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It never rains, it pours ... well, at least, that's the story of today - the 27th of Feb.
The weather gods brewed us up a frustratingly tepid storm and we saw rain up to 1900/2000 metres. Coupled with a thick fog, this led to zero visibility in La Chaux and as a result the cancellation of the Big Air competition. More disappointment for all involved [though a couple of the more bleary-eyed looked a little relieved - last night's impromptu session went off big time!]. Still this really has been the story this winter all over Europe. We can only hope that the weather gets it act together over the next two months and we all enjoy a great end to what has been one of the poorest seasons on record.
But it's not all doom and gloom here. On the upside new snow has already fallen higher up and more is forecast for the rest of the night. Our fingers are firmly crossed that tomorrow's big blue materialises and the riders get the chance to let it all hang out in our hastily re-arranged Freeride expression session. The cameras will be up on the hill all day following all the action as numerous top riders go play on some of the best freeride terrain nature has yet constructed. And you can catch it all on Channel 4 on the 9th + 16th March, ITV on 'Riders and Rich Kids' and the Extreme Channel this coming Autumn [check your listings or back here to find out when the programmes will be shown].
Also, the down day gave us a chance to check out the unbelievable display truck that our lead sponsor Dainese parked in the Medran car park. This million-pound truck is normally only seen at Superbike events and it is a sign of Dainese's commitment to freeriding, and to the Verbier Ride in particular, that this is the first non-motorbike event the truck has been to. We are honoured ... and impressed. Most importantly the gear inside lived up to it's expensive display case. Quite simply Dainese are producing the most innovative and robust protective equipment available. Their commitment to creative manufacturing techniques is designed to leave them free to invent and invent they do. Their helmets use a carbon/kevlar composite that means they are the lightest, yet strongest on the market. Their Back protectors are now incorporated into breathable jackets and zip into their stylish outer-wear and their hip and coccyx protector shorts fit neatly under their funky Goretex
pants. Amazing stuff, but more importantly it's good for you. You may have heard it in a different context before now, but if you are going riding, you should always wear protection. You know it makes sense. Check it out on www.dainese.com
The Ortovox avalanche safety session also ran today. Since this is vital knowledge that everybody needs to know, we filmed it. Check it out on TV and learn some valuable lessons in avalanche safety and rescue from our slope security consultant and Chamonix mountain guide, Nick Parks. Many thanks to Ortovox for their support for the Verbier Ride, but also our gratitude for producing world-leading safety equipment. Many lives have been saved through their commitment to quality and innovation.
Respect from us to our other partners and sponsors, and especially to Snow and Rock for their on-going support and involvement. As we are sure you all are aware, Snow and Rock continue to lead the way amongst outdoor-equipment retailers. Their catalogue is regarded throughout Europe as a product bible and their focus on customer service and equipment knowledge is the benchmark in the industry.
Well that's all for now, cos it's the Verbier Ride Party tonight and another major sponsor, Po Na Na, have laid on a night of awesome revelry and funky tunes in conjunction with Capital FM at the Pub Montfort. Thanks to them for their support and, if you have ever been to one of their legendary clubs, you'll know we're in for a huge one over here. So we'd better get going, cos, ... poor us, we've got to go hang with freeride heroes and heroines in Pub Montfort. It's a dirty job .........
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