Final preperations are in full swing here in Fort Bill and Lochaber, the courses completed, and the village and finish area well under construction. Mike from the organisers, Rare Management sent through this picture today and you can see the two (yep we have two this time) grandstands are up and the main marquees are also built. If you haven't bought tickets yet - do so now. We understand that there are little or no gondola tickets left for Sunday which is downhill final day. To buy tickets and find out more - go to http://www.fortwilliamworldchamps.co.uk/

Great news too about a cycle path link from Fort Willim to the event - there was come controversy and doubt that it would be finished in time, but hot off the press we have heard it will be! So avoid the jams, bring your bike and cycle to the event.

There is still lots of accommodation - for a pdf showing who has space left click here There is also special event camping, click here for the link to book camping.

Anna

The 'Stolen Bridge'
Near the top of the trails.

We are enjoying some great weather here in the Outdoor Capital. To make the most of it a friend and I headed up to Nevis Range and Leanachan Forst to try out the new Witches Trails created for the cross country races for the upcoming Mountain Bike World Champs which take place from the 4th to 9th September.

The new trails are great, with a beautiful bridge at the start, called the 'Stolen Bridge' and so named because the Forestry Commission weren't using it at Glen Tress so it was pinched and put to use in the Highlands. The trails go much higher than they use to so you get fab views of Ben Nevis from the top section. The top section consists of quite technical switchbacks with a really interesting rocky berm, which you need to get the right line on. A section of the lower trail was shut for last minute tree felling but we still had a great after work ride. The signage isn't ready yet, Sarah from the Forestry Commision (yep, she's the one who pinched the bridge) tells me everything should be signed by the end of August ready for when the trails re-open on the 10th Sept after the worlds. As well as new signage for the Witches Trails she is signing the 10 under the Ben loop and the Cour Trail out to Spean Bridge

If you are bringing your bike up to the area at the beginning of September, don't worry there is still lots to ride, even with the Witches Trails/Leanachan shut. VisitScotland have produced a great new leaflet showing other rides in the area click through here to the Outdoor Capital site to download it. Off Beat Bikes also have a rides leaflet you can buy in their shops on Fort William High Street and at Nevis Range.

http://www.greatglenbikes.com/ and http://www.ridefortwilliam.co.uk/ are two more sources of local rides.

Anna

Fired Art Café put on some great music - and last week was no exception. First on was Strike the Colours - modern scottish folk - definately worth checking out if they are gigging near you.

Next up were Australian brother and sister led band Angus and Julia Stone they played slightly quirky hippy folky music with the odd ska rhythem thrown in. They were great. I was so fired up from the gig that I went home and couldn't wait to play their CD I had bought - gentler than their live performances I think they are better live.