Biking Networking: Tuesday 23 June - Marple ride write up

Disclaimer

Cycling is a dangerous activity which can result in serious injury or death. All cyclists are responsible for their own safety and must decide for themselves if they are a competent cyclist for the event they attend, cyclists must assess the level of risk for themselves before and during any event, and must not put other people at risk. No assessment of a cyclist's competence is made by the ride leader. Individuals must be able to assess obstacles and decide whether they have the skill to safely ride them. If an individual isn't sure whether they have sufficient skill to ride any section of the ride then they should walk it to avoid injury. All cyclists must wear a helmet and take responsibility for disclosing any relevant medical conditions, allergies and emergency contact details to the ride leader before each event.

Wednesday, 24 June 2009

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.