Biking Networking: Gisburn Forest

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.

Monday, 2 November 2009

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