17 mei, 2023
Merci Mont Blanc
Despite having been around for a few hundred million years, Mont Blanc’s importance to humans, especially those looking for the thrill of an adventure, is a mere twinkle in the eye of this infamous mountain plateau in comparison.
There’s something about Mont Blanc and its neighbouring peaks and pinnacles that inspires magnificent endeavours.
Despite having been around for a few hundred million years, its importance to humans, especially those looking for the thrill of an adventure, is a mere twinkle in the eye of this infamous mountain plateau in comparison.
It’s the tallest peak in the Alps, and in Western Europe. It essentially birthed the modern concept of alpinism and as a result, sees a significant draw from around the world for those who wish to reach its summit.
While the ownership of the mountain is a dispute that runs to this day, few of the tens of thousands of people that attempt the summit really care for who put their towel on the mountain first.
What if you don’t want to summit the mountain though? What if you want to circumnavigate it?
Another infamous route that for those on foot sticks to high balcony trails, but like with any route of this stature, there will be variations, and on a mountain bike, that means more descending.
You cannot get a true impression of a place without seeing and feeling it for yourself, and what better way to feel than via play? Monet Rose-Adams and Damien Oton chose to play on their Orbea Rise’ for the adventure, as the bike is designed to be enjoyed on such varied, immersive trails.
For this adventure they both decided to mount a Fox 36 fork with 150 mm of travel, since the rough and rocky terrain was asking for it, and from the looks on their faces…. it seems like it was the right choice!
As a fun fact, each rider requested a different battery configuration for the Rise Carbon. Damien opted for a 360WH + Range Extender configuration and Monet for a 540WH setup.
Rise MLTD
The instantaneous, lag-free, power of the Rise allowed them to simply concentrate on having fun; taking in the journey, tackling the terrain and being greeted by some encouraging new faces along the way.
This journey was no first or fastest, or no epic in terms of athletic feats. Yet, that was where its value lied; a mesmerising adventure to remind ourselves that there’s nothing childish about having fun.
TRAILHEADS
Damien Oton
Oolab Team Rider and former Orbea Enduro Team rider.
It seemed that the old fox retired from racing a couple of years ago, but he has found the motivation to continue racing and testing bikes in a project as ambitious as OOLAB. His habitat is made up of the impossible descents that nature offers us. You can find him there.
Monet Rose-Adams
Freerider and very creative
They say that the restlessness to do new things and learn is a quality of creative people and we are sure that this defines Monet, you will never find her standing still nor in the same place!