My joints still ache from yesterdays excursions but at least I can keep my eyes open today.
Here is my attempt at a post ride write up ...
Rain lashed the windowpane as I awoke, not a good sign, checking RB no one had pulled out of the ride so a quick breakfast and out the door. When I arrived Paul introduced himself, he is one of Cannondale Kings customers from his bike shop, an experienced roadie but novice MTB rider, this ride was going to be a baptism of fire. The rest of the RB crowd gathered and headed for the cafe for pre-ride coffee and munchies. We could not put the inevitable off any longer and headed outside for last minute faffing and headed to the trails.
Staying on the Brandon side we headed for some familiar singletrack, searching out new trails rewarded us with fast smooth flowing singletrack, we ended up at the bottom of the long fireroad climb up to Mayday Farm. Riding a singlespeed I decided to forge ahead to keep my momentum and to give myself a head start on the rest. It was a tough long climb; I was blowing by the end. Heading over the road towards Mayday Meadow we picked up the Black Route and followed it down to Howes Pit (or The Beaker Breaker as it has become known). A few dodgy runs into the pit proved that it was too slippy for any daredevil stunts today. We headed down The Beast and MX Trail to get back to the Brandon side for lunch.
Sausage, bacon & egg bap - food of the gods!
Letmetalktomark pass expired and left shortly after lunch, the rest of us headed over to High Lodge side for a go at the Red Route. To say it was wet and slippy is an understatement, CK and I had a go at synchronised two wheel drifting on the fast open run, which makes up the first section. The trails reminded me of the conditions we had during D2D back in October last year, the only difference was that it was not dark. The conditions made the going really hard work for all; we cut short the red route and headed back to Brandon.
Overall it was a brilliant day, enjoyable despite the weather and mud. Many thanks to all who made the effort to come.
Chris
