Post by Mary on November 12, 2017
Christmas is coming. We’ve got 6 weeks to think of bike-related gifts for ourselves and our fellow bike-enamoured loved ones. Jamie and I have our top 5 Christmas wish list items ready to share. We also have some Ride the Alps gift ideas for you.
Jamie
1) Waterproof socks from Polaris. Socks are the classic Christmas gift and these are simply the best waterproof socks I’ve ever used. If you get hit hard with bad weather on a point-to-point trip two pairs are definitely better than one đ
2) Brilliant mudguards for riding in muddy and wintry conditions from mudhugger. And a fat-hugger for the fatty too!
3) Rarely, if ever, do I fit any components other than Hope to my bike but this one may have to be an exception. It comes in the perfect green to match my lovely alpine 6 and P7 ! Only if you have the â1 byâ chain system, but so good I want 2 of them! Richie Rude uses it and it would have prevented a costly chain derailment, which caused a massive rear mech smash up on my last trip!
4) A new back pack from Evoc.  I really need the 16l TEAM Enduro version as I use the 11l now and it’s not quite big enough. Mine is splitting at the zips so I definitely need this for next summer!
5) Some replacement gloves. These were my best ever gloves and I lost them on an Eiger trip. I like the black, white and yellow writing designs. These are for next summer but I’m also on my never-ending quest for the ultimate pair of winter biking gloves – recommendations most welcome!
Mary
1) A new Orange Five in Mountain Mint. It’s a big ask, I know but my old Five is just too out of date (so Jamie tells me!). The geometry is all wrong and I need a shiny new Orange with bigger wheels to replace it, pretty please đ
2) An insulated winter riding jacket for fat biking through the Alpine winter. This fleece-lined jacket from Showers Pass looks ideal.
3) A new headband from Samoens local, Asa Cunningham, owner and manufacturer at Popcorn Vintage. Perfect for keeping your ears warm under your helmet on winter rides. Loads more material choices in Asa’s funky shop in Samoens village.
4) Urbanist padded cycling knickers. I’ve had my eye on these for ages as a discreet padded option. I ride pad-free most of the time because I hate the bulky feel of padded shorts and the majority of my rides are half day outings at the moment. On longer rides though a bit of extra comfort would be nice and these stream lined knickers look like they would be perfect.
5) I just love these bike mug beauties from Ginger & French
If you are looking to buy someone an experience this Christmas rather than more stuff then how about one of the following:
1) A Ride the Alps fat biking gift voucher. A 50 euro voucher entitling the bearer to a guided half day fat bike ride. Valid for 3 years from purchase.
2) A long weekend of biking in the Alps in any season. Stay in our self catering holiday apartment for a low cost option or in the excellent value Chalet Marie Stuart for a fully catered experience.
3) If youâve not yet made your plans for the festive season why not whisk your friends or family away for a Christmas adventure in the Alps. Our holiday apartment is still available for Christmas week.  The word in the Haute Savoie is that we’re due some good snow this Christmas but just in case we offer a range of winter activities that donât always require abundant snow. Fat biking can be done in lean conditions and snowshoeing can become hiking! The Grand Massif has exceptional snow-making prowess so even if the big snowfalls arrive later than expected thereâs always skiing available. The Christmas eve celebrations here are truly magical with fairies, Santa and his reindeer and spectacular fireworks. And if all this doesnât tempt you we are offering our Ride the Alps friends the special price of 350 euro for a full week over Christmas or 250 euro for 3 or 4 nights.
Email Mary at [email protected]Â if you’re interested in any of these experiences.
Happy Christmas preparations to everyone!