A Thursday evening outing – Rich and I met at the Plough in Coldharbour, and headed off to Rich's jump bowl, to practice!! A few practice jumps to get my head into the right place, and then off to another area which had, what looked at first site to be a significant jump – over a “gully”. However, some kind person and put a door over the gap so we could practice without fear of coming a cropper!! We practice lots – and got some video, unfortunately the video camera battery ran out just at the best bit. We spent a good 30 mins there and I managed to get my jumping head on!
We then headed off to Leith – bumping into 3 guys who were on a jaunt... and lost! We pointed them in the direction of Westcott. On up to rollercoaster, past deliverance, with the usual cursory glance down, and on up to the tower. After a number of feet down episodes on the way up in the last few weeks, this time I nailed it! Rich didn't... he did cycle all they way though, which he was quick to point out!!! We stopped at the top to sort a squeak of Rich's which had been going for the past 15mins!!!! Yep – his new bike has a squeak!
Squeak temporarily sorted, we headed off to Windy Willows, during which my jump head came off!!! I bottled it on a number of usually fine jumps – what happened? The trails were nice and dry and ran smoothly. We finished Windy Willows and headed back up to the tower, where Rich's squeak came back!! With a vengeance!! Off past the cricket pitch and onto Deliverance, which Rich road straight down... none of our usual stopping at the top. I would have, but my seat post was too high, so it was a brief stop for me.... but I did it as quickly as I could!! Off down to Coldharbour and into the Plough for our customary pint of Crooked Furrow, before heading home.
A quick ride through the Surrey Hills with a group of 40 something mtbers who really should know better!
Sunday 26 July 2009
Saturday 25 July 2009
The Wales Trip (a family emergency!)
Day 1 -
So the three day trip finally arrived! Rich and Mark in car 1 and Tom and I in car two. We made our way to the Afan valley through the corridor that is the M4! We arrived around 10:30 – found our cabins and agreed that the best thing to do was get out on the trails! It had rained heavily the night before, so we had some expectation of wetness!!!
Our cabins were at the top of The Wall – at the start of the downhill section, so our first trail was a fantastic downhill through some dense woodland... it was wet!!! A little stop en route to sort Tom's handlebars (they would become a recurring theme!!) and off again to the bottom, and along to the trail centre.
No stopping – we set off on the first complete trail of the day – Penhydd. This is what we'd come to Wales for!! However, within 15 mins, Mark's chain snapped (this would also be a recurring theme for the weekend!). We spent 15 mins fixing Mark's chain..... or rather Mark spent 15mins fixing his chain while we stood and watched, and gave words of encouragement!!! Once fixed, we were off, taking in some great, fast singletrack, but having to negotiate some long fire roads in order to ascend the valley. But what fun... no more mechanical problems! We completed Penhydd and arrived back at the trail centre bang on Rich's estimated time – 14:30 – very, very wet and all so ravenous we could have eaten a scabby horse!.
The centre was quite basic – but the food was ok – and we needed it!! With our bellies full, and getting back into our wet clothes, we headed off again, to tackle the remainder of The Wall, back up to cabins. This involved a significant fire road climb, which seemed to go on and on and on and on.....although we did eventually find some singletrack. Hacking through the wet, my front wheel slipped away and I went crashing to the ground! Tom... travelling far too close behind me... tried to stop, but went over the handlebars, and slid along the ground, to eventually stop on the verge of hugging me!!! He hurt is shoulder a little!! After much moaning, we were off to try and get to our cabin. We were all tired and very wet.. and could hear the beer calling.
Back at the cabin, we had our first team photo
Jim had arrived while we'd been out, so we were just waiting on Briggsy. We all cleaned our bikes, showered, and got ready for the pub. We phoned for a cab to take us, only they didn't know where we were. “Couldn't you phone someone else?” the operator said... that didn't bode well. 20:15 arrived with no cab – Rich made the return call, and the response (which became our talking point and catch phrase for the rest of the weekend) came back “Well.... you see..... what it is right...........the driver of the 8 seater..... he had to go home... for a family emergency!!”. To say that Rich was not impressed was an understatement. So Briggsy drove us down the road, with Jim in the boot!!!! We arrived at the local hostelry, where we spent the rest of the night with a rake of beers and some fine food.
Day 2 -
We awoke early and loaded up the cars to take the short drive to Glyncorrwyg, The weather was better today, and the ground had dried out somewhat compared to the day before. The trail centre there was better than Afan, with a bike shop we could spend lots of money in. Having assembled our bikes we set off to do Whites Level Trail. It started with a singletrack ascent – which I enjoyed. Within 5 minutes however, Mark's chain snapped again (breakage number 2!). So another 15mins while he fixed it again. A number of riders passed us – it was busier today than yesterday. Chain duly fixed, we set off again. The climb took in some fantastic views of the welsh countryside -
At the top of the climb we rested, and Tom decided to tighten up his bars, by tightening his stem cap, and tightening, and tightening... until the bolt sheared!! Whoops. At the top of the trail, and the handlebars really not working now, he had to make the escape route down and back to the centre to get fixed up. As a caring team we left him to it and were all convinced he'd be fine! The rest of us headed off for the black run... having heard everyone else talk about it at the top, we did set off with a little intrepidation!! It was challenging, but not so difficult that we had to get off – unless, like Rich you fall off into a ditch at the very bottom!!! It could've been down to 2 people who bottled it on the last berm and stopped – affecting his line..... but you can draw your own conclusions!!
Again there were some fantastic singletrack, and a whole section of Northshore – which I'd not done before. Quite challenging, and something you feel a lot more insecure on – if you come off, you have a longer distance to fall. But is was fun, with some challenging corners and up and overs.
We arrived back at the trail centre, ready for lunch, and met Tom, who'd safely made it back (we knew he would!!), and fixed his bike (or so he thought!). Lunch was fantastic, and we again ate our fill. A quick visit to the bike shop, to spend some hard earned cash, and then back to the cars to travel back to Afan, so we could take Jim and Briggsy on Penhydd. It was much drier than Friday, and therefore much nicer, we really hacked some of the singletrack, knowing what to expect this time. We all had our favourite bits and took turns leading. One of the last bits, called Rocky Rebellion, was only tackled by me.. everyone else bottled it and took the fire road instead!!! Tom, Rich, Briggsy and I waited at the entrance to Sheep's Gully for Dunnie and Jim to catch up... and waited.... and waited........... and waited....... A number of riders appeared around the corner providing us with updates as to the situation. Dunnie got a puncture, and was busy changing it... and then changing it again!!!!! We waited for a good 30 minutes. Eventually they appeared and we set off for the last trail home...... We arrived back at the car, and waited for Dunnie again.... and waited.... and waited.......... his chain had snapped without about 1k to go to the car park. So.. how unlucky is he with his bike?
All v tired we headed off back to the cabins. Another bike clean, another shower and some more beers, followed by a fantastic fry up thrown (literally) together by Mark – it was spot on nosh. Chat and more beers ensued.
Day 3 -
It rained... and boy did it rain. We eventually (after much umming and arring....except for Rich who had made his mind up within seconds of opening his eyes), decided it was not a day for riding. Briggsy however, took up the challenge on his own and headed out to complete The Wall in some torrential rain – respect!!
The rest of us headed home!
A great weekend, and great location – thanks lads!!
So the three day trip finally arrived! Rich and Mark in car 1 and Tom and I in car two. We made our way to the Afan valley through the corridor that is the M4! We arrived around 10:30 – found our cabins and agreed that the best thing to do was get out on the trails! It had rained heavily the night before, so we had some expectation of wetness!!!
Our cabins were at the top of The Wall – at the start of the downhill section, so our first trail was a fantastic downhill through some dense woodland... it was wet!!! A little stop en route to sort Tom's handlebars (they would become a recurring theme!!) and off again to the bottom, and along to the trail centre.
No stopping – we set off on the first complete trail of the day – Penhydd. This is what we'd come to Wales for!! However, within 15 mins, Mark's chain snapped (this would also be a recurring theme for the weekend!). We spent 15 mins fixing Mark's chain..... or rather Mark spent 15mins fixing his chain while we stood and watched, and gave words of encouragement!!! Once fixed, we were off, taking in some great, fast singletrack, but having to negotiate some long fire roads in order to ascend the valley. But what fun... no more mechanical problems! We completed Penhydd and arrived back at the trail centre bang on Rich's estimated time – 14:30 – very, very wet and all so ravenous we could have eaten a scabby horse!.
The centre was quite basic – but the food was ok – and we needed it!! With our bellies full, and getting back into our wet clothes, we headed off again, to tackle the remainder of The Wall, back up to cabins. This involved a significant fire road climb, which seemed to go on and on and on and on.....although we did eventually find some singletrack. Hacking through the wet, my front wheel slipped away and I went crashing to the ground! Tom... travelling far too close behind me... tried to stop, but went over the handlebars, and slid along the ground, to eventually stop on the verge of hugging me!!! He hurt is shoulder a little!! After much moaning, we were off to try and get to our cabin. We were all tired and very wet.. and could hear the beer calling.
Back at the cabin, we had our first team photo
Jim had arrived while we'd been out, so we were just waiting on Briggsy. We all cleaned our bikes, showered, and got ready for the pub. We phoned for a cab to take us, only they didn't know where we were. “Couldn't you phone someone else?” the operator said... that didn't bode well. 20:15 arrived with no cab – Rich made the return call, and the response (which became our talking point and catch phrase for the rest of the weekend) came back “Well.... you see..... what it is right...........the driver of the 8 seater..... he had to go home... for a family emergency!!”. To say that Rich was not impressed was an understatement. So Briggsy drove us down the road, with Jim in the boot!!!! We arrived at the local hostelry, where we spent the rest of the night with a rake of beers and some fine food.
Day 2 -
We awoke early and loaded up the cars to take the short drive to Glyncorrwyg, The weather was better today, and the ground had dried out somewhat compared to the day before. The trail centre there was better than Afan, with a bike shop we could spend lots of money in. Having assembled our bikes we set off to do Whites Level Trail. It started with a singletrack ascent – which I enjoyed. Within 5 minutes however, Mark's chain snapped again (breakage number 2!). So another 15mins while he fixed it again. A number of riders passed us – it was busier today than yesterday. Chain duly fixed, we set off again. The climb took in some fantastic views of the welsh countryside -
At the top of the climb we rested, and Tom decided to tighten up his bars, by tightening his stem cap, and tightening, and tightening... until the bolt sheared!! Whoops. At the top of the trail, and the handlebars really not working now, he had to make the escape route down and back to the centre to get fixed up. As a caring team we left him to it and were all convinced he'd be fine! The rest of us headed off for the black run... having heard everyone else talk about it at the top, we did set off with a little intrepidation!! It was challenging, but not so difficult that we had to get off – unless, like Rich you fall off into a ditch at the very bottom!!! It could've been down to 2 people who bottled it on the last berm and stopped – affecting his line..... but you can draw your own conclusions!!
Again there were some fantastic singletrack, and a whole section of Northshore – which I'd not done before. Quite challenging, and something you feel a lot more insecure on – if you come off, you have a longer distance to fall. But is was fun, with some challenging corners and up and overs.
We arrived back at the trail centre, ready for lunch, and met Tom, who'd safely made it back (we knew he would!!), and fixed his bike (or so he thought!). Lunch was fantastic, and we again ate our fill. A quick visit to the bike shop, to spend some hard earned cash, and then back to the cars to travel back to Afan, so we could take Jim and Briggsy on Penhydd. It was much drier than Friday, and therefore much nicer, we really hacked some of the singletrack, knowing what to expect this time. We all had our favourite bits and took turns leading. One of the last bits, called Rocky Rebellion, was only tackled by me.. everyone else bottled it and took the fire road instead!!! Tom, Rich, Briggsy and I waited at the entrance to Sheep's Gully for Dunnie and Jim to catch up... and waited.... and waited........... and waited....... A number of riders appeared around the corner providing us with updates as to the situation. Dunnie got a puncture, and was busy changing it... and then changing it again!!!!! We waited for a good 30 minutes. Eventually they appeared and we set off for the last trail home...... We arrived back at the car, and waited for Dunnie again.... and waited.... and waited.......... his chain had snapped without about 1k to go to the car park. So.. how unlucky is he with his bike?
All v tired we headed off back to the cabins. Another bike clean, another shower and some more beers, followed by a fantastic fry up thrown (literally) together by Mark – it was spot on nosh. Chat and more beers ensued.
Day 3 -
It rained... and boy did it rain. We eventually (after much umming and arring....except for Rich who had made his mind up within seconds of opening his eyes), decided it was not a day for riding. Briggsy however, took up the challenge on his own and headed out to complete The Wall in some torrential rain – respect!!
The rest of us headed home!
A great weekend, and great location – thanks lads!!
Sunday 12 July 2009
Jack Jones and the Revenge of the Trees
So, with less than a week to go to our jolly boys outing to Wales, I thought it would be good to get out on one last ride, and get some riding legs in. For a variety of reasons, the crew diminished..... until I was the only one left. Not to be put off by the lack of friends, I headed out on my Jack Jones, parking up at the bottom of Holmbury Hill in car park 9, only 30mins later than we normally go out... well – I wasn't going to be late for anyone was I? The temperature was perfect, but with all the rain we'd had this week and the torrential downpour we suffered last night, I had a feeling that today would be a wet one! I set off for the summit of Holmbury taking our usual route to the top, a quick savour of the view from the top, and then it was down to take in Rollercoaster. The bomb holes full of water were back, there was no way I was staying dry, or the bike staying clean!! Through the rhododendrons, fighting off foliage en route, until a particularly vicious branch tried to impale me – luckily it glanced off my chest, but not before attempting to make the sign of Zorro!! Little did I know, but that was the first of the tree attacks...
After completing Rollercoaster, I headed back up to do Parklife. As I arrived at the entrance, about 8 other mtbers were coming down from the summit to start Parklife. As I wasn't sure of their abilities I decided to let them go first (didn't want to show myself up!). Mistake... big mistake. The guy at the back got out of the way pretty quickly was I thundered up behind him. I quickly descended on two more, but couldn't pass for a while – and I think they though I was their mate behind. A very short split in the trail, and a slight mistake from the leading guy, allowed me to speed past, only to catch up with guy number 3. I had to slow... no option – right to the end. I managed to hang far enough back to get the little jump in at the end of the trail, but did nearly end up taking him out! Oops!
Up to car park 1 and then down to the start of Barry Knows Best. I paused to drop my saddle, as two more guys thundered past hitting the start of the trail. With my competitive hat on, I set off with a view to catching them up. They were fast, and had a head start, but I was reeling them in. The route was quite nice today, a little damp, but ride-able – I gained confidence on some of the little jumps, and then had them in my sights. Just as I was about to get on their tails, they peeled off up hill – not doing the last descent into Peaslake!! Weird!! So I was on my own again. I dropped down the rooty section and into Peaslake, but didn't stop – instead I headed straight up Pitch to the summit. Took in the view briefly, and then onto that trail that Rich “found”... remember that? Tom, Mark and I had already done it a few weeks before Rich “found” it!! Storming through the trees, and carefully avoiding the bracken, I arrived at the steep rooty section. I paused at the top and then went for it..... just a little out of control, given how wet it was.... unfortunately, after successfully staying on the bike for about 5 seconds, the wet ground got the better of me. Somehow I managed to stay on the bike, while heading down the hill completely out of control. The only way I was stopping was if I hit something....so I tried to take out a tree... and failed.
Discretion being the better part of valour, and given I was out on my own, and couldn't see anything through my glasses (they'd got a bit steamed up!), I decided to skip the man made stone jump at the bottom! I headed back up the hill, nursing my sore arm! Back on the main track I found the double just off to the left, that Rich had showed me a few weeks back. I had been determined to do this jump when I set off this morning. The first jump is do-able, and I decided to take a look, heading back, I dropped my saddle, whilst giving some thought to the fact I was out on my own, and I'd just had a major wipe-out. Mmm... off I went, and stopped at the jump – nope, today wasn't the day to take risks – on my own and with Wales less than a week away.
Off to find the route I like, and which we've yet to name, and ultimately takes us all the way down to the churchyard. It was damp, no, wet... but flowed quite nicely, and was a nice run down. Peeling off at the churchyard, it got a little wetter. Arriving at the steep drop into the car park at the bottom of pitch, the trees fought back again – this time from the roots!!! The front wheel slipped, I went over the bars, hands first into the mud, and slid.... and slid..... and slid..... 20ft from the bike! Bugger!! This time it was the knee that hurt!! I figured after that, it was time for a tea! So I stopped at the Peaslake General store for my usual brew and a flapjack... I deserved it... comfort food!!
After my quick recovery stop, I headed up Radnore Road, and back to the summit of Holmbury. I guessed after wiping out twice, maybe I should call it a day and head back. Given the poor result on my first attempt at Parklife, due to traffic, I thought I'd give it another outing. This time it was easier, and fast – no-one to get in the way!! After Parklife, I headed for Telegraph and completed the whole length in one go... no stopping – and then back to the car park for the journey home. Muddy, wet, sore, tired, and a little bit disappointed with the lack of jumps. Roll on Wales...
After completing Rollercoaster, I headed back up to do Parklife. As I arrived at the entrance, about 8 other mtbers were coming down from the summit to start Parklife. As I wasn't sure of their abilities I decided to let them go first (didn't want to show myself up!). Mistake... big mistake. The guy at the back got out of the way pretty quickly was I thundered up behind him. I quickly descended on two more, but couldn't pass for a while – and I think they though I was their mate behind. A very short split in the trail, and a slight mistake from the leading guy, allowed me to speed past, only to catch up with guy number 3. I had to slow... no option – right to the end. I managed to hang far enough back to get the little jump in at the end of the trail, but did nearly end up taking him out! Oops!
Up to car park 1 and then down to the start of Barry Knows Best. I paused to drop my saddle, as two more guys thundered past hitting the start of the trail. With my competitive hat on, I set off with a view to catching them up. They were fast, and had a head start, but I was reeling them in. The route was quite nice today, a little damp, but ride-able – I gained confidence on some of the little jumps, and then had them in my sights. Just as I was about to get on their tails, they peeled off up hill – not doing the last descent into Peaslake!! Weird!! So I was on my own again. I dropped down the rooty section and into Peaslake, but didn't stop – instead I headed straight up Pitch to the summit. Took in the view briefly, and then onto that trail that Rich “found”... remember that? Tom, Mark and I had already done it a few weeks before Rich “found” it!! Storming through the trees, and carefully avoiding the bracken, I arrived at the steep rooty section. I paused at the top and then went for it..... just a little out of control, given how wet it was.... unfortunately, after successfully staying on the bike for about 5 seconds, the wet ground got the better of me. Somehow I managed to stay on the bike, while heading down the hill completely out of control. The only way I was stopping was if I hit something....so I tried to take out a tree... and failed.
Discretion being the better part of valour, and given I was out on my own, and couldn't see anything through my glasses (they'd got a bit steamed up!), I decided to skip the man made stone jump at the bottom! I headed back up the hill, nursing my sore arm! Back on the main track I found the double just off to the left, that Rich had showed me a few weeks back. I had been determined to do this jump when I set off this morning. The first jump is do-able, and I decided to take a look, heading back, I dropped my saddle, whilst giving some thought to the fact I was out on my own, and I'd just had a major wipe-out. Mmm... off I went, and stopped at the jump – nope, today wasn't the day to take risks – on my own and with Wales less than a week away.
Off to find the route I like, and which we've yet to name, and ultimately takes us all the way down to the churchyard. It was damp, no, wet... but flowed quite nicely, and was a nice run down. Peeling off at the churchyard, it got a little wetter. Arriving at the steep drop into the car park at the bottom of pitch, the trees fought back again – this time from the roots!!! The front wheel slipped, I went over the bars, hands first into the mud, and slid.... and slid..... and slid..... 20ft from the bike! Bugger!! This time it was the knee that hurt!! I figured after that, it was time for a tea! So I stopped at the Peaslake General store for my usual brew and a flapjack... I deserved it... comfort food!!
After my quick recovery stop, I headed up Radnore Road, and back to the summit of Holmbury. I guessed after wiping out twice, maybe I should call it a day and head back. Given the poor result on my first attempt at Parklife, due to traffic, I thought I'd give it another outing. This time it was easier, and fast – no-one to get in the way!! After Parklife, I headed for Telegraph and completed the whole length in one go... no stopping – and then back to the car park for the journey home. Muddy, wet, sore, tired, and a little bit disappointed with the lack of jumps. Roll on Wales...
Wednesday 8 July 2009
That's just showing off
Just thought I'd post a couple of videos taken in the Spring (note the lack of greenery) when my friend Andy and his mate Big Al brought their downhill rigs and full face helmets to Leith and gave us all a lesson in what I believe the younger generation call "Going Large". Enjoy....
Tuesday 7 July 2009
unplanned planned and still need a new saddle!
A small but perfectly formed jump. Ok it's small but it's a start!
Wales preparation is ticking along though not as well as I would like, for instance can't find a stand for those frequent breaks I need or front pannier to carry my packed lunch!
Thursday saw me using the bike for a spot of commuting to the Cricket Club Committee Meeting at Bishops Cannings, sorry but all opportunities are being taken. However while there got a call to join a couple of friends for a drink in Heddington, no problems I say, I will be right over. By over it's in the next valley 7kms away with Roundway and King's Play Hill in the way. Took the scenic route to get the practice in and use up the 40 minutes I had to get there. Lovely ride, not too taxing and before I knew it I was in The Ivy with a pint of 6X. Pub was busy and there were also a group of other mtbers who wouldn't look out of place in Surrey and were mildly impressed with the nearly new bike. There was even one with a shiny new bike more expensive than Bish's or so he claimed. Enjoyable evening and 4 pints.........ah yes did I tell you I had conveniently forgotten I had to ride home to Devizes 7km back the way I had come in the dark? It was actually a great ride back over the top with enough moon light not to warrant lights and more than enough ruts and pot holes to keep it interesting. I did spend quite a lot of time answering texts from the friends who had found it extremely amusing waving me off with beer in hand into the darkness of the Wiltshire night.
Saturday I went back up to Roundway (is that hill getting easier or am I imagining it?) to practice some more technical stuff for an hour or so. Amazing what a couple of sessions can do and though not in the top league yet, the jumps etc are coming on. Hopefully get a few more trips in before Wales and have also been threatened with a mid week outing with an Army Team mtber who I discovered I work with, but he is madder than you lot so not sure about that!
PS Yes still need a new saddle, as Sat morning was sore as hell for the first 20 minutes.
PPS Cheers Dunnie for the bike it is top and has got me out there, best you remember to ask for payment!
Sunday 5 July 2009
The Competitive Brothers Jump Again
As an addition to the write up on our ride on Thurdsday 02 Jul, I just wanted to add the video af Andy and Bish jumping - not becuase it is the biggest that they have ever done, nor the most spectacular - what was amusing was the competitive streak in both about whose rear tyre made the furthest-out-from-the take-off mark... with some beer on the result, as I remember. (Having said that, I was the only one not to buy a beer when we got to the Plough - perhaps that was a competition too...) Well, judicious use of the pause button may well give the answer..... one thing is for sure - Andy's recent tussles with wild bracken give some cause for concern for the Wales trip - if I remember rightly, Wales is teeming with the stuff. We may have to send the slowsters first to try to clear any dangerous looking fronds, lest he be attacked again....
Dunnie
Dunnie
Saturday 4 July 2009
And then there were two (or "The art of conducting trail side repairs")
An early start this morning, meeting at Hurtwood Control Car Park 9 at 0830.... or at least Rich and I did!! 0830 arrived... no sign of Mark...... 0835..... no sign of Mark!!! Given the car park is remote, neither Rich nor I had any signal...so Rich took a little jaunt up the hill. Mark was five minutes away... he'd forgotten to set his alarm!! Mark arrived at 0843... only the 13 minutes late. We then proceeded to watch over him build his bike. Today would not be the day that Rich or I bought the tea!!! (or would it.....?)
Just the 15 minutes late, we headed off up to the summit of Holmbury through the woods. The weather was slightly cooler, but you could feel the heat building. We headed past the entrance to Parklife, and up to the summit – being passed on the way up by a lycra clad cyclist, cycling at speed...and as we pointed out – missing all the potential wildlife, like deers and badgers and things.... We arrived at the summit, to find our passing cyclist taking a rest on the summit seat.... so much for impressing us with his stamina!!!! The view was impressive – with some rolling low level clouds in the valleys below - nice view at 0900 in the morning.
Having gorged on the view we set off to the entrance to Parklife. We followed the left hand trail, dubbed “Rollercoaster” - the route was nice and dry and flowed nicely, we came out and proceeded back up to the entrance to Parklife – this time to do Parklife! For the first time in months (in fact the first time ever for me), Parklife was dry... all the way... it was great... Rich and I completed the route with a little jump... and then waited for Mark... and waited... and waited.... 2 more riders appeared from the trail, so we asked them if they'd passed anyone en route. “Yes” they said... “I think he's got a puncture!!”. So Rich and I headed back up the trail to find Mark. Thankfully he didn't have a puncture – he'd just wiped out....phew!! But he was unhurt – which I suppose is a bonus!!
Whilst we'd backed up on the trail to meet Mark, we decided to do a little trail off the side with a big down and up. Time for Mark to get back on the horse that threw him. Rich went first, Mark second.... and..... fell off at the top. Second time on virtually the same trail!! Back on our bikes we headed off and for the second time Rich and I finished Parklife with a jump.... and waited for Mark..... and waited. We heard a shout in a distinctive Irish accent...”That's my cycling over with for today boys...”. Rich and I looked at each other. Another Irish cry, “My rear mech has bust!”. For the second time, Rich and I made our way back up the Parklife trail to meet Mark, and his bust rear mech.
We all helped convert Mark's new 27 speed Trek Ex-8 into a single speed, and after trying it out, he felt it was only good enough for him to get back to the car. We said goodbye to Mark.... and then there were two.....
Rich and I headed off on a new route down to the top of Barry Knows Best. Passing a group of girls out hiking and changing (!) in the forest, we started down Barry Knows Best and caned it! It was nice and dry and flowed well...all the way to the bottom. We stopped at Peaslake stores for the obligatory cup of tea – courtesy of Rich, as Mark wasn't there to fulfill his obligations!! Downing the tea, we headed back up to the top of Holmbury, with a few forays into the surrounding woodland.
The ride finished in a blast down Telegraph and back to the car park.
Just the 15 minutes late, we headed off up to the summit of Holmbury through the woods. The weather was slightly cooler, but you could feel the heat building. We headed past the entrance to Parklife, and up to the summit – being passed on the way up by a lycra clad cyclist, cycling at speed...and as we pointed out – missing all the potential wildlife, like deers and badgers and things.... We arrived at the summit, to find our passing cyclist taking a rest on the summit seat.... so much for impressing us with his stamina!!!! The view was impressive – with some rolling low level clouds in the valleys below - nice view at 0900 in the morning.
Having gorged on the view we set off to the entrance to Parklife. We followed the left hand trail, dubbed “Rollercoaster” - the route was nice and dry and flowed nicely, we came out and proceeded back up to the entrance to Parklife – this time to do Parklife! For the first time in months (in fact the first time ever for me), Parklife was dry... all the way... it was great... Rich and I completed the route with a little jump... and then waited for Mark... and waited... and waited.... 2 more riders appeared from the trail, so we asked them if they'd passed anyone en route. “Yes” they said... “I think he's got a puncture!!”. So Rich and I headed back up the trail to find Mark. Thankfully he didn't have a puncture – he'd just wiped out....phew!! But he was unhurt – which I suppose is a bonus!!
Whilst we'd backed up on the trail to meet Mark, we decided to do a little trail off the side with a big down and up. Time for Mark to get back on the horse that threw him. Rich went first, Mark second.... and..... fell off at the top. Second time on virtually the same trail!! Back on our bikes we headed off and for the second time Rich and I finished Parklife with a jump.... and waited for Mark..... and waited. We heard a shout in a distinctive Irish accent...”That's my cycling over with for today boys...”. Rich and I looked at each other. Another Irish cry, “My rear mech has bust!”. For the second time, Rich and I made our way back up the Parklife trail to meet Mark, and his bust rear mech.
We all helped convert Mark's new 27 speed Trek Ex-8 into a single speed, and after trying it out, he felt it was only good enough for him to get back to the car. We said goodbye to Mark.... and then there were two.....
Rich and I headed off on a new route down to the top of Barry Knows Best. Passing a group of girls out hiking and changing (!) in the forest, we started down Barry Knows Best and caned it! It was nice and dry and flowed well...all the way to the bottom. We stopped at Peaslake stores for the obligatory cup of tea – courtesy of Rich, as Mark wasn't there to fulfill his obligations!! Downing the tea, we headed back up to the top of Holmbury, with a few forays into the surrounding woodland.
The ride finished in a blast down Telegraph and back to the car park.
Friday 3 July 2009
Deliverance Tamed
2nd evening ride for the Over the Hill mtbers. It's been a glorious week weather wise and tonight was no exception! If anything it was actually a bit too warm. On the road up to Coldharbour Rich was witness to a rather nasty accident. Someone cycling on a commuter bike came to blows with the tarmac whilst travelling at around 30mph.... and he wasn't wearing a helmet! We hope he's ok, but also that he's learnt...WEAR A HELMET!!!
We set off to ascend Regurgitator, quickly becoming soaked in sweat, with the closeness of the evening and shade of the trees! Nice! We headed towards Summer Lightning, and completed the whole length at some speed. The only challenge was the few sandy patches which made the front wheels slip a little every now and then! Heading off and passing the infamous “Mark unable to fix a puncture” spot, we arrived above Home Farm, for the short fast and challenging descent to Whiteberry Road. I took quite a good line – but became a bit wayward close to the end... I didn't realise Rich was in my shadow!! Good job I was better than I thought!!!
We trekked up Whiteberry Road to find the bottom of Donny Darko. Heading up we found my favourite jump, which Rich and I tackled, twice – the second time in a little competition to see who could get the furthest. We decided it might be safer to leave the video checking of our escapades until we arrived in the pub later – otherwise we could've been there a long time!!
We headed off and completed Windy Willow before heading on towards the Quarry – having lots of fun on the way. I suppose I'd better fess up and say I took a tumble en route... front wheel slid from under me, on a particularly viscous piece of dried bracken! But don't worry – I'm ok!! Down to the Quarry and a quick run of Wonder Woman – which, for the second time of asking, Mark and I missed the line, and ended up having to stop to re-position ourselves for the drop into the trees! D'Oh!!!
We started up for the tower, taking a couple of diversions en route for a little play. Back to the top, we quickly descended Personal Hygiene and hacked up towards the Coldharbour cricket pitch - time was pressing on, 2100 hours was approaching, the pub was calling.... We made our way through the undergrowth to arrive at Deliverance. Confident in our abilities from a successful ride, we stopped, dropped our saddles, and went down Deliverance at speed, one after the other, no thinking.... Mark still used his brakes... but not as much!!!
Quick drop down and back to the cars and to the pub, for a pint of the locally brewed “Crooked Furrow”.
We committed at the pub, given our success at deliverance, the next time we arrived at the top, with a group waiting and looking, we would stop, drop our seats and just ride down – no waiting about. Probably childish, but hey.......
We set off to ascend Regurgitator, quickly becoming soaked in sweat, with the closeness of the evening and shade of the trees! Nice! We headed towards Summer Lightning, and completed the whole length at some speed. The only challenge was the few sandy patches which made the front wheels slip a little every now and then! Heading off and passing the infamous “Mark unable to fix a puncture” spot, we arrived above Home Farm, for the short fast and challenging descent to Whiteberry Road. I took quite a good line – but became a bit wayward close to the end... I didn't realise Rich was in my shadow!! Good job I was better than I thought!!!
We trekked up Whiteberry Road to find the bottom of Donny Darko. Heading up we found my favourite jump, which Rich and I tackled, twice – the second time in a little competition to see who could get the furthest. We decided it might be safer to leave the video checking of our escapades until we arrived in the pub later – otherwise we could've been there a long time!!
We headed off and completed Windy Willow before heading on towards the Quarry – having lots of fun on the way. I suppose I'd better fess up and say I took a tumble en route... front wheel slid from under me, on a particularly viscous piece of dried bracken! But don't worry – I'm ok!! Down to the Quarry and a quick run of Wonder Woman – which, for the second time of asking, Mark and I missed the line, and ended up having to stop to re-position ourselves for the drop into the trees! D'Oh!!!
We started up for the tower, taking a couple of diversions en route for a little play. Back to the top, we quickly descended Personal Hygiene and hacked up towards the Coldharbour cricket pitch - time was pressing on, 2100 hours was approaching, the pub was calling.... We made our way through the undergrowth to arrive at Deliverance. Confident in our abilities from a successful ride, we stopped, dropped our saddles, and went down Deliverance at speed, one after the other, no thinking.... Mark still used his brakes... but not as much!!!
Quick drop down and back to the cars and to the pub, for a pint of the locally brewed “Crooked Furrow”.
We committed at the pub, given our success at deliverance, the next time we arrived at the top, with a group waiting and looking, we would stop, drop our seats and just ride down – no waiting about. Probably childish, but hey.......
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