Obsessive Cycling Disorder from OTT

Great turnout on what was probably the wettest sunday for months -come back soon for pics and stories - including Tim (2) and the flying log (hope you’re feeling better mate!)

Our planned trip through two loops of singletrack was shelved for a more exciting trek up to Kimpton Woods and then through some of Mark and James well ridden routes (including Blairwitch Route) - thanks guys, no good me leading or we would be out all day for just 20k.

Joined by Newbies, Tim, Dan (far right and far left of picture above) we started by trying to knock out Tim with a makeshift swing which had been hiding in the entrance to the singletrack off Common Lane - hitting him square on the nose, he actually trusted me with my first aid kit (he will learn). At this stage the fairly dry and overcast weather was not slowing us down - that was in store later. 8 rode today and Dave R, Jorge and Bill missed out due to trains and travel problems. Neil. making a welcome return after nearly 2 months off kept the pace (which at times was challenging) - We hit the Rocky Road before the torrential rain started , this was saved for Whitwell Tower Hill where we rode up what seemed like a stream at times,plus I fell off. I will leave it for the guys to add their bits later , Oh I think we managed 22 mile, is that right?-cheers - Rich

After a month of careful planning, it was down to a small hard-core of OTT riders who turned up at The Peahen (St Albans) for a night out. Mark was the first there, ever keen for the ‘off’. I (RichIV) was next to arrive followed by RichI and RichII shortly after. We started off at a leisurely pace with Mark leading the way and myself in my usual position, at the back, and last to finish my pint.Following the Peahen, we turned down the main road. It’s a tricky descent and was very slippery, especially if you had new leather soled shoes eh RichI? A sharp left turn followed by a section of flat brought us to our next resting place - The Garibaldi. A tricky, sharp left turn through a narrow door got us into the pub and we safely negotiated the barmaid and settled on another 4 pints. After carefully negotiating a small dog and myself still at the back and last to finish, we headed once more into the night. As the weather worsened, we headed left and round a sharp, blind right and over a section of road to the White Hart (I think). One more in there and RichII had to leave and take the short cut home. He clained it was due to work in the morning, but I think he just couldn’t handle the pace that RichI was setting. He may not be ‘pacey’ on a bike, but he leads from the front at downing Leffe.After that, we needed some nourishment so it was back to the main road and a steep ascent, similar to rocky road (without the bikes or rocks) to find Wagamammas virtually deserted. Fully replete and full of Singha, and with fading batteries, it was time to head for home after a lap of St Albans pubs. I jumped in a taxi, RichI got picked up by the wife and Mark walked home to WGC!!!!!!!!So a good night out with no punctures,  breakages or technical mishaps - we should do it more often.Thanks to all who turned up, apologies to those who wanted to make it but couldn’t and ppppppphhhhhh to those who just couldn’t be bothered to be social.

Thanks Mark - Great edit and lost on the message board, so I thought I should post it here also- Rich

A bright but chilli start to the day saw Bill, Stephen and myself (RichIV) turn up at The Gate in Bricket Wood. With some local knowledge of Bricket wood and Stephens local knowledge of London Colney, we decided to head to new ground north of the M25.

From Bricket Wood, we sped north/east, through London Colney and the Broad Colney Lakes Nature Reserve and then through Willow Hall Farm into the Coppice Woods. We did a lap of the woods and found the terrain park which could be a lot of fun for the brave (or stupid) in the summer. It was at this point that I decided to turn my GPS on!!

Leaving the woods, we followed the line of the lakes to the top end of Willow Lakes. We decided to take a break here which, purely coincidentally, happened to be outside the lakes snack van. Stephen and I decided, for the benefit of all OTT riders, to do a ‘good food’ review of the fayre. 2 bacon baguettes and a cup of tea later, we can safely say that it is a 5* establishment and should be frequented by OTT on a weekly basis throughout the winter. Bill having already claimed to have had breakfast, settled on a banana. We introduced him to the meal known as ‘second breakfast’, which fits between ‘breakfast’ and ‘brunch’.

After this, we turned south/east at Colney Heath then due south through Courses Farm to the M25. We then negotiated a very tricky, rocky and slippery gully to the side of the B556, then under the M25 and a lap of Hawkshead Wood. Some fast descents (up to 30 mph) and long acents – well worth some more exploring.

It was during one of these ascents that I realised that we had done a good 15 miles (estimated due to me not turning on the GPS until a few miles in), without any technical problems. Was this the kiss of death? Read on and find out later.

Following the loop, we were back under the M25 and heading back down the tricky gully. This was even scarier as speed was now involved. Inevitably, it ended in a slow speed, rider/bike separation incident at the bottom involving yours truly.

Now heading for home through the Mosquito Museum (the aeroplane not the insect), Watford FC’s training ground, Harper Lane Rail Depot - we do all the best sites - and back onto Smug Oak Lane towards our starting point.

After about 20 miles, I am proud to reveal that we didn’t have a single puncture, breakage, technical failure of any kind what-so-ever, not one, nil, nada, zip. A totally none faffage ride.

Thanks to Bill and Stephen for making it a great ride.

A few of us met up at Batford Mill for the normal 9.30 departure and headed towards Wheathampstead via Nomansland. Unfortunately some of our newbies couldnt make it.  Simon demonstrated his “cat like agility” in bouncing of his bike during the first climb of the morning (to save further embarrassment I won’t quote where this was). A short blast down the Bunyon Gulley (the end of which has been sanitized by the 4X4 crew with hardcore) and across to the Brocket Estate.  To-days main hazards were walkers and runners (Well,the one Badbod spotted anyway), with one group with dogs on the Ayott Greenway being particularly obnoxious.  As we do (always) we slowed for a group of ladies walking their pampered pets, only to be shouted at as one canine took a dislike to another walkers dog and ran across in front of me, I was told to slow down (me!-slow down) and received a torrent of abuse about sharing the pathways- Madam, you’re the one who has to keep the dog under control, I had actually stopped to let them all pass anyway. I guess this is the privilege of always being at the back of the group.

The most important part of the trip was stopping at 11am for 2 minutes and reflecting on the more valuable things in the world! - Thanks Guys 2 hours plus of muddy fun! _Rich

Question of the day! ” Why do we clean our bikes before going out and getting them covered in c**p again?” 

OTT Riders - James (Singlespeed), Tim, Simon (Badbod) and Rich I

ayotgreenwaymap1.pdf

Some pics from the boys (Matt, Pete & Craig) - News to follow!

  click for picture

I rather fancied a Saturday ride but with few replies on the message board it wasn’t looking too hopeful.  Fortunately, Mark ‘Sparks’ called me and we decided to head out towards Broxbourne. 

The Route

We’d just started our off road ride when Mark called me back with a dreaded puncture.  This was less than 2 miles into the ride.  Oh well, best get it over with now. Quickly fixed, we started the incline up to West End when Mark was hit with another puncture.  We’d now covered all of 2.28 miles.  Onwards again until yet another deflating experience at 3.60 miles.  This was on the same stretch that destroyed Greg’s rim on an earlier ride.  Finally at 6.50 miles, Mark’s tube totally gave up and he wisely swapped it over for a spare.  Looks like we’re finally ready to roll - Yee ha!

We picked up the Hertfordshire Way to Newgate Street and continued through Ponsbourne Park and on to Brickendon.  We continued on the trail to Owls Hatch Cottages then picked up the bridleway at Edwards Green Farm.  North to Blackfields Farm, then we looped back  to Monks Green.  This is due to the fact that the fast downhill section through Bramble’s/Highfield Wood is just too good to miss.  There was a lot of surface water running across the path and it was very slippery.  We managed only 24mph down this section but it had a few hairy moments all the same.  Stopping at the bottom was a bit of a worry i must admit.

Despite it being a lovely day with the sun breaking through the clouds in little patches, it was messy.  The spray/mud and horse poo mix made a very good job of covering every exposed surface.  The horrid grinding noise of the gears certainly confirmed this.   BUT,  bikes are to be ridden so that’s the way it goes.   You can’t expect a bike to stay clean in these conditions.   We were caked in the stuff but having a great ride all the same.

We headed North in the woods after weighing up the pro’s & cons of riding a bit more before it got too dark on the way back.  Another loop saw us return to Monk’s Green and back down to Brickendon.  Through Blackfan Wood and I was hoping to cut though the nice section that leads onto Bucks Alley.  Sadly this was closed due to the collapse of the small bridge.  This meant we had to cycle on the road to Little Berkhamsted via Epping Green.

Across the fields  and down the hill then through Bedwell Park to exit at Howe Green.  It was cooler in the valley and pedalling seemed instantly easier.   We were just on the good side of lights being needed and climbed the shallow gradient to Letty Green.  We picked up the Cole Green Way at the A414 underpass and took the old railway line back into Welwyn Garden City.  A swift zig-zag through the roads and past Marshalls and we were nearly home.  We passed one house that was decorated so well for Hallowe’en that it looked like an Addams Family movie set.  Children gathered ready for Trick or Treat time.  ”Ah, Trick or Treat”, I thought.  The trick was avoiding all the thorns and the treat was watching poor Mark Sparks pick them all up in his tyres.  Happy Hallowe’en!   

We finally arrived back at mine after completing a very messy and long 31 miles - looks like I’m certainly gonna need (more…)