciting insights into his work and explains the importance of bees for the region’s biodiversity.

The Regiohof Toblach is another perfect example for sustainability: Its orchards are maintained in line with highest ecological standards. The fruit is made directly on site into high-quality preserves and tasty chutneys, and these are then sold at the Regiohof’s shop in Toblach. There are also more and more organic farms that operate their own shops, including the Bioland-certified Ranerhof in Innichen, the Demeter-farms Baumgartnerhof in Toblach and Schneiderhof in Sexten, and the Bio-Beef Hackerhof in Toblach.

Food lovers with a taste for local products can now refer to the new “Quality Partner” seal. It is given to hotels serving mostly dairy products from the area, from the Drei Zinnen alpine dairy and the Sexten cheese dairy for example. This does not only support mountain farmers but is also beneficial for the environment.

INFO: Alta Pusteria

End of Season Events in Val Gardena: Races, Events and Concerts Fun, and Sport.

Published by Mountainblog on 02/08/2016.

There’s never a dull day in Val Gardena (ITALY): even at the end of the winter season.

Save the following dates: the Spring Race Party, an obstacle ski race from Monte Seceda to the centre of Ortisei, on 19 March between 1.15 pm and 9 pm. Head to Piazza S. Antonio for more fun with Dj Simon and Dj Ondy. Tasty local food and beverages to be served during the evening.
Rock the Dolomites, a musical event featuring Val Gardena rock-pop band, the Pëufla, on Sunday 20 March at 3 pm at the Ciampac.
The big freestyle show on Monday 21 at 9.30 pm at the Campo Frëina di Selva Gardena: an exciting freestyle show and mulled wine for everyone!
Move 24h on Saturday 26 March from Ortisei, a guided, two-day ski mountaineering excursion.
Easter concert in the parish church of S. Cristina on Sunday 27 March from 8.30 pm.

Südtirol Gardenissima: 20th edition of the Südtirol Gardenissima on Saturday 2 April from 8 am. The longest giant slalom in the world (6 km) is a much-awaited event in the valley, attracting countless registrations (around 650) which include both amateurs and professional skiers. The event attracts also quite a large crowd. Legends such as Isolde Kostner, Peter Runggaldier, Peter Fill and Maria Rosa Quario have also been known to participate. Südtirol Gardenissima KIDS on Sunday 3 April at 9 am. A giant slalom race (2 km) for the champions of tomorrow born between 2002 and 2009.

Enrolments are open: www.gardenissima.eu
Val Gardena

Alta Pusteria. With More Than 200 Km/ 124 Miles of Trails, The Area of The 3 Peaks is Confirmed To Be The Skiing Mecca

Published by Mountainblog on 02/01/2016.

For a cross-country skiing holiday, there is no better place than Alta Pusteria. Why is that so? The five municipalities of Sesto-Sexten, San Candido-Innichen, Dobbiaco-Toblach, Villabassa-Niederdorf and Braies-Prags offer about 200 km (124 miles) of perfectly groomed cross-country skiing trails with guaranteed snow conditions, framed by a stunning landscape part of the UNESCO natural heritage: the Dolomites!

Moreover, a consistent price-list (weekly ticket for 25.00€, season ticket for 60.00€) enables guests to use only one ticket for all available trails marked on the map of this area: this is a dream coming true for all cross-country skiing fans! Enjoy a tour from Braies, moving on to Villabassa, passing by Dobbiaco, San Candido and Sesto, ending up in the enchanting Val Fiscalina valley.

When talking about Nordic skiing, a special touch is given by the wonderful trails on the high-altitude plateau of Prato-Piazza-Plätzwiese. Trails are already prepared and groomed in November, and offer an exceptionally beautiful panorama.

And – there is more! Have an extraordinary winter season enjoying cross-country skiing by night: at the cross-country skiing trail of Sesto (1 km/0.6 miles) with a direct linkage to Moso-Moos open from 5pm-9pm, and the Nordic Arena of Dobbiaco open from 6pm-8pm.

Those who are not ready to face the ambitious trails yet, find an ideal solution at the cross-country skiing stadium Nordic Arena in Dobbiaco. It is unique of its kind in structure and classification, and offers trails approved by the International Ski Federation FIS of diverse difficulty grades. Many are used for training sessions by international teams. In fact, three famous Olympic athletes have given their names to the following tracks: “Monika” (5 km/3.1 miles), “Nathalie” (7.5 km/4.6 miles) and “Albert” (10 km/6.2 miles).

To complete the holiday experience, many associated accommodation structures of the Dolomiti Nordicski located in the five municipalities of the Val Pusteria-Pustertal valley offer dedicated services to all cross-country skiers, as hotel owners are familiar with their guests’ needs. They are happy to offer advice on the most beautiful slopes, and sometimes they reveal some suggestions about lesser-known and secret spots in the Dolomites.

Finally, here is some advice for all cross-country skiers: the holiday pass enables convenient and unlimited travelling on ski buses in the Val Pusteria valley and public transport of all kinds (regional trains excluded) in South Tyrol and Cortina during winter season 2015/16. Guests who stay at accommodations, which are part of the local tourism association, get free tickets directly at their hotel.

INFO: Alta Pusteria

Mountain Bikers Dream Big in Sheffield – Trailblazing Crowdfunding Project RADmires

Published by Mountainblog on 01/22/2016.

Mountain Biker at Parkwood Springs (please credit Duncan Philpott)

Sheffield, the fourth biggest city in the UK, launched its credentials as The Outdoor City in autumn last year. Why? Because the close proximity between the urban and rural landscape gives Sheffield a unique identity, making it the UK’s leading destination for people seeking outdoor adventure, city culture and rural escapes. In particular, with The Peak District National Park which holds world class routes, tracks and trails on its doorstep; Sheffield is the city of choice for Mountain Bikers worldwide.

Ride Sheffield doesn’t waste any time. After only 4 months since they opened the Lady Cannings trails in Sheffield, they are at it again…but this time they are making their mark on Redmires Reservoirs!

Ride Sheffield is a local mountain bike advocacy group, with over 3000 members and a mandate to speak for mountain bikers in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. Although many people get involved, it is a core group of 10 volunteers who help drive projects like trail building for mountain bikers in Sheffield. They first formed back in 2010, and have been very busy indeed. Alongside Sheffield City Council, they have been responsible for the development and continued management of trails in Greno Woods, Lady Cannings and Parkwood Springs.

The Lady Cannings Plantation is particularly impressive, with the resources coming from a mixture of crowd funding, local business donations and Go Outdoors. Not only is it the first dedicated mountain bike trail to be built in the Peak District, but it’s also the first and currently only crowd funded mountain bike trail in the UK.

Cy Turner, one of the volunteers and founder of Cotic, said: “It has been a major success! At Ride Sheffield we have good contacts with the media, and so we were able to get coverage in national magazines to spread the word. The amount of support and generosity has been unbelievable. We pitched our story to local businesses and raised over £7,500, with one local architect company, Norton Mayfield, donating £5,000.” A further £8,700 came from the crowd funding, thanks to hundreds of individual donations from local and not-so-local people wanting something better for Peak District mountain bikers.

The trail has been very popular already, with over 14,000 runs down in 14 weeks since it opened on Strava alone (an app which monitors your route, giving you split times). “The point behind Lady Cannings was to add some fun and learning to a trail, one that is suitable for kids and beginners starting out, as well as intermediates wanting to improve, yet still providing a challenge to experienced riders.” Cy continued. “Before Lady Cannings (a blue trail), Sheffield had either very easy-going routes or really technically challenging natural trails like Wharncliffe or Blacka Moor. There was no middle ground.”

But there’s no rest for these mountain biking enthusiasts. Ride Sheffield has already started to have a whip-round for their next challenge: Redmires Reservoirs. On Dec 1 they celebrated their 5^th Birthday, raising £1,250 at their social to get the ball rolling.

@ridesheffield: “Thanks to everyone who came to our social last night. We raised £1250. A great start for the #RADmires crowding”.

The trail at Redmires Reservoir is set to run alongside the byway up to Stannage Pole (a pole that has been around for nearly 500 years and is believed to mark the boundary between Derbyshire and Yorkshire) from Redmires Road descending for 1.8km, which is 50% longer than the current trail at Lady Cannings!! “It is going to have a higher technical level, compared to Lady Cannings and will be a great trail to develop your skills. The route will be mainly blue again like Lady Cannings, but with red and maybe even black level opt ins, making it perfect for development and being more inclusive than some of the other trails”.

This exciting new venture comes at a price, though, with a whopping £45k target! But after their success with the last project (thanks to local support), it’s certainly not impossible. “After our achievement with the first trail we thought we could be more ambitious this time. The hope is to open the trail in the summer of 2017.” Cy continued.

This new project ran by Ride Sheffield is just another example of what’s possible when local people come together and support each other, whilst highlighting the strength of Sheffield’s communities. “There really is that community feel here, the mountain biking scene is so strong. In fact, it is world famous for it.” Cy said.

So if you’re an eager mountain biker, or just like to support community projects within your city then your help would be more than welcomed.

In the words of Ride Sheffield:
@ridesheffield New trail crowd funder announced. GIVE US YER MONEY!! #RADmires

http://www.ridesheffield.org.uk/2015/12/radmires-new-crowd-funder-announced/

Donate via Paypal to ridesheffield@gmail.com

Photograph credit: Duncan Philpott

Caption: Mountain Biker at Parkwood Springs, The Outdoor City, Sheffield

Want to learn more about this fantastically outdoor city then check out: www.theoutdoorcity.co.uk

The Steep Slopes of Sheffield Showcased in Cotic Videos

Published by Mountainblog on 12/24/2015.

Riding down the twisted route of Parkwood Springs, Sheffield, with only trees and green for company, you’ll come across a view you wouldn’t expect to find in a forest.

Just behind a set of trees, the sun has leaked across Sheffield’s skyline bringing the rider to his ultimate finale. This is just one of the many mountain bike trails to be found in the UK’s fourth largest city and showcased in Steel City Media and Cotic’s videos.

Cotic, a bike design company, first approached Steel City Media back in 2011 and together they have produced seven short mountain biking videos around South Yorkshire. Both companies are Sheffield based, with Cotic being founded by Cy Turner and Steel City Media, Joe Bowman.

The latest video, called “Rise of the Straightline”, was filmed in Wharncliffe Woods, which according to Joe Bowman, “is one of the best places to go for downhill biking”. This trial is known to most as the training ground used by Steve Peat – an international mountain biking star and local legend. Indeed, this neck of the woods can challenge even the most experienced riders, with its steep and technical downhill runs, rock gardens, drops and many trees.

The main theme of the video is to point fun at a mobile app which records your timings, in a light-hearted, fun way. According to Joe, “Since this app was created, mountain bike riders have become obsessed with using it, wanting to beat their own time and compete against others”.

And so, the idea behind this film is to laugh about this by featuring the ‘Straight line man’ racing down the Wharncliffe Woods trail all in a straight line, avoiding every corner so as to enhance speed. “It was so much fun filming this video; we managed to pull in a big crew of mountain bikers to help us!”

Each of Cotic’s films aim to promote a different brand of Cotic bike, by creating a new character each time, whilst also encouraging people to get back out on their bike and ultimately provide entertainment. “The films tend to be very tongue-in-cheek. Sometimes there is a topical theme but other times the videos are just random.” Joe continued.

The films have been a huge success, with the video ’26 aint dead’ seeing ½ million views on youtube. This video was topical at the time of filming as there was a new wheel size introduced and mountain bike riders were annoyed about having to change their bikes to keep up with the trend.

“The theme of this video is to tell people not to worry about the style of bike they have and to get them to ride regardless of their wheel size.” He continued, “To do this, the video starts with a funeral of a 26 inch wheeled bike (filmed in my mum’s garden!), which used to be the typical mountain bike size before being phased out. Then it shows a guy, who doesn’t care about this trend, riding a 26 inch wheeled bike at top speed around Wharncliffe Woods and Parkwood Springs.”

The main audience of our videos is usually the mountain biking community and people with an interest in extreme sports – most of our videos have on average 50/60,000 views. “I love filming around Sheffield. It’s such a good scene for mountain bikers here and there are so many riders that it is easy to find someone to ride with. There is also a big mix of different trails.” Joe said.

The videos cover several destinations across Sheffield, including Grenoside, Wharncliffe Woods, Blacka Moor, Lady Bower and Sheffield city centre. “I would definitely recommend mountain bike riders to come to Sheffield. It’s a great weekend away as you can do stuff in the city centre, there are lots of great pubs with a good nightlife but you can escape to the countryside afterwards.” Joe said.

If you’re tempted to trial the trails of Sheffield then watch some of these videos, filmed at several of the Sheffield mountain bike trails: http://www.cotic.co.uk/videos/

So don’t waste any time. Plan your trip and visit us here in Sheffield:

http://www.theoutdoorcity.co.uk/

And follow us on:

#TheOutdoorCity

Written by Sarah Malone

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