There's snow use moaning about it!

Date : 9th January 2010
Riders : Rich, Mark2, Dave2, Wilf, Dunnie, XC Tom, Andy
Area : Leith Hill

Given the weather conditions, we pushed back our usual meeting time to 0900, and decided to park at Milton Heath Car Park – the lowest point we could achieve. No way was Coldharbour going to be sensibly accessible today! Big turn out today, we congregated trying to keep warm, while Dunnie arrived and proceeded to put his bike together!!

We set off in the snowy conditions to head towards the tower. Making our way across the back of the houses at Westcott, it quickly became apparent that riding in snow this deep, was not going to be a walk in the park!! The snow afforded little traction in the snow, causing us to push our bikes on a number of occasions. We arrived at the bottom of the Rookery, fingers numb with cold and started the ascent. Hitting deep snow, the riding became too diffficult, and most of us dismounted. It was this point that Dunnie had just had enough... and called it a day – heading back to the car on his own. The rest of us ploughed on, up the rookery – which basically became the big push for all of us! Having completed the push up the rookery, we mounted again to try Wolverns Lane. This was a lot better – two nice ruts either side of the track gave adequate traction and allowed us to make quicker progress up the hill.

Arriving at the top of summer lightening, again through deep snow, XC Tom started to reduce pressure in his rear wheel for extra traction. We all followed suit, after he explained that an Austrian couple had died from not reducing their rear wheel tyre pressure enough!!!! (There is a story there... but for another day ;-) ).

Combination of riding and pushing saw us reach the bomb holes, and what a different riding experience that was! Most of us took some sort of tumble, and no-one made it to the top of the last rise. I can confirm that flattie 510s provide no grip in snow whatsoever, resulting in a number of hill climbing on all fours for those of us wearing them (Me, Rich and Mark2). A quick look at deliverance (and a look was all it was!), and onto the cricket pitch. A group photo with artistic placing of bikes, and Mark2 and Dave2 departed, for work and dad duties respectively.

This left Wilf, Rich, XC Tom and myself to continue to the tower. Sticking to the fire roads, the going was reasonable and we arrived at the bottom of “the hill” in on piece.

Wilf made a good attempt at the hill, but frankly the whole climb was never on the cards!!! Wilf and I pushed to the top, with Tom and Rich taking the longer, less steep route. The tower tea shop was open (thankfully), so a cup of tea and a slice of cake was on the cards. Huddled in the steps of the tower to stay out of what was a bitterly cold wind, we took a wee snifter from Rich's “bike drawer hip flask”.


It had taken us a good 2 hours to get to the top – so we decided that heading back to the car is all the riding we could achieve. Personal Hygiene beckoned, and we all made it with wheels a wobbling – Rich having to take a sliding fall to avoid continuing over the rise onto the trail!!

Back to the cricket pitch we took the road down to Coldharbour, as the easy option, and then left onto Wolverns lane. The ride down Wolverns lane was probably the best bit of riding all morning. Some speed was achieved, and the route flowed nicely. The came the rookery... a different story. Thick snow meant a constant fight with the front wheel, no matter how far you were sitting back on the bike!! Arriving at the main A25, we stuck to the road to get back to the car park – the sensible choice!

Snow way were any records being broken today!

2010 - The First Ride

The plan was to try and organise a ride for Saturday 2nd but unfortunately due to the New Year Celebrations a number of the riders were away or too tired due to a late night on the 31st. Well they do say as you get older it takes longer to recover. So Saturday was given up as a lost cause.

All was not lost as Roy was available Sunday so it was agreed we would get out for a few hours in the morning. We decided to ride locally so the first ride of 2010 for two of the Over the Hill bikers was not through the hills of the Surrey countryside but through the trails of Swinley Forrest in Berkshire.

08:30 was the agreed start time and we both arrived a little early so by we had a prompt start on a cold (-3) but beautiful morning. Roy was familiar with the area, all be it mostly at night, but we were soon experiencing the delights of the Crown Estate. The forest is a labyrinth of single track with some interesting features which just appear to feed into each other really well so very little time is spent riding on the fire roads.

The main difference between Swinely and the Surrey rides is the hills, Swinley has a lot of climbs but most are short lived and many are incorporated in the single track so you do not seem to be spending lots of time just climbing hills, the down side of this is of course there are no really long downhill descents. Some of the trails are very similar to “Yogurt Pots” , “Telegraph” with some smaller versions of “BKB” but without the great berm, but it also hosts some of it’s own individual and very interesting trails.

Roy - many thanks for the real introduction into Swinley Forest.

And Then There Were 2

On Sunday 3rd January 2010, at the start of the new decade, two of the lesser known guys met for an early morning ride around a very cold Swinley Forest. Roy and Simon rendezvouzed at the Look Out Car Park at 0830 breaking the icy puddles on the way in. There were a few other idiots in the car park but the -3 degrees kept most in their cars or beds if they were really switched on.
Simon removed his pristine and recently serviced Lapiere off his roof rack. I pulled the old faithful Specialized Hardtail out of the cavernous rear of the C5 and squirted it with lube in order to get it moving. We donned lots of clothing and set off, neither of us really knowing where we were going. Simon hadn't been before, despite living down the road. I had only been in the dark with poor lights. So, off we set on our adventure.
After warning Simon of the dreaded Swinley Roots we quickly found a single track route through the trees. Gradually climbing up to the top of the forest, I found most of the trails we were looking for. The ground was frozen on the crust but would break through to claggy mud or water. Swinley has lots of twisting and turning single track that nicely undulates for miles. Mo long drag up for a short trip down.
We went round and about for about two and a half hours before succumbing to the call of hot tea from the cafe at the car park. No major incidents apart from the odd close shave with the roots. We have found areas we would like to explore further. On return to the hot tea we found that the front mech was frozen solid with mud and ice.
So, if anyone fancies a trip somewhere different give Simon a call. Not next week as he's off 'up North' to check out their tracks. Good Luck

Happy 1st Birthday

Over The Hill is officially one year old! - ok so this blog didn't start until a few months later but from memory the riders who gathered that fateful December 2008 morning at the Tower were Andy, Tom, Roy, Simon, Wilf, Dunnie and myself (apologies if I've missed anyone). Since then our numbers have swelled of course and now include Mark2, Dave, Dave2, Jim, Briggsy and various others who appeared for the odd ride. How fitting then that another two newcomers, Damien and Richard, should join us for our festive ride.
Meeting at 930 in Coldharbour the conditions were chilly but clear and our plan was to head over to Holmbury as soon as possible, Tom's first tentative steps into the world of All Mountain apparel being a particular talking point! Taking in Regurgitator, Crooked Furrow, the top section of Summer Lightning and the RollerCoaster we headed up to the Tower via No Cycles and the infamous climb, managed only by Andy and Mark2. Slippery conditions claimed a couple of early victims, myself on Crooked Furrow and Tom with his tree-hugging moment on the RollerCoaster.
No stopping at the Tower as we pressed on towards Holmbury, taking in Mark's Agony Tree, the bombhole near the Quarry (much to Simon's chagrin) and then the Quarry itself where a new pile of dirt and rocks provided "Kick Start" style technical amusement for all.
We took "The Mother" a long sweeping descent past High Ashes Farm and climbed to the top of Holmbury via a new steep route past the Cricket Pitch (cheers Tom!)
We then hit Barry Knows Best which was flowing well, not too wet and another chance to put those new cornering skills to use.
A well earned cuppa followed at Peaslake, supplemented by single malt and chocolate, perfect!
The grinding climb up Radnor Road back to the summit of Holmbury followed, allowing us to take in Yoghurt Pots, Telegraph Road and Mutiny. From there we headed to the Volunteer for our well-earned lunch, Steak and Ale pie and Fish and Chips seemed to be the popular choices as was Sussex Ale.
Eventually the climb back to Leith beckoned and reluctantly we left the warmth of the pub, choosing Mark2's route back via Upfolds Farm. A long, muddy drag ensued with several riders walking some sections as the food, cold and ale took it's toll. Finally we reached the Tower again for a weary photo op and then headed back to Coldharbour via Personal Hygene, No Cycles and the bombholes, pausing at the top of Deliverance. Despite fatigue levels there were still a few who fancied the big finish so Dunnie, Andy, Dave, Mark and I safely made it down, leaving only Tom to do it. Lacking conviction the inevitable occurred, leaving us howling with laughter as Tom's bike made it most of the way down, followed by Tom! No serious damage and we carried on down to the cars via Regurgitator.



A great ride and great company as ever, A Happy New Year to you all and roll on more top riding in 2010.
Rich

Santa Claus is coming

Date : 19th December 2009
Riders : Rich, Mark2, Dave2, Simon, Andy
Area : Leith Hill

We arrived at Milton Heath Car Park in temperatures of -5degC... brrr.... But we wrapped up to be ready to take on the extreme temperature. We were joined by Dave2 (Welcome Dave) – a neighbour of Mark2 and Rich. Heading off around the back of the houses through Westcott we made good progress, but needed to make a few stops to shake our hands to get the blood flowing in them again..... did I mention it was cold?


We headed up the Rookery, discovering someone had smoothed out the steps and removed the big drop off at the bottom – great for the climb up, but we suspected the fun would be lost coming down!!! Up Wolverns lane, negotiating the snow, past the entrance to Summer Lightening and onto Simon's nemesis. We all cleared comfortably.... until Simon..... who gracefully vaulted the handlebars again!!! D'Oh!!



On up to the bomb holes, which I decided to take a whole new fresh line to avoid the big puddle and avoid Mark2 struggling to get to the top. Simon stopped at the last up and down – losing all momentum and without a hope of getting up the other side!!

A look down deliverance to see the tracks made by Dunnie (impressive line) and Bish (wipeout for all to see) from the previous night still emblazened in the snow!! On towards the tower, I followed the guys off a drop off, but not confidently and consequently lost the front wheel in the snow, going straight over the handle bars.... The only thing ringing in my ears was the sound of Bish shouting “Man down”!!! Hurt my foot and shoulder. For a split second I heard XC Tom's voice saying “Rotator cuff”....... Brushing myself off we headed on up to the tower for a warming cup of tea, and new style cakes!! The view was stunning, but the wind was freezing – we needed to hide on one side of the tower to keep semi warm, whilst eating our cakes and drinking our tea. The hot tea making us realise how bloody cold it really was!!!

Off to do Personal Hygiene and then up towards the cricket pitch. Slipping and sliding all the way. Off towards Summer lightening we paused at the entrance waiting for Simon. Off on the lower part of Summer Lightening – Mark2 led the way. Dave 2 followed, and at the cut through to the proper part of summer, took a face plant. Quite slow and graceful...... Once recovered, we all headed off to meet Mark2, who had started to become worried at our delay!!!! Last part of summer lightening completed, Mark 2 and Dave2 headed off home via beggar's canyon, while Rich, Simon and I took the fast trek down Wolverns lane to the start of the Rookery. Different track in the snow – but fun. The Rookery was fast without the steps, and we concluded that come the summer that would be a 40mph descent, with a jump at the bottom, hoping to avoid colliding with the barbed wire fence... .bring on the summer!!!!

Off onto the A25 and back towards Milton Heath Car Park. Cold, Snowy, Icy and a lot of fun!!!

More pics on Flickr.... follow the link

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud!

Thursday 09 Dec saw a mere 3 of the Over The Hillers (2 established members, Dunnie and Mark2, together with David2, another Dorking Cliftonville rider - must be the water) out on a starlit night. We met in Holmbury St Mary, in the car park at the viallage hall. Top Tip - get changed at work, as standing around a dark rural car park in your underpants is guaranteed to have the local Neighbourhood Watch thinking they are the target of a new Dogging Ring!!! Whilst awaiting Mark and Dave's arrival at the appointed hour, I fitted the 'double-Bastid' configuration - 2 Deal Extreme 900 lumen lights up front. The resultant test up to the treeline 100m away was like a scene from Close Encounters. I have to say that for £102 all in, the 2 lightsets give a fantastic coverage and brightness, in particular widening the frontage of the light pool, and getting away from the slight problem of having an off-centreline beam with only 1 on the go.

Shortly after 1830, we set off, climbing up to Holmbury Hill (David is as accomplished a climber as Mark2, so I brought up the rear from a [very] safe distance), whizzed/splooshed down to Car Park 1, and set off on BKB. Very muddy conditions, and no shortage of slippery roots was to be the order of the night, and the ground conditions meant that careful line-selection would be neded to avoid coming to a standstill in the gloopy stuff. I led (something of a rarity!) down BKB - we got some good speed up on the top section, and were at a respectable pace coming into the new bit. David2 soon discovered the importance of a head-mounted torch in negotiating 180 bends, but we had a great sail through the big berms of the ew section (with a big shout from the front to identify the Bish/Dunn berm!).

Rather than hit the road to Peaslake, we took the bridleway back up to save losing more altitude, and crossed the road to take a firetrack back up to Holmbury Hill. After a quick pause to admire the view, and discuss the demon trail which leads off Holmbury to the South (does this have a name? It's the one Simon double-handlebarred a good while back...), we hit Yoghurt Pots. A relatively dry starting section menat a bit of speed was gottten up, until the Pots bit ... super-gloop and poor line-selection saw both David and myself coming to a standstill at one point, but back on and through to the finish - slow, mucky, but great crack. And a well done to David - riding through that trail with only a handlebar light is pretty difficult!

After a quick debate, we hit Telegraph Road, which was pretty hard work, particularly on the top half, before a right turn at the bottom saw us take a rooty descent down to the road below Holmbury, and a bit of a road ride to the car park. A pint of Hobgoblin in the pub, and we were off by about a quarter to nine. Not racing stuff, but my decision to go for big chunky downhill tyres (Maxxis High Rollers) front and rear has certainly cut down on front and rear wheel slippage.

Welcome to David2, and hopefully you'll see a bigger showing the next time you come out.

How I broke my light!

I went out for a night ride on Thursday on my own as my riding buddy had blown me out at the last minute. I was all set up and needed to give my legs a good spin so I headed out onto Reigate hill. The short steep climb was boggy and when I got to the top the going was sticky to say the least. I thought the usual Pilgrims way loop would be too sticky so I opted for a steep decent down off the hill and pick up the road into Reigate - a sprint on the road would be better than nothing. As I motored into Reigate I thought a burn through Priory Park would be good and this would be off the road too. As I entered the park the darkened but silent skate board park got my attention. Lets try some of those ramps I thought. It was all going well until I got brave and decided to drop into the half pipe. No problem I thought, keep the weight back, look forward. Unfortunately i planted the front wheel at the bottom of the 6ft drop, the forks compressed until they spat me out over the front. F**ck, sh**t, my light got the force of the bike. It still works but the bracket is shagged so i had to hold it all the way home. Why did I think it was a good idea to be a bmx bandit!

Anyone got any DX light spares?

Tom

A copper, a bike tart and a homeboy

Date : 5^th December 2009
Riders : Roy, Simon, Andy
Area : Holmbury and Pitch

What with Mark 2 working, Dave with car problems, Rich on holiday, Tom under the thumb and Dunnie messing up his rear brake last night, it was left to Roy, Simon and myself to hold the “Over the Hill” fort this morning. It had been wet during the week, but the forecast for this morning was sunny, dry over head and cool. We were however expecting to get really wet up from the ground!

Meeting at car park 9, we headed up to the top of Holmbury, living up to our expectation by getting quite wet en route. We took a slightly different route to the top today taking in a little more single track than fire road. Arriving at the top we savoured the view before heading off to meet Barry Knows Best. This would be my opportunity to lead and look down the trail, and Simon's first visit of BKBs new ending. Seat posts dropped we headed off. It was a bit muddier than last week, and consequently slow on the top section. The new section was great. I dialled in, outside pedal down, looked where I wanted to go, and didn't brake... nailed it!!! How much better the berms flow when you get all those things together at the right time. It felt like I was flying! We all enjoyed it, so agreed to make the climb back to the the start of the trail!!

The second run was just as good. All hail to the Bishop/Dunn monster berm!

Off the bottom of the trail I practised my manualing down the road into Peaslake – trying to explain to Simon the mechanism and advantages of manualing and doing it properly..... Not sure he bought it!!!

Through Peaslake and up the long climb to the top of Pitch to take in the view, and then back down to find a particularly wet and muddy singletrack, which didn't flow and was very stilted! Arriving at the car park at the bottom of Pitch, we headed over towards the villlage store to partake of the usual cup of Rosy and a homemade flapjack. Nice!

Then off for the slog back up Radnor road. Simon and Roy were both caught by the Roadie, but I stayed in front..... I stopped at the start of BKB to allow Simon and Roy to catch up, and allow the roadie on hits way... although he would never have caught me!!!!

To the top of Holmbury and down the other side, stopping for a quick chat to a couple of orienteerers out on an 8 hour race!! Running and bikes! We hit Telegraph and slowed down... it was boggy again, there's a surprise!! The second half did run a little better, and took us back to the car park.

Good ride chaps... thanks.

Box ticking...

Felt it important to let you know that I rode deliverance today (1st Dec 09). I had a buddy from work with me who flew down it so I really had no choice but to follow him. A bit ragged, certainly not with the confidence of Mark D. Written witness statement can be provided on request.

Mark2

PS Also rode BKB again.... still good =)

Mid life crisis is over

Just thought I would let you know that today I sold my kitesurfing kit, great news as more cash for the new Orange 5Pro but am I loosing my surfing heritage? On reflection this was a vain attempt to rekindle my past, recreate those heady days of chilling on a beach, long hair, board shorts, the taste of salt, hang10 dude! Hang on, I dont live in Maui, I don't have a sun tan and the sea is not turquoise in Littlehampton, oh and I have 2 kids and a wife now. Never mind, hold onto your dreams, focus on the longest manual ever and dialing that double, re-focus, you are a tiger, you thrive on mud, you enjoy cleaning the shit out of your jokey wheels, MTB for ever. Raaaahhhhhhhh.