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Since neither Bayf nor LF (more of that later) 'posted', I kinda got better things to do and lapsed too... So what has happened in the year since our last post:

Duncan bought a new Orange 5, and then proceeded to barely ride it,

Garry built up his Meta with a set of Pikes for our Alps trip, and then bought an On-One summer season 456 to 'use up' his spare Fox Talas',

I recently bought an On-One 456 since I've only really used my Enduro at Chicksands, and its a bit of a waste, so wanted something I could plug my 36's into!

We (plus Guy) went with TrailAddiction to the Alps in June - absolutely stunning, and worthy of a post (Duncan?).

We also managed a few other trips, including Afan, Coed y Brenin, Glentress, Ae and various Chiltern and Surrey Hills outings.

But unfortunately Duncan succumbed to the LF* disease, and barely rode all year, with the exception of the Alps.

Other news;

Christian entered his first race, and even got his picture in DIRT magazine - very proud he is

I got laid off in the late Autumn, so I'm well fit now - lost 2 inches off my waist!

Hopefully we'll get the others posting from now...

*LF = Lazy Fucker

First Gorrick of the season

So Bayf and I entered the first Gorrick, DERA Test Track, down near Farnborough.

From parking the car, eventually, we dressed up and rode to the start - along what we found out later was about the only flat bit...

87 were entered into the Vets class, consequently this was fine for the run from the start, but then a bit of a nightmare at the first tight (one bike wide) section. From then on it was the most technical Gorrick we've ever done - very hard work...

I missed on target (not to be lapped), but got the other (beat Garry); and we finished 76th and 77th respectfully - 40 minutes behind the leaders (1 hour dead).

Long time since last post

So long time since last post, and a lot's happened, including:

• Weekend trip to The Peaks for Bayf and me, where we got drown, frozen and beaten by the weather
• New bike for Christian - Norco B-Line 24" full-suss
• Christian and I visited Glentress over Christmas - freeride and then the run down, including the Black section
• One day blat to Afan (Duncan, Guy, Bayf and I) - cold, took the wrong route, started doing Whites, ended doing most of the Skyline...
• Couple of visits to Chicksands
• Finally Duncan has bought his own bike, a rather spiffying 2008 Orange 5 Pro in black with the full upgrade kit (Thompson, carbon bars etc) - and very nice it is too
• And last Sunday, a day in Swinley - only did 14 miles, but had to pedal for every one

Now set for the first Gorrick on Sunday - Bayf and I've entered the Vets as usual

North Downs, and a fit(ter) Jon

The Roaring Forties and the work guys were back in action Sunday last for another go at the route that almost destroyed Jon, before he'd started MTBing.

But with nasty weather either side, the day was bright and fresh, and not too filthy.

Jon not only kept up, but led for a time. Guy followed us down the drop-offs he's avoided for years'. And all except myself managed a tumble.

But Guy maybe ought to check in the mirror first...

Chicksands 3 weeks running

Took the little lad to Chicksands 3 weeks running, and its quite amazing the difference (for both of us).

We've both mastered the dual-salaom, and are getting to grips with the 4X - obviously the NorthShore is still 'worrying' me - but the kids' doing well.

And we also took a friend, who was into MTBing 10 years ago (look at the bike!), with his 4" Cannondale DH rig.

4 Punctures and a Soaking

The Roaring Forties and three guys from work had a hack around the Christmas Common area on Sunday. A day of cold, rain, wind and 4 punctures - Adrian within 2 miles, then Jon to a snakebite and finally Andrew 300 yards from the car and this morning when he finally took his bike out of the car...

Luckily the forecast's predicted weather wasn't there first thing, otherwise I don't think some would have turned up - but a cold and damp car park got us moving, with a run around (1st puncture) Wormsley Park, and up onto Northend, then across a field into the teeth of a gail/rain and drop into the woods (2nd puncture)

and on across a (former) meadow... - then onto Pishill and the pub. How we managed to leave the pub and its real fire I've no idea.

Then up through a sunken lane and woods to Russell's Water, at this point Jon started to struggle - so again downhill through a tight and twisty between the hedges path, with a 3 foot drop-off in the dark, to catch the unwary (that woke them up!). From there it was a long climb to the Christmas Common road, where Duncan, Jon and Adrian elected to take the road back to the cars; while Garry, Andrew and I plummeted down to the Ridgeway via the bridleway next to Dame Alice's Farm.

From there it was a slog across to the M40, and then straight up the escapement (3rd puncture)

to the car park - meeting up with the guys.

By now the temperature had dropped and it was raining...

Home James (Garry).

Gorrick Autum Series - Crowthorne Woods

Bruce here.

I rode in last Sundays' Gorrick XC race in Crowthorne Woods, Veterans Class.

Didn't come last, nor even last of the finishers!

Managed my goal for this year, don't get lapped and finish at about 150% of the winner of the distance, which unusually was a Master, not Vet.

https://www.theimagefile.com/?skin=6899&Action=VF&id=61108040&ppp=0&ppwd=rn2669rp

And the Giant performed admirably, on what was a very technical course. Glad it wasn't wet, as the roots would have been horrific, and I'm sure St Johns' would have been busy.

The Lakes

Myself and Bayf took a 3-day camping (and yes, it was cold) to The Lakes.

We got up there in plenty of time to set-up camp, and went over to Grizedale for a lap of their North Face Trail. We thought'd of doing two, but the cafe beckoned... While in the ride it feels like there is too much fireroad, but last sections (Topsy Turvy onwards) made up for them.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/englandnwefdthenorthfacetrailmap.pdf/$file/englandnwefdthenorthfacetrailmap.pdf

Although we'd made a pact to not just spend all the evening in the campsite pub, it was just too cold to stay in the tent.

Saturday was a beautiful day, clear skies and long views.



We dropped down to Hartsop, and then took the route around and up to The Knott (a fair bit of pushing was needed), but once on top the views were stunning.



From there we followed the 'High Street' ridge to just above Pooley Bridge, the last few miles been just headlong downhilling.




Then it was following the Bridleway above Ullswater to Howtown, a most fantastic route with speed and views. We'd been advised not to bother with the lakeside path, but to head over Boredale Hause - boy was that a hard climb, especially the last hundred feet. From there it was just downhill back to camp - a shower and a Balti (Bayf). And the pub, as it was even colder...

Sunday, we packed up early and ran down into Glenridding and took the Grisedale route, over Dollywaggon Pike, to Helvellyn. The route started pleasant, but quickly became a nightmare carrying up the last 400 vertical metres to the top of Dollywaggon.



The optimist and the pessimist - we're halfway up vs as far again.




Once on top a quick break and then helterskelter (3 hours up vs 30 minutes down) across the rocks via Lower Man across Glenridding Common down to the Travellers Rest (top pub food, although Bayf thought his salad strange - with all manner of fruits). Back for a shower and home.

Afan, and no rain!

So six went for a day in Afan, and six returned unscathed, must be a record!

We had lunch, and then Jon arrived.

Just what Duncan had done, I don't know... Hardtail and V-Brakes maybe?

Tomorrow - Afan

Tomorrow its across to Afan, the Roaring Forties plus Guy and Jon from our North Downs ride, and Dennis, another guy from work.

And Jon has moved into the BIG BOYS League with a purchase this week of a Commencal Meta 5.5.2 - no excuses now, just hope his smoking cessation is on target...

Also it seems that there is no sign of FPF (False Promise Frost), and his twice stated:

"I will update the blog, honest"

Sunday run, and a new bike

Garry, Duncan and I managed 33 miles today; Aylesbury to Great Missenden to Princes Risborough to Towersey to Haddenham to Aylesbury - and my new bike was ace!

Mind you I still think the boys have trimmed up since the last photo on this spot...

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQRi3EyGsFPKknw2EUBx2b6BTVTfyviC5nCOOyfgjqnBzf1mJpvqa8_M1AWpP3rYBZ3gmYkR5DqsXZDrKeE2tiGg_5QQlB2YVWeNMkViD42Gt7fsbQLwUp0kTKZPcLfeSCRpMxqeLZuC8/s1600-h/CASLAZCH.jpg

Comment on radio

The DJ was talking to a travel writer who'd just flown out to Addis Ababa;

DJ - How was the journey

Travel guy - Oh, you know, travel in the 3rd world is difficult..., but once I'd got into Heathrow it all went smoothly!

Bought it!

New bike, ordered today, arrive Friday next:

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant_xtc_composite_1_2007_more.html

From Buckingham Bikes, who more than matched the best Internet deal I could find - no excuses for the Gorricks now!

Rebuild...

Mentioned yesterday to my boss that I'd spent the afternoon stripping down my Trek, on him querying my thoughts of another MTB (new story...), and he said that he's looking for a new bike and had been ebaying various full sussers at the five hundred pound mark...

So spent last night rebuilding said Trek, and its on the car for him to look at - so I can now buy the new bike, if even just on a promise of a sale.

Do I tell him about the fact that the forks could do with a service..., never sell to friends or family, thats ok, he's a colleague!

Update - he bought it!

Strip Down

Decided that the Trek, now Duncan has use of Garry's hardtail, is in severe need of some TLC - especially after the chainrings almost parted company http://roaringforty.blogspot.com/2007/08/evening-ride.html

So spent Sunday afternoon dismantling it, every little piece, and putting it all through my parts washer http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/Parts-Cleaning-Tank-Bench-Portable-Sealey-SM21;jsessionid=ac112b321f43345300e4362d4b598f50b6536e366716.e3eSc38TaNqNe34Pa38Ta38Nahf0?sc=2&category=178, which I can throughly recommend for delousing MTB's.

With the exception of the scarred frame, there is very little wear/tear, even all the bushings/bearings were pretty perfect (ie not dodgy French made, eh Garry?).

Now parked it all the the garage loft while I decide whether to sell, rebuild/recondition or just keep for spares.

Trail through the North Downs

Duncan and myself joined up with two Specialized riding colleagues; Guy (Stumpjumper FSR) and Jon (Hardrock Sport), down at Guy's place for a ride in the North Downs.













The weather was superb, warm with almost no wind.

Now Jon is new to MTBing, and a smoker as well; he struggled up the first real climb,







technical and sandy where none of us got up in one go - but for the next climb he decided that a gel was the answer - the packet didn't indicate the flavour, but his face did, boy did it look fowl (sic).



Unfortunately the next climb was almost his last, not quite heard noises like that before...

But he continued on, and did practically the full ride, even though his legs had already gone.

We lunched at the National Trust Cafe in Hindhead, and then hit the downhills.

In the end we managed 18.6-20miles, depending on whether it was Guy's computer or my GPS, with the route below:


































And Jon is still alive, and now wants a Full Sus.

Next time we'll take them around the Chilterns.

Terry's 40th

We all went and help Terry celebrate his 40th down in deepest Kent, we enjoyed ourselves, not sure whether Terry did...

Duncan - you need to write this up

Back to work

So where do we start with the 'holidays' or based upon my normal +500 miles per week, 'busmans holidays'...

Fri - took Nikki, Christian, Thomas and 2 bikes (Enduro for me, Trek for Christian) to my parents in the Scottish Borders
Sun - returned, sans the lot
Mon to Thu - busy week, including Paris via SteliosJet
Fri - travelled to Scotland, collecting eldest sons, and 2 bikes (GT for Joseph and Saracen for George) in Doncaster
Sat - visited my first 3 Day Event-ing, note picture of horse just before falling on rider and breaking her leg..., ouch

then Bayf arrives, good Italian in Melrose with all the family, where Bayf goads George into eating all of his pizza, after mussells and breads, and then a banana split - he is a bit delicate on the drive back (window open!)

Sun - Nikki flies home while the five of us visit a wet and murky Glentress - the boys love the new 'blue' freeride section

Mon - Back to Glentress, another good day, except Christian's bike came loose from the car rack (while driving...) and proceeded to grind away 1/2 inch of handlebar before I realised - doh

Bayf falling off the 'high' woodwork!

Tue - Bayf and I ride from my folks to the top of the Eildens, and back - then its Edinburgh, park car, beers/eats and Foo Fighters, then pi55ed walk back to hotel - and very good they were too
Wed - recovery day, while Bayf went home we fixed up the bikes - new bars for Christian and lock-ons for all 3
Thu - last day for the elder 2, so we went to Glentress, my wheelie demo wasn't a great success - spd's are a bugger to get out of when spinning over backwards (cor my kidneys took a beating)
Then to Edinburgh to collect Nikki from her flight back up and a very good meal in a French restaurant
Fri - dropped boys back at Scotch Corner and then had the pleasure of sitting in an A1 traffic jam watching the air-ambulance arrive

Sat - we went again up to Glentress as Christian wanted to show Nikki his skills, and while there I managed to be persuaded to enter the Avalanche Trophy (http://www.avalanchecup.com/)

Sun - back to Glentress and the enduro, all went well except for me practically falling off the starting stage and then missing a sign between Stages 2 and 3 (with a 15 min loss of time)

Mon - back home via Grandma's

Evening ride

Bayf and I managed an evening ride this week. It had chucked it down all day, and Bayf took some persuading... And I'm on the Trek today, as I've already taking the Enduro to Scotland in anticipation of a 7-Stanes week.

Anyway he turned up at 5:30, forgetting his shoes, so had to ride sans-SPD.

We rode from home across the Bugle Horn bridleway to Little Kimble, then straight up onto Pulpit Hill (definitely felt that), and down the otherside to the back of 'Chequers'. Across the Ridgeway and then home via Butlers Cross and the bridleway.

It was very dark, even down to not been able to see the roots in the trees, and they were well slippery.

Only item of note was my chain getting stuck between my outer and middle cogs on the chainset, and finding out the reason was that 3 out of the 4 bolts had fallen off! I guess this what comes of paying the Trek no attention (as Duncan's been riding it), with that and the creaky BB and stiff forks I think I need to give it a full stripdown and service. Hey Duncan when you buying a bike?

Once showered and changed it was into town for a couple of beers (when did The Grapes shut?), a curry and St James's, for a drink ;-)

WSB at Brands Hatch

Bayf, myself and 'Dave' had a day-out at the WorldSupers courtesy of one of my suppliers at work - initially there were only 2 tickets, but then the guy had to drop out, so we didn't even have to talk 'shop'.

Very warm, top fun and To52land did the double.

And yes, that is Bayf with water!

And to cap it all, we left after the 2nd Superbike race, and got home in less than 2 hours - previously its taken longer just to get out of the car park.