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...

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"

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.