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?!