MTB - Birch Vale Sunday 20th December

A few of us will be doing a 2 hour intermediate mountain bike ride on Sunday 20th December setting off from Birch Vale, High Peak around 11am.

Please contact John for further details or text 0776 5851664

Dales Bike Centre weekend write-up & photos

We all met up deep in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, at the Dales Bike Centre between Fremington and Grinton, near Reeth. There was no Vodafone reception, so only the Orange users could communicate if late arriving or if lost, unless they were able to fathom how to use a payphone..remember those? We expected rain, wind, and getting lost and running out of daylight. Riders turned up with spare waterproofs, first aid kits and lights, which ensured perfect warm dry, sunny, calm conditions as we climbed up the James Herriot roads from Grinton towards Langthwaite.

We perhaps carried more kit than necessary, especially Dave who had packed huge steel tyre levers just in case we came across a stranded HGV.

At the top of the road ascent we took an undulating bridleway across the dales, and descended through the ford at Fore Gill, before rising over a crest and down to an unlikely overgrown bridleway tangled with deep heather.

We battled to where the path vanished, decided this route was not quite right. We descended the road towards Surrender Bridge and picked up the obvious landrover width bridleway.

The golden winter sun projected a deep mystical light across the spectacular ruined Old Gang Smelting works. We stopped to admire the ruins whilst amateur photographers were waiting for us to get out of shot before the light changed.

We pressed on through another deeper ford, which was attacked with gusto and bravado by Adrian, Curtis and Dave, who all ended up with wet boots, whilst the more gentle technique of Jo-Anne, Alice and Voj also resulted in wet boots...!

The final ascent toook us up to the Great Pinseat summit, where we posed as meerkats, and then continued the gentle looping descent back down to the road.

On the long descent, John Witcombe crashed. He lost his front end turning in the mud at speed and slid along the muddy heathery bank. Fortunately, three of us had recently completed our Wilderness First Aid course. Firstly, we checked that his bike was OK, as it was lying there not moving and not breathing. It had full range of movement and responded well to braking, We concluded that the lack of a pulse and below average temperature was acceptable, as it was a bike. We moved on to the more vocal patient. John W said he was fine, and was walking around and able to hold a coherent conversation and had full range of movement. However, we checked him, frisked him, made sure that he was breathing and had a pulse, just in case he was putting it on. Satisfied that he was alive and able to continue, we pressed on.

Back through the Fore Gill ford, and right over the gentle bridleway descent to Healaugh with steaming brake discs, then dropping back into Reeth and Grinton. As my watch was an hour fast, we were back with a couple of hours of daylight remaining. Adrian, Curtis, Mark S, and I set off on a quick Grinton loop of short steep up hill, then long sweeping grassy descent. Conscious of the fading light, we carried a little too much speed, raced beneath the fallen tree, and twitched and slid our way round the grassy wet bends. No crashes, no offs, and back to the Dales Bike Centre within 40 minutes before spending a pleasant evening sampling the excellent food, beer and hospitality of the Bridge Inn, Grinton.

The Dales Bike Centre is an excellent venue which is clean, friendly, helpful, and has a drying room. The cakes, coffee, bacon sanwiches and porridge are all highly recommended.

We woke on Sunday to rain. The river had risen 2 metres overnight and was climbing high up the bridge. The roads were like streams, and the carpark was flooded and rising. We braved the sleeting rain, and decided to do a brief ride getting back in time to escape before the roads flooded. Up the hill and along the easy bridleway, 2nd on the right on the road to redmire. There was running water on the bridleway, and we rode on to the gate where there should be a shallow ford... The ford was over wheel height, fast flowing, and about 3 metres across, and rising quickly. We decided to turn back. As we sped back along the bridleway, the water was already much deeper. Jo-Anne sank her front wheel, launched off her back and skimmed from one puddle into another! Soaked to the skin, and fortunately only a mile down the road from the Centre, Mark escorted her home and the rest of us soon followed after a brief extra section of bridleway. We got changed and then left the bike centre with the flood levels rising, and all made it out of the dales just before the flooding closed the roads...

North Yorks MTB weekend 27-29 November

Not long now until the North Yorkshire Biking Networking weekend! I'm pretty confident that it will be suitably wet and windy, so bring waterproofs, spare dry clothing and footwear, gloves etc. You must all wear a helmet. The terrain is off road, rocky and muddy. Most routes will be of intermediate standard. The routes are not suitable for Hybrid bikes nor slick or semi-slick tyres. A standard mountain bike with mountain bike tyres will be fine.

Please can you each pack your own basic first aid kit, spare inner tubes, pump and basic tools, and a spare waterproof to carry with you. We do not know the area, so you may be standing around for several minutes whilst we navigate. If anyone has front lights, please bring them (even a head torch would be fine). We are not intending any night riding, but darkness can fall quickly, so it is best to be prepared. If you have a compass, bring one. We can get route maps from the centre. The relevant map for the area is OS Explorer OL30. The Landranger series is no good, as the area is on the corner of 3 maps. If you have Outdoor Leisure OL30, please bring it.

Kit list: Mountain Bike, helmet, 2 sets of gloves, 2 waterproofs, lights/headtorch, basic first aid kit, basic tools, pump, 2x spare innertubes, biking footwear, socks + spare socks, mobile phone (charged up), compass and OL30 map if you have them. Energy bars and hydration. Consider bringing a buff / thin hat / balaclava. You may get cold.

For those staying over, the accommodation looks great, breakfast is provided, there are drying rooms, secure lock-up and there is a decent pub down the road, which will hopefully have proper Yorkshire Ale... there is also a bike shop on site which looks to have decent kit, and some ex-demo bike offers....

I will head up on Friday morning to recky the area and to pick up the keys.

Location and accommodation details are on the website: http://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/accommodation.html
http://www.dalesmountainbiking.co.uk/


Address: Dales Bike Centre, Parks Barn,Fremington,Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 6AW
Travel & Parking: in a tiny village called Fremington, just half a mile east of Reeth, a picture postcard location on the B6270. If car park is full, park in Reeth and walk back (1/2 mile)
By road: The A1M is just 20 minutes away. From the ‘A1M’ head for Richmond. Then take A6108 signposted ‘Reeth’. After a few miles take the B6270 towards Reeth. Once through the village of Grinton, Dales Bike Centre is on your left at the end of a row of tall trees. If you pass the Fremington village sign you’ve just passed us!

Saturday and Sunday Rides - we will set off around 10am from the biking centre.


Any problems, call me on 07765851664 or by email: john.kitching@pannone.co.uk (until Wednesday) or johnkitching@hotmail.com (on Thursday, I will be at the venue on Friday)

OR call the Dales Mountain Bike Centre on 01748 884908 or by email : enquiries@dalesbikecentre.co.uk

Bike Skills Course write-up

On Sunday, Andy and I had the benefit of some instruction from Lee of Peak Mountain Biking ( www.peakmountainbiking.co.uk ). The course was aimed at either beginners or those who wanted to build confidence and check they were doing it right. Arguably Andy and I fell into the latter category!
The weather hadn't read the script. Although there had been storms the night before, it was dry and sunny - yes sunny - for most of the day. The morning consisted of some short sections to brush up on use of gears and brakes. Checking that we were positioning ourselves right on descents and ascents. Neither of us were hanging back far enough on steep descents. Lee also taught us how to use the back brake when doing slow tight turns or to regain balance. Very useful trick and we both found ourselves using it.
After some comedy offs on technical climbs we stopped for a quick lunch before setting off up a 1k technical climb, some mud sliding (first time I have had to pedal down hill!) and the Haggs Farm descent. All in all we rode about 40k in the day and were clearing things with more confidence by the time we got back to the car park.
The skills course is a must for anyone new to riding - it will save you months of trial and confidence sapping error. For those who have been riding a while but feel that they clear sections using luck rather than technique it is also a great way to spend a day. Lee tailors the ride to the skill level of those on the course. It meant we covered some harder sections than a beginners course. All in all it was excellent value for money.
Mark

Gisburn Forest - Hallowe'en write up

The Met office has now released a new classification of severe weather warning. It now has a link to the biking-networking blogspot. There is now a 99% probability of localised flooding and sever weather for the 24 hours before and after any group ride.

The poor locals of Gisburn Forest were unprepared for our weather curse. The route had never been intended for such water levels. They never stood a chance. UN rescue workers were starting to pull out as we assembled in the car park. The rain had receded by the time we arrived but Adrian (whose poor wife was rebuilding the flood defences at home) lived closeby and was able to tell us of the heavy rain the night before. The car park was testimony to that fact. This was the first time I was covered in mud before I had my bike off the roof rack.

The trail made up for the weather. The singletrack was twisty and technical enough for everyone. The route was a real "red" route not like the tame version at Llandegla. There were plenty of sudden rock steps to test your nerve and lots of slippy twisty climbs to test your fitness. Everyone seemed to cope well with the climbs and the mud. I should know as I was stood by my bike watching and recovering. My fitness seemingly gone for the day.
Adrian gamely sat and pretended to be enjoying the view whilst he waited on a rock to check I was still cycling/alive. Jason, Andy and Curtis just sailed through the clay and mud as if it wasn't there and stopped for a breather round the corner.
The final section of the route claimed casualties. Adrian's chain kept trying to escape his bike and Curtis had a puncture. This provided an ample opportunity to discuss the merits of going tubeless. The rest of us were using tubes and had no punctures - the jury remains out on that one. When we got back Jason's chain had become confused by his gears and twisted itself up trying to work them out.
After 3 hours of riding Curtis and Adrian still had the energy to push my car out of the mud - thanks guys.

Photos to follow

Mark

Gisburn Forest Saturday 31st October

Mark and Curtis are mountain biking at Gisburn Forest, north of Clitheroe, on Saturday 31st October.
Meeting at 10 for setting off at 10.30 ride.

There is a car park at the start of the trail. Follow the B6478 out of Clithero. There is a sign post for Gisburn Forrest on the left about 3 mile after Slaidburn (I think it’s just before Stephen More).

Please contact Mark mark.slater@lindermyers.co.uk if you are interested in attending.

Details of forest and location below.

Thanks


http://www.moredirt.co.uk/article/New-trails-launched-at-Gisburn-Forest/1218/

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/EnglandLancashireNoForestGisburn

http://www.multimap.com/maps/?#t=l&map=53.94522916550725,-2.458544620363775144&dp=841&loc=GB:53.94522916550725:-2.458544620363775:16

John Kitching is now a qualified Mountain Bike Guide!

After a 2 day course and assessment with Mountain Bike Instructor Trainers, John is now qualified as a level 2 Mountain Bike Guide under the MIAS qualification (Mountain Bike Instructor Award Scheme).
Level 2 is classed as Wild Country Terrain, and involves intermediate riding skills (similar to those you would find on a black grade XC circuit), wilderness navigation, "on the trail" repairs, and basic coaching and group management skills.

The qualification allows the Guide to take groups of under 16s on trails up to an altitude of 600 metres. The Guide can take adults in the UK to any altitude.

If you are interested in qualifying, please see http://www.mountainbikeinstruction.co.uk/

Llandegla 11am, Saturday 3rd October

My brother has a very excitable spaniel puppy. When you knock on the door her paws wheel-spin on the wooden floor as she hurtles towards the door. If the door is closed, she tries to dig her way through to say hello.
Llandegla was Mark’s first ride after injury. Mark was that spaniel. He could barely keep still as we drank our coffees and eyed up the cakes before setting off!
After far too many seconds hanging around, we set off onto the forest trails. Mark joined Curtis and Andrew on the intermediate Red Circuit, whilst I took the others around the moderate Blue Circuit.
Halfway round the Blue, Nicola’s derailleur sheared off, so we had to convert it into a fast pedalling single speed, which I rode, swapping with Nicola for entertainment value. I found that I could scoot along faster with one foot kicking off from the floor which was great on the flats, but not so great on the up-hills!
Lyn fell in love with her demo bike, a full suspension Trek Evo something or other, and she made it back to the café first, closely followed by Jo-Anne and Nicola who in the blink of an eye had ordered lemon drizzle cake. Mark, Curtis and Andrew soon returned, grinning. After a brief pit-stop, they were all back out for another circuit, with mark raring to go, as was Lyn, making the most of her favourite bike yet.


http://www.coedllandegla.com/find-us.htm

Derwent Ride Write-up 27 September

Andy Hallas and Jon Gildea met up with PeakMountainBiking's Lee Hankins on a 50km 5 hour Epic. They all made it round, and were reported to be happy but tired...apart from Jon who nearly broke into a sweat by the end... Write up to follow.

The rest of us (who fancied getting back in time for a beer...) just did a 30km route...which was hard enough! Predictably, Owen sabotaged his bike to make it more challenging, riding with just 2 gears and down to the metal on the brakes. Curtis had to throw mud at his shiny bike to get a bit more bike-cred. Jo-Anne kept warm by conquering ascents and descents that she had never before cleaned. The Professor, capable of the most complex bio-genetic equations, just couldn't fathom how it were possible for us to descend past the Ladybower Inn, and not stop for a beer. One of life's imponderables. After a long-ish slog on excellent rocky rutted, loose and varied terrain, from Aston up to Hope Cross and descending down the Roman Road, we returned to the aforementioned Inn to balance the equation. Choosing my words carefully, the local brew was called Blonde, and we had three. The beers went went down well after a fabulous ride.

Winter Night Rides - Weds 19:30 Hayfield

For those interested in MTB Night Riding, Hayfield Hub Mountain Bike Group are keen to welcome bikers on their weekly night rides. Hayfield Hub meet at The Royal in Hayfield on Wednesdays at 19:30, and set off at 19:40. They are happy for us to tag along. Just turn up and be ready to ride!

Riders must have their own off-road lights, bikes and appropriate kit, and be happy riding technical terrain in the dark.

For more information: http://www.hayfieldhub.net/ or email John Kitching
Location: http://www.theroyalhayfield.co.uk/ SK22 2EP

Thanks
John Kitching

Disley Write-up

We got the bikes out in the now predictable torrential rain, and dared to believe in my unswerving optimism that it would brighten up. Fortunately, we left the rain in the car park and chased the storm clouds over the top of Buxton Old Road. The long climb was duly rewarded with a dramatic panoramic view across to the Kinder Valley beneath brightening skies.














The quick descent down Redmoor Lane, through sodden spongy grass left Edwin’s brakes steaming and hissing as we walked through the farmyard.
We dropped down across the A6 at Furness Vale, and then started a long climb beneath pylons before hitting the relentless rocky bridleway, polished by the rain. We stopped for a breather and contemplated a sign offering half a pig for £3 per kg. A good offer, but no-one fancied the continuing up-hill with a pig on the handlebars!
We skirted along Chinley Churn and then took the final descent back onto Laneside. In the fading light, we decided to avoid the A6 and Edwin led us along the canal path back to Disley.

As we passed Swizzles Matlow, the smell of Refreshers distracted Owen, and he twitched amusingly close to the canal. Safely back, we sampled the very hospitable Ram’s Head where the beer was good, and the Bangers and Mash plentiful. Not quite half a pig, but not far off!

Birch Vale write-up

The afternoon had seen monsoon rain bouncing off the streets of Stockport and new Mills, prompting a call from Dean at 4pm asking if we were still going ahead, and then questioning my sanity when he heard my positive reply of “oh it will brighten up, if not, we just get wet”.

Fortunately, a couple of hours later we were on our bikes, and riding off beneath hazy amber skies which were holding off the heavy slate grey storm clouds.

Appropriately enough, we stormed up Highgate Lane at quite a pace, conscious that we had limited daylight, then shot down the often loose and dusty Motorway Descent although the rains had given it just enough tackiness to allow swift cornering. We then showed Jon Gildea a new, and much liked alternative to his usual route: The Campsite Descent, before looping back into Hayfield and climbing Snake Path. Jon brutally cleaned the loose rocky ascent after the gate, and we then caught up with Alice and Sam before descending the classic that is Shooting Cabin across Carr Meadow to Glossop Road.

Curtis foolishly followed my wayward line, and none of us could quite believe it when we saw Jon get his line wrong after descending the rocky steps, only to bunny hop up the opposing bank….incredible… odd, but incredible!

We finished off by heading down Swallow House Lane, and then picking up the final two sections of the Lantern Pike to Birch Vale descent (fantastic). After all that effort, like any athletes we needed a Carbs (& Hops) based Sports drink, which, fortunately, they served by the pint in The Grouse. Great stuff.

2009 Biking Networking Events (click on table for full size image)

NB - the Venue for the 28 November is the Dales Mountain Bike Centre near Richmond. Rides on Sat & Sun from 11am http://www.dalesbikecentre.co.uk/

Macclesfield write-up

Macclesfield Event Tues 21 July


Mark's Macclesfield ride still has a 100% record for torrential rain! We waited until the heavens opened and then set off. A surprisingly large number turned out despite the weather, and we all soon warmed up on the first climb up through Macclesfield Forest.


Charity Lane was the first walled rocky descent. Edwin had a puncture, but other than that it was safely co-ordinated by all 13 of us. A loose deeply gravelled descent followed, where riders carved elegantly through the snow-like gravel and others lost it completely and crashed into spikey bushes (mine and Molly's preferred approach!) We then found some board walk sections, where we slid, walked and rode bits, and Tim demonstrated he was an expert at falling left and then right whilst clipped in, generally sliding down a steep bank for good measure, and Owen learnt how to use his new chain tool, by repeatedly snapping his chain.







As the rains eased off, and the sun began to set, the forest
mist could be seen relaxing back up to the skies, as we made
our final descent: A long, wide, fast sweeping forestry track. Rob in particular had wanted a fast descent, and he found one.. crashing into a drainage ditch before rolling sideways 5 times down the rocky track with his bike.
Dazed, grazed and with a suspected broken collar bone, we spent the next few hours in A & E.

He is fine, no breaks, but lots of pain, and has a few regrets about getting his line wrong!

UPDATE: Stepping Hill got it wrong - they now realise that he's broken his collar bone... 4-6 weeks to recover.

John

Tuesday 23 June - Marple ride write up

There was a great turn out of 15 riders on what turned out to be a glorious summer's evening.

Andy managed to get a puncture before leaving the car park, and the gremlins appeared again shortly after as Adrian's chain snapped at the foot of the first technical ascent, and he had to return home...all the way to Kendal!

We eventually made it up the first ascent, and then somehow temporarily lost Dave who stopped to chat to a couple of ladies on the golf course under the pretence of "asking for directions" .. Back on track, and the up hill continued, and got a bit rocky. Clive had the knack of always being in the vicinity as riders mysteriously fell off their bikes at very slow speeds, Curtis majestically falling sideways on top of Clive's stationary bike. The penalty you pay for dabbing. Two quick and rocky descents followed, before riding back down a couple of our earlier ascents, which caused a few snake bites.

Punctures were fixed as the low sun yawned across a lazy horizon of green hills, and then we headed off to the Fox descent. Dappled light, blind corners, mud, rocks, and slippery cobbles. Fantastic.

Ryan's front brake strangely came loose, but there were no more hills to concern him. The final stretch took us back past Roman Lakes, and onto the quiet village lanes of Marple Bridge...where Ryan, beside a line of queuing traffic somehow managed to endo his bike and forward roll onto the pavement.

What a fantastic way to end the ride! Good beer and food in the Midland. Home.

Location The Midland, 26 Brabyns Brow, Marple Bridge, Stockport, SK6 5DT.Tel: 0161 427 2370 http://www.midlandmarplebridge.co.uk/findus/

Marple - The Fox Descent - Dean

Marple - The Fox Descent - Jo-Anne

Marple - The Fox Descents 2009 Mark and Mike..?

Jackson's Boat, Tues 19th May

A hardy group of cyclists risked the threatening stormy skies, and rode off from Jackson’s Boat. The rains held off and the sun even tip-toed out temporarily as we made our way along the trans pennine trail 62 and around Chorlton water park. David Brodie showed his bike skills riding his cyclo cross bike, and Lyn bravely rode with her wrist in a guard after being attacked by "Predator" (I'd understand if I had a TV apparently!).
Speaking of predators, on the riverbank, Chris Hyde noticed an opportunist crow snatching a tiny yellow gosling whilst the parent geese did surprisingly little to stop it. Mark now has an insatiable curiosity as to which would win in aerial combat between a crow and a goose…any suggestions?!
After taking in Sale Water Park, Chris and I getting wet feet from fording a stream that was deeper than it looked, we headed back to the warmth of Jackson’s boat, looking surprisingly muddy. Thanks to all who turned up!



Jackson's Boat, Rifle Road, Sale, Manchester M33 2LX
http://www.jacksonsboat.co.uk/

M60 exit J6, Trafford water park. Turn right down Jackson's Boat Lane onto Rifle Road. (if you go left you get to Trafford Water Park)

Jacob's Ladder write up

A select group of foolhardy mountain bikers survived the Jacob’s Ladder route on Saturday 9th May in sunny dry conditions. The usual inevitable mechanical failures ensued, including repeatedly snapped chains for Edwin and a disconnected hydraulic brake cable for Owen who tenaciously decided to carry on. After the long slog up to Edale cross and the top of Jacob’s Ladder, we had to wait for a group of ramblers to summit before flinging ourselves down. The 20 or so ramblers were curious that cyclists wanted to do this, especially as Owen had no rear brake… we all survived though, which I think deflated the onlookers. Next: Ride up Mam Tor. Edwin scavenged his way to the top, where we had sandwiches, before descending the fantastic rocky drop offs of Rushup Edge and heading homewards. The home straights caused further casualties however, my derailleur wrenched itself off my frame (created a singlespeeder to get home) and Curtis pushed his new bike too far, cracked his helmet and picked up a few more trophy scars on the Motorway Descent. Owen was fine. Who needs a rear brake. Right, anyone know how much a new rear end is for my bike?!

2009 Biking Networking Events (text format)

Date/ Time/ Type/ Level/ Route/ Meet/ Duration
Sat 9th May 11:00 MTB Advanced Jacob’s Ladder Hayfield Visitor Centre 4 hours +

Tues 5th May 17:30 Road Beginner + Parbold Lancs Farmers Arms 1 hour

Tues 19 May 18:00 MTB Beginner Manchester canal and bike routes Jackson’s Boat 1-2 hours


Tues 23 June 18:00 MTB Intermediate Marple The Midland 2 hours

Tues 21 July 18:30 MTB Intermediate Macclesfield Waters Green Tavern or Leather Smithy 2 hours

Tues 18 Aug 18:30 MTB Intermediate + Birch Vale The Grouse 2 hours



Tues 1 Sept 18:30 MTB Intermediate Disley Rams Head 2 hours

Sat 3rd Oct 11:00 MTB All levels Llandegla Llandegla Visitor Centre Café 2 hours +


Sat 28 Nov 11:00 MTB Intermediate Cross Fell N Yorks TBC 2 hours +

Jacob's Ladder Sat 9th May, 11 a.m meet in BIRCH VALE

This is a pretty tough Mountain Bike event for advanced riders, or intermediate riders who want to push themselves (and maybe want to push their bikes for a bit!).

Summary
NEW MEETING VENUE due to the May Queen festival causing chaos in Hayfield village... MEET at Crescent Row, Birch Vale, SK22 1BW email John for directions

Set off 11:20 pm

Bike for 4 to 5 hours approx

Return at 16:00 to 16:30.

Bring energy bars and hydration.
Take some lunch with you to eat at the foot of Jacob's ladder. This saves us 2 miles, and a few quid! There are pubs / fish n chips in Hayfield if anyone wants food or beer after the ride.

Directions:
MEET at Crescent Row, Birch Vale, SK22 1BW email John for directions

Planned Route: (Advanced 30km to 35km)
The planned route is to go into Hayfield Village, up Highgate Lane (steady climb on a quiet road for around 1km), then veer off onto the left bridleway near the top of the road, cutting left at the bridleway crossroads before Mount Famine, the descending the fast, sweeping, rocky Motorway Descent (has drainage channels crossing the track which can be ridden through or jumped). Fork Right at the bottom (i.e. Don't continue on Pennine Bridleway to campsite). The next section is a long, long climb, initially on private road (0.5km), and then on loose bridleway becoming very rocky up to edale cross which is almost unrideable as an ascent.

We then descend Jacob's Ladder bridleway. This is steep and rocky at the start, fast technical riding becoming loose rocky and rutted after the gate down to the bridge. YOU MUST WEAR A HELMET. Gloves are advisable.

The return route will climb Mam Tor and descend Rushup Edge. Rushup edge has rocky drop offs (1 foot to 3 foot) landing on loose rocks. There follows a steady climb then a variety of descents back into Hayfield.

The full circuit will be around 30km. For those who are injured or exhausted, or whose bikes have broken by the time we reach Edale, there is always the option of getting the train back to New Mills, and Hayfield is only 3 miles along the flat Sett Valley Trail from there.


What to bring
You will need to bring your own mountain bike and helmet and usual biking gear (hydration, tools, clothes... etc)
Please make your own way to the venue. Please make sure your bike is in working order to avoid delays at the start.

Saturday 4th April 2009 - Hayfield

On Saturday 4th April, the Mountain Bikers enjoyed a glorious sunny Saturday of biking around Hayfield. We all battled with the strenuous uphills, (although Molly somehow breezed most of them on her single speed 29er).

Despite various mechanical failures along the way (from locked brakes to no brakes!), everyone returned with a smile on their face.

The route took in the Motorway Descent, the endlessly fast descent from South Head to Kinder Reservoir, followed by the uphill punishment of the cobbles, before finishing with the High Peak singletrack classic from Shooting Cabin across Carr Meadow to Glossop Road...

Rob Dixon even managed to descend the rocky steps on his 20 year old rigid Raleigh…I fear to think what he’d ride if he had suspension!

I think that most riders will agree that the uphills were worth the effort.

BTW We are planning to organise some dates for evening rides again soon, so watch this space! It’s light after work again – wahoo!

Good Llandegla Trip!

Thanks for the huge turn out for the Llandegla Trip on Saturday! Did you like the way we organised the violent storms not to set in until after we had all got back to the café...!?

The cakes at the café were amazing...maybe we should set up a cake-networking group too.

Photos and videos are now posted below although please feel free to email your own photos to be uploaded.

Next event TBC

Llandegla Photos