I know I haven't been out with you guys for a while but have been riding in other fields. I rode end to end of Ireland last week. 400 miles in 4 days on a road bike. Spit. Great countryside with more hills than the LEJOG version. Once finished, I got the old hardtail out, dusted it down and arranged atrip with the girls on a Wednesday night at Swinley. Your blogs about injuries and scrapes and falls put me off the Thursday nights until my skills are improved.
Seven of us, set off at 1830 with only me on a hardtail, the rest on their comfy sofa bikes. I managed to keep up as the temperature hit 25 degrees. We rode the normal trails and I asked if 'the labarynth' could be on our schedule. Simon had stated that it was a cracking ride.
We went down this great track and it lived up to it's reputation. After it was knocked off, Andy, an ex downhill racer suggested we go and do a jump he had done last week. We made our way to an area furthest from the car park and virtually on the M3. Andy went to the top of the hill to get the required speed for take off. The rest of us lined the route to watch the spectacle. Andy made two aborted approaches and appeared to be going too fast for the corner before the jump. On the third attempt, Andy hit the jump, off line, and launched into the air. He landed off line on an incline and was thrown over the front of the bike and landed with an awful thud against a substantial tree stump.
I was fearing the worst but Andy moved and got to his feet. However, he had taken one hell of a bang on his left shoulder and back. His helmet was split on the left side also. The bike was a mess with all the cables wrenched out snapped and fluid peeing out. A quick assessment said that Andy needed to be checked out properly and quickly. Two guys went to get a vehicle in to evacuate and we started to walk out with Andy. He deteriorated after the initial adrenilin rush and shock set in. It would now require Ambulance.
Andy was evacuated and the ambulance took him to Frimley Park Hospital. He suffered, Collar Bone- fused joint- displaced. two #ribs, Shoulder ligaments ripped and back muscles torn. Big bump on head.
You can see him jumping on 16/6 and 23/6 on you tube. Put in Bracknell Cycling with 23/6. He is such a nutter that he only had one day off before returning to his loft extension business. RESPECT.
A quick ride through the Surrey Hills with a group of 40 something mtbers who really should know better!
Monday, 28 June 2010
Monday, 21 June 2010
2-Headed Dave
Following Thursday nights' successful Leith/Redlands jaunt with Dave2, Mark, Andy & Tom (taking in Milton Gore, Bombholes, Ghurka, Windy Willows, Bossanova, Personal Hygene, No Cycles, Regurgitator, Foot and Mouth and finally Firebeater) Saturday brought a smaller crew of three riders.
Heading over to Peaslake at 0800 by car & van Mark2, Dave and I popped into Pedal and Spoke for some final directions to a trail on Winterfold and then headed up to the summit of Pitch. From there we dropped down to the quarry car park and climbed up to the Windmill. We tried a drop I had discovered last week (and filmed it for posterity) and then carried on to "2-headed dog" (another feature I had located last week). Having left instructions about the severity of the 2nd section and the need to kill your speed I rolled down and set up the camera to film Dave's first attempt. Dave hit the first drop quickly and didn't appear to brake at all before the second, flying over it and crossing up the handlebars, whilst dropping several feet and landing dramatically on his head and shoulder.
He scraped loads of skin off his shoulder, ripping his sub gear armoured top in the process and complained of a sore head and wobbly vision! Mark and I administered some first aid on his shoulder which was gleaming white with adipose tissue!
As Dave was now showing all the symptoms of concussion we decided to head back to the cars. However as we passed the trail head for "Orange Clawhammer / Christmas Pudding" Dave felt well enough to have a look. It's a cracking bit of singletrack and I look forward to riding it in anger soon. We headed back to the car park via some nice flowing trails and had a cup of tea and some food at Peaslake. Dave went to the Doctors later and was confirmed as concussed.
On sunday I went for a ride with Rog from Head for the Hills. He led up onto Ranmore via the Pilgrims Way and took me to a completely new area on the Denbies side. A corking trail split into 3 sections christened RWR (Red, White & Rose) it will be a welcome addition to our thursday evening repetoire. We then took on the horrid Box Hill climb to ride China Pig - very fast at the moment and then ascended again onto the back side of Box Hill. From here we rode over heathland to the old water tower which is the start of one of the gnarliest descents I've ever ridden! Rooty, skinny and off-camber to start with it drops into a huge bermed bowl which is so steep I basically hung off the back and locked up both wheels all the way down - it's like Numbskull, Blind Terror and Abba Zabba turned up to 11!
It spits you out (literally) to the old lime pits in Brockham and we took the rode back to Dorking from there. Gnarly dude!
Heading over to Peaslake at 0800 by car & van Mark2, Dave and I popped into Pedal and Spoke for some final directions to a trail on Winterfold and then headed up to the summit of Pitch. From there we dropped down to the quarry car park and climbed up to the Windmill. We tried a drop I had discovered last week (and filmed it for posterity) and then carried on to "2-headed dog" (another feature I had located last week). Having left instructions about the severity of the 2nd section and the need to kill your speed I rolled down and set up the camera to film Dave's first attempt. Dave hit the first drop quickly and didn't appear to brake at all before the second, flying over it and crossing up the handlebars, whilst dropping several feet and landing dramatically on his head and shoulder.
He scraped loads of skin off his shoulder, ripping his sub gear armoured top in the process and complained of a sore head and wobbly vision! Mark and I administered some first aid on his shoulder which was gleaming white with adipose tissue!
As Dave was now showing all the symptoms of concussion we decided to head back to the cars. However as we passed the trail head for "Orange Clawhammer / Christmas Pudding" Dave felt well enough to have a look. It's a cracking bit of singletrack and I look forward to riding it in anger soon. We headed back to the car park via some nice flowing trails and had a cup of tea and some food at Peaslake. Dave went to the Doctors later and was confirmed as concussed.
On sunday I went for a ride with Rog from Head for the Hills. He led up onto Ranmore via the Pilgrims Way and took me to a completely new area on the Denbies side. A corking trail split into 3 sections christened RWR (Red, White & Rose) it will be a welcome addition to our thursday evening repetoire. We then took on the horrid Box Hill climb to ride China Pig - very fast at the moment and then ascended again onto the back side of Box Hill. From here we rode over heathland to the old water tower which is the start of one of the gnarliest descents I've ever ridden! Rooty, skinny and off-camber to start with it drops into a huge bermed bowl which is so steep I basically hung off the back and locked up both wheels all the way down - it's like Numbskull, Blind Terror and Abba Zabba turned up to 11!
It spits you out (literally) to the old lime pits in Brockham and we took the rode back to Dorking from there. Gnarly dude!
Monday, 14 June 2010
trouver le chien a deux tetes (finding 2-headed dog)
This week has been one of longer rides and discovery. Longer rides because I'm keen to be in good shape for Cwm Carn and Afan, and discovery, as Chris Bonnington said when asked why he wanted to climb Everest, "because it's there".
On Thursday evening Tom, Andy, Mark2, Kik, Dave2 and I charged up over a slightly slippery Ranmore, taking in Abba Zabba and Numbskull, then headed up onto Leith via the Dearleap and a footpath (tut tut) past the church at Wooton Hatch. We traversed Wolverns Lane all the way to Coldharbour and then popped into Redlands, riding through the woods over a few jumps then taking Foot and Mouth (new to most) and finding Rogers' "Firebeater" trail. This is a really good technical way off Leith Hill down into North Holmwood, the only drawback being the longish roll back to Dorking and the pub - still plenty done in just under 2 hours.
On Saturday I was riding solo and decided to head over to Pitch and Holmbury for a bit of exploration. A couple of trails turned out out to be bum steers but I did follow some guys and found the famous 2 headed dog by the Windmill on Pitch. As they pulled on their body armour I thought it must be a really gnarly feature (it's only about 50 metres long) but I had a quick look then hit it - no problem at all. I guess it's a sign of how far our riding has come in the last year. I also found a sweet little drop into a gulley and finally found Death Star, a really rooty fast gulley with some little drops which I'd previously failed to locate.
I climbed up onto Holmbury and found part of "I should coco" but the end seemed to be decimated by the recent forrestry work (unless I lost the trail!) Finally a blast down BKB and into Pedal and Spoke for a chat with Howard who gave me some directions for "Christmas Pudding", something for the next visit.
On sunday I went out again, this time with Dave2 and Neil, a trail veteran and neighbour from Dorking. We left at the rather unsociable hour of 7.30 and headed to Holmbury. We took in many of the usual trails, BKB, the T trails on Pitch (including a new ending to Ewok/Proper Beau) and climbed back up to Holmbury to take in Parklife and a new variation to Telegraph (much better) finishing with Mutiny.
Plenty of top riding!
On Thursday evening Tom, Andy, Mark2, Kik, Dave2 and I charged up over a slightly slippery Ranmore, taking in Abba Zabba and Numbskull, then headed up onto Leith via the Dearleap and a footpath (tut tut) past the church at Wooton Hatch. We traversed Wolverns Lane all the way to Coldharbour and then popped into Redlands, riding through the woods over a few jumps then taking Foot and Mouth (new to most) and finding Rogers' "Firebeater" trail. This is a really good technical way off Leith Hill down into North Holmwood, the only drawback being the longish roll back to Dorking and the pub - still plenty done in just under 2 hours.
On Saturday I was riding solo and decided to head over to Pitch and Holmbury for a bit of exploration. A couple of trails turned out out to be bum steers but I did follow some guys and found the famous 2 headed dog by the Windmill on Pitch. As they pulled on their body armour I thought it must be a really gnarly feature (it's only about 50 metres long) but I had a quick look then hit it - no problem at all. I guess it's a sign of how far our riding has come in the last year. I also found a sweet little drop into a gulley and finally found Death Star, a really rooty fast gulley with some little drops which I'd previously failed to locate.
I climbed up onto Holmbury and found part of "I should coco" but the end seemed to be decimated by the recent forrestry work (unless I lost the trail!) Finally a blast down BKB and into Pedal and Spoke for a chat with Howard who gave me some directions for "Christmas Pudding", something for the next visit.
On sunday I went out again, this time with Dave2 and Neil, a trail veteran and neighbour from Dorking. We left at the rather unsociable hour of 7.30 and headed to Holmbury. We took in many of the usual trails, BKB, the T trails on Pitch (including a new ending to Ewok/Proper Beau) and climbed back up to Holmbury to take in Parklife and a new variation to Telegraph (much better) finishing with Mutiny.
Plenty of top riding!
Monday, 7 June 2010
Angels & Demons
Yesterday morning the drop near the top of Grevious Angel claimed another victim as Dunnie stacked his landing on a decent first ever attempt. No pics unfortunately and no real harm done apart from some grazing to the arm.
Dunnie was not the first (or even second) victim of the week on this particular trail obstacle. On thursday evening Dave 2 and his mate Kick(?) gave it a go and both crashed, in Kick's case leading to several rather nasty chainring punctures on his calf. We tried our best to help numb his pain by plying him with drink in the Star.
It seems that following Andy's dramatic crash a few weeks ago the notoriety of this drop is growing so remember
.....be careful out there
Dunnie was not the first (or even second) victim of the week on this particular trail obstacle. On thursday evening Dave 2 and his mate Kick(?) gave it a go and both crashed, in Kick's case leading to several rather nasty chainring punctures on his calf. We tried our best to help numb his pain by plying him with drink in the Star.
It seems that following Andy's dramatic crash a few weeks ago the notoriety of this drop is growing so remember
.....be careful out there
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Bike porn
I thought you like minded men would like to have a look at some pics of my new bike. I hope you enjoyed that?
Tom AM
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Mechanical Failure
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!
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!
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
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