Day out to Hales Superbole!

An unexpected turn of events lead me to Hales Superbole last Friday.  No complaints there as it got me out and about to what is probably my nearest centre, but one that I have spent far too few times there.  Was also worthwhile due to the shear amount of work done there since my last visit in 2009 - changes to the BX; a new bike BX, enhanced jib park, new jumps and north shores...... the list goes on.  Needless to say, the Hales folk have been very, very busy.

My other reason for getting down there was to check out the BX ahead of this years comps, starting at Hales on the 21st/22nd of May, to see if I could actually get myself down it (after last years less than successful crack at Court Farm).

[Mountain Board BX  - left, Mountain Bike BX - right]

[bit more of the bike BX]

[bit more of the bike BX, lower down]

I should have taken more photos really; the ones above don't really do justice to just how much has been going on.

However, all a very successfully day, making it from the top of the BX to the bottom in one go cleanly, if not fastly.  Bring on Round 1 - all I need is a few of the Masters to fall over and I won't come last.  Admittedly not the best tactic ever, but I'll be happy with that :-D

Also, very worthwhile riding the bike BX - the top section of which anyway.  I couldn't quite make it to the third berm without the use of pedals, but the bit I could do was loads of fun.  Nice and quick between features to keep you on your toes.

Also, being Friday, I was the only rider there.  Not the best for socialising, though fantastic to get lots and lots of riding in - just what I needed to sleep soundly Friday night.

So, yeah, if you get the opportunity, go to Hales - there's too much there to do in just one visit!

Tamwoth Snowdome

Tamworth Snowdome deserves a blog entry now that I have visited it a couple of times now.

http://www.snowdome.co.uk/

My first experience of snowboarding was here and after visiting a handful of centres, remains my favourite.

They offer a 'Learn to Snowboard in a day' for £85 off peak which includes all kit hire, lunch (tasty!) and various teas and coffees. All thats needed to take is gloves, waterproof(ish) clothing and a sense of balance. The morning consisted of strapping in, controlled sliding down the hill toe and heel side and a couple of turns. Afternoon consisted putting it together towards linked turns with those who were comfortable allowed to take it from the top. Very knackering, but cheeper (I think) and quicker than buying the lessons seperately.

The main slope (smaller practice slope available but not seen) is approximatley 170 metres in length, ~ 20 metres wide and covered in snow. How the snow is laid, I do not know...
A continuous rope loop is used to pull people half way up the left hand side, or there is a very handy escilator up the right hand side that goes right to the top. From the top, the slope goes down approximatley 30 metres before turning 90 degrees to the left before going straight to the bottom. Round the corner it is steeper and quicker the closer to the apex you are.

Visiting last Friday we got 3 hours on the slope for £25 including all kit hire and tea/biscuits afterwards, which isn't bad I reccon.

Also to note is that Friday and Saturday nights are the freestyle/slope style nights which I hear are excellent and sounds like could be worth a visit.

One thing to note is that the lockers take 20p 's though these are non refundable, so check you have enerything before locking up!