Diary of a mountain biker

Ride Archive
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
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February 2009
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If you ain't riding…you're either trying to find where the hell you are on the map or you're fixing your bike - Ian M.

8^th September 2002 Rich, David, Paul, Keef, Jo and Adrian – The_Big_8

A great turnout today. I haven't seen Jo or Adrian out on the trail since January this year.

Adrian chasing the pack across Epsom Downs

I spent yesterday afternoon fixing my front and rear mech with that really useful pullout bit in MBR this month and my gears are slicker than a smooth talking bar steward. We head off to Walton and then along the North Downs Way to Reigate before the great fast downhill past the NT Café. David must be feeling the pace as he soon fakes not one but two punctures in quick succession.

On the NDW we run into Peter going in the opposite direction. Peter rescued Keef and I back in June when we were lost in the Box Hill area. After a brief chat we are back on the trail.

Adrian and I had pushed on ahead while Dave fixed his second flat but the others catch us up when I too get a flat, which re-punctures as soon as I have fixed it – unbelievable.

A slightly different return to Epsom Downs and the end of another great ride.

Paul looking cool

Another Sunday, another trail

15^th September Richard and Keef – Box_Hill

Turn left off the road, lean back, weight on the back wheel, right past the fort, stand up out of the saddle, stomping down on the pedals and you are away. Search ahead to avoid any deep ruts but keep a light grip and let the bike flow as the trail flashes by. Brake lightly before the fast left hand bend but don’t lean in too far as the surface is loose chalk with an adverse camber. Around the bend and accelerate away again, flicking the front wheel left and right with just a change of body weight, making hundreds of tiny adjustments as you hear the rocks flying away from your rear tyre until you yank on the brakes as the end of the trail rushes towards you.

“Did you see that huge rock?” - “I almost lost it on that corner” - This is the rush of the descent from Box Hill café as you jabber away to your mates in an adrenalin-fuelled frenzy.

Keef at the foot of the descent

The loop from Epsom Downs via Headley Heath to Box Hill, returning via Stane Street offers plenty of great singletrack action. Climbs, descents, chalk land and good old mud with the option of two great downhills from the NT café.

A great day for cycling, mild and scattered cloud. I feel great today, bunny-hopping logs and off humps in the trail at every opportunity although I pinch flat at the end of the ride as I land a small jump too heavily.

My fitness level is returning to the pre-holiday peak, which is great as we are planning a trip to South Wales in three weeks.

22^nd September Richard & Adrian – North Downs Way

After not seeing him for months, Adrian is back for more – this cycling thing is catching! Starting from Reigate Hill we take in the North Downs Way heading west with a big loop down and back around Box Hill. 16 miles of great riding