Retro/Modern SS/Geared Clash Bash Aftermath
Here's the photies and a wee round up for those who didn't make it.
For me the ride got off to a good start when it became clear that there were one retro geared and one retro SS as well as one modern geared and one modern SS. So it would be a battle of old vs new, the past vs the present, grumpy old men vs cheerful....old men.
The moderns were the first to fall with Ian "They're new these shoes you know" taking a gracefully slow dive into the mud at the technical, rocky ascent. Having not done his cleats up tightly enough he was now one with his bike and so after a few minutes of gazz and velo freeing him the ride was once more progressing onwards. Nary five minutes later the intrepid new shoe wearer had pulled his foot away to leave a cleat stuck in the pedal! After much cursing by Ian and poo pooing of spds by velo it was decided that Ian would ride home, sort out his footwear and meet us on the return leg of the trip.
So now outnumbered two to one the modern rider decided to hatch a devious plan; if he kept telling velo that there were no more hills up ahead nor anymore gates to open then upon encountering these time and again, hopefully velo's retrogrouchness would cause some sort of brain malfunction thus evening up the numbers. Alas the plan failed to take into account the retrogrouch's formidable arsenal of modern bicycle berating tools which helped keep him firm in the face of adversity.
Justice was however seen to be done when upon encountering the fast downhill rock garden stretches velo was heard to shriek like a girl and complain that he "couldn't keep [his] feet on the pedals"!
A quick stop at the lovely, picturesque bridge saw much eating, chatting and top tube licking before continuing on to meet Ian and ride from Blanefield to Strathblane. After passing "The Gowk Stane" we adjourned for more eating, chat, etc.
The last section took us over the Khyber Pass, dropping back down to Mugdock park and with a wee flattish burl back along the West Highland Way we returned to Clober Rd. car park tired, muddy and happy.
Apologies to velo however as two thirds of the way back to Ian's we realized that we had neglected to invite him for a brew and to make use of the bike washing facilities. My shame will burn eternal.
Piccies up next......
