Made the trip over to Hebden Bridge yesterday for the Thursday night ride. As it was a lovely day I set off early so that I could stop by the Singletrack office to say hello and pick up some panniers before doing a pre-nightride ride in the lovely sunshine. Up Horsehold (which I middle ringed for the first time ever - harsh) then Bench Trail, Fishing Is Amazing and C Anal back to Stubbing Wharf where I’d parked the car. Back in plenty of time for a couple of drinks and some crisps whilst sat in the sun before everyone turned up for the main ride :)

After much deliberation we (Me, DaveA, Ed, Mats, Sim, Jo & Cathy) headed up the other side of the valley and sampled such delights as Original Midget’s, Barely Legal, Blue Pig (dry and fast!), Craig’s Hand and Bolty’s Steps, 2 of which were new trails to me :)

Was pretty dark by the time that we got back to the pub but we managed to avoid using lights. Summer is here! Finished off with a lovely pint before heading home.

This weekend sees the 7th(?) running of the CLIC 24Hr mountain bike event in The Mendips. Anyway, after dabbling in the murky world of solo 24h racing for the first time last year, MikeD is back for more punishment. Go and sponsor him HERE. Good luck Mike!

Having had a lazy weekend (other than cutting the grass and going shopping) I decided I needed a longish ride today. Set off without a destination in mind and somehow ended up in Blackpool (despite saying after my last ride there that I wouldn’t return!). It’s still a dump. Lytham is much nicer and I stopped there for an ice cream :)
The sun threatened to fully break through the clouds occasionally but it was mostly hazy. Quite warm though and only a light breeze which made a pleasant change. The new Specialized Armadillo tyres don’t seem as slow as I first thought which is nice, will see how they perform over the next couple of thousand miles. Legs felt good and I got back after nearly 5 hours feeling about the same as I did after a 2 hour ride a couple of months ago. Splendid.

A few pics HERE

132km|4h50m

In from work around 1900, out the door by 1910. Quick ride up to Rivi Pike and back on the Surly. Trails pretty dry, legs felt strong. Had a bottle of Badger First Gold up on the Pike which was very nice before a very fast ride home. I think I was faster down the ICR on the rigid Surly than I was the last time I went down on the Soda with 130mm forks! Must have been down to the beer :)

A few more pics

Well it’s a long time since I’ve been in the saddle for that long. The forecast was good so I decided to head over to Todmorden to pop into the Singletrack office as I had some stuff to drop off for Chipps. Thought it would be a good test for my newly roadified cross bike…

There was a stiff headwind all of the way over which along with numerous large hills made for some tough going. I wasn’t too impressed when it started raining either. Eventually made it to Todmorden and stopped long enough for a quick chat and to top up water bottles. I grabbed an energy bar and a can of redbull to help with the journey back as well. Much better ride on the way home with a pleasant tailwind and only a couple of showers. Hopefully it will have done me some good although I’m sure my legs will feel it tomorrow! I think I’ve earned the large curry that I’m going to have shortly :)

140km|6 hours|climbing - approx 3000m

edit: Oh, I guess I should give a verdict on the bike. It’s a bit of a lump to winch up long climbs (compared to my sub 18lb road bike) but the handling is vastly improved now it has proper length forks and the mudguards stayed in place and didn’t rattle. The bottom bracket and brake pads need replacing but I knew that already. Pretty good really.

Excellent ride around Oxenhope with Dave, Dave, Steve and Chipps. The horizontal hail was a bit unwelcome but it was nice when the sun came out and pub stops on rides are always ace :)

There are a few pics here