Biking

I started Cloud9Trails in 2001, whilst working as a pro-mtb guide.

During this period, I led hundreds of trips, spent thousands of hours in the saddle and rode tens of thousands of kms. I zen navigated my way down unmarked trails not shown on any map, conversed with locals where we didn’t have a single language in common, spent hours searching for the perfect espresso, completed enough trailside bike repairs to warrant starting my own bikeshop, dug paths through landslides, waded through rivers, fought off ferocious dogs and entertained local children by hopping around in circles.

I was christened ‘Halfbike’ by a group of biking clients back in 2000, who were convinced I was some mutant bike-human cross breed, due my ability to ride up, down and across things that nobody else could :-)

Whilst guiding overseas I got a real buzz out of teaching clients new skills. With a bit of careful, patient tuition, my clients were improving their skills immeasurably and were going home with increased confidence levels and self-belief.

Halfbike riding McMoab (photo courtesy of Alex Redwood)

In 2010 Cloud9Trails grew and diversified. Bigger isn’t always better, but the new team member has brought a wide range of knowledge and additional skills.

I’ve been joined by Richie Astridge, a hugely experienced, CTC qualified mtb guide and former Army Physical Training Corps Instructor. Richie has gained a great breadth of experience both in mountain bike skills tuition, coaching and guiding, and has competed on a national and international level.

Riche "working" in Canada

As a team we will be able to offer a wide range of training and advice – from basics such as bike setup, through skills tuition and training to advanced sessions dealing with race training advice

We just can't enough of riding and can be found regularly racing 24 enduros, short course XC, cyclocross, road sportifs....

Additional instructors/guides:

Additional mountain bike instructors and guides will occasionally be used (dependent on the group size), to ensure a maximum ratio of 1:4 for Skills Tuition sessions and 1:8 for Guided Rides.

All guides are highly experienced mountain bikers, chosen for their technical expertise and excellent local knowledge, hold first aid certificates and carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits, short wave walky-talky radios, mobile phones and survival equipment.

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If you want to contact Oliver email this address: halfbike@cloud9trails.com

last updated Wednesday 17/08/2011