NWA: Macclesfield Forest 31/01/10 - 'AFTERMATH'

Big thanks to everyone who braved the unexpected snowfall to ride today.
It was the plan B ride due to the snow already lingering in huge drifts on some of the higher parts of the original route, but I'm happy that everyone seemed to enjoy sharing in my secret knowledge of backroads, flap-jacks, and endless steep climbs.

The roll of honour:
Ed - orange71 - Fuquay
Rob - rc200ti - Pace RC200ti
Neil - Mr Kawaawaakasssakkiii - Proflex 857
Chris - Woody - DeKerf
Mark - Sinnett177 - Dyna Tech
Stew - Stewlewis - Stumpjumper M2
Andy - Coventry Eagle
Paul - Stally - Stumpjumper M2
Sat Nav Sam - Trek 970SHX
Thumper - Sarah - Orange (modern)
Matt - Unocogero - Giant (modern)
Rick - RickDraper - Zaskar
Andrew - Proflex
Matt - Ex Team Raleigh T2000
Paul - drystonepaul - Bright white Saracen



And now some pictures:


Ed breaks his chain by trying too hard on the climbs.


Tricky singletrack drystone wall sections.


Relief at the top of the final climb.


Bike wash.


Unpredictable suspension rebound.


The optional final loop was spectacular and well worth the extra effort. [Just look at those happy faces...]


Woody receives his BoTR prize.

Thanks Paul. A terrific day. If that is your back yard no wonder you're so good at climbing.
I'm already regretting not going for the second loop.... no not really. Good pub
See you all next time.

Thanks Paul for a great day, organisation much appreciated.
Nice to meet such a good bunch of folks, I think the Stokies felt at home with the NW&NW group even though they were probably the most unfit..

Look forward to the next one

Stew (& Andy)

I've uploaded some pics, that for some reason have lost quality during the upload. See 'em here:

http://cid-37f1732b86534bcd.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Retro Ride 31st Jan

The GPS Google Earth file is here:

http://cid-14d2a851a539046e.skydriv...ide Google Earth?nl=1&uc=1&isFromRichUpload=1

Brilliant ride Paul, thanks.

Great photos too and I love the Google Earth file. What was the ride distance back to the pub (was it 18m like in the photo)?

Another great day out with the Retrobike crowd. Loads of new faces and some old ones too. Here are a few pictures I took during the day.


Thumper appears through the morning mist.


Stewlewis and Andy plough on.


Never flustered rc200ti, takes it all in his stride.


The first signs of spring.


Paul has an idea and Sarah is rightly concerned.


Woody still shocked by his 2009 NW&NWA BoTR win.


Snow, trails, bikes and dry stone walls, Paul was in his element.


Retrobike NAC'er.


Our rides are attracting some serious riders these days, but to balance it out we have Sam, Sarah and Stally Paul.


"I can see the pub from here"


Stewlewis in action.


Sam is going in the right direction.


Built in a day, Andy's 661 Coventry Eagle.


Shady character, Unocogero.


Woody not only builds competition winning bikes, he rides them too.


Stally with the speed of 9.


Shouldn't laugh Paul, but yes that the lunatic Sarah hitting the deck behind you.


Moderation.


Seen it all before.



Quite a collection.


Carnage.

Thanks to Paul for organising and guiding the ride. Even with the snow it was a great ride and I for one really enjoyed it.[/img]

what a cracking ride - best bit was the extra loop in the forest - ending with a sweeping 10 minutes downhill through the snow

will be back to visit again in the spring.

cheers Paul (and everyone else) for a top day

unocogero":dofpc3g8 said:

Brilliant ride Paul, thanks.

Great photos too and I love the Google Earth file. What was the ride distance back to the pub (was it 18m like in the photo)?

Click to expand...

GPS says:

Distance 13.08 miles (car, 1st loop to pub)
Climb +578.6 / -587.1 Metres
Time in motion 1:53:08
Calories 626
Weather avg 1.7 deg C

Elevation profile now in photo gallery:
Ascending for 4.42mi / 57.49mins / 51.1%
Flat for 3.57mi / 25.21mins / 22.4%
Descending for 5.08mi / 29.58mins / 26.5%

My fastest speed 19.2mph

Elevation graph and Aerial GE Pic in my gallery.

Top day Paul. Thank you was great.

Paul has an idea and Sarah is rightly concerned.

Click to expand...

And I just cower :shock:

stewlewis":1sgji2bb said:

Calories 626

Click to expand...

I can't accept it was only 626 calories. I ate that in wine gums