Desperately Seeking Tom's Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

The resurrection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wiltshire is on line!

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

Bleeding brakes... part the second

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

Bleeding Brakes!!!

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

The wait is over...

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

Rich

Snake Pass

0900, glorious sunshine, what a day for a ride. Again there were only 3 of us. Simon blew out last night due to recurring bad back, and Tom is on holiday – so I guess that's enough excuse. Mark's knee still hadn't healed since our last 3 musketeers outing, so he was off the starting line too. Rich arrived with Neil a little late, but I won't hold it against them! We set off from our usual car park with the sun streaming through the trees and made our way around the back route towards Westcott. The first ascent saw some gear trouble for Neil – non selection – was this an omen?

Rich was very excited claiming to have found a few more new trails over on Pitch, so that was the direction we were heading. Usually we would have tackled the climb up to Leith and then down the other side past High Ashes Farm and into Holmbury St Mary, in order to reach Holmbury Hill, but that's quite a mammoth ride, and we didn't have all day. Instead Rich showed us a new route which took us through the pleasant surroundings of Abinger Rough. Nice wide tracks and easy going, we made good time and arrived in Abinger Hammer. Across the road we headed past Raikes farm and up towards Holmbury St Mary Youth Hostel, passing the Volunteer Hostelry on the way. A lovely picturesque establishment, recommended by Rich, and made further attractive by the presence of two lovely women having a drink outside...but we couldn't stop!

On the road leading up to the Youth Hostel we passed a group of Youths coming down, and we all commented it was nice to see the youth of today out and about in the Surrey countryside, rather than pinching bikes! Arriving at the Youth Hostel we started up Telegraph Road. Odd! That's the first time I've ridden up that trail, and it looks very different in the opposite direction, but not as challenging as I'd first imagined. Clearing the trail we headed to the top of Holmbury and then over towards Car Park 1. Heading down, parallel to Radnor Road, we ultimately arrived at the top of Barry Knows Best. As it was Neil's first time we took it easy, honing our moves, rather than the usual flat out, seat of the pants kind of ride!!

Arriving at the bottom, we made a deserved stop at the Peaslake general stores for a nice strong cup of tea and fantastic tasting flapjack. A quick sit down to sup our brew, and then off in the direction of Pitch, for the long steady climb to the summit. We rode past the church in Peaslake to see preparations taking place for a wedding – what a great day they were going to have. The weather was still glorious, but the trees provided some welcome shade whilst we were climbing. The summit arrived remarkably quickly, and what a view! We paused to savour the moment and the view, see picture..... and have a pee stop (picture not included!).

Off we headed from the top to find Rich's “New” trail, only this was the trail Tom, Mark and I had done some weeks back. Still it was a nice run through the woods, and ended with a steep rooty section, complete with man made rock jump at the base. Today however we rode the trail straight down with no stopping, no pausing and no checking – just trusting our bikes. We even completed the jump at the end. Rich and I traipsed back up the hill for a second attempt at the rock jump – all caught on video – including a very unusual refusal by Rich (yes caught on video) – his claim being he couldn't get his clips in (which I can actually sympathise with, given that's exactly what happened to me last week... therefore I won't dwell on that!).

Having firmly established that the trail wasn't “new”, Rich was feeling like someone who'd filed a patent only to find it had already been done.... 7 times before!! Undeterred, we headed off for another “new”trail which subsequently picked up Tom's “Pile In” jump from a few weeks back (see the video earlier in the blog). Finding the entrance to the “new” trail, we started thinking of our own names for the trails....and obviously this “new” one would have to include Rich's name as he “found” it. The further we went, the more familiar this trail became – I had done this before... would I tell Rich? Would I shatter his reason for being here? Would I ruin his whole day? Yup – for sure!! But I'd wait until we'd done the whole thing!! The second part of the trail most certainly included the “Tom Piles In” jump, which we now have Rich on video completing with finesse... Tom – this is how it's supposed to be done!

We finished the “new” trail and headed again back up to the top of Pitch. On discovery that the “new” trails, were not in fact new, Rich tried to persuade me that the first part of the last run I hadn't done. It's ok Rich – we can still name it after you!

Before heading back down, we stopped off left to catch a couple of jumps. Rich cleared both with ease – I followed, front wheel planted over the first jump, but managed to stay upright and decided to miss the second – it was not comfortable!! Neil and I waited at the bottom, while Rich had another attempt... he's just a bit too good!!

Completing the jump section we headed up and started a trail which we haven't yet named, but have done a few times before. It's very rooty and didn't flow too well, it still had a number of wet patches to negotiate which made it sticky in places. At the end we waited for Neil to catch up, which was quite some time... he explained he'd fallen 3 times.. personally Neil, I would have kept that to myself!!! The second stretch of this particular trail flowed a lot better and we arrived back at the carpark at the bottom of Pitch. We headed back into Peaslake, with me taking a slight detour in the hope of spotting the bride and maybe getting a photo with her for the blog (remember the wedding prep?)... she hadn't arrived yet... typical! Late!!!

Through Peaslake we started the long climb up Radnor road to the top of Holmbury for the second time. Across Holmbury we picked up Telegraph road, this time going in the right direction and back down to the Youth Hostel. Onwards past the Volunteer, we headed back towards Abinger Hammer. Coming through Raikes Farm we rounded a corner. I was behind Rich with Neil up ahead. I saw Rich swerve slightly and shout what I thought was “SPRING”. I looked at the floor to see a long tubular type green object on the ground which I took a second look at to discover it was a snake!! A snake? Yes, a snake... in Surrey!!! What kind of snake? Well actually we don't know yet... we need to look that one up in some David Attenborough books, or Johnny Morris Books!!

That was all we talked about as we headed back through the Abinger Rough and towards Westcott back to the car park, still bathed in glorious sunshine!

How to....

Edit my profile...
Try as I might I can't work it out - Andy can I have some tips for the technically illiterate?
BTW nice work on the "Agony Tree" jump boys - it made another fine mess of Dunnie's knee!
Rich

Pitch 'n' Toss

Decided to go for a quick blast over to Pitch today - been meaning to for ages with the express purpose of finding some undiscovered trail gems...
I had planned to ride with Dunnie today but following his latest mishap (see the three musketeers) he decided he was to gay/injured to ride.
Following my nose towards the viewpoint and then doubling back I found a really nice piece of singletrack which ends in a rooty descent with a little man-made rock jump to finish. As I was riding solo I gave the jump a miss but it will be one for the cameras when we all go - I'm very confident that Mark will be able injure himself on it.
I then climbed up again and found another excellent trail which ultimately links to one I've ridden before - this had some humps and jumps in the middle so plenty of mischief making opportunity. I was only there for an hour or so but I reckon Pitch has the potential for a full half day at least with what I know. We'll have to start creating our own trail names - I've got a few ideas based on a heavy metal theme...watch this space
NicolaiWatch 25/05/09: No update (What a Surprise!)