The final Bike Demo Day of 2010 took place at Glentress over the weekend, giving hundreds of riders the chance to sample the latest bikes on Scotland's world-class trails.
Some of the world’s best mountain bike brands were in attendance, including Bionicon, Corratec, Diamondback, Ghost, Lapierre, Lynskey, Norco, Ragley, Raleigh MTrax, Red Bull, Rose, Saracen, Scott and Tomac. Mercedes-Benz were also there with the bike-friendly Vito Sport van.
A demo loop was marked out which took in some challenging climbs and sweet descents on both the red and blue trails, but riders were free to take the bikes where they wanted, including the Freeride Park next to the Bike Demo Day HQ.
There was the usual mix of riders trying out everything from the latest carbon cross-country hardtails to the beefiest of downhill machines – plus one very special visitor. Scottish street riding sensation Danny MacAskill caused a stir when he was spotted cruising the Demo Day pit area, taking in the atmosphere and talking to fans before pulling off some of his signature moves in the freeride park.
Danny MacAskill poses in the pits
John Wallace, 38, from Moffat, came to the Demo Day with his mates Colin Todd and John Ramsay. They were demoing a Corratec Air Tech Mutant, Scott Genius and Lynskey 29er. "We live about an hour down the road, saw the Demo Day on the website and thought we'd come along," said John. "It's good fun. We've got lots of bikes booked. I'm looking to buy something so I'm trying out different things."
Colin Todd, John Wallace and John Ramsay on their first ride of the day
Thirteen-year-old Cameron Hudson, from Newcastle upon Tyne, comes to Glentress most weekends because the riding is so good. "I've ridden five bikes so far," he said. "The best was the Scott Voltage – it's just mint! I normally ride a 2008 Scott Voltage YZ and this was much better. I'd think about buying one."
Cameron Hudson rides at Glentress every weekend, and loved the new Scott Voltage
We spotted a familiar face at the top of the Freeride Park – Gary Taylor, who came to our Demo Day at Kielder Forest in Northumberland earlier this year. Gary, 38, who lives at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, said he wanted to try out a few more bikes.
"I didn't try any Norcos last time, and I want to get on the Lapierre Zesty," he said. "I've got a cheap bike at the moment, which only cost about £170 and is dead heavy. I'm after something lighter, for maybe £1,500 or something. My list is ongoing but I do like the Scott Genius and the Lapierre X-Lite."
We knew we recognised Gary Taylor – he was at our Kielder Demo Day too. Now that's keen!
Baz Gregory, 30, from Larkhall near Glasgow, brought his dog Theodore along for the ride and got his coat signed by Danny MacAskill and Mountain Biking UK's Doddy. "I came to the Demo Day here last year and got a Pace frame," he said.
"This year the Scott Genius is definitely my favourite and the Spark comes a close second, but I was really impressed by the Saracen Ariel too, and the Tomac Carbide SL with SRAM XX was really good. I'm in the market for a new bike at the end of the year."
Baz Gregory and his dog Theo were testing bikes all day
Details of next year's Bike Demo Day series are still being confirmed but there'll be another chance to check out the latest bikes at BikeRadar Live, which takes place on the weekend of 10-11 July at Brands Hatch in Kent,
You can book online now at www.bikeradar.com/live or call the BikeRadar Live hotline on 0871 230 1085. One-day, weekend and family tickets are available, with prices starting at £15 in advance.
Sharleen Keogh from Glasgow was keen to test the Lapierre Zesty
MBUK magazine's Doddy with an adoring fan
The Norco stand was busy all day
The demo loop ended in the Freeride Park
Mercedes brought their Brabus Vito Sport for the final Demo Day – an awesome looking machine
Doddy says hello to Theodore the dog