Obsessive Cycling Disorder from OTT

With another newbie (Andy) joining us for the “OTT Nite Ride” our mechanical failures continue with Frasers rear mech snapping and that was after 2 flats. Dave, Craig, James and me (Rich 1) took a short loop around Symondshyde, Rifle Butt Woods and followed up to the John Bunyon Gulley and back into St Albans- around 2hrs. Frasers luck was definitely out when he started with a flat battery with Craigs lights (I’m sure he will have better luck playing County Football on Thurs). Good fun and turnout thanks guys - Rich

This sunday’s ride was joined by another “newbie” Roger - We decided to continue the OTT trend for mechanical failures with Rodger (2 punctures), Rich IV (rear brake failure) and Craig (Saddle snapped - no comments please!). With the proposed route of the woody trails thrown out the window we headed up to the Chiltern Way on a sunny but very windy morning ride. Rich IV managed to smuggle some pork pies into his rucksack so whilst the rest of us hit the SIS bars, he was tucking into his pies. I don’t remember a ride with so many climbs and descents, which pleased Mark and Craig!.We followed some familiar trails and some new, via Bendish, Great Offley, Ley Green,Lilley and Breachwood Green (not in that order) and some of the villages on the Beds/Herts borders with some great downhill stretches. After 20 miles we started heading back towards Whitwell and for once it was the famous Water Tower climbs which was my undoing, I got to the top (without a stop) but could not manage the normal high speed chase down Whiteways Bottom Lane (yup that’s what its called) back to the Pub. I left the guys at the top of Luton Road in Kimpton leaving them to take the slightly longer off-road return home. In total it was 30 miles I was k*****d and I think I have found my max ride for a Sunday morning- but it was fun!. I hope Roger the newbie enjoyed it as much as we did, -

  click on thumbnail (sorry about poor qlty)

Cheers Rich I(now falling asleep with beer in hand in front of PC)

Garmin Connect link

Garmin Player link

Thanks to Mark M for the GARMIN stuff!                                                                            OTT Riders today where: Mark M, Mark S, Roger , Craig, Rich IV and Rich I

Myself (Rich IV) and Mark, having both got the day off, decided to blaze a trail for Bedgebury in Kent. It’s a good 80 mile drive around the M25 and down the A21 but well worth the day trip. After the OTT On-Tour trip to Sherwood Pines in Nottingham, I though it would be good to compare the 2 as they are similar in set up, ie, forestry commission land with trails cut through the trees by bike enthusiasts.

 Bedgebury has a number of advantages over Pines. These are;

It’s slightly closer. 80 miles compared with 120 for Pines.

The trails are more mature. They have been prepared with small ballast stones that have now settled to give a smooth riding surface in areas. They have not removed  roots and stumps which is good as it keeps you on your toes.

More varied terrain. Bedgebury has a good couple of ascents which are challenging but ridable. We did it in the wet which was tricky, but with more skill could have been done.

The food at Bedgebury was far superior than Pines. Better quality and cheaper.

Pines wins on the following.

Pines XC is longer, with less wider transitional gravel road sections.

While Bedgebury seemed to have some interesting non-marked routes, this didn’t seem as extensive as Pines. You can play all day in Pines and never cover the same route twice.

It’s cheaper to park at Pines. £3 per day to park compared with and extortionate £7.50 for Bedgebury!!!!

Pines will hold up better in the winter. With only a days rain, Bedgebury was starting to get slippy and muddy. I’d avoid it like the plague for most of the winter. We had a couple of scary moments with lost traction on both damp roots and greasy off cambers.

And finally, Bedgebury had no access to a pie of any description!!! See previous Blog on Pines if you don’t know what I’m talking about.

Overall, I’d rate Bedgebury ahead of Pines for an all in experience. We covered just shy of 20 miles and were covered in mud by the end. The fast sections are really technical and need sharp bike handling skills to negotiate at speed, but when you get them right, it’s better than sex (I’d imagine). Summer riding will be fantastic when it’s dry. Due to the technical nature of the trails, I’d suggest that it’s not suitable for single speeders (though I hope I’m not doing you crazy chaps, who can’t afford more that 1 cog,  a disservice.

Thanks to Mark for being both guide and driver for the day.

link to bedgebury club (updated by Rich 1)

At last - all four Rich’s together for an OTT ride (1,2,3 &4), plus Simon, James and newbie DC. We left the Mill just gone 7 lites blazing into the damp October air, heading north towards Lilley with the intention of getting in the Rocky Road and Whitwell Tower (the only 2 mildly challenging slopes,nay hills). It turned out to be more of a challenge that expected. In total we had 4 blow outs, including those with tubeless ( I will leave Simon to fill in the details). Time in the saddle was at a premium although it gave me (capt slow) the opportunity to get the odd rest break each time we had a technical, or as DC calls them “the puncture nymphs” (it must be a Yorkshire thing!). With James taking the helm we took a small detour in the woods (and had another technical), the darkness and atmosphere left a few hardened souls concerned for their safety (hence Blairwitch reference) but James found time to “twitch” with his Attenborough like skill in identifying the wildlife when an Tawny Owl (is that right?) sitting on a gate in front of us took flight. I will leave it for others to add there own tales as it was an interesting evening! - hopefully we can post the Garmin route soon -

Rich

A thankfully dry Sunday morning saw the long awaited return of Dave & Jorge who joined recent member Simon II and myself ready for another jolly Sunday morning jaunt.  I thought we’d do a reverse run of one of the routes - should give us a nice workout uphill in places.

We started with the uphill of Common Lane to wake us up and get the legs moving.  As soon as we reached the woods, we snaked through the tree’s briefly to ensure we were alert. After a short glide down to Kimpton Bottom, we hit the bridleway up to Bishey Wood and followed through to Ramridge Farm. We headed East and sneaked into Kimpton along the bridleway running behind the houses. After exiting onto Claggy Road, it was only seconds before we climbed up to Park Wood for the sweet little run along it’s edge.

 the Route

A gentle ride over the Hoo saw us descend into the Mimram valley ready for the big climb up Nortonstreet Lane - the dreaded “Rocky Road”.  Not suprisingly, Simon with his “Skipton legs” and Dave made light work of it with Jorge and myself trailing behind as per normal.  After an unplanned route through Reynolds Wood, we just about managed to exit onto the tree-lined avenue that sits opposite The Bury.  After getting to The Bury, we dropped down the trail that passes the tea rooms - not been down here a while.  No pedestrians to hinder our run today either - whoopee!

We passed along Whitwell High St. and headed for the water tower.  I thought I’d save that for later so we hit the path on the other side of the road with Hitch Wood the target. The track up alongside Park Wood & Foxholes Wood is always good and as we reached Hitch Wood, a large deer stood right in our path.  It’s sights like that which will always make me favour MTB’ing over road cycling -you can’t beat a bit of nature.  In the woods, I sort of lost the path slightly and ended up ‘guiding’ (and I use that term VERY loosely) everyone through a muddle of branches, chopped tree remnants and general non bike-friendly vegetation.

It was here that the Iron Horse was to be properly christened.  A large stick jammed itself firmly between the rear deraillleur plates and actually got wedged between chain and sprocket. Not content with half measures, a small log, half rotted, charged through the wheel from the other side at exactly the same time. It stayed firmly wedged with two spokes embedded 2 inches plus in the end.  Result - one nicely bent deraillleur hanger - Ouch!
Having reconnected with the path , we climbed the short steep slope up to Langley End and had a brief pit stop to adjust my gears in line with my bendy mech. hanger.

 Pit Stop - the Horse has been christened

We rolled onward successfully ‘cross country to St. Pauls Walden and through the church to drop down just before The Bury once more.  The grassy hill which we had previously come down, looked a good idea so uphill again it was.  

 Jorge hits the top

The delight of this climb is that we can come DOWN the ‘Rocky Road’ at full pelt.  And what great fun that is every time. Despite having to pick a fine line with the skinny 1.8 Panaracers fitted to the Horse, i didn’t touch the brakes and it put a big grin on everyone’s face at the bottom. I did suffer a pinch flat on the way down but a quick tube swap saw us ready again.  Trust me, it was worth it.

 Pinch flat repair time

Next up was the short ride to the water tower and the climb to the top.  The Rocky Road and the tower were both new to Jorge so he didn’t get away as lightly as he did on his inaugural OTT ride some months back.  Rather than hit the Holt, we opted for the off-road Long Lane route to Whiteway Bottom Lane.  As the miles weren’t exactly high (little did I know my GPS had thrown a wobbly whilst rectifying the pinch flat) I opted for a road blast down to Kimpton Mill and loop round the Ayots to give us some proper final mileage.

We slogged uphill to Abbotshay - Simon just a speck out in front, and nipped through Ayot St. Lawrence heading off-road once more to the joyful twisting track through Stocking Spring.  Jorge had a minor fall without any damage to man or machine.  We continued across the road and along to the ‘Steep’ -the railway embankment of Hunter’s Bridge that lifts us onto Ayot Greenway.  I know you need speed to get up here so waited until Jorge’s first attempt was over before having another successful climb up.  Jorge attempted it a second time and reached the top with a cunning manouvre that saw the bike slightly behind him. 

 Jorge tackles the ‘Steep’

A very interesting approach but not quite cycling as we know it.  Simon impressed all jumping off the lower brickwork of the bridge.  As legs were now getting weary, I opted to follow the trail to it’s end and continue by road until we could pick up the railway once more.
After a final cruise back, we exited gladly at the Amble Inn for a well-earned pint. The total was a very respectable 28 miles - ask Jorge! Don’t worry mate, I won’t tell ‘em who beat you on the last section

Garmin Connect page

Garmin Player link

 Why do we cycle? - because there’s beer at the end of course!

Mark

I couldn’t see how to add to the blog but I sure someone will do it for me (done by Rich)

It started Saturday 3rd up at 5am for for drive to North Wales A trip round Llandegla as a warm up for the week to come, I arrived a little late as the people I was riding with were just leaving and I still have to change the tire on the bike as the previous weekends ride on sharp flints did it no favors at all.
Lots of leg burn and heavy breathing I managed to catch everyone up before the end of the first climb

Sunday 4th Days rest today Christening of my god daughter a few shandys were had

Monday am up at 5.30 for the drive up to Scotland to sample the 7 stanes.
Stopped at Newcastleton on the way todo the red route I looked at the north shore but with no one else about to scrape me off the floor if things went wrong I rode on past I managed the red route in 1hr 15mins not bad as the time on the boards was 1.5 hour to 3 hrs

Monday Pm Arrive Glentress do a lap mixing bits of the blue and red route and play on the free ride park was expecting everyone else to arrive but a few phonecalls later it appears I was having a solo day today. Most places wouldn’t dream of doing just a “blue” route but the blue at glentress is great fun and it can be mixed and matched with the red.
I arrived at the first part of the weeks digs and got the bedroom with views to caddon bank on the innerlithern stane. Graham first to arrive followed by Gav and Rob. Big up for Rob coming as it was touch and go if he was going to ride as he was still suffering from a dislocated shoulder .

Tuesday Gav, Me , Graham
Innerleithern up to the first fireroad down the bottom half of the down hill course back up the hill to catch the slower people up. All the way up to Minch moor Graham took the short cut to miss out the summit saying he would meet us where the trails rejoin as it was a bit of a rough climb to the top(the down was worth it though!)
He waited a post too early so we thought he had gone down so we raced to catch up when he was behind us (he didn’t have his phone with him ) Then he took it slow as he thought we had a problem and he was waiting for us to catch up.
Caddon bank woohoooo what fun I have to admit I took all the chicken runs though too big and scary for someone from down sarf like me.
We arrived at the carppark, no missing person who we had lost at the top some one came down told us that someone with a matching description was at the top of caddon back, so it was back up the first climb and a skoot along the fire road to pick him up and back down caddon bank again, chicken runs again! Everyone back safe to the carpark.

Wednesday Me, Gav, Tim Glentress black route riding with a local per tim. Tip don’t try and keep up with a local! my legs didn’t want to work on the first climb I was then told by Gav don’t try and keep up with him! Weather a bit grotty today up in the cloud good fun going down on Britney. Deliverance was great fun but the redemption climb after it was a BEAST, the local tim was starting to flag a bit now though. We done the full black route with all the bits that I whimped out on my last trip to Scotland when we reverted to the red route towards the end. We managed the whole route in about 2hrs 40 mins

Thurday - Change of accommodation today staying down near Dalbeatie so we stopped at Ae on the way there. We were going to do a shorter route mixing the blue and the red but when we got to the cut of point we were feeling good and the weather was good so we went for the full fat route. There were quite a few new sections from the last time I rode Ae 2 years previous.
The last decent is still the best bit though got some huge air(for me) on the last decent scared myself more than once.

Friday Dalbettie red route just along the road from where we were staying, there was a back door into the forest from the farm but we wasn’t sure where we would come out on the trail and didn’t fancy geeting too lost. I managed to do the slab for the first time I bottled it on last trip 2 years ago this time just went for it down the qualifier didn’t stop at the top of the slab just poped right over

Saturday Kirroughtree everyone else had a day off today but not me headed up to do the red and a bit of the black at krroughtree I was going to the the whole thing but trails were wet and really greasy didn’t want to go anywhere near mc moab and didn’t fancy heartbreak hill at all!
I got as far as stairway to heaven then headed back. I had forgotten how many things kirroughtree throws at you some of the rock gardens are really toughie. I had a refusal on hissing sid steps down hill off camber round a corner, maybe another time!

Sunday Mabie red route to complete the full house ( I don’t count Glentrool as it hasn’t got single track)

Sunday Pm the 350mile drive home

The first 3 nights I stayed at
http://www.mountainbikeapartments.com/
Well recommended I will stay there again. bike shop end of road pub nice and close

2nd 3 nights click here

Not everyone’s cup of tea but comfortable warm clean and dry. I’d stay there again too

  An overcast but dry day saw a group of 10 riders meet at the Ancient Briton in St. Albans for the regular Sunday ride.  This was an alternative meeting place and first time we’d used it on a Sunday.  Luckily, it seemed a popular start point.  We set off with James leading the way.  In seconds, we were following each other along a portion Beech Bottom Dyke for a quick weave through the tree’s.  After exiting briefly, it was back into the tree’s until we came to the railway.  Quickly down to the road and past Sandridgebury Farm  to catch the last section of the bridleway into Sandridge Village. 

Being so close, it would be a sin if we missed out Rifle Butt woods so onwards we went.  It was great to see the pedal-powered procession winding it’s way across the field to the start.  The woods are always great fun and as expected, James positively flew through here.  After everyone was together again we headed off for another dose of wooded fun in the form of Symondshyde.  We did a small section and then the fast part that ends on the road.  Mackie had a minor tumble but all was well.  We set off again into the thick of it but we lost Mackie & Mec en route.  Despite phone calls and a complete lap of the area by James, we couldn’t locate them.   It was later revealed that three punctures had stopped Mackie in his tracks and Mec had stayed with him.

We continued across to Cromer Hyde ready to pick up the better half of the Bunyan gully.  This is a favourite of mine and always good fun when pedalling like crazy. Crossing the road, we dived into Brocket and shot down to the River Lea.  This was followed as usual, via the ford until we reached the incline up to the Ayot Greenway.

Following the old railway path, we dipped down the ‘Steep’ of Hunter’s Bridge to head on to Stocking Springs.  Always a tight ride especially for those with wider bars.  I’m sure it claimed a victim or two on this ride. 

Heading South-West now, Gustard Wood was our next destination with a quick cut through the golf course and the stepped route that ends with the fast section through to Marshalls Heath.  A short road section took us to Mackerye End for the narrow singletrack down to Batford - the ‘traditional’ home of OTT Sunday rides.

Over the ford & up the hill (where Mark H’s bike spat it’s chain) only to fly through the cuttings between the houses en route to Mud Lane.  Over the fields and past Cheapside Farm for the short blast back to Sandridgebury.  Here it was an easy pace back through the lanes to the Ancient Briton.  With some aching legs on board, we said our goodbyes & dispersed ready for the next one.  Thanks to James for leading this one and a shout out to all the new faces I’d not seen before.

Riders were Duncan, James, Mackie, Mark H, Mark M, Mec, Mik, Paul, Sam & Tim.

Cheers Guys

Mark

The Route

The weather has finally turned and I thought about how many hardened OTT’rs will continue through the darkness and cold of winter.

So after a very lacklustre response to my invite for the usual Tues night jaunt, I was fully expecting there to be only Mark S and myself for the spin around the woods.

A last minute check on the forum revealed a response from a “noob”, who said he would join us.  Once I reached the meet point there was Mark with OTT virgin Dave and the ”dirty 1/4 dozen” was complete……

As the day had been intermitent with rain, I had planned quite a short route, with the possibility of some additions if we felt like it.

The usual start up to Rifle Butt, and the trail condition was remarkable, through Symonshyde and my mind was made up, we would be doing the longer north St. Albans loop.  Additionally I wanted to show Dave around a bit, as he seems quite keen, and a potential Tuesday night regular.

Down the gully and thourgh The Brocket Estate and then onto the Ayot Greenaway, and then cutting north towards Shaw’s Corner.  Taking in the always fantastic Stocking Spring Woods (Herfordshire’s very own “Spooky Woods”!).

Coming back down the twisty bit to Batford, and then up and over into Harpenden, up Mudd Lane and down to Sandridge.

A very enjoyable ride, didn’t quite manage to crack 20 miles, but very close, route below.

Simon

 

  Having attended the inaugural event and the following year also, I was sure everyone would love this day out.  I was much dismayed that my initial post was met with zero interest.  I posted again several months later – still to no avail. 

  It was with great joy that Rich IV’s reminder finally attracted some attention to the event. OTT were finally going to the 2009 Skyride.  Travel arrangements were made and the day came ever closer.  Even Greg who’d participated in both previous rides phoned to check if I was still going.  We’d lost communication in recent weeks due to a change in his employment.  Such is the draw of the event – once you’ve experienced it; it’s just far too much fun to miss. 

  The 20^th September finally arrived.  7:00am and I’m degreasing and lubing the recently fitted drivechain.  8:00am and Greg arrives.  We casually pedal along to the station to meet Kev.  We catch the train to Finsbury Park and head under our own steam to Highbury Fields - start of the ride down to the Thames.  The smiling Sky girls happily hand us our Skyride bibs, exchange banter and we’re good to go.  Still on main roads, the route is posted but the streets are almost devoid of traffic.  It’s a far cry from the manic pace normally associated with London’s roads. 

20 minutes later and were under the watchful gaze of St. Paul’s Cathedral ready for our first lap.

Blood now warming, we snaked along passing all forms of two-wheeled transport with few things getting in our way.  All along the Embankment, others joined the remarkable procession swarming onto the car-free roads.  Into Trafalgar Square and under Admiralty Arch for a blast down The Mall to Buckingham Palace.  Past the watchful gaze of Queen Victoria and back through St. James’s Park to return along the Embankment. 

  Meanwhile, the second group had met, travelled  to West Hampstead and meandered through the streets to also pick up the route.  Luck would have it that Kelly Brook was still in the area having been involved heavily in the promotion of the event.  She was so bowled over to see the smart new OTT shirts that she asked for a picture with the guys.  Always happy to oblige, Rich II, Rich IV & Simon fulfilled her life-long ambition.
    With all seven participating OTT members on the course, it was now time to actually meet up somewhere.  No mean feat when there’s another 60000 bikes in the vicinity enacting the mechanical interpretation of a drunken bees’ waggle dance.  After much texting and calling, Temple Pier became the chosen rendezvous point.  I stood on the steps and shortly my OTT shirt guided the others to us.  Now properly grouped, we proceeded to add our own tiny contribution to the metallic cacophany permeating the streets of London.  Weird and wonderful creations abounded.  Huge tricycles riden by clowns, tandems, trandems and quaddems(?).  Choppers, lowriders, Old School retro riders,  Dogs in baskets and mobile sound systems.  Children on little bikes and also hitching rides with their parents. Unicyles, Downhillers, MTB’s, plastic bikes, folding bikes and full lycra-clad racers.  And,of course, the incredible Piano Man.

Never will you see such a mixed crowd from all walks of life pedalling and smiling in unison. Time for a photostop don’t you think?
  With the day warming up nicely and minor mechanical gliches well sorted, an official OTT refreshment stop was looking all the more inviting.  We left the hustle and bustle of the ride for a pleasant detour through the carbon monoxide fumes. Swiftly dropping down to Butlers Wharf for a well earned break at All Bar One.
       With our thirsts swiftly quenched, it was time for a full-on last lap together before parting ways. Powered by Peroni, Stella and other premium fuels we raced onto the closed loop once more and gave it all we had.  Like fighter aircraft on full reheat we blasted through the ever-decreasing spaces and  hurtled along at an incredible pace. It was reminiscent of riding fast singletrack with the tree’s changing position of their own free will.  We made use of every spare inch of clearance between our bar-end and the next.  We sprinted, weaved a braked our way through this mobile maze until we could pass no more.  

  In the mass sprint, Rich IV dropped a chain and lost sight of us all.  Fortunately, a call had us locate his whereabouts and all ended happily.  We regrouped for our final goodbyes and the two groups parted to disappear back into the monoxide heavy streets once more.  It was all over for another year.  From comments I’ve heard, everyone had a blast of a time and really soaked up the atmosphere and spirit of the Skyride.  

Thanks to all the organisers, marshalls and participants that made this such a fun day to remember.
 We’ll be back next year I’m sure

Mark

Maybe an 8 o’clock start and a late finished put some people off, but the intrepid ‘5’ turned up almost on time at Batford for what proved to be a day of high’s and one considerable low. With a minimum of faffing about, we were on the road and steaming Northwards in true convoy fashion (or it would have been if Craig has waited). Thanks to a weak bladder, we were all together again just off the M1 and meandered our way through the beautiful Mansfield urban-scape, past the closed pit heads, teenage mothers and Happy Shoppers until we arrived at the natural oasis of single track that is Sherwood Pines.

Again with minimum of faffage, we kitted up and steeled ourselves for some intrepid exploring. We set off like a gang of scorched meerkats through the first section which got the legs warm and the adrenaline pumping. 3 miles in and the first of the days technicals struck when Mark suffered a pinch flat on a particularly fast and flowing section through the ferns. Personally, some of us were glad for an early breather while Fraser hopped about, full of youth and nervous energy (until Craig let his tyres down anyway).

Tubes inflated, we pressed on through some fast, swooping sections and into tight , technical tree sections. More technical shenanigans as my (Rich IV) chain decided to hop off the top rear cassette and into my spokes. A quick pit stop and we were scuttling up a steep ascent, with tight switch-backs. More swooping single-track brought us all to the top of the Sherwood Pines duel decent course. After picking various lines and taking a number of blind crests, we all regrouped at the bottom as breathless as virgins on their wedding night. After a breather, a wipe of the forehead to remove excess perspiration, a quick drink and a discussion on how good the last 5 minutes was, we were off again (which is, coincidentally, also like virgins on their wedding night).

Heading into a fast, narrow and twisty section through trees, Craig suffered the first of his two user induced gear selection malfunctions. More emergency repairs and off we set again, only this time for Fraser to do a disappearing act. We found the stressed teenager just before he called Child-Line.

After 10 miles, we returned to the visitor centre for a well deserved rest and to pick the falling pine needles from our hair, kit and lunch.

Heading off a second time for the ‘blue’ route with all bikes now in perfect working order, we sailed through the first few sections with the trail-blazing shared between most of us. Following the failure to see a big blue sign with an arrow on it, we then found ourselves heading the wrong way round the ‘red’ route. Thankfully, the two female storm-troopers coming the other way were rather good about it and we forged on. At this point, it would be churlish to mention Craig, Fraser and the 5 minute sandy river bed challenge, so I won’t.

Now off the marked route, we were forced to rely on my local knowledge and RichNav to get us back on the trail, however, this extra work milage took it’s toll on RichI who was forced to fall on his sword with the bravery of Cpt Oates and attempt a return to the safety of the car park.

More single track and the now 4 weary peddlers turned for home. The only eventful moment of this was small dog that either wanted to be Mark’s friend or to eat him - we never found out as the yappy little dish rag was outpaced by an impressive turn of speed.

Back at the cars, we faffed for a bit before the much anticipated visit to The Griffin in Papplewich for the much talked-about pie. I knew something was wrong when I entered the establishment as both the carpet, decor and manager had changed. The pies, when they arrived were excellent, but alas, not the world class pastry based, gravy soaked meat containers that I had previously experienced. As I hung my head in shame, the chicken and bacon pie tasted like nettles in my mouth and I struggled to enjoy both the pints of Black Sheep that were required to calm my disappointment.

After that, it was back home down the M1 for tea and medals. I’d like to say, it was a wonderful day with great company and great riding, but the bitter taste of a pie that is now no more than just a memory will taint the day forever like an unwelcome beetroot stain on your favorite shirt.

Thanks must go to Rich and Craig for doing the driving.

Tuesday evening again, 6 of us turned up at the usual Sandridge meet point.

I met up with Mark at his car and we cycled around the corner to meet up with Rich IV and Mark S, after a brief chat, Mackie came rumbling down the road in his Australian V8 Car.  Intrigued the 4 of us gathered around to see how he’d managed to squeeze his bike into it.

As Rich has just bought a new car, a convertible, the carrying of bikes was discussed in detail, Mackie assembling his bike from the many component parts required to fit into his car.

Anyway as we were now just out of site of the meet point, James thought he’d missed us!

The usual start through Rifle Butt Woods and then Symonshyde, up John Bunyan Gully.  A slight detour uncovered some single track through the woods by the pub which we’d not done before.  Then down towards Wheathampsted, with both Marks managing to go straight on at the bottom towards the tractor ploughing the fields!  Must have been hypnotised by his lights!

Into Nomansland and some more single track that we’d not ridden before, and a brief explore in a jump spot which seems very recent.

Up Mudd Lane and down towards the Rugby Club, then across to Batchwood Woods and yet more singletrack, we even managed to do the “shore”.

Time was getting late, so we made our way back across the golf course, and then Beech Dyke single track which is always a grin.

A great ride at a good pace.

Simon

Route:

.