Date : 31st May 2010
Riders : Bish, Dunnie, Grievous Andy
Area : Leith Hill
An interesting start to a “ride”. We met at Bish's house, Dunnie, complete without bike, which he needed to pick up from HftH, after it's latest repair job. With Dunnie jogging, and Bish and I comfortably, riding we headed off for the shop. A quick bike change for Bish, borrowing a carbon frame Ibis, and the collection of Dunnies wheel, we headed off towards Milton Heath and the journey up to the top of Leith Hill. About 1 mile from the shop, Dunnie's pedal came undone from the crank, which necessitated a very brief stop and pedal tighten. Onwards. After another mile, Dunnies pedal “fell off”, or rather the bearings failed and the pedal became a useless flailing piece of metal sliding up and down a metal shaft – probably not delivering the true performance come to be expected of even the basic pedals. So Bish and I decided to crack on, while Dunnie headed back to HftH for some new pedals. This, I believe, is probably the shortest ever time Dunnie's bike has been out of the shop!!
Bish and I headed up to the top of Leith Hill by way of Squires farm. A pleasant ride in nice weather, not too hot and not too cold. We got a call from Dunnie after about 20minutes in, and successfully met up at the bomb holes. Blasting up to the tower, we took in the obligatory cup of tea, before heading off towards the little kicker (can't remember the name of the area!!). The guy who served us our tea at the tower was already there on his skills bike, showing us exactly how to do it! Without much speed he gained terrific height, pulled the bike to the side, and then landed smoothly and gently, and all he was wearing was a pair of jeans, t-chirt and a baseball cap – no safety gear there. Our efforts, whilst technically, fair, had no height and no flair. Needless to say we hated him!!
Off then towards windy willows and a fast smooth ride through the whole trail. At the end of Windy we turned right and down to the new descent Bish had found a few months back, and hacked down it at great speed. It was nice and dry and flowed well. Heading back up the bridal way towards the tower, I ran over a small branch, SNAP went my rear mech hanger! That's ok I said, I've brought a spare – and we proceeded to dismantle the mech hanger and attempt to position the new one..... to find it was the wrong one!! Bugger! So single speed it was. Now Dunnie has had afiar bit of experience of this activity, so thanks to his expert guidance, we'd quickly transformed the trusty stumpy to a single speed.
Off we set back to the tower, down personal hygiene and up no cycles and then along to deliverance. I didn't fancy it with my sore thumb and knackered bike, so took the easy way down, whilst Bish and Dunnie took it in their stride. Down to cold harbour, Bish and I said goodbye to Dunnie, and headed off to Milton Gore for a quick look at some of the jumps, which Rich had a few sessions on. Again, my bike not in peak condition, I declined. We headed back down to Dorking, taking in all the trails we could – Bish at one point taking a tumble bunny hoping a small twig!
On the road back to Dorking it was quite apparent that gears were needed to retain speed – most of the route I freewheeled... slowly, and if not I was pedalling like a madman for no real gain.
So a mechanically challenged ride!
A quick ride through the Surrey Hills with a group of 40 something mtbers who really should know better!
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Friday, 28 May 2010
The Kiss of Death.
Date : 22nd May 2010
Riders : Mick & Simon
Area : Swinley
Well, the forecast for the weekend was great, in fact it was promising to be a bit too great so Mick and I decided we would go for a nice early start on Saturday morning to avoid the scorching midday temperatures that the weather people were predicting.
So by 8:00 we were both at the car park and ready to ride. We decided to go away from the normal routes so headed off in search of some new trails. This proved harder than we had first anticipated and soon we were back on the more usual trails. So after completing “Tank Trap” we then headed to star point No. 5 where we decided we would head over to the far back of Swinley and see what tracks were on old MOD training area. Not a lot to be found in the area but we did get some miles under our belts with some steep climbs. We eventually came to the top of “Labyrinth” where we only ride the first section and then head back up to the reservoir to pick up some more single track on the way back to star point 5 again. From there we picked up two more bits of single track before heading home for a cup of tea and a bacon roll.
Whilst on our way back we were discussing riding preferences (Downhill and jumps Vs Single track) we both agreed that the single track was more our cup of tea. Mick then went onto explain that he was always wary of the risky stuff as he was self employed and couldn’t afford to be off work with a cycling injury. He had a very close call on the previous Wednesday night ride when he lost the front end on a tight berm and ended up on the deck luckily with no major injuries. I agreed totally with this view given the injuries I have had over the last year.
I think this conversation must have been the “Kiss of Death” for me because as we approached the car park on the last fire road I took the sweeping left turn and caught a load of loose gravel under the front wheel which took the bike from under me. I hit the deck like the proverbial “sack of shit” and ended up sliding along the loose gravel with the bike. At first I wasn’t quite sure what hurt the most, my Knee from the gravel of my shin from where two teeth from my chain set had punctured it right on the bone. Then it became more apparent were the real pain was coming from – my left hand. After a few minutes with my breath back and some very strong words of frustration I decided I was ready to get back on the stead and finish the last 100 metres back to the cars. It was at this point I realized I had a bit of a problem as I could not close my left hand to grip the bars so we ended up walking back to the cars.
Back in the car park Mick kindly dismantled my back and stuck it in the car as there was no way it would be going on the roof. We then headed over to the café for the refreshments and to closely examine the left hand which by now was about the size of a tennis ball. We both agreed that it may be advisable to seek a medical view as our engineering skills were not coming up with any real diagnosis. We sat for a bit longer admiring the scenery (well the sunshine does really bring it out) and then headed our separate ways.
On the way back home whilst trying to negotiate gear changes with a hand that was now the size of a grapefruit and through gritted teeth I made the dreaded call to the better half asking if she would mind dropping me off at casualty before we took the girls swimming. The call went far better than expected and she was even pleasant to me whilst on route to the hospital. In fact even the casualty staff were pleasant especially the casualty sister as she insisted that due to all the cuts on my legs I should have a tetanus. As she still had hold of my hand at this timeI agreed and she quickly administered it before I changed my mind.
I was then taken to xray and after a short wait I was called back into the consulting room by the still smiling casualty sister, before I had even got my bum on the seat she turned round and send “well you’ve done a fantastic job of breaking that bone” and boy when I looked at the xray she wasn’t lying. She then trussed me up like a oven ready chicken and sent me home to a still smiling wife.
It’s now Friday, I have seen 3 consultants over the last week , two NHS (which I won’t bore you with here) and one private hand consultant who has dealt with this type of fracture before. So this coming Tuesday I go under the knife for open reduction and fixation of comminuted metacarpal fracture with ligament reconstruction. In boy’s speak their going to pull the bones back together, straighten the knuckle and finger and pin the lot.
And before you ask. No, I am not going to sell the bike!!!
Riders : Mick & Simon
Area : Swinley
Well, the forecast for the weekend was great, in fact it was promising to be a bit too great so Mick and I decided we would go for a nice early start on Saturday morning to avoid the scorching midday temperatures that the weather people were predicting.
So by 8:00 we were both at the car park and ready to ride. We decided to go away from the normal routes so headed off in search of some new trails. This proved harder than we had first anticipated and soon we were back on the more usual trails. So after completing “Tank Trap” we then headed to star point No. 5 where we decided we would head over to the far back of Swinley and see what tracks were on old MOD training area. Not a lot to be found in the area but we did get some miles under our belts with some steep climbs. We eventually came to the top of “Labyrinth” where we only ride the first section and then head back up to the reservoir to pick up some more single track on the way back to star point 5 again. From there we picked up two more bits of single track before heading home for a cup of tea and a bacon roll.
Whilst on our way back we were discussing riding preferences (Downhill and jumps Vs Single track) we both agreed that the single track was more our cup of tea. Mick then went onto explain that he was always wary of the risky stuff as he was self employed and couldn’t afford to be off work with a cycling injury. He had a very close call on the previous Wednesday night ride when he lost the front end on a tight berm and ended up on the deck luckily with no major injuries. I agreed totally with this view given the injuries I have had over the last year.
I think this conversation must have been the “Kiss of Death” for me because as we approached the car park on the last fire road I took the sweeping left turn and caught a load of loose gravel under the front wheel which took the bike from under me. I hit the deck like the proverbial “sack of shit” and ended up sliding along the loose gravel with the bike. At first I wasn’t quite sure what hurt the most, my Knee from the gravel of my shin from where two teeth from my chain set had punctured it right on the bone. Then it became more apparent were the real pain was coming from – my left hand. After a few minutes with my breath back and some very strong words of frustration I decided I was ready to get back on the stead and finish the last 100 metres back to the cars. It was at this point I realized I had a bit of a problem as I could not close my left hand to grip the bars so we ended up walking back to the cars.
Back in the car park Mick kindly dismantled my back and stuck it in the car as there was no way it would be going on the roof. We then headed over to the café for the refreshments and to closely examine the left hand which by now was about the size of a tennis ball. We both agreed that it may be advisable to seek a medical view as our engineering skills were not coming up with any real diagnosis. We sat for a bit longer admiring the scenery (well the sunshine does really bring it out) and then headed our separate ways.
On the way back home whilst trying to negotiate gear changes with a hand that was now the size of a grapefruit and through gritted teeth I made the dreaded call to the better half asking if she would mind dropping me off at casualty before we took the girls swimming. The call went far better than expected and she was even pleasant to me whilst on route to the hospital. In fact even the casualty staff were pleasant especially the casualty sister as she insisted that due to all the cuts on my legs I should have a tetanus. As she still had hold of my hand at this timeI agreed and she quickly administered it before I changed my mind.
I was then taken to xray and after a short wait I was called back into the consulting room by the still smiling casualty sister, before I had even got my bum on the seat she turned round and send “well you’ve done a fantastic job of breaking that bone” and boy when I looked at the xray she wasn’t lying. She then trussed me up like a oven ready chicken and sent me home to a still smiling wife.
It’s now Friday, I have seen 3 consultants over the last week , two NHS (which I won’t bore you with here) and one private hand consultant who has dealt with this type of fracture before. So this coming Tuesday I go under the knife for open reduction and fixation of comminuted metacarpal fracture with ligament reconstruction. In boy’s speak their going to pull the bones back together, straighten the knuckle and finger and pin the lot.
And before you ask. No, I am not going to sell the bike!!!
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Andy's New Helmet (should have bought a full face)
Date : 20th May 2010
Riders : Grievous Andy
Area : Nutwood
Following last week's dent of pride, and head plant on Grievous Angel, I was still recovering from all the aches and pains which that fall generated. I also had a trip to purchase a new helmet to replace the one I used as a crash mat on my last outing.
New helmet in hand (or on head actually) I decided to venture out solo in order to see how all the aches and pains faired on the bike, but also to practice my drop offs. I had been running the drop off process over and over again in my head and was sure I'd mastered it... in my head!!!
So I got home early and headed off locally on my mini adventure, to Nutwood where Tom had told me there were a few jumps. I found the area easily and discovered a nice little practice zone containing jumps, drop offs, doubles, berms and very steep descents.... what a find!!!!
I found a nice little drop off to practice and sessioned it a number of times – driving the bike, not riding it! It;s a bit difficult on your own to see how far you fly, but there were some good feelings flowing during some of the drops – others were a little ropey, but practice makes perfect!!! Once I'd mastered this little drop off, I thought I'd get some more speed, so started higher up the trail. The difficulty was that the trail was not a straight line to the drop off, and by the time I'd reached it, I was out of position!! Flying through the air (or that's what ot felt like) I landed awkwardly, with the front wheel sliding out on me (again!!!). I slid, and my face decided to plant a tree branch – which had no intention of moving....
So – bloodied, and pride dented yet again, I headed home!!
Apart from that mishap, and the thought that maybe I should have bought a full face, to protect my boyish good looks (now gone for a burton!!!), this is a great little practice area – and local too. Thanks Tom.
Riders : Grievous Andy
Area : Nutwood
Following last week's dent of pride, and head plant on Grievous Angel, I was still recovering from all the aches and pains which that fall generated. I also had a trip to purchase a new helmet to replace the one I used as a crash mat on my last outing.
New helmet in hand (or on head actually) I decided to venture out solo in order to see how all the aches and pains faired on the bike, but also to practice my drop offs. I had been running the drop off process over and over again in my head and was sure I'd mastered it... in my head!!!
So I got home early and headed off locally on my mini adventure, to Nutwood where Tom had told me there were a few jumps. I found the area easily and discovered a nice little practice zone containing jumps, drop offs, doubles, berms and very steep descents.... what a find!!!!
I found a nice little drop off to practice and sessioned it a number of times – driving the bike, not riding it! It;s a bit difficult on your own to see how far you fly, but there were some good feelings flowing during some of the drops – others were a little ropey, but practice makes perfect!!! Once I'd mastered this little drop off, I thought I'd get some more speed, so started higher up the trail. The difficulty was that the trail was not a straight line to the drop off, and by the time I'd reached it, I was out of position!! Flying through the air (or that's what ot felt like) I landed awkwardly, with the front wheel sliding out on me (again!!!). I slid, and my face decided to plant a tree branch – which had no intention of moving....
So – bloodied, and pride dented yet again, I headed home!!
Apart from that mishap, and the thought that maybe I should have bought a full face, to protect my boyish good looks (now gone for a burton!!!), this is a great little practice area – and local too. Thanks Tom.
The crash site
The culprit
Noooooo, not the face
Friday, 14 May 2010
Grevious Andy
Date: 13th May
Riders: Andy, AM Tom, Dave, Mark2, Rich
Location: Ranmore
An evening ride of anticipation - Tom because he finally has his Orange 5, resplendent in electric blue and for Andy as it is his first taste of the gnarly Ranmore trails. We muster at the Pilgrim, a deliberate move as we've all agreed this is a most excellent post-ride hostelry and cast envious glances at Tom's new steed as he explains the importance of his Hope upgrade package and braided hoses....
Up the Pilgrims Way to the top of Grevious Angel - we try to break the top section down into manageable chunks for Andy and Tom - first up the kicker and log jump into a tight left handed berm. All manage this, Tom with some style as the 5 demonstrates its AM capabilities.
Next up is the platform drop - now this is tricky, picture if you can a man made 3ft platform which drops onto a steep off camber slope, firing the rider down into a deep and steep berm. Mark, Dave and I who have ridden this a few times go first and then Tom makes a decent fist of it on his first attempt. Next up is Andy and as the pressure builds he refuses on the edge before walking back up for a second go. This time the commitment is there but not the speed or body position and he tips forward over the edge in slomo, landing smack on the top of his head. The bike catapaults forward, slamming into a tree and taking the full force on the handlebars. Andy is down and we're not even laughing, it looked that serious. He's hurt his nose and head but after a few minutes is ready to carry on.
We decide that the 2nd section of Grevious Angel should be left for another day and proceed up to Ranmore, across the open field and bridleways and then through some twisty fun singletrack which we discovered a couple of weeks ago. Onto the log pile section and across the road to Abba Zabba. Andy has recovered sufficiently to want to do the top bit twice and we then carry on down the steep roll ins. I come to grief on the final "round the tree" section, losing the line and ending up on the deck.
We then climb the road to the top of Reformation where Dave makes bold claims about doing the drop and double but is talked out of it by Mark2!
We tackle Numbskull, Blind Terror and the off camber end of Reformation before climbing back up again to do some extra bits.
Andy seems fully recovered and enjoys the technical challenges and we finish with the field bridleway and footpath route back to The Pilgrim in Dorking.
Refreshed by ale we fire up their patio heater and talk of upgrades and body armour!
Riders: Andy, AM Tom, Dave, Mark2, Rich
Location: Ranmore
An evening ride of anticipation - Tom because he finally has his Orange 5, resplendent in electric blue and for Andy as it is his first taste of the gnarly Ranmore trails. We muster at the Pilgrim, a deliberate move as we've all agreed this is a most excellent post-ride hostelry and cast envious glances at Tom's new steed as he explains the importance of his Hope upgrade package and braided hoses....
Up the Pilgrims Way to the top of Grevious Angel - we try to break the top section down into manageable chunks for Andy and Tom - first up the kicker and log jump into a tight left handed berm. All manage this, Tom with some style as the 5 demonstrates its AM capabilities.
Next up is the platform drop - now this is tricky, picture if you can a man made 3ft platform which drops onto a steep off camber slope, firing the rider down into a deep and steep berm. Mark, Dave and I who have ridden this a few times go first and then Tom makes a decent fist of it on his first attempt. Next up is Andy and as the pressure builds he refuses on the edge before walking back up for a second go. This time the commitment is there but not the speed or body position and he tips forward over the edge in slomo, landing smack on the top of his head. The bike catapaults forward, slamming into a tree and taking the full force on the handlebars. Andy is down and we're not even laughing, it looked that serious. He's hurt his nose and head but after a few minutes is ready to carry on.
We decide that the 2nd section of Grevious Angel should be left for another day and proceed up to Ranmore, across the open field and bridleways and then through some twisty fun singletrack which we discovered a couple of weeks ago. Onto the log pile section and across the road to Abba Zabba. Andy has recovered sufficiently to want to do the top bit twice and we then carry on down the steep roll ins. I come to grief on the final "round the tree" section, losing the line and ending up on the deck.
We then climb the road to the top of Reformation where Dave makes bold claims about doing the drop and double but is talked out of it by Mark2!
We tackle Numbskull, Blind Terror and the off camber end of Reformation before climbing back up again to do some extra bits.
Andy seems fully recovered and enjoys the technical challenges and we finish with the field bridleway and footpath route back to The Pilgrim in Dorking.
Refreshed by ale we fire up their patio heater and talk of upgrades and body armour!
Monday, 19 April 2010
Words of technique wisdom
Like a Buddhist monk RK has said some things that have stuck in my mind and continue to whisper in my ear as I send myself into battle. I thought I should remind you all of his words of wisdom:
Drive the bike not ride the bike;
Under rotation prevails over over-rotation;
Good energy management, good body position, footwork and looking;
We dont yank on the bars we push energy through the bike;
Lay of the breaks, carry more speed and generate a smoother ride;
Concentrate on the trail ahead and not what is’nt the trail;
Keeping your head up slows things down;
It does’nt matter how fast you enter a corner but how fast you leave it;
Its next, next, next, always looking ahead of the bike at what is coming next, i dont want to get caught up in the now but what is going to happen in the future;
And finally kids remember:
You cant change what is happening only what is going to happen!
See you out on the trails. XC Tom
Dust 'n' Disorder - The Ranmore Sessions
Dates: Weds, Sat, Sun
Riders: Various including Mark2, Dunnie, Dave, Dave2, Tom, Rich, Roger & Duncan from HftH
Locations: Ranmore, Leith Hill, Redlands, Milton Gore
Haven't blogged for a while...frankly all I've been doing is riding in my spare time so I haven't managed to squeeze one in, as it were.
In fact I've done so much riding (6 days out of the last 10!) that it's all melded together in my mind into one big session. I'll try my best to pick out a couple of highlights but the overall theme has been one of dusty bone-dry trails (dare I say it we could do with a shower to dampen them down), seriously technical new trails and jumps, lots of jumps!
The technically challenging trails on Ranmore have been a big feature - Abba Zabba, Blind Terror, Numbskull and the new one "Reformation" - check the Nirvana link attached for some videos - plus Grevious Angel.
There's some seriously challenging stuff up there - big drops, doubles, kickers, steep rooty and off camber sections although we all emerged reasonably unscathed.
None of the OTH'ers rode the sketchy drop and double on Reformation although Roger showed us how last night before dispatching the very scary bombhole double at the end of Numbskull.
Other highlights have included nailing more of the new jumps springing up at Milton Gore (both Marks progressing to get over the bigger double), Dave and I jumping the big fallen tree at the bottom of Wave of Mutilation in Redlands, going to the Yeti demo day at Peaslake (no I'm not buying one) and several post-ride visits to the Plough and the Star.
Those who aren't riding at the moment are missing out big time - get yourselves out there!
Riders: Various including Mark2, Dunnie, Dave, Dave2, Tom, Rich, Roger & Duncan from HftH
Locations: Ranmore, Leith Hill, Redlands, Milton Gore
Haven't blogged for a while...frankly all I've been doing is riding in my spare time so I haven't managed to squeeze one in, as it were.
In fact I've done so much riding (6 days out of the last 10!) that it's all melded together in my mind into one big session. I'll try my best to pick out a couple of highlights but the overall theme has been one of dusty bone-dry trails (dare I say it we could do with a shower to dampen them down), seriously technical new trails and jumps, lots of jumps!
The technically challenging trails on Ranmore have been a big feature - Abba Zabba, Blind Terror, Numbskull and the new one "Reformation" - check the Nirvana link attached for some videos - plus Grevious Angel.
There's some seriously challenging stuff up there - big drops, doubles, kickers, steep rooty and off camber sections although we all emerged reasonably unscathed.
None of the OTH'ers rode the sketchy drop and double on Reformation although Roger showed us how last night before dispatching the very scary bombhole double at the end of Numbskull.
Other highlights have included nailing more of the new jumps springing up at Milton Gore (both Marks progressing to get over the bigger double), Dave and I jumping the big fallen tree at the bottom of Wave of Mutilation in Redlands, going to the Yeti demo day at Peaslake (no I'm not buying one) and several post-ride visits to the Plough and the Star.
Those who aren't riding at the moment are missing out big time - get yourselves out there!
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Hold on a minute - this isn't a Mountain Bike!!!
Well it would be, if it had wheels and a seat and handlebars.....
Can I post a video of me running....? What, not even if it's really fast, like????
I too did some running - but enough of that, and more video of blokes on BIKES doing JUMPS and occasionally FALLING OFF. ('Cos let's face it, a video of me [or anyone else, unless maybe it was Diane Kruger running naked round my garden or something....] running would be BORING.
So, we all agree - this is not a running site. Here are some clips of a little jumping session Bish, Dave2 and I did last weekend. (Having said that, I only did three jumps, not wanting to get injured and impacting my running.... oops)
As for the blog bit, we went out, did a big climb up Coldharbour Lane, got overtaken by a skinny chick who looked like she weighed about 5 stone, did soem jumps, did a few trails, then had a pint in the Plough to celebrate Dave's birthday, then rode back to dorking (where, for the record, I got a replacement seat post collar for the one I knackered in one of the below jumps).
Mullac-a-bu!
Dunnie
So, we all agree - this is not a running site. Here are some clips of a little jumping session Bish, Dave2 and I did last weekend. (Having said that, I only did three jumps, not wanting to get injured and impacting my running.... oops)
As for the blog bit, we went out, did a big climb up Coldharbour Lane, got overtaken by a skinny chick who looked like she weighed about 5 stone, did soem jumps, did a few trails, then had a pint in the Plough to celebrate Dave's birthday, then rode back to dorking (where, for the record, I got a replacement seat post collar for the one I knackered in one of the below jumps).
Mullac-a-bu!
Dunnie
Thursday, 8 April 2010
The Welsh Hills with the welsh
I wasn't going to put anything on the blog about my ride on Sunday, but after Andy's blah about running.................... This is a Mountain Bikers Blog. Get on a bloody Running Blog. Enough said!!!
Anyway, went up to the Welsh Alps over Easter and was asked by a friend , up there, to take him on the Marin Trail on Easter Sunday, the only decent day. We met at 0900, weather was fantastic. We looked a million dollars. Me on my Specialized Hardtail and Gaz (Gareth in Welsh) on his peugeot full suspension Halford's Special. I had asked if he had a bike(beic in welsh) and he stated 'Oh yes, a full susser' No probs I thought.
We set off. After a hundred metres all i could hear was a constant squeak. All was not going well. 'It always does that!' Oh well, let's give it a go. We went through a deserted Llanrwst and up the Nant Hill. After half a mile of up and Gaz huffing and puffing, he stated that he shouldn't have had the TEN pints last night and his guts were playing up. Still the weather was great and the air fresh. We turned off to the start of the Marin Trail.
We managed about 2 miles of the 16 miles before Gaz announced that a) he didn't think he was up to it AND b) his bike definitely wasn't up for it. We hit the minor roads and headed for the lakes. A pleasant climb up to Llyn Gerrionydd which was like a mirror. I gave him a choice of up and over to Llyn Crafnant or straight route home. He'd cheered up and opted for the scenic route.
Boy was it worth it! The views of Snowdonia with Snow topped mountains was superb. Proper Mountain Biking. none of your manufactured trails here. We battled up to the top of the fire road and after stop at the viewpoint, blatted down to a lakeside cafe for a brew. High Speed decent with the odd wait for the squeaky boy.
Tea and cake consumed we had an uniterupted further blat down into Trefriw. The Welsh alps now bathed in Spring Sunshine and a quick nip across the Gowers Suspension Bridge and into the pub.
Hope you are all still awake! The good news is I have found accommodation above a Pub in Penmachno half a mile from the start of the Penmachno Trails. Who's up for aproper welsh trip later in the year????
Nos Daa....................
Anyway, went up to the Welsh Alps over Easter and was asked by a friend , up there, to take him on the Marin Trail on Easter Sunday, the only decent day. We met at 0900, weather was fantastic. We looked a million dollars. Me on my Specialized Hardtail and Gaz (Gareth in Welsh) on his peugeot full suspension Halford's Special. I had asked if he had a bike(beic in welsh) and he stated 'Oh yes, a full susser' No probs I thought.
We set off. After a hundred metres all i could hear was a constant squeak. All was not going well. 'It always does that!' Oh well, let's give it a go. We went through a deserted Llanrwst and up the Nant Hill. After half a mile of up and Gaz huffing and puffing, he stated that he shouldn't have had the TEN pints last night and his guts were playing up. Still the weather was great and the air fresh. We turned off to the start of the Marin Trail.
We managed about 2 miles of the 16 miles before Gaz announced that a) he didn't think he was up to it AND b) his bike definitely wasn't up for it. We hit the minor roads and headed for the lakes. A pleasant climb up to Llyn Gerrionydd which was like a mirror. I gave him a choice of up and over to Llyn Crafnant or straight route home. He'd cheered up and opted for the scenic route.
Boy was it worth it! The views of Snowdonia with Snow topped mountains was superb. Proper Mountain Biking. none of your manufactured trails here. We battled up to the top of the fire road and after stop at the viewpoint, blatted down to a lakeside cafe for a brew. High Speed decent with the odd wait for the squeaky boy.
Tea and cake consumed we had an uniterupted further blat down into Trefriw. The Welsh alps now bathed in Spring Sunshine and a quick nip across the Gowers Suspension Bridge and into the pub.
Hope you are all still awake! The good news is I have found accommodation above a Pub in Penmachno half a mile from the start of the Penmachno Trails. Who's up for aproper welsh trip later in the year????
Nos Daa....................
Monday, 5 April 2010
The second 18miler!
So... just thought I'd keep you all updated on my marathon training progress! The second of my 18 mile training runs loomed on Saturday morning, and based on how I felt the previous weekend, at the completion of the last 18 mile run, it was with an element of trepidation that I set off!! The weather forecast of heavy showers, and the torrential downpour which had happened only minutes before my departure did nothing to boost my confidence. Nevertheless training is a necessary evil, so with a break in the rain I set off at 0910 steeling myself for the miles ahead!
The weather was kind, the road was kind, and although it took my legs a good 6 miles to get comfy, the pace felt good. For the first time in my training career I had to stop twice en route for a pee, once at 3 miles and once at 10 miles!! Still - a sure sign I was hydrated enough!
I won't bore you with the full details of the run, suffice to say that running that kind of distance can be quite boring!!
I completed the 18.6 miles in 2hrs 47mins - doing 1/2 mile longer than last week and doing it 10mins quicker! The bonus being I didn't feel sick, and although my legs were full of lactic acid, I could've kept going. Now at that pace I'm on for a sub 4hr marathon time (just), and if I achieve sub 4hrs at London I will be more than made up... I'm now well and truely fired up for this, despite my wife dousing the flames by saying "you've still got a few weeks to go, don't build your hopes up!!". Pin, ballon, burst all sprang to mind!!
The weather was kind, the road was kind, and although it took my legs a good 6 miles to get comfy, the pace felt good. For the first time in my training career I had to stop twice en route for a pee, once at 3 miles and once at 10 miles!! Still - a sure sign I was hydrated enough!
I won't bore you with the full details of the run, suffice to say that running that kind of distance can be quite boring!!
I completed the 18.6 miles in 2hrs 47mins - doing 1/2 mile longer than last week and doing it 10mins quicker! The bonus being I didn't feel sick, and although my legs were full of lactic acid, I could've kept going. Now at that pace I'm on for a sub 4hr marathon time (just), and if I achieve sub 4hrs at London I will be more than made up... I'm now well and truely fired up for this, despite my wife dousing the flames by saying "you've still got a few weeks to go, don't build your hopes up!!". Pin, ballon, burst all sprang to mind!!
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