Although Root is owned by two of us, we’ve always considered it way more than that. There’s the team guys, flow guys, and there’s all the people that support what we’re doing (and in turn we try to support them….or at least share some good times). We think of Root very much as a trail collective.
We’d hatched the idea for a trip to Germany when Sven and Atilla starting talking about the Trail Tour over there, then Eliott actually went on the trail tour, and one of Germany’s finest bike stores (Dept of Dirt) starting carrying Root product. Last Summer was kind of a wash out when it came to planning trips months in advance…..this year proved more fruitful.
Getting to get all parties to agree on a date was like trying to catch lightning in a bottle but as soon as that was decided we had a posse. Damo brought Wayne (from Woodyard) and Elliott brought Ryan (from Wisley). Wickham Will, Glen Woods and Piieee were holding it down for the Sheet locals. All of those guys were in Holland early for obvious reasons……..Wayne spent 120 euros on an obvious reason. Not a brass!
Sam (from Bonehouse/Foxhill), Jim (formerly of Birchwood) and myself were not in Holland early…….we did drive over the border briefly. Blaaskantje is some sort of airbase that’s been repositioned as some form of industrial estate where not a great deal seems to happen. That whole area along the Belgium/Dutch boarder is pretty sleepy…….. especially if you’ve been to Amsterdam before you got there. Jonny (from Brockham) was last to arrive.
Sven Littfinski (from H20 trails) and Tobi (from Zabo trails) joined us in Belgium along with various Blaaskantje locals.
Everything was set for a big old session except the weather. The first afternoon/evening was a wash out. Sven and Tobi tried an optimistic untarping only to be greeted with another shower.
Football, bar-b-q, and chatting shit were the order of the day. It wasn’t too much of a chore since Blaaskantje has a dialled set up. They’ve got a kitchen, sofas, a khazi, and power.
Not to mention Surrons and an indoor BMX track. Yep. The Belgiums are dialled. Kiwi is extra dialled. His road mobile has a surf rack, beds, a custom fitted kitchen, and a slide out mount for his Root Four set up.
Our sleeping arrangements varied. Some people (mostly Jonny and El) are well prepared for van life. Damo has a decent set up and so does Jim. Sam and I camped (there’s plenty of room) and Will and Glen slept in the warehouse.
I’m pleased to report a £60 tent and a £20 mattress (from Decathlon) proved to be money well spent throughout the trip.
I’m also please to report Sven Greitten bought the biggest bag of chips you’ve ever seen for us all to share. Legend!
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