Megavalanche 2010...
Discussion
Yep! I registered as soon as it opened so hopefully will have as good a qualifying row as last year (1st heat, 2nd row!)
There's a new enduro race available this year but i'm not sure what the score is with that.
Basically you have 3 levels of packages, the most expensive include the enduro race, the avalanche sprint race (pure flat out DH) and the megavalanche plus a 9 day lift pass.
then you have either a 7 day pass with the mega and either the sprint or the enduro race.
After those, you have the 5 day pass and the mega entry only. Oh, and I've just had an email stating they missed one which is a 7 day lift pass and the mega entry.
I've gone for the avalanche cup, mega and 7 day pass, but i've emailed to try and get the pack with jst the mega and the 7 day pass.
If you're a newbie, I'd say go for that pack as the sprint race looks very intimidating and isnt an easy course. No idea what the enduro is, but its the weekend before the mega so too early for me.
Any other questions, just ask! we've quite a few mega veterans on here
There's a new enduro race available this year but i'm not sure what the score is with that.
Basically you have 3 levels of packages, the most expensive include the enduro race, the avalanche sprint race (pure flat out DH) and the megavalanche plus a 9 day lift pass.
then you have either a 7 day pass with the mega and either the sprint or the enduro race.
After those, you have the 5 day pass and the mega entry only. Oh, and I've just had an email stating they missed one which is a 7 day lift pass and the mega entry.
I've gone for the avalanche cup, mega and 7 day pass, but i've emailed to try and get the pack with jst the mega and the 7 day pass.
If you're a newbie, I'd say go for that pack as the sprint race looks very intimidating and isnt an easy course. No idea what the enduro is, but its the weekend before the mega so too early for me.
Any other questions, just ask! we've quite a few mega veterans on here
excellent, cheers for the advice. I shall speak with my compatriot and see what his thoughts are on booking what you have suggested - I reckon that just the Mega and a week's worth of lift pass will probably do us!
As we're first timers, I don't think we're too bothered about starting (or finishing!) positions, though I'm sure we will be in years to come... if anything, it'd probably be good for us to see a few people throw themselves down it first before we do it ourselves! Or is that not the thing to do?
In terms of the setup there, I am guessing that a lot of it is tailored to riders, in that there are bike/spares shops there, and the places you stay give you somewhere to keep your bikes - or do you have to be careful with those sorts of things?
As we're first timers, I don't think we're too bothered about starting (or finishing!) positions, though I'm sure we will be in years to come... if anything, it'd probably be good for us to see a few people throw themselves down it first before we do it ourselves! Or is that not the thing to do?
In terms of the setup there, I am guessing that a lot of it is tailored to riders, in that there are bike/spares shops there, and the places you stay give you somewhere to keep your bikes - or do you have to be careful with those sorts of things?
Well, I've only done it once and I was in the first eave of qualifying, so I didnt actually get to see anyone do it before me which I'm glad of actually as I reckon I would've been even more nervous!
Don't worry too much about positions, I didnt, and just rode to enjoy myself but be warned, you will get the red mist at some point!
There are a few bike shops around with reasonable spares plus there will be a trade area with mavic, hope and a few others in attendance. My advice is to take plenty of tubes, spare tyres (I ran a super tacky high roller on the back that was destroyed in about 3 days), take at least spare mech hangers, a spare mech if possible, a couple of spare chains and plenty of brake pads. I ddnt have to change mine during the week but others went through a couple of sets, possibly more if its wet. Basically, take as many spares as you possibly can, me and my mates went through 4, maybe 5 rear mechs, 2 rear wheels, and a tibia
As for accomodation, most of it is in apartments, and most have balconies so you normally take the bikes into the flat and then hang the front wheel over the balcony. I did hear of a theft or two last year but in general its pretty safe, I'd lock it up when its on the balcony though.
Apart
Don't worry too much about positions, I didnt, and just rode to enjoy myself but be warned, you will get the red mist at some point!
There are a few bike shops around with reasonable spares plus there will be a trade area with mavic, hope and a few others in attendance. My advice is to take plenty of tubes, spare tyres (I ran a super tacky high roller on the back that was destroyed in about 3 days), take at least spare mech hangers, a spare mech if possible, a couple of spare chains and plenty of brake pads. I ddnt have to change mine during the week but others went through a couple of sets, possibly more if its wet. Basically, take as many spares as you possibly can, me and my mates went through 4, maybe 5 rear mechs, 2 rear wheels, and a tibia
As for accomodation, most of it is in apartments, and most have balconies so you normally take the bikes into the flat and then hang the front wheel over the balcony. I did hear of a theft or two last year but in general its pretty safe, I'd lock it up when its on the balcony though.
Apart
ccr32 said:
In terms of the setup there, I am guessing that a lot of it is tailored to riders, in that there are bike/spares shops there, and the places you stay give you somewhere to keep your bikes - or do you have to be careful with those sorts of things?
Plenty of mechanical support there. Usually Mavic, SRAM, HOPE turn up with mechanics and vans full of spares. Si Paton also usually there with a van full (http://www.descent-gear.com/). Best local bike shop in my experience is: http://www.rocky-sports.com/uk_ete.htm They stay open late (sometimes past midnight) during Mega week.Plenty of good (bike friendly) accomodation available via these people (good English and pleasant to deal with):
http://www.alpe-vacances.com/Alpe-d-huez/Bienvenue...
Try to get accomodation near the DMC lift - most convenient - apex of the 'pyramid' that is the town map:
http://www.alpedhueznet.com/gif/listings/ADH_maps/...
I'm not doing it this year as I will be in Whistler at the time. A tip on getting a decent grip position in the qualifier is to lie on your entry form and say you have got good results (wins in Expert/Elite) in the uk. This should bump you up quite a bit. I dod not do this last year and was on the back row. All my mates did and none of them were further back than the second row, though they are actually pretty good Expert or top Senior level riders anyway. If you aren't so good then the front may be a dodgy place to be with faster guys trying to pass you.
Floor Tom said:
I'm not doing it this year as I will be in Whistler at the time. A tip on getting a decent grip position in the qualifier is to lie on your entry form and say you have got good results (wins in Expert/Elite) in the uk. This should bump you up quite a bit. I dod not do this last year and was on the back row. All my mates did and none of them were further back than the second row, though they are actually pretty good Expert or top Senior level riders anyway. If you aren't so good then the front may be a dodgy place to be with faster guys trying to pass you.
Yes I noticed this last year, so many panzies with clip's and XC bikes starting up at the front. Once you reach the switch backs your f
ked. They get off their bikes and run down and expect you to stay behind them the jokers.vz-r_dave said:
Floor Tom said:
I'm not doing it this year as I will be in Whistler at the time. A tip on getting a decent grip position in the qualifier is to lie on your entry form and say you have got good results (wins in Expert/Elite) in the uk. This should bump you up quite a bit. I dod not do this last year and was on the back row. All my mates did and none of them were further back than the second row, though they are actually pretty good Expert or top Senior level riders anyway. If you aren't so good then the front may be a dodgy place to be with faster guys trying to pass you.
Yes I noticed this last year, so many panzies with clip's and XC bikes starting up at the front. Once you reach the switch backs your fked. They get off their bikes and run down and expect you to stay behind them the jokers.[goes off to garage to remove clip pedals and panzy XC wheels from bike]
ccr32 said:
vz-r_dave said:
Floor Tom said:
I'm not doing it this year as I will be in Whistler at the time. A tip on getting a decent grip position in the qualifier is to lie on your entry form and say you have got good results (wins in Expert/Elite) in the uk. This should bump you up quite a bit. I dod not do this last year and was on the back row. All my mates did and none of them were further back than the second row, though they are actually pretty good Expert or top Senior level riders anyway. If you aren't so good then the front may be a dodgy place to be with faster guys trying to pass you.
Yes I noticed this last year, so many panzies with clip's and XC bikes starting up at the front. Once you reach the switch backs your fked. They get off their bikes and run down and expect you to stay behind them the jokers.[goes off to garage to remove clip pedals and panzy XC wheels from bike]
Also stuff it. Get up the front if you can and get stuck in. Any really serious riders should be on the front row anyway so should be long gone by the first couple of corners. But if you are holding someone up it may be a good idea to let them pass. Otherwise you may get taken out
ccr32 said:
thank you for the tips on accomodation and other bits of info. As and when we enter, I guess this thread will morph into a "what do I need to buy for my bike" one...
Do the entries fill up fairly quickly do you know, or can we dally about it for a bit longer yet?
Entries don't fill up quick so don't stress it. Some people find that an early entry gets them close to the front of their qualifier but I have found that the previous results section of the entry form can get you there anyway.Do the entries fill up fairly quickly do you know, or can we dally about it for a bit longer yet?
If you want a what to buy for your bike thread then we need to know what bike you have.
I wrote this on another forum about where to stay.
Oz station is a good place to stay as it means that you will be in a good position for the DH race, and the Mega qualifier finishes there, also its not quite as cold as Alpe D'huez. (I was sleeping in a van so this probably wouldn't be a problem for you if you are in a hotel). Its also easy to get to the start of both the qualifier and the main event from there. If you have a van with you then Allemont is another good option. Busses go from there to Oz station often and it means you will never get stuck in the wrong resort when the lifts close. You would need the van to get to Oz station or Alpe D'Huez for the Qualifier and Mega uplift though as the busses probably don't start early enough.
You will have an amazing time.
Floor Tom said:
ccr32 said:
vz-r_dave said:
Floor Tom said:
I'm not doing it this year as I will be in Whistler at the time. A tip on getting a decent grip position in the qualifier is to lie on your entry form and say you have got good results (wins in Expert/Elite) in the uk. This should bump you up quite a bit. I dod not do this last year and was on the back row. All my mates did and none of them were further back than the second row, though they are actually pretty good Expert or top Senior level riders anyway. If you aren't so good then the front may be a dodgy place to be with faster guys trying to pass you.
Yes I noticed this last year, so many panzies with clip's and XC bikes starting up at the front. Once you reach the switch backs your fked. They get off their bikes and run down and expect you to stay behind them the jokers.[goes off to garage to remove clip pedals and panzy XC wheels from bike]
Also stuff it. Get up the front if you can and get stuck in. Any really serious riders should be on the front row anyway so should be long gone by the first couple of corners. But if you are holding someone up it may be a good idea to let them pass. Otherwise you may get taken out
king move on that I decided to shout myself. It is a very fun experience
I have never used clip's I can certainly see the benefit's but for me flat's have always been good enough. Add to that the fact that at the start you are bashing passed people and often have to dab your feet down.
I would love to this on something like a transition bottle rocket or something simaler. The winner was on an XC/AM bike last year so it can be done but I just prefer a slacker geo when I ride.
What is this uphill nonsense ye speak of?! You're telling me that I might actually have to pedal at some stage!? 
I'm currently riding a Spesh Stumpy FSR XC with about 4" of travel at each end. I've got some meaty wheels for it, so would obviously use those, though I think my brakes could do with an upgrade for the pounding they will no doubt take.
Is this the sort of steed which would fare well on the Mega', or is something more substantial required do you think?
I'm currently riding a Spesh Stumpy FSR XC with about 4" of travel at each end. I've got some meaty wheels for it, so would obviously use those, though I think my brakes could do with an upgrade for the pounding they will no doubt take.
Is this the sort of steed which would fare well on the Mega', or is something more substantial required do you think?
Your bike is a bit on the XC side of things but you will still have a lot of fun. Last year I used my DH bike for the qualifier and a Cannondale Prophet for the main event. However, I was seeded on the back row of my heat and needed to pass 155 people so needed the DH bike to take some "out there" lines. It worked, but if I had of been on the front row then I think the Prophet would have been better. Its a 140mm travel AM bike with a low BB and a slack head angle setting (about 66 degrees and a 13" BB) and is in my opinion the perfect mega bike. There isn't that much that really demands a DH bike and most of the time you are stuck behind people on anything slightly technical anyway.
As for new kit I would say that if you are used to using clips then stick with them but get some platform ones. Wheels and brakes need to be burly. what brakes do you have? New mounts and rotors might be worth considering, but bleed them before you go. The only other thing I would recomend is a bash guard and a roller. FSA do cheap but good bashers and a blackspire stinger is a good cheap option. On my bike I use this setup with 24 - 36 chainrings, but to avoid having to get a new granny ring I would just get a 34 tooth middle ring.
For tyres I would probably take 2.35 Maxxis Minnions with DH casing. They rool quite well and dont wear down as bad as High Rollers. If I was doing it again this year I may be tempted bu my current XC tyres though, 2.35 Maxxis LUST Ignitors tubeless.
None of the kit I have mentioned above is needed but I think they are the most cost effective upgrades you could make if you decide that you want too.
The most important thing is have fun, don't take it too seriously. You will fall off in the snow and some annoying frenchy will hold you up on the single track but the riding is amazing. If you are there for the week then consider a day in Les Duex Alpes. The track from the village to Venosch (thats not how you spell it but you'll see what I mean if you look on Google maps) is amazing. Dusty and drifty and the lift is open until about 8pm.
Also yes there is some uphill in both the qualifier and the main event! Less in the qualifier though.
As for new kit I would say that if you are used to using clips then stick with them but get some platform ones. Wheels and brakes need to be burly. what brakes do you have? New mounts and rotors might be worth considering, but bleed them before you go. The only other thing I would recomend is a bash guard and a roller. FSA do cheap but good bashers and a blackspire stinger is a good cheap option. On my bike I use this setup with 24 - 36 chainrings, but to avoid having to get a new granny ring I would just get a 34 tooth middle ring.
For tyres I would probably take 2.35 Maxxis Minnions with DH casing. They rool quite well and dont wear down as bad as High Rollers. If I was doing it again this year I may be tempted bu my current XC tyres though, 2.35 Maxxis LUST Ignitors tubeless.
None of the kit I have mentioned above is needed but I think they are the most cost effective upgrades you could make if you decide that you want too.
The most important thing is have fun, don't take it too seriously. You will fall off in the snow and some annoying frenchy will hold you up on the single track but the riding is amazing. If you are there for the week then consider a day in Les Duex Alpes. The track from the village to Venosch (thats not how you spell it but you'll see what I mean if you look on Google maps) is amazing. Dusty and drifty and the lift is open until about 8pm.
Also yes there is some uphill in both the qualifier and the main event! Less in the qualifier though.
Edited by Floor Tom on Thursday 14th January 16:40
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