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5th May – Richard,
Paul, David W, Mike, David F, Mark and Martin The Big 8
We have been joined by a few
of Mike’s friends today and boy are they fit! We complete the Big 8 circuit at
a cracking pace except for a couple of quick stops to repair a puncture (me -
twice). David F is on a Santa Cruz with only one front ring and Mark on a Stumpjumper. Martin turns back at the café
at Reigate Hill. Pity because he misses the best descent of the day. As you exit
the café area, cross the road and you are at the top of a fast, steep, rocky downhill
that is probably the closest thing to CyB you will get in Surrey. This is the perfect place to
test out my rear suspension. It had been feeling strange recently and I realised
the sag wasn’t set correctly. I used the guide in a recent MBR to set it yesterday.
The ride is much smoother and I feel more in control. I also bump into my cousin's
husband out for a leisurely morning ride. It's nice to see the old folks out for
a bit of exercise…
Steve at Reigate Meanwhile, David W is still
recovering from his injury and he and Paul take a short route home – I think they
were feeling the pace. After a great ride, I agree
to show David F a slightly different route home and we go via Belmont Downs and
Track 40. This
proves to be mistake as firstly I struggle to keep up with him and I then get
another flat on Track 40. It’s really good to ride with
new people and I enjoy the faster pace even if I know I will ache tomorrow. I
did about 23 miles from door to door, which wasn't bad in the circumstances. 7th May – Richard,
Paul
and Keef Belmont Downs It’s only 2 days after our
last outing and I can really feel it in my legs. Although it's a beautiful evening,
shirtsleeves only - the rain has made the Downs surprisingly wet and slippery
and we are much slower than previously. The
highlight of the evening is as we are finishing the route coming down Track 40.
I am following Keith and shout a warning that the corner where I took an involuntary
dismount is just ahead. Keith says 'oh yeah, it's just herrrrrrrreeeeee' as his
front wheel washes and he bails out with extreme discomfort. David swiftly loses
balance on the next corner and we finish for the night.
Richard powering across Belmont Downs
Keith
looking distinctly out of control. This picture almost conveys how steep Colley
Hill actually is.
Keith
at the foot of the hill 12th May – Richard and Keef The Big 8 in REVERSE
A misty but mild day – we are
in shirtsleeves again as we decide to try the Big 8 the opposite way round. There
has been a fair bit of rain this week and the ground is pretty boggy in places. The route is very rideable in reverse, the highlight being the steep downhill at Colley Hill. This is very slippery and we both struggle to control the bikes as we chicken out of the main channel and try the footpath to the right. We both slide off the bikes but it beats pushing uphill. Keith is suffering his normal mechanical trouble with his rear wheel sliding out of true resulting in frequent stops to adjust. Despite this we still make good time.
Keith
carrying his bike up a boggy climb – the back wheel needs attention again 19th May –
Richard and Mike The Big 8 in
REVERSE Another stonking day
as we repeat last week’s ride. There’s been a little rain but the ground isn’t
too boggy. I visited Evans in Waterloo
during the week and bought a pair of Altura baggies plus two tyres for a fiver
each from the bargain bin. A Specialized Rockster Sport 2.1 and a Mosquito Cameleon. I use the Rockster to replace
the Panaracer Trailblaster on the rear, which has
been very disappointing. I have also adjusted the front and rear mechs to improve
the action and degreased and regreased the gear and brake cables.
Mike
climbing 28th May –
Richard and Keef Belmont Downs Lots of rain this week
and the ground is very slippery. The Rockster isn't so good on this type of terrain,
preferring the hard packed stuff and I can feel it snaking around behind me. The trails are really
overgrown and my legs are torn to shreds by the brambles although the nettles
leave me with a nice tingle to keep me warm in the headwind. I suffer another flat
in the front although we still complete our route in a respectable time.
The end of another month - Bring back those glory days of March and April when
the trails were bone dry!
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