Obsessive Cycling Disorder from OTT

Craig and Fraser suffered both the midges and constant moaning about the working conditions to create (in part) a short loop track hidden on on of the normal OTT routes - An existing old public right of way has been partially cleared creating a challenging short loop which riders can see for the first time this weekend - So secret that its location is hidden and disused , although if you look hard enough on the OTT links somewhere on the blogs you will find a map - We have a couple of video clips for you to get a taste of what’s to come- Rich - NOTE - NO HARM TO ANIMALS,WILDLIFE,FLORA & FAUNA OCCURED DURING THE MAKING OF THE TRAIL

UPDATE- latest Sportstracker Link

With holiday season here only two of us made the sedate ride of 17 miles through the villages. Paul (aka Moggy) and I left the mill and managed the lowest pace of the year (7.5mph). We headed towards Kimpton Woods where we did our good deed for the day and reunited “molly” the spaniel with her owner. We avoided the Rocky Road and sped through Whitwell up Water Tower Hill in anticipation of an early pint (or half as it turned out). With the infamous Sportstracker app on my Nokia 5800 still in limbo between BETA and FINAL version I am unable to upload the route, however give the KML file a go in Google Earth* and try the great “Flight Simulator” option from the tools menu - its fantastic (*open Google Earth first and then import the file)- fly over the villages. - Rich

KML file for google earth 

With some still recovering from the Woburn ride (sorry John) the intrepid four ,Kev, Paul (aka Moggie), Rich and of course Clay took a steady ride through some of the usual routes. Starting up Common Lane through the woods onto our regular haunts of the rocky road and whitwell water tower hill. All four made the rocky road without any stopping and decided to take the route via the Rare Breads Fam, stopping for coffee and cake at in Whitwell at the the roadies normal stopping place. On route, Clay and I where dive bombed by a very large buzzard who we interrupted whist it was feeding on a rabbit - it decided to take offence and chased us through the woodland (not to be recommended). The ride was otherwise uneventful (apart from a pleasant meeting with a range rover driver) and we all ended up in the Amble Inn, 28k in 2hrs 30mins a lot slower than usual.

With all the stories of the weekend in Wales the constant reference to the Dropoff Cafe deserves a blog of its own. The food was great, the staff were always happy (even when we set Roger our mature student on them) and it made a great weekend even more fun. The girls who worked tirelessly serving the hoards of MTB’rs with the largest plates of food I have seen and what fantastic coffee - as a registered coffee snob who only drinks from ground beans i would challenge anyone to find better (Costa Coffee come and take a look at how to do it properly). Even when I asked to watch the footie (probably a strange request at the cafe) the ladies where only too pleased to assist (warning though- don’t touch the TV guys/girls). The cafe’s business card states “The UK’s no 1 MTB Cafe” and I would agree - it deserves an article in MBUK/MBR/Singletrack etc etc etc. How can staff work so hard and yet keep smiling - a lesson in customer service to all big companies - Thanks Girls (sorry if any guys do work there, I didn’t see any)

  

www.dropoffcafe.com

Hopefully Rich will edit some of this together, some notable things I remember about the w/e.

PICTURES CAN BE FOUND HERE 

LtoR- Rich (Capt), James, Mackie,Anna,Luke,Simon,Anters,Clay,John & Kev 

Friday - expecting to be charged £10.90 for the bridge and actually being charged £5.90 - result!  Reduction in the cost per person, down to £11 instead of £12.00.

Arriving at site to be greated by midges from hell, worse than the Scottish ones I remembered from my youth (probably not, but hey.)  The cafe was shut so an impromptu gathering on the balcony was in order, fortunately midge free.  A number of beers and a few stories were swapped.

A reasonable nights sleep in the tent, fortunately Mark brought a huuuge supply of ear plugs so all external noise was banished for me anyway.

Earlyish start to find that the cafe didn’t serve food until 9.00am, from 8:30ish most of us had ordered breakfast and were waiting, drinking tea, or fancy coffee in Rich’s case!    Breakfast’s of gargantuan proportions eventually arrived, ready fuelled for the day on the bike we went off to get ready, noting the rain had stopped.

First climb following the Whites route, I have found out was 6km long, I will check my GPS when I get the chance.  About half way up we re-grouped on a fire-road, and waited, and waited, and waited, the midges were becoming unbearable by this time.  Turns out Mackie had a mechanical, and his newly bike shop set-up Cove had a un adjusted front mech, so was thowing the chain of the granny ring.  Our resident bike guru James eventually had it sorted with the limited tools available, so off we went.

Up the remainder of the 6km to the top, through “Dastardly and Muttley”, another really enjoyable climb, another regroup about half way up in a break in the trees to be eaten by midges again.  Eventually all of us made it to the top, the weather was great and the views were fantastic

Now on to the serious downs, with little bits of climbing.  Something for all abilities, a personal favourite was the wood work section.  Some great woops, and slabs, my newly tubeless front wheel not working, so I used 3 CO2 canisters to get me to the bottom, while I was stopped topping my wheel up, Kev had a go at a tricky step on a slab and went over the bars, no harm done, except to his bike, a broken brake lever, and an interesting final descent.

Fighting the midges - above  -Re-group at the bottom, huge grins all round.  I topped up my front wheel again, short spin back to the campsite for lunch.  Gave up with my front wheel and stopped to put a tube in, thanks to Luke for pumping it up with his hand pump.

Arrived just in time as Tim and Roger had arrived and were about to set off on their own.  We stopped for lunch at the cafe, some of even had a beer (I can certainly recommend the Weissbeer), more huge portions and we were ready for the afternoon.

Rich decided his back had had enough, and Kev’s bike needed a new brake, so were two down.  Decided we would to the Wall from the other trail centre, while we waited for Anna to get a new front mech fixed (the other mechanical of the morning), James made a tit (OTT speak) of himself by wheelying himself onto the gravel path, fortunately his armour saved most of him, still a nastly gash on his elbow tho’

So, 7 miles flat spin (okay slightly down hill) to the start of the Wall, and then what seemed like miles and miles of fireroad, lots of closed sections, and we were all getting tired and didn’t fancy the 7 miles slightly uphill back, so we option to finish on Whites instead of the wall, so did most of the same down we did in the morning, still awesome!   Only mechanical was Anters getting a puncture.

Saturday finished and we were all well and truly kanckered, 28miles overall, or 21 taking off the spin to the other centre, small distance, big climbs.

Saturday evening in the cafe was very subdued, a few beers, not much talk and early to bed (for some of us anyway-R)

Sunday, weather was very overcast, we decided to do the big one, the Skyline, Mackie had had enough, fair play did the whole of Saturday, so stayed at the campsite to drink coffee and watch the sport, Rich’s back still not good, but Kev’s bike had as brand new brake fitted.

Of we went, same climb as Whites, which I led, and to my utter amazement set a reasonable pace and didn’t hold James, Tim and Clay up who were following.  Same regroup area, and then up to the top, again I managed to get to the front and led the lead party up.  Weather was getting very blowy by this time, so out came the outers.  More fire-roads, and up into the mist as the rain started coming down.  Lots of the Skyline singletrack seemed to be closed (or maybe that was just me?), so we diverted onto fireroads which was getting tiresome, especially as the rain was really coming down.

Regroup after some singeltrack, Riding High if I remember, and some lunch, so all the bars, cakes etc, were scoffed at great speed. 4 ramblers came to look at the view (approx 50m of mist!), must have thought we were bonkers.  Of again and more single track, On the Edge, really exposed, and if there was no mist I’m sure would’ve been a great view too.  Anters had another puncture and ripped his tyre, which took time to fix, more standing around in the rain!

More fireroad, and now it was begining to get tiresome, we did manage to buzz the ramblers on a fireroad down tho’, we were all wet and  covered in fireroad grime, so we missed a section, and followed yet more diversions.

Eventually we hit some single track, and I had a serious moment where I didn’t have any brakes, ended much faster than I intended through a section, Tim seemed impressed tho’ .  Changed pads at the end of that section, Clay did the same after scrounging some pads from John who happened to have the same type.  At this point the map had almost disintegrated in the rain, but James informed us that we had “the longest singletrack descent in the U.K.” to finish.

Off we went, the first part was called Joyrider, very enjoyable, next was yet more fire road, this time so steep we all used granny to get up it, this was on the bit of the map which had gone, which is why James had missed it.  Anyway final descent, was worth all the wet and misery, fast, technical, slabs, steps, it had it all, a joy to ride (what a pun!).  I have been told that the big steps bit had a skull and cross bones on it, I missed it, I was concentrating so hard.

Anyway, regroup at the campsite, coffee and cake and off home about 4.

Quiet time in the bus on the way back, until about 30 miles from St. Albans the power steering went, I managed to nurse it back to James’ to drop everyone off, and then back to mine, which took a huge effort to get into my drive, partly because my arms hurt so much from the final descent.

Fantastic weekend, and I WILL be going to Wales again. - Blog from Simon

Take a look a YOUTUBE video added by Rich (not by OTT) - click here

Busy week for the OTT boys and girls

Link to MTB Wales details of the trails -  click here 

Tuesday - starting with James (not so surprise) drinks at the Amble on Tuesday night. I’m not sure who had the thickest head, James or me - but the BBQ and chips went down quickly. (see pics below-soon)

     

Friday - departure for sunny Wales (huh!). The A team departed at 2.30 and after an enjoyable 7 hours (mostly on the M25) John, Clay and I arrived at 9.45, with the Sunny Bus (Simon,James, Anna, Anters, Mackie & Mark S, leaving at 6pm they managed to arrive just a couple of hours later - Luke (James bro) was already at the site.

Saturday  - we were joined by Tim and Roger at lunchtime after our morning ride taking the Whites Level route (some great vids on youtube)

OTT riders -why not fill us in with the rest of the details

This weekends ride was a new route for most - but we did not not expect 32 miles! - This weeks OTT crew:, Darren, Tom, Richard, Craig, Tim, Clay, Paul, Breck & Richard 1 and we were joined by Kevin, Anna and newbie Matt at Breachwood Green. The early pace saw lead rider Craig loose a few of us - but somehow we managed to reach the second meeting place 5 minutes before the main group (some local knowledge & a bit of tarmac-arrrghh!)

We had a few technicals on the way - Kevin has found the hidden strength in his legs to break a chain (on a downhill-that’s impressive?) which the now renamed “speedy daz” repaired in under 3 minutes, not bad going. With all the debate about tubeless Craig managed to discover another reason for going back to tubes when his tyre split and the repair kit supplied by Richard left some of us covered in the white stuff - otherwise known as latex (schoolboy humour)- With both Craig and I managing to leave the saddle during a fast downhill (he was so far in front he managed to get back on before anyone realised) and Capt Slow needed help from Tom and Paul-thanks guys.

I have noticed the pace has increased since Anna joined our ranks - welcome to OTT!

The route was plotted on the new style SPORTSTRACKER which Paul and I are struggling with - why have NOKIA decided to change this? - I will upload a route which can possibly be viewed on GOOGLE EARTH (now on website under rides) if I can fathom it out or until the NEW SPORTSTRACKER site is up and running.

A great day out, shame we didnt get the chance to all go back to the Pub -so thanks for the drinks Richard & Craig……..

Rich 1 (Capt Slow - but getting quicker)

This mornings ride had another newbie, Matt join us on a serious Santa Cruz (nice kit Matt) with Clay, Tim, Kevin and me. It seems as though the Specialized stronghold has disappeared on OTT rides with Kev and his new Trek 8 making up the mix with Clay on the Fisher Roscoe its beginning to look like the Bike Show. This ride was minus any mechanicals (unusual with my current track record) and the repaired tubeless Geax Barrus tyres surviving both The Rocky Road and Whitwell Water Tower Hill- known for testing the tubes.

 

A major shock was in store for the OTT riders when I managed to hit 26mph on a short XC route leading the pack (for a short while) I wont publish how Tim described my sudden burst of speed.

Only two other small events with a dog walker confused over Public Right of Way and Public Footpaths (we where on the PROW) even though we stopped for polite conversation it didn’t stop Mrs Angry of Kimpton -her border collie didn’t seem to upset however. I do have to apologise to the horse rider on the Bridle Way heading towards the Blue Cross complex as I was travelling far too quick down the hill, a less experienced rider and a younger horse would have possible had a different outcome- sorry! (magura brakes to the rescue again!).

I have posted the NOKIA route which stated average route speed of 10mph and both other Garmins stated over 11.2mph I would like to think that this was one of our quicker rides (thanks to Tim and Matt)

NOKIA SPORTSTRACKER 

What a great turnout - 13 riders left Batford Mill with several newbies joining the ranks of the keen and mad leaving for the planned route towards Sandridge. Thanks to all the new faces who came along for an untypical OTT ride (unplanned and hitting new trails). After my comical attempt to fall off and remove two teeth from the chainset we headed towards Nomansland Common. I have posted some of the route as i had to leave before the ride had completed with a bust rear tubeless tyre (see GEAX post now updated) and a questionable bb. Our Newbies including Clay, Anna, Derick, Anthony etc probably wondered what all the fuss was and as a result the early pace was a lot less than normal.

John’s day had started also with a blown tubeless (there’s a message here), however this was at 8.45 when the OTT support vehicle (me in the Touran) went to collect him and drop of at the Mill - At around 11.30 on the ride John had a spill grazing his face and leg, nothing a Pint (?) couldn’t resolve later in the Amble.

It was great to see such a turnout both on the Ride (thanks to James for the tour) and also in the Amble Inn after. With such a large group it was going to be difficult to to ensure the pace suited all, however I hope it does not put anyone off coming again. I am glad the sight of the motley OTT regulars ( i can’t be rude about other newbies until you have been out a couple more times) did not put off Anna from coming along - It looks like Craig and James are going to have some competition on the hill climbs! or any of the other newbies…

I hope I have not missed anyone else from the list of names (Kevin, Martin etc) so feel free to add your views/stories to the board!

OTT - Rich 1, Tim, James, Mark, Dave,Tom,

      click on pics to enlarge

Garmin (Full route from Clay) - click here

Garmin (Route from Tim ) - click here 

Nokia Sportstracker Route (incomplete) - click here

Having a nasty off last month encouraged me to look at tubeless tyres (having shredded the s-works) - with some advice from Ben and some research I opted for a lesser known brand GEAX. Probably best recognised for budget tubes this brand from Thailand has some great support in the pro xc field, so I opted for the 2.10 BARRO TNT (mountain) with the GEAX tubeless system. The tyre is fairly light and has an unusually rounded profile,unlike the Specialized (Capt Controls SW + Controls) and Panaracer Fire Mountain I have used in the past -Having now run with them for over 100k in both wet and dry these are superb tyres for all types of terrain-

The grip is superb and my cornering has improved as a result -

I know tyres are a personal thing, but give these a go, they are well worth it. Take a look at the message boards, it seems as though GEAX are on to a winner with their TNT system- The only small negative is their appearance - the grey colour and the two tone finish which is not perfectly in line on the tyrewall does make it look blown (take note GEAX some riders do worry about appearance)

Take a look at the GEAX site 

Reviews on MTB site 

As some of the guys had been out Friday and Saturday so our Monday group was short of numbers - John, Moggy, Mackie and I were joined by Fraser for an 18 miler not without some events. Mackie with his new COVE managed a couple of miles before getting a double flat and I managed a sideways slide up the slope to the track to the Orange Tree - not a good start!

The ride took us through the Brocket Estate and up into the Ayotts and got us back to the Amble Inn for 12.30 - Frasers attempt to jump the gate at the end of Stockingwoods single track was worth a photo, take a look

Click here for Nokia Sportstracker

It’s great - each week more newbies are coming along and the rides are getting longer - 26.7 miles to be exact. Ten of us managed in the extreme temperatures today which topped 27 degrees. Joined again by Moggy and Breck from last weeks ride, we also had another Newbie with Martin who had heard you need to come from Yorkshire or further north to join the OTT crew (I hope the Rocky Road and Kimpton Watertower Hill where mildly challenging) - The crew below, minus me Rich 1 (taking pics)

We managed with Tims help to include Preston and the Villages on our journey north, with no issues until we hit the end of Hitch Wood again (spooky eh!) -  With two flats and a rear brake issue, Simon (Badbod) came to the rescue, again I hear you say. We finished at 1pm for a quick drink in the Amble Inn

Guys feel free to add you own comments about the ride!!!!!

click here for Nokia Sportsracker details

Roger on the right - who I missed of the last Blog!

Great turnout for what proved to be an 18 miler ending up (of course) in the Amble Inn. The route, with video and picture can be found here.

I will post some of the pictures on the blog soon, but it was good to see Newbies Paul(alias Moggy), Kevin, Breck(did I get the names right guys?) along with Simon, Dom, John, Tim, Roger and I. Hopefully the guys found our trails interesting enough to come along again. An unusual ride as we had no technicals (thats a first for OTT). We managed to mix it with the St Albans Charity riders who we came across on route Can someone tell me how they can ride on an organised event with no helmets

Rich

  oz plaster for james

James and I were joined by “newbie” Kieron, for a local short route and an anticipated stop at the Amble (which never happened). Good start up Common Lane and through the woods and a good pace (especially for capt slow), although I forgot to put on the Sportstracker until Kimpton Woods. Then onto Lilley and St Pauls via Kimpton Water Tower (downhill this time) we also managed some great downhill singletrack thru the Blair Witch Woods onto the Rare Breeds Farm and and back UP the Tower (when I got a flat) - This is when it all got a bit messy- on the last big downhill (Luton Road not Whiteway Bottom which would have been more appropriate) leading into Kimpton- Most of us manage 25mph plus on the tarmac, not the best time for your front tyre to burst throwing me almost in to Kieron (who probably wondered what he had let himself in for). Leaving my bike I managed to slide quite a few metres before smashing my (well protected) head against the kerb -for those who don’t wear helmets see the post (arriving soon) of whats left of my lid. Kieron, thanks mate, for trying to fix the wheel I owe you a spare tub- A groggy attempt to ride ended up calling the rescue squad (1st time in 2 years)- never mind i have a few days off now to recover - I won’t post any pictures of injuries as no-one wants to see my backside on the blog- Rich (now with a busted bike and aching limbs)

 check out the speed and the end of the ride

The return leg with MTBB started on a sad note and an understandably important visit to the location where one of their friends (Mark) had passed away whilst out riding (see pic on MTBB site) only a few days earlier.

We followed a well planned route and hit some great trails with the first technical failure an OTT chain, oh the second and third was ours also! - but less about that, especially the reference to my sag ( i won’t mention which female rider commented on my suspension probs) With Steve from MTBB ahead with the Nikon we expect to see some great shots as the weather and scenary were tremendous - LATEST - now on MTBB Site-click

    click on image

The 24 riders managed in most part to keep together  (an achievement in itself) - I guess it was the lure of the food and beer promised by MTBB at the end of what resulted in 27 miles in a summer like 18 degrees. I managed a few pics of the trek along with shots of some of the technical failures, sorry MTBB Dan I caught you recovering from the stunt demo on the Commencal!-hope the knee has recovered.

Craig managed to keep at the front (again) and I managed a couple of detours, but unusually not ending up last.  Thanks to Steve and the Crew for planning the day. We have agreed that the next joint ride will be on neutral territory and it was suggested “The South Downs” - so watch this space. I will post a link to the MTBB site with pics and story and no doubt 1st rate photo-journalism will be on display (again, no pressure Steve/Dan).I hope that some of you will post the other stories I have missed as I think this was one of the best rides we have had.

Rumour has it that Craig could still be seen at 11pm finishing the last of that incredible ploughmans and some qlty beer in the Rising Sun Pub from the local Tring Brewery 

Again - Thanks to the Guys and Girls at MTBB for a fun day out! - Rich 1 -

     click for PRINTABLE sportstracker route from NOKIA