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If you ain't gettin' down and dirty in the woods you ain't nuthin!

6^th July 2002 - Richard, Paul, David, Keef, Shavey and Gary Evans Trailbreak

A group of us have decided to enter a Trailbreak event in Princes Risborough organised by Evans Cycles. This is a new feeling to me, being the first semi-competitive event I have ever attended. This is the first time since 9^th November (yes, in 2001) that Shavey and Gary have been out with us and I don't think they have been on their bikes too much since then.

It has been rained quite heavily this week so despite my misgivings I have replaced the Panaracer Trailblaster on the rear. I know this will give me better traction if there is any mud.

Pre-ride tinkering in the car park. L to R: Paul, Gary (background), Shavey, David

On the starting line: Gary, Shavey, Paul, David (background), unidentified, Keith

After an early morning start and varied amounts of pre-ride tinkering we leave the starting line at 9-40 full of confidence and energy heading out on the 27.5 mile sport route. The first few miles are fairly straightforward, lots of roadwork followed by some simple climbs. However, we soon begin to hit the first of the mud. This is serious winter type stuff that looks like it has been churned up by 4x4's never mind the dozens of bikes that are ahead of me and definitely not the mud I expected in the middle of summer. I also make a mental note to bring my sealskinz with me next time I am in this area as I have a foot full of water within the first 5 miles.

There is definitely better traction on the rear and I can also feel the weight difference, the Panaracer being a much lighter tyre and it is easier to throw the bike around the trail.

Paul and David await the arrival of Shavey and Gary

One of the fast sweeping downhills - wait for me!

The route continues and the climbs become steeper although only one climb is too steep to ride. A few others required pushing because of the lack of grip in the mud (irrespective of whatever tyre you have).

The course continues with a fair bit of road thrown in but some of the off-road is frankly unrideable. There are huge boggy puddles that come up to the wheel hubs as we plough through them. Halfway round I hear a knocking sound from my front wheel. Keef reliably informs me that it is the bearings. I don’t have any grease with me but manage to cadge some oil from some bikers a few miles later and I effect another bodge to get me round and limit the damage until I can inspect it.

Keef watches Gary and Shavey negotiate the mud

David seems to have lost control of his bike in his long lay off over the last few months and manages three separate face-plants for no apparent reason.

The mud is taking it's toll and Shavey is feeling the pace. After 20 miles he needs a serious rest and we take a break after a long road climb to refill on Mars and Power Bars.

On one of the final downhills I come around a bend in the trail to find Keef has crossed a gnarly root section at speed and been spat out the other side landing heavily. His lid has taken a heavy knock and has a crack in it and he has a nice bruise forming on his thigh. He has also bent his favourite anodized purple handlebars which makes finishing the route a bit of a trial for him.

Four hours and 40 minutes later we finally finish. I had thought we were doing okay but was absolutely gutted to find out that we missed the Gold, Silver or Bronze awards and finished in the Pub category - we didn't touch a drop! Despite being totally exhausting, this was a great ride and thoroughly enjoyable. I will do it again in better weather.

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