8th April Richard, David and Keith - Epsom Downs

Another early start but I had a sore throat and a headache. Still, that’s not going to stop me getting out. However, this was to cause my worst moment so far. We were going up a long, steep muddy climb at about 9 a.m. and I had no energy in my legs. David and Keith were streaking away up front and I felt like dying. Half way up I just got off my bike and sat down on a log feeling like I wanted to cry. I couldn’t go on for about 20 minutes. I’ve had it with the Apollo, I want a nicer, lighter bike with all the gear. It's time to start hunting through the catalogues.

20^th April

After many hours studying catalogues and traipsing around various shops, I buy a Specialized_Enduro FSR Sport at Cycleopedia in Surbiton. I’m like a dog with two dicks, desperate to get out on the new machine.

The Specialised Enduro Sport 2001

21st April

I spend all day Saturday getting used to the SPD’s. Did I mention I also bought some Spesh Comp_MTB shoes, new Spesh_Comp_Helmet and Spesh_gloves. Well, you’ve got to make an effort haven’t you.

22nd April Richard and David - Belmont Downs

David is suitably impressed with the new bike. He keeps on jumping off his bike saying ‘Let’s have a go’. David suddenly feels like the poor relation on his steel framed Scott with the RST front forks. He starts making his own plans for selling the idea of a new bike to his wife.

27th April Richard, David, Shavey, Gary, Jason and Mark - Epping Forest

A long drive round to Epping Forest but it’s always good fun going to a place where you haven’t ridden before.  Everyone is impressed with the Spesh. Well, Shavey and David are, the others can’t believe I have spent that amount on a pushbike. Oh well, what do they know?

The route is mainly fast gravelly track although some areas are unbelievably boggy and Jason manages to lose a trainer in the mud for a while at the foot of one particularly difficult hill.

We complete 5 hours cycling although there are still some areas that are still off limits due to F&M.

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