Obsessive Cycling Disorder from OTT

It was great to see 7 riders meet at the Mill for what turned out to be a very warm ride through our favourite tracks, taking in the “rocky road” and the “watertower hill” either side of Whitwell ( I had 2 firsts today, I managed both climbs in sucession!). Mark, James, Neil & Kev were joined by Rich III and another Rich IV plus me - Rich!(I of course). The wooden shack with the Sat Dish (see pic) was interesting!. It was a good 20 miles plus and Mark has mapped it out for those who have not ridden with OTT before - Of course we finished with the now mandatory drink in the Amble Inn

Route Map (Thanks Mark) plus click small pics to enlarge

Above LtoR (Kevin,RichIV,Rich III,Mark M & James)

Below LtoR (Kevin,Neil,James,Mark, Rich & Rich IV)

  The usual start from Sandridge saw Simon and myself joined by Rich A for a 2 hour spin.  As per usual we wound our way through Rifle Butt Wood and on to Symondshyde after that. 

  No sooner had we started that great little stretch that finishes on the road, I heard another bike behind me.  Simon was way out in front as per usual followed by Rich A with me hot on his (w)heels.  Rich had been working until the early hours and had little sleep.  Part-way through, he allowed me to pass; the other bike still clearly in earshot.  I did my best to catch Simon and keep the other bike at bay.   As I reached the end after Simon, a guy on a blue Cannondale emerged from the woods and disappeared in the opposite direction.  who he is, we’ll never know.

  Next, for a  change, we went cross-country instead of heading to Cromer Hyde.  Past the John Bunyan pub and quickly right - ready to do the full run down the gully.  The heavy rain Saturday evening had certainly livened up this byway and there were a few times when things were getting a wee bit slippery along there.

  I was up to the top first and Simon followed closely.  We crossed the road to wait for Rich to appear…

…and appear he did - holding aloft his saddle with half a seatpost attached.  The other portion of this carbon wonder was still firmly in the frame.  Ouch!  I don’t know why it gave way but I’m sure Rich will elaborate on the detail.  So there goes his ride for the afternoon.  Less than 5 miles from Sandridge.  We directed him back to the car and Simon and I continued our jaunt with seatposts intact. 

Two seatposts in one?

Or one seatpost in two?  You decide.

  Simon and I continued along our usual route through Brocket, along the river and up on to the Ayot Greenway.  Down the ’steep’ and onwards to Stocking Springs which is getting mighty overgrown in places. A real treat for lovers of nettle stings and bramble scratches.  We pressed on to Gustard Wood, Marshalls Heath and Amwell making good time.  We took a slight deviation and returned via Nomansland then picked up the usual bridleway.  The last fast blast back down to Sandridge is always fun and at the bottom we reached the end of our ride. 

  We chatted about the possibilities that led to the catastrophic seatpost failure.  I can only imagine that the previous owner had disregarded the torque settings whilst clamping the post and induced some kind of stress fracture into the component.  I’m sure it could have been a far nastier incident if on more technical trails.  I think you got away lightly Rich.  What’s your story?

Mark (Trance 3)

 The route

For more carbon disasters check out Busted Carbon

   

A great turn-out for a Tuesday evening.

An accident in St. Albans delayed James, so at around 7:15, Mark, Mark S, James, Tim, newby Rich and I met up at Sandridge for a leisurly spin around the trails.

The route was a variation on the usual, but done in reverse, so up the bridleway out of Sandridge, James and Tim seeing who could go the quickest!!!!

Down and then up and towards Harpenden, down Mudd lane which is always a nice but, continued down towards Nomansland, and then up the footpath towards Wheathampstead. At the top there were only 4 of us………

Mark S and Tim didn’t know the route and had been left…..so after a quick phone call, I rode back to find them, they were less than 100m from us before turning round thinking they’d gone the wrong way.

So down Devil’s Dyke, and over the Lee and up to the Ayot Greenway for a but before droing down and joining the river again and through the Brocket Estate.

A regroup at the laybay and a brief chat about nettles and Tim’s obsession about weight, then towards the John Bunyan Gully, which we rode up, we don’t do that very often, made a pleasant change.

A regroup at the top before heading over towards Symonshyde, turned into a long natter, turns out Tim, Rich and I all have connections with Sheffield!

Anway off road towards Symonshyde and did the “secret singltrack” in reverse, which is probably the correct way to do it, flowed much better.  Then all the other good bits, before exiting and heading towards Rifle Butt woods for a last bit of Singletrack.

Again through Rifle Butt in reverse, probably the better way, and the my weekend crash doesn’t seem to have affected my confidence, stayed ahead of Tim which was good.

Regroup at the end, again only 4 of us…..James and Rich missing this time…..turns out Rich had a puncture problem, a slime tube meant he only had to re-inflate it.

Back through Sandridge to the cars.

Trails were really dry so we managed a few miles and the average speed was quite good too.

Simon

Jerseys now ordered - delivery mid to late July - sorry now £23 so  I need your cash - -click here for message 54 

James is organising a day trip to Wales - click here for message 44

James and I (Rich) where joined by another “newbie” and another Rich today, so along with Neal the fearless four headed towards Symondshyde Woods with James plotting the route with map in back pocket. The 18 miler took us through  the woods and looped back towards Bunyon Gully and The Brocket Estate, taking in Stockinghill \spring Woods - James decided to take a couple of new options near the John Bunyan Pub and we hit 5ft stingers and brambles (he was OK as he had his stormtrooper outfit on - or pads to you and me). We forgot to tell newbie Rich that the track known as “Devils Dyke” was in fact the location of the recent “Hertfordshire body parts crime”. Anyway we finished up, as usual in the Amble Inn after a good ride.

I forgot to mention the other group of riders, who decided to overtake me on the nearside riding down the “Gulley” - Hey guys next time give us some warning -”Rider coming through” does help - or you just might give us MTBers a bad name . - Rich (Grumpy)

  Just Simon and I met up in Sandridge for our usual 2 hour afternoon jaunt.  This has become quite a regular little outing for the two of us and anyone else that cares to tag along.

                 

  We headed into Rifle Butt Wood for the twisty start of our ride and onward to Symondshyde Great Wood.  Simon was on form as usual and leaves me standing through the tree’s.  The singlespeed just seems to have the optimum gearing and I’m either too low, too high or too stupid to catch him!  We pressed on to Cromer Hyde with the Bunyan gully our target.  This is nice and dry at the moment so best make the most of it.  It flows nicely down to the end and the surface seems devoid of large rocks at present which is a plus for speed lovers. 

  A quick negotiation of the road and it’s back through the tree’s to drop down to the river Lea.  We follow the riverside path until we can climb up to the Ayot Greenway.  We follow this along until we reach the ’steep’.    Across to Stocking Springs which is getting quite challenging with all the new growth and branches that seem lower than ever.

  Once at Ayot St. Lawrence, we head in the direction of Gustard Wood and through the golf course to exit just above Marshalls Heath.  Simon found a new path close by and we ride this through the tree’s and back down again - a little more to add to our already impressive collection of red lines on Memory Map.  On to Mackerye End and heading homeward.

 the route

  We reached the top of the twisting singletrack dropping down to Batford.  It was shortly that the ride would change for the worse.  Simon lead the way and just got caught up at the top.  Nothing major and we pressed on.  He was getting a good lead on me and pulling away at every turn.  Through the ‘tunnel’ section he was visible at least a good 20 - 30 feet in front.  As things started to get twisty he disappeared from view again.  I knew I couldn’t catch him as I’d nearly gone through the barbed wire last week and wasn’t about to try that again. 

  As the track straightened out again, Simon came into view once more.  This time it was just his jacket visible in the undergrowth with a bit of the bike in view also.  Simon had become the victim of a nasty stump and had a major off .  He was in a heap on the floor and I pulled up quickly.  I think he was pretty stunned and bleeding from his nose where his glasses has impacted.  He had a large graze to his face and his helmet air vents were clogged completely with huge lumps of mud/turf/grass.   We checked that he was okay and in a fit state and he gathered his breath.  Dust and mud covered his jacket and the bottom of his shoe had been completely ripped off with the cleat.  ( He also told me later he had a large scrape and bruise on his elbow too). We surveyed the area and it appears he clipped a large stump that sent him clean over  the ‘bars and onward through the air about 10 feet before ploughing the trail with his helmet.   

  With shoulder bruised and aching and only one pedal connected to his shoes, he bravely carried on to the bottom then over the river, up to the railway line and through the wooded climb to the Wheathampstead Road.  Down through the track to Grove Road, on to Ayres End Lane then over the bridleway to drop back down into Sandridge.

Simon and his new battle scars           

  I wanted a pic at the scene for the blog but thought it rude to ask.  I took one as we said our goodbyes but it sadly didn’t come out.  Fortunately, Simon is a thoughtful chap and snapped this one at home which he kindly sent to me - after all what’s an accident without a good picture! 

  Mate, I’m really glad that your helmet did it’s job - ’cause that was some nasty accident.  You’re lucky you still have your teeth and chin intact.  Those beers are well deserved and those new SPD shoes you’ll need have been earned the hard way.  Your perseverance & determination to ride back is a credit to you.   I hope you don’t ache too badly in the morning.

Chin surfers of the world unite - welcome to the club Si 

Mark (Trance 3)

  Luckily Pete and I chose yet another day with perfect weather for our morning ride.  We were fortunate to be joined by Kevin on this occasion.  Due to parking problems at Welwyn North, we started from my flat and picked Kev up en route.

  Our first off-road section was over the railway tunnels which I always enjoy.  The singletrack immediately after was also great.  This dropped us down to Oaklands where we headed for Mardley Heath.  We went through both parts just for a bit of fun really.  I didn’t realise how fast some of the tracks could seem when you’re not 100%  familiar with them.  Great fun but certainly kept me on my toes.

  We briefly crossed the B197 to pick up the short track that takes us onto the Roman road for the short journey into Datchworth Green.  (FYO - If anyone heads out that way and fancies a quality bite to eat, I highly recommend the Tilbury for a very enjoyable meal).  Onwards through Bramfield Woods passing Sally Rainbow’s Dell and the site of my unwanted singlespeed conversion - gladly, I didn’t tangle with the large stick that destroyed my derailleur previously.   

  We exited in Bramfield village and passed the now defunct Grandison Arms - closed since 2002 and depriving villagers of a local watering hole.  Continuing down Bury Lane, we veered right to run down through the tree’s and join the main track through Park Wood. 

  The Grandison Arms

  It was while negotiating the first of the small bridges in the woods, that I had a bit of a mishap.  I knew that the bridge had a rotten section and missed it with my front wheel.  My rear wheel had a different idea and promptly disappeared down into the space below only stopping when my derailleur hit the deck!   Luckily I had unclipped very quickly and no harm was done to me.   My gear changes did suffer from then on though and I couldn’t select all gears.  There was enough momentum to continue without a major mechanical stop so on we pressed to Tewin.

  The steep downhill from the top of Dawley wood is always fast but due to a changing surface caused by rains, even I only managed around 23mph on the fastest part - i found this figure quite disappointing.  Up to Harmer Green then swiftly joining the narrow trail through Harmergreen Wood to take us over the tunnels once more for the final bit of fun prior to the road home.  I always prefer the tunnel section this way round as it seems so much more challenging and faster.

  Up onto the top of the tunnel at Welwyn North station and a brief stop to admire the great view looking right along the railway tracks and over the viaduct.

 A great view of the main railway line.

A glide down Harmer Green Lane marked the start of the road section back to mine.  In all, 20.6 miles were covered.  A nice little morning ride prior to work and good fun with great company - cheers guys.

 The route

Mark (Trance 3)

  

     

  A glorious morning greeted us at Batford for the start of the ride.  Kevin, Rich and myself were joined by Neil making a welcome return visit to the group. 

  We started by negotiating the narrow singletrack up to Mackerye End then on to Gustard Wood ready for the fast run down from the Cross Keys. Always guaranteed to wake you up on a Sunday morning.  We crossed over to Ayot St. Lawrence and got ready for the super-fast run down to Kimpton Mill.  A couple of horses sadly slowed proceedings but it was fun all the same.

  Next up, we followed the Mimram river then climbed a little for the twisty section that drops us down into Codicote Bottom.  I decided to miss ‘The Log’ and we proceeded to the Whitwell road.  Our usual run through the Biggs Grove and past the pheasant breeding pen saw us exit via a very overgrown path and it was a job to stay on in the deep ruts lined with nettles.

  Onwards to the ‘Rocky Road’ for the steep long climb to the top.  This should give everyone a proper Sunday morning workout - me included.  We took a slightly longer route through Reynolds Wood but this was a bonus when we were greeted with a funny sight.  Deep in the wood, a small corrugated iron shack stood with door ajar and a camouflage jacket hanging from it.  What was amusing to us all was the satellite dish fixed to the top.  Talk about all mod cons!  After the run down to road level, we climbed up to The Bury and down again past Emily’s Tea Rooms.

  Our last climb was to the watertower which is always fun.  Some of the surface had been washed away in recent rains and a new line needed to be worked out whilst negotiating the roots on the way up.  Safely at the top, we pressed on over The Holt and into Kimpton.

  Uphill to Bower Heath and a final race through the woods to beat some horses and rejoin the road for a 34mph run down Common Lane and back to Batford for a quick visit to our watering hole - The Amble Inn.  A perfect ending to an enjoyable ride.  Neil certainly turned his pace up a notch for this ride and hope to see him as another regular OTT rider.

the route                

the route (large version)

The total mileage for this run was only 17.4 - short but sweet.

Mark (Trance 3)

If you order now we will have these for mid July - Only £23. You can take a look at the style this weekend as we have some samples, the sizes (see below) are more freeride sizing than normal roadie type,

The logo will be on the back between shoulders, sorry we cannot place them on the front, or lower on back as requested as the jersey has a zip and logo in the way.

Joanna at Cycle Clothing has given us a great price, they do some other neat products as well . We MUST place the order next week to assure delivery. Rich

www.cycle-clothing.co.uk. 

Are you free on Sunday September 20th?

Come and join the other 50,000 that rode London’s streets last year without the hindrance of cars.   Great fun day out with some wonderful characters and amusing cycles.  Superb atmosphere - don’t forget to order those OTT shirts and get us noticed.

I’ve done the previous two & it’s a magical day.  The atmosphere is so good that Greg forgot his backpack last year.  When we cycled back to St. James’s Park from Blackfriars; it was still where he left it complete with wallet & all other contents.  How’s that for the middle of London with 50,000 folk passing it!

Register here now

Picture taken by Sky Sports official photographer at 2008 event

See the video of 2007 here - filmed from my helmet-cam

Mark (Trance 3) 

No the title isn’t a painful medical condition, I decided to split and sell my 2008 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR expert. A third baby on the way (definitely the last although I did say that about my second!) means I need to release some funds. I’ve also decided that my opportunies for weekends away in Wales will be so few and far between that I will have to hire a FS for those odd occassions and solely use my SingleSpeed for Herts / Beds based rides. A few bits have already found their way onto ebay (they can easily come off again) but the specification for the bike is here http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2008&spid=33434 feel free to have a look and if any of the components catch your eye then drop me an email richa@ottmountainbike.co.uk The only part I think I’m keeping are the tyres. Obviously the main drive of the sale is to raise some cash but if I sell locally it saves ebay / paypal fees and I can pass that saving on, so I’m sure we could work out a sensible price if anyone wants any bits.

Rich A

Just saw this and thought it was rather amusing…

  Well, I’d already taken the plunge & booked Friday 5th as a day off to go on a bit of a post-birthday ride (If you really wanna know I’m now 45) .  It looked pretty grim out there this morning but a bit of rain isn’t gonna stop me.  I thought I’d have a nice plod round today on the whole of the Evans route just to check out the mileage from my flat and to take a couple of pics to insert into the ‘Tuesday morning ride’ article below. 

  All was well for the start and I took the time I had to check out another little bit of track on the second climb up to Little Berkhamsted.  The now well-rehearsed route flowed smoothly all the way up to Hertford Heath where I decided to check out another bridleway that goes through Golding’s Wood.  It’s a really beautiful little section but ends abruptly just after confronting the A10.  Such a shame as it has loads of potential.  I returned to Ermine Street via Haileybury College and continued through the woods to the ford.  A short length of road then back into the woods to do ‘the fast bit’ backwards- turning it into the long uphill gradient.

 Looking along ‘the fast bit’ - the uphill way 

  Back to Monk’s Green and then into Brickendon once more to exit on a road I’ve not yet done.  The bridleway from Pembridge Road to White Stubbs Lane is quite pleasant and also new to me.  Over Ponsbourne Tunnel to Newgate Street as per the ’short’ route and the rest many of you will already know. 

  About 2 miles out of Newgate Street the heavens well and truly opened for the remainder of the run home.  As I was about 30 miles into my trip, the rest of the route didn’t worry me too much.  The Woodside Place track and the byway where Greg destroyed his wheel were a little on the slippery side in places but nothing serious.

  So it was I returned home in a very wet state - with a liberal spattering of various seeds from the grasses along the Lea valley.   A fine sight I looked but as I said at the start, rain ain’t gonna stop me.   An enjoyable ride despite the weather turning grim towards the end.   Total mileage 36.5 - not a very fast ride today though.

 The route 

Motion Based link

Mark (Trance 3)

  Isn’t it great when someone phones you and asks if you fancy riding on a weekday morning?  Pete was lucky enough to be free & due to me working the late shift, I was more than up for the challenge.  Pete kindly offered to come over to Welwyn so i took him on the same ride as Saturday but without the view of Canary Wharf (or was that ‘wrong turning’). 

  It was another glorious day and felt great to be pedalling through the trees while others were stuck at work.  The up/down/up at Little Berkhamsted was tough in the heat but we kept on and cracked it.

 The second climb up to Little Berkhamsted 

  Petes new Trek is a gorgeous beast so I think it was a  proper OTT christening for it today.  Like a horse, it backed out of the odd little drop/watersplash but I’m sure we can fix that in the future.   The cassette lockring on it also worked loose to the point where all the cogs were wobbling about - I’d have hoped his bike shop would have checked that prior to delivery.     

  I also suffered a large puncture whilst starting the trail to Monk’s Green.  I heard a big hiss and my tyre deflated in about 5 feet of riding.  Nothing in the tyre but the size of the hole in the tube makes me think it was a very large nail.  As I run Slime tubes, and the hole being too large to seal; I was greeted to a rather large amount of green liquid covering every inch of the inner tyre wall - lovely.  A spare tube sorted this mishap and on we went. 

 The fast bit! 

 The blast down from Monk’s Green through the woods was really awesome - nothing in the way and good for 30mph today (see picture above).  Not the fastest but only a couple of miles an hour of off my top speed.  Returning once again via the Cole Green Way I enjoyed every moment of the ride back.  I so often look at this trail as a ‘road’ to get me from one cycling route to another.  Today in the Sun, I savoured every moment of the ride back and really appreciated how much great riding there is on my doorstep.  

A right proper day out for a good ride -  Cheers Pete.

for route see ‘proposed route for Saturday 30th May’

To follow the route on Motion Based CLICK HERE

Mark (Trance 3)

Last weekend saw OTT riders Tim and James compete in the challenging 50k event at Margam Park. One of the more testing UK circuits, they finished in respectable positions (click for results). For the past 5 years Rich and Tom have competed in the 25K and in 2008 where joined by James and Craig. This years event was in blistering heat (as  2007) and the photo’s prove it- Rich

  click pic for image

James - you will have to get rid of that shirt for an OTT one soon!