Desperately Seeking Tom's Trail

Today was a momentous day - something to do with the weather, or something to do with the Wales trip looming on the horizon, who knows – but there were 5 of us... yes 5. It felt like a jolly boys outing!! Meeting at 08:30 at our new place in Coldharbour – and kindly giving Rich a nice warm up from Dorking – we got ourselves ready and waited for Mark... who was only a couple of minutes late!

We set for on a new adventure – heading out towards the Redlands trails. Tom said he knew a trail... in Redlands... and so off we went in search. We found a nice downhill singletrack through some dense forest and over a fallen tree, which Rich and Mark had done before. On the trail went and over a little bit of homemade northshore which was nice... and then it all petered out – yep went nowhere!! So we proceeded to ride and push the bikes back up the trail – that was fun!!

Still searching for Tom's singletrack we roamed the Redland Woods. At one point I attempted to ascend a pile of rocks, only to fall backwards and catch the crown jewels on the back of the seat....ouch would have been putting it lightly!!! We eventually came across a reservoir and Tom thought he found the entrance to his trail, we followed him, for what seemed like minutes... but was actually only seconds... and arrived back at the reservoir. We all complemented Tom on his new trail, and how technically challenging we all found it – we must do it again soon...

Following the excitement of this new trail, we headed across the road to Rich's Jump Bowl. A place with some lovely jumps and drop offs where we all practiced our skills. We spent a good 30 mins here – see all the videos on youtube!!

We then set off to climb Leith. Up towards Wolverns lane and then on to our Rollercoaster – which we all completed in style, and then arrived at Deliverance. There was a group attacking Deliverance, but we skipped on by, leaving clearly a newbie to try and negotiate an easy way down (it's ok – all his mates left him at the top too) – we don't know whether he made it or not!!

Past the Coldharbour cricket pitch we headed towards the tower. Heading off the beaten track, my front wheel washed out and sent me crashing to the ground, hitting my knee on the frame... it hurt!! And whatever anyone says, it wasn't the bracken!! We arrived at the base of the tower, and Tom was off. Straight up, but he did take the easy route! I on the other hand took the hard bouldery route, and the foot was down. At the top we all stopped for the obligatory tea, and a mix of cake and fruit.

Off the top of Leith we followed the trails to find Mark's death jump... he declined to revisit it... in fact we all did, except Rich of course, who cleared it with usual style... sometimes I really hate him!! On towards the Quarry we found the little down and upper, which Jim tackled, and his pedal tackled him....


We stayed at the Quarry for a little while trying out a few jumps, but it's certainly not the same since the bulldozers arrived. Mid-way through our activities, Tom decided he'd show off some of his unique mountain biking skills. He negotiated a particularly steep, but short incline successfully, and all cock-a-hoop he proceeded to pull a wheelie... didn't quite get high enough, so pulled another... this time too far, and off the back he went. Only one foot came free from his clips – the other stayed put – twisting his leg, which I believe hurt – especially as he rolled around on the floor, while the rest of us laughed and jeered!!

After we'd recovered from our laughing fit, we tackled Wonder Woman, just for Mark's benefit – a nice, steep in sections, short run through the trees, but which does have one less tree following Mark's decision to remove it from the route a number of months back!! Back up to the Quarry, back to the top of Leith Hill and straight over to find personal hygiene. Tom cracked the double, Rich followed, and then me. Jim skated down it with his bike next to him, and Mark found an easy route – I think he was still overtly protecting his knee.... Wendy!!

Back past the cricket pitch we arrived at Deliverance... and we all did it. Jim's virgin Deliverance ride was delivered in style. A little wobble close to the bottom had us all concerned that he might take a dive over the handlebars, but he kept it together, and you could tell by the smile on his face he was chuffed!! With Deliverance truly contained within our back pockets we set off down the trial to reacquaint ourselves with our cars.

Another successful outing for the Over the Hill mtbers – bring on Afan!

The resurrection

The first outing of the Over The Hill club on an evening ride! With my brake bleeding maintenance having delivered an unsuccessful outcome for the rear brake on my full suspension, I resorted to resurrecting my trusty Stumpy hardtail complete with vee brakes! Having not been out properly on my hardtail for a while, this would be a ride of investigations! Could it still ride well, would the vee brakes work, would the 100mm suspension be up to the job, would I get a sore arse?

Tom, Rich and I met at Coldharbour outside the Plough. It was pleasantly warm and after Tom had finished admiring Rich's new bike...

we headed off up Leith hill towards our first little trail... the rollercoaster. My hardtail performed well, even though the braking was a much more physical activity than with disc brakes!! Until the last dip, when the front suspension crown bottomed out on top of the tyre.. whoops! I managed to stay on, but that became a feature of the evening.. the occasionally farty sound coming from my front forks. I'm sure Rich took me on a number of routes to maximise the possibility of me bottoming out on my tyre!!!

We arrived at Deliverance, had a quick look over the edge and then headed off to do the first section of summing lightning. At the start of the second section of summer lightning, we took the left hand fork, which is a challenging downhill with a number of big jumps, but ones which thankfully you can avoid if you're feeling a bit of a wendy... or you're on an old hardtail!!!!

Successfully completing that run we headed back up towards the Coldharbour cricket pitch, round the back of the pavilion and up and down to the base of the hill leading to the tower. Rich went first, then Tom, and I wisely stayed at the back, not knowing how the hardtail would take to the climb. Tom sped off, overtook Rich, finding a less rooty section and was at the top before you could say “Tom, your back wheel's catching up with your front”. Rich on the other hand, put his foot down and started pushing, as he hit the particularly knarly rooty section – bang went his 100% record. I found the hardtail remarkably light on the front, and hence found it quite difficult to keep the front wheel on the ground...that's my excuse for my feet going down.... twice... The only “bonus” for both Rich and I was that the tower tea shop was closed, therefore no forfeit.... but of course no refreshing cup of tea either!!!

Straight off the top of the hill and down the back for a few quick trails, complete with farty sounds from my front wheel! We headed off towards windy willows, via “sunglasses trail”. Nice route, with only minimal muddy patches, having dried out with all the lovely weather we've been having. Towards the end of the route we narrowly avoided a badger which skuttled across our trail – first time Rich had seen a badger in the wild.... and I suspect it's the first time the badger had seen Rich too. The trail culminated in a lovely log jump, which even I tried on my hardtail... mmmm, but at least I didn't fall off!!!

Back to the tower and straight onto personal hygiene, where Tom had a little wobble... but still remained on his bike! Following our normal route we arrived back at the top of deliverance, meeting a huge crowd at the top, debating amongst themselves whether they were going to attempt it. Most of them declined, and found the easier route down. One guy decided to tackle it, and tackled it he did. He caned it. Inspired, Rich took his usual long run up and caned it in style. Tom quickly followed, and I mean quickly!!! Pulling a front wheelie half way down but managing to stay on the bike. I declined given the lack of robust front suspension, so found the wendy's route down to join the boys.

Off down the trail we arrived back in Coldharbour and onto the Plough for a well deserved pint or two.

Check out the links to flickr and youtube for more pics and a vid from the evening.

Wiltshire is on line!

The deed was done at the weekend and I now have Mark's old bike, he has also offered me his old knee protectors, isn't that considerate of him considering how well they have recently performed for him?
So with cricket rained off I set off on the inaugural Wiltshire Chapter Ride Out and headed for Roundway Hill which is NE of Devizes. An easy one to start off while I find my legs, along the Kennet & Avon and Quakers Walk and on up to Roundway. The legs I was looking for didn't turn up and it is evident that more work is required prior to Wales. However once up on the top I had a great half hour exploring the 4X4 and motorbike tracks that cover the top of the hill. Then discovered that I was not the only biker who uses the hill and foolishly spent time following a number of obvious bike routes off the hill...........down very quickly! My front brake squeals like a pig (I can hear the shouts of 'no brakes and weight back' already.......whatever). Are they meant to do that or have I been sold a duff one? Mark need not answer that question.
So I had a great time as expected and will endeavour to get out as much as possible, fall off as seldom as possible and attempt to be match fit for Wales.
All the Best and see you in July if not before!
P.S. Note to self - get a new bl**dy saddle!

Bleeding brakes... part the second

So... the activity of bleeding hydraulic disc brakes is pretty straight forward if you follow the instructions.... I got some air out.... turns out that doesn't seem to be the problem!!! Brake is the same as it was before... bugger!!

Bleeding Brakes!!!

So, after our jaunt on Saturday, and an acceptance that, yep, my rear brake really was not working properly, I thought I'd get the bike into the shop and get it sorted before next weekend... Hah!! Both my usual shops were quoting 3rd July before they could look at the problem at the earliest!!! So, with a level of intrepidation, I've decided to bleed them myself. All I need is the bleed kit, instructions off the internet, a little patience and some confidence..... I mean...... what's the worst that could happen?

Watch the top tips page over the next few days to find out what happened next.....

It's life Jim, but not as we know it!

It seems like 3 is the magic number for the Over the Hill crowd currently. However, this week we had a very special guest. Jim joined myself and Rich for his first ride out with the “full” crowd. We met at the Plough in Coldharbour this week for a change, and whilst Jim and I assembled our bikes, Rich was was making the long slog up Coldharbour lane to meet us. I passed him on the way up to Coldharbour, and offered a few words of encouragement, as I sped past!!!
After what seemed like an eternity Rich arrived, and for the first time, Rich and Jim met... face to face, and not just via email exchanges. Rich pointed out that he was happy to have finally met Jim and to confirm that I hadn't just invented another friend to make me seem more popular. I have to say though, that he'll never meet Bob, Pete, Kev and Bill!!
We set off in sunshine and headed up Leith Hill, showing Jim some of our usual haunts. We rode the first section of summer lightning, which was nice and dry after all the sun we've had, and flowed well. Rich stonking off on his new bike.
En route to the Coldharbour cricket pitch we gave Jim his first view of the now legendary run that is deliverance!! We left it alone until later and headed off towards the tower via Coldharbour cricket pitch and taking in what I call the rollercoaster... I think we should name it that – boys? The last down arrived in a soggy bombhole which we couldn't help but hit and cover ourselves in mud (much to Rich's disgust... his new bike getting dirty!!). This was Jim's first attempt and he made a pretty good attempt – didn't quite make it up the other side, but didn't fall off, and managed to shuffle the few steps to the crown.
Arriving at the bottom of the steep climb to the tower, we explained to Jim the challenge, but we let him off the normal penalty of “he who steps down first buys the teas”, which is just aswell as no sooner had we embarked on the climb, than Jim's foot went down.. D'Oh!! Rich and I made it up in one piece with no feet, and Rich pointed out that was a 100% for him on his new bike.. 3 out of 3... he was very proud. As we were at the tower we stopped for an early tea (well it would be rude not to!), and to show Jim the sights of Leith Hill!!


Quick tea down and off to Mark's jump (remember that one of a few weeks ago? The one that means Mark hasn't been out with us since?). Rich cleared, and Jim was next. He had some good speed but braked at the base and then decided to stop dead just on the lip of the jump, teetering on the edge...somehow he managed to stay on the bike and back down.... our first refusal of the day! Me?... well.... my rear brake was not working and my front brake was working too well... my confidence was therefore low for the whole ride and the bike just wasn't sitting comfortably for me – or maybe I wasn't sitting comfortably on it. I made the decision that discretion was the better part of valour today, and kept my riding firmly on the ground.
On to the quarry, which to our surprise had been bulldozed and so all the challenging drop offs (which we were all building ourselves up to over the last few months), were inaccessible or gone! We therefore skipped through the quarry and onto High Ashes Farm, and the link to Holmbury St Mary. The route was nice, but had some remarkably deep muddy patches which proved a little difficult to avoid! We arrived in one piece in Holmbury St Mary and quickly made our way through the village and onto Holmbury Hill. On our way up we passed a group having some tuition on essential map reading skills!!! Skipping the summit, we went straight over to join Radnor road and down to the reservoir at the start of Barry Knows Best. A quick diversion into the large open area next to the reservoir ensued, to check out the log playground... which unfortunately was all tidied up... except for a particularly large pile of logs. Rich took the decision to see how far up the logs he could get and made a decent attempt... before goading me to do the same. At some speed I hit the lop pile and made a fair attempt, but not quite as high as Rich. Being easily spurred on, and being the competitive kind of bloke I am, I had to attempt it a second time... this time I got a tyre tread higher than Rich.... I'm sure I did...honestly!!


After our little jaunt we made for a smooth run down Barry Knows Best, which was particularly dry and delivered a smooth ride. We arrived at Peaslake and obviously had to partake in tea and flapjack and show Jim what this mountain biking lark was all about. Given time constraints, we had no time to visit Pitch today, so we headed off for the steady climb up Radnor Road. Across Holmbury Rich found a little rooty route (alliteration!!!) which led us to the clearing in which we'd earlier spotted the map reading group – long since gone, and probably lost!!
Through Holmbury and then taking the bridleway back up to Leith. A bit of a slog, but easier in the dry – provided we could avoid the muddy bombholes... which I couldn't, and proceeded to get covered – worse than a winter's ride!! Onto Leith and back up to the tower – no tea this time, but headed back down to a favourite play area, persuading Jim to come with us, even though his legs had expired (I know that feeling!!). A little play, and a test of the video on my new camera, followed by a little game of “hunt the sunglasses”, we headed back to the summit. Over the top and down personal hygiene, we headed back towards Coldharbour cricket pitch, and then taking in the sights, arrived at deliverance. Rich caned it in style, Jim and I opted for the slightly easier route down – but I have to say, still a little bit of a challenge – especially with no rear brake!!
Heading through the woods, I lost sight of Rich. Arriving at cut through I looked down to see Rich on the floor with his new bike next to him!! Front wheel hit a particularly wet root and he'd lost it. First witness of Rich's first fall on his new bike – I feel privileged!! We arrived back at the cars at precisely 1230 – bang on time!

Check out more photos on our flickr link and more videos on our youtube link.

The wait is over...

A week ago I finally got the call from Dan at Head for the Hills, my Nicolai frame had finally arrived from Germany and was on display in the shop window, waiting to be built up. Of course I had to go and see it and being the kind of sad person who can get excited by aluminium tubing, reinforced gussetry and fishscale welds I have to say I was rather excited! Another week of waiting later and I was finally able to collect my long awaited new toy. Of course I had to take it out on friday evening and again on saturday. There were no other riders what with all the various jump-inflicted injuries and kitesurfing (I'm beginning to wonder whether OTH is just Andy and I and even he couldn't make it this weekend). I like my new bike, it's shiny and seems to go quite well, here's a couple of pictures - some of you may even get to see it one day if you ever venture out to actually ride! It's going to take a bit of getting used to - it's very different to the hardtail Cove but I'm sure we'll become well aquainted over the coming weeks.

Rich