Still some biking to be had before winter

It's getting cold, damp and dark up here, especially damp and dark right now. Last week was brilliant with all the perks sub zero temps and sun bring, this week the weather turned all Scotland on us with lots of rain and temperatures between 0 and 6 degrees. Perfect weather for practicing riding skills in greasy conditions. To add another element of exercise i haven't touched the "big bike" since Sunday. Only riding the 4x bike with slammed seat is my idea of building some strenght for next summer, I hope it works. Today's ride was a bit gruelling, several hours of wet to sloppy trails resulting in my legs feeling weaker than ever.

In other, and more sunny news, last week me an Emil spent the weekend sampling hospitality and great trails in Piteå, guided and hosted by Micke. Trail conditions were brilliant, a tiny bit of dusty pow on solid frozen trails with the occasional patch of ice just to keep us honest, great fun!

On saturday we went to Svensbyn and met up with Sven from Luleå. We did a really nice loop including a bit of everything, from ice-covered wood skinnys to pushbiking and flowy sections, really good day.

Emil and Mikael pushing up snow covered rock slabs in Svensbyn. Sven is following just outside of the picture

Nice flowy trail

On sunday we were on the old favourite Råberget, a nice hill with lots of slickrocks and rock gardens mixed up with smooth pine needle style trails makes for varied and fun riding.

More rock slabs in the sun served with ice

The mandatory food stop, complete with fire and down jacket

Flowy downhill trail and magic light

A bit more techy, maybe even more fun

Unfortunately the Prophet is starting to show signs of tiredness after a long season, after I came home I rebuilt the seatpost and the rear hub. Shock and forks service is due, and the bottom bracket has an alarming amount of play. Good thing I have two bikes.