Obsessive Cycling Disorder from OTT

The weather was kind and the rain stayed away for the regular Tuesday evening spin.  An excellent turnout of 7 met up, and we even met a potential new rider on the way around so that for approx half the ride there were 8 of us.

Anyway, the longer north St. Albans route of approx 20 miles and around 2 hours of riding was completed.  Very enjoyable, even though I think the guys with commuter or even no lights at all (eh Rich!) may have regretted it when they got lost in the woods going into Sandridge.  Next time follow my lights!!

I won’t go into detail about where we went, the route is below.  I also won’t dwell on my silly off in Symonndshyde either.

Simon

  I wasn’t convinced I was going to make this one as Kev & I did a 40 miler yesterday with a 10.6mph average.  Usually I’d be very slow yet despite only 4.5 hours sleep, I felt okay.  Must still be on a high from Saturday as I’ve not been out much this month.  Due to a slight mechanical problem, I was up at 8:00am putting forks on my Boardman hardtail and stealing my Giant’s pedals!

  I just made it to Batford - half hour earlier than normal start time - and was greeted by Mark Sparks, Rich I, Rich III and ‘newbie’ Will who joined us with his wonderful ‘old school’ Kona steel hardtail after posting on the new message board.

 The Route

  We headed over to Sandridge doing the usual loop through Langley Wood on the way down to the stables.  Across the field and into Rifle butt Wood for the first bit of proper fun.  The Boardman was very good through here - not ridden it for so long I forgot what it’s like.

  Down to Symondshyde Great Wood next and  the usual battle with the undergrowth to get round the singletrack successfully.  Always good fun through here and we’re not the only ones to think that - two other riders went by on the ‘main’ path.   After a short stretch of road, it’s time to dive off again and head North towards Cromer Hyde.  The gully was dry but I didn’t feel as fast down here as I do on the Giant susser.  Mind you, the old Kenda’s don’t bite as well as the Panaracer’s but that’s no excuse.

  We pressed on through Brocket, along the bank of the River Lea and up to the Ayot Greenway.  Down the ’steep’ and across to Stocking Springs.  I had a minor mechanical that delayed us by 12 minutes or so (sorry guys) but we soon got back on track. We headed through Ayot St. Lawrence and down the great fast run to Kimpton Mill.

  Along the Mimram, the gunshots of the clay shoot could be heard.  We wound our way through the twists, turns & bushes to emerge at Codicote Bottom.  I opted to miss out the infamous log and go straight to Biggs Grove for a lap of the pheasant breeding enclosure and some healthy nettle rash at the end.  Due to time constraints we headed back over The Hoo into Kimpton.  At the Blue Cross, we turned left & climbed up to Old Raisins Farm. 

 Ride Data

  A short road section looped us round Mackerye End and to the start of the final singltrack run down to Batford.  The singletrack almost had me off at the very beginning but was fine the rest of the way down.  A short cruise down the hill and back to the Mill and our ride was over.  Nice ride, good to meet you Will - cheers guys.

In Richard III’s words - ” ’til next time”.

  Here’s the Motion Based link

here’s the new Garmin Connect Player link This is best viewed if you use the ‘toggle to fullscreen’ button

Mark (Boardman) aka Mark (Trance 3) 

Why should a week away with the family mean you can’t get out on your bike? It shouldn’t. So prior to spending a week in Bournemouth I looked up http://www.dorsetroughriders.com/ and a quick post on their forum and I was all set for a midweek evening ride they call the ‘Wednesday Wobble’. They have a very active website and membership with several rides a week planned and discounted deals with local bike shops etc.

 I turned up early at the meeting point of Broadstone Leisure Centre and awaited the other riders. A couple arrived, then a few more, then even more. I counted 25 including myself! One of the first people I spoke to was a nice bloke called Ken who it turns out I’d met and spoken to at the Penrith Merida Marathon last year, small world. (although he did the 100k in about the same time it took me to do the 50k!) He was on a rigid Kona 29er singlespeed, very nice although more about it later. There was a wide range of riders and bikes, my singlespeed was kept company by about 3 or 4 others. A couple of inbreds, bikes not the dorset folk (getting common James, mine was the only scandal!). Anyway people were all friendly and proved that mountain bikers are a similar bunch whatever part of the country you are in.

The ride set off and after a quick 5 minute road section we went straight off road and I was immediately struck by the different ground I was riding on. Much of it was on a sandy base which was hard packed but in places but sneaky bits of deeper sand waited to grab the front wheel. Some of the keener members had pre ridden the route with pink flour and had marked arrows on the ground to show the way. With such a large group this was a really good way of keeping the ride flowing as there are always going to be different abilities. The ride took in some challenging short sharp climbs and nice flowing descents. After the initially open heath riding the second half took in more wooded areas which hadn’t dried out and were a lot closer to what I’m used to riding.

 The group sort of naturally split into two and I was towards the rear of the faster group. People were chatty and I was definitely made to feel welcome. At the top of a very steep bank the group had stopped as someone had a mechanical. Now I thought my snapped carbon seatpost from the other week was a major problem but Ken’s lovely 29er SS kona had a slightly bigger problem, the whole frame snapped! It was very lucky for him it was on an uphill section as downhill at 30mph could have ended in serious injury. Apparently the 29er (one of his 4 bikes) was his pride and joy but he took it all well, even the long walk back to the pub. We later found out that he had been bunny hopping sideways up the bank when it went!

The rest of the ride went without incident and after a fun stream crossing concluded in a local pub which I’m told is usually the best part of the evening. I had to skip that part and get back to the family so said goodbye and made the return offer of to ride with OTT for anyone visiting our part of the world. If anyone is venturing towards Dorset I can thoroughly recommend an evening out with Dorset Rough Riders. As I have relatives down that way I will certainly be joining them again whenever I can.

Other Richard.

      

Here we have our own “Vernon Kay” modelling this years OTT jersey in the latest performance materials (not sure if its going to make much difference!). Simon has applied for jobs with NEXT and we believe the new ARGOS catalogue (in the stores this week)….. Si, you did ask to see the pictures! - Rich

  

I have just got back from some great MTB’ing countryside - Whilst working in Scotland this week I took the opportunity to take my bike with me- It was great!. The countryside was fantastic . I only managed 2hrs, but it was worth getting soaked for. We should all get up there this year!. My pictures don’t do it justice (CLICK TO ENLARGE PICS)

Click here to see map - my route took me from the village North up towards Duntreath Hills and then back to the woods of Blanefield.

 

  

Sorry but we have a problem - the orange jerseys are delayed and won’t be availalble until next month, so the options are:

1.Replace with Blue Jersey for delivery next weds

2. Wait for Orange (may be later in August)

3. Cancel and get printed £45 job for late Summer (hope not!)

RESULT (July 23rd)

We are going for BLUE -they will be with us Weds 29th July and the good news is they are only £22 each…

 

Craig and I left Harpenden at 6pm to meet Tim, unfortunately Matt and Pete couldn’t make it, but we were meeting Neil and Andrew in Wendover to explore, so then there where 5. I hadnt been to Wendover Wood before and the first climb was quite a challenge. Andrew was riding a new bike (which isnt easy at the best of times!) . With Craig & Tims level of fitness, keeping up was always going to be tough, however we all made it - and when I challenged them on a climb they left me in the dust. We met up with some local riders who claimed to be the “Wendover Massive” - not too sure about that, nice bikes never the less guys!. With the light failing some of the narrow climbs became harder, the downhills a pleasure until I caught an important part of the anatomy on my saddle.

Neil/Andrew the trek was great fun and I hope you can make it to the flatter challenges of our local rides. We rode for well over two hours, not sure how far (but Tim has possible plotted it) only the darkness stopped us-hopefully we can join the guys in the pub next time out - Rich
click here for Wendover Woods Site

Keen bunch, us OTT riders - Simon, Mark, James, Rich A (II) and me (Rich I) rode out Friday at 6.30 taking in some of the same tracks as the Weds group. With both Rich’s preparing for the JB Gulley where Rich II snapped his seat post and I did a 180 flip (preferable to a carbon seat post up my backside!). We also managed another OTT first by loosing first James and then Rich II and Simon in Symondhyde Woods (this is when I saw a deer-hence Marks picture) - slowing down what was probably another fast paced ride. I think we had a Garmin in the group so hopefully someone will post the map. To get back for 8.30 we increased the speed for possibly my fastest ride ever - and I was not last in the group for a change, so maybe I might loose my nickname “Captain Slow!”- Cheers guys - Rich

click on image for map

  Richard III had posted on the message board and was up for a ride.  Looked like a good idea to me AND saved me cleaning my trusty steed (see previous entry).  The board was picked up by Calum from St. Albans who is normally to be found studying chemistry at Nottingham Uni.  After the communication confusion, we decided to meet up for 7:30pm at Batford.   After brief introductions, we set off towards Sandridge. 

 click for route

  We weaved up and down, left & right to Ayres End for the ‘proper’ start of the ride.  Along the bridleway and a short excursion into Langley Wood for a warm-up.  Fast down into Sandridge and over the field into Rifle Butt Wood.  We rode through the woods at a fair pace and this was probably the first time this had been done by Rich III and Calum.

  On to Symondshyde for another dose of singletrack fun - whoopee!  After a great ride through the woods, we continued to Cromer Hyde to pick up the gully.   It had certainly dried up nicely since Simon & I rode it last night.  After crossing in to Brocket, it was the usual route along River Lea and up to and right along the Ayot Greenway.

 elevation

  Down the ’steep’ and skirting the edge of Warren & Fish Woods through to Stocking Springs.  It was very overgrown in here as usual at this time of year and Calum suffered minor damage to his chainguard.  We pressed on to Ayot St. Lawrence and across to Gustard Wood.  Through the golf course then stepped down the fields, through the ‘tunnel’ and out at Marshall’s Heath.  A quick glide down, across the road and picking up the old railway track to return to Batford. 

  One of those rides that was very spontaneous but really great.  It was 18.7 miles in total and looking at the data after, it was a faster ride than I thought - the average being 10.1mph

 summary      time  

  Calum rode really well and I was most impressed with his riding first time out.   I think we all had a good evening and got back just before lights were needed.  Awesome one guys.  Thanks to Rich III for the idea and to Calum for the great company.  ‘Til next time…  

Click > Here’s the ride on the Motion Based player < Click

Mark (Trance 3)

   

  Simon & I met up in Sandridge for our usual Tuesday evening ride.  The surprise rain earlier made for a very wet ride - almost seemed like those memories of winter all over again.  Straight in to Rifle Butt Wood we went and met up with a guy at the jump end of the trail.  After a brief chat he tagged along for a little way.  On & into Symondshyde where we also picked up Malcolm who joined us for a blast on the singletrack - hopefully we’ll catch up again. 

  Pressing on to the gully, I knew this was going to be wet & I wasn’t disappointed.  A very messy run is guaranteed down here if the heavens have opened recently.   The slope back up to the road was flowing like a little stream.  Into Brocket, along the Lea and back up along Ayot Greenway to Wheathampstead. 

  After the Dyke, things got a bit overgrown.   Simon became a victim of the nettles with a gentle fall into them - fortunately he was well protected.   I was beaten by the killer pea plants and came to a total stop.  The path along the edge of the field is tricky to stay on sometimes and in these slippery conditions, it was this that toppled Simon and guided myself into the greenery.  Oh well, you can’t win every time.

  We looped back to Nomansland and then up to Ayres End for the final run back down via Langley Wood and into the stables back at Sandridge.  Plenty of extra weight in the form of mud reminded us of where we’d been.  Looks like a bike cleaning session is in order.  Or is it?

 

Mark (Trance 3)

LATEST NEWS - Leave your bike outside the pub - arriving soon and sponsored by OTT. Can you spot Craigs new bike amongst this collection of quality kit?- Has anyone got a spare cable/lock we can leave at the Inn?

  I took an early morning trip to Kent today to sample the singletrack at Bedgebury Forest.  Got there exactly at 8:00am as I thought it may get rather warm later on.  I was fortunate enough to bump into Malcolm - a member of Bedgebury Forest Cycle Club along with his friend Matt.  Malcolm kindly offered to show me around so I paid my parking fee and joined the pair of them for the start of the singletrack.

  Knowing the entire place like the back of his hand, Malcolm took us his way up to the start.  The singletrack was certainly interesting up to the first section and really kept me on my toes.  Matt hadn’t really done anything like this before but coped well.  The start proper was something I really looked forward to as I really had no idea what to expect.

 elevation profile

  The sections were a lot more twisty than I imagined but I managed to stay upright.  There are some nice stumps and the ferns are tall at present so you really have to concentrate 100%.  There are some drops, berms, a fair few roots and always something to make sure you’re alert.  As each section comes to an end, it either crosses over a fire road to dive straight back into the tree’s or there is a short pedal along the fire road before reaching the next part.   There are some steep climbs also and I  imagine it’s really challenging in the winter with all the wet roots to contend with too.  Cardiac Hill certainly lives up to it’s name - especially on a hot day.  At the top (I think) you reach Gloomy Wood.  The tree’s here have now been cut down but there is a great flowing section with berms here and I really enjoyed this part.  There’s a low level boarded section called Bikea and there is also a full-on Northshore/freeride & dirt jump area for those with better balance and bigger b***s than me.

  Malcolm also took us through the ‘Go Ape’ area as we headed back.  All the time during the ride, he was superb in explaining the runs, how they were built, liaison with the Forestry Commision and a host of other facts.   The club is very professional and Malcolm certainly carried this over in his approach.  I can’t thank him enough for making me feel real welcome and really enjoying my day. 

  After a drink and slice of cake at the end,  I said goodbye to my host.  I stuck on the helmetcam and headed out for another lap hoping for some top video action.  Little did I know, an Oak leaf got caught under the camera lense 7 minutes into the ride.  Sadly I have only a 2 minute piece of footage as a little taster.   It was so hot on the second run round, I was gutted when I realised I only had an hour video of a leaf!  Not to worry though, it gave me a great big grin all day and I’ll be back to get that footage next time. 

If you fancy 10 miles of great singletrack fun then this is well worth a visit.  They have a cafe, bike hire & family trail as well as the ‘Go Ape’ course high in the treetops.  A great day out for everyone.

Big thanks to Malcolm (and the club for all the hard work) for creating a real great day out. Cheers dude.

Mark (Trance 3)

click here for the video   

click for Motion Based player