Obsessive Cycling Disorder from OTT

Leaving the Mill at 9.40 without James today we where joined by OTT Newbie, John the Pom with Mark S, Mark M, Adders, Neil, Simon and me Rich 1.  A slow starts with 2 punctures before we had done 5 miles. As some of us need to be back for 12.30 the group took a normal route (see map) up through Gustard Wood and The Ayotts via Brocket Arms, Kimpton and on to Codicote (and the famous Richards log).

When we got to the Rocky Road before Whitwell the singlespeeders and those who didnt have to be back by 1pm headed north - Neil, Simon , John and I headed to Water Tower Hill and back towards the Amble Inn for a quick cider - It was good to see Adders join us and newbie John who kept up with the pace (damm good for first time out with a bunch of lunatics)-hope to see you again soon - click on map below

 click for full size route (thanks Simon)

I just have to write this quick blog - A “first” for Capt Slow, I managed to beat both Simon and James up a decidedly muddy track on our nite ride the woods last nite.

A cold start, part of James ploy to ensure that Simon and I couldn’t’ keep up with up with him at the begining of the ride - He kept us waiting and frostbite was beginning to set in. When he did arrive the whole of Sandridge new well in advance, as his 1800 lumens from his MTE LED lites could be seen miles away - the fact that collectively we emitted nearly 3 times that amount really cheesed off some oncoming drivers during the ride (it was there fault for driving off road!).

Anyway, great fun (but cold and sticky) nearly two hours in the saddle with the guys on their singlespeeders and we came across some other equally mad mtbers who even tried to keep up with us once or twice - but in true OTT style we led the way (or should that be L.E.D the way!) . Its not very often I can keep up, let alone manage to beat the dynamic duo on their SS’ers, but I did, however they made up for on the last leg by leaving me in the distance (for a short while, so I’m not complaining!) - I will be back! - Rich (Capt Slow)

Some of you asked about the lights - so pics above (see message board for tech spec)

 Muddy! 

John Bunyan Gully was so sticky we had to pedal down it!

Only 3 of us stupid enough to venture out, Mark S, Rich A and I, first time out for a long time meant Rich was very quiet during the climbs………

Perfect conditions for SS, I could almost hear the drivetrain on Mark’s new bike being ground away in the gloop.

We left the mill at 9.40 with James, Simon II (Badbod), Tim, Fraser, Mark S and me Rich riding cautiously through the ice and compressed snow. Our easier route took us up the Nicky Line onto Cherry Trees Lane and past the stables into East Wheathampstead and towards Nomansland Common on the border of St Albans. We followed the route across some incredible snow covered bridleways which looked as though no-one had used them for days - with the snow 8-12″ deep in parts. All of us, although taking it steady came off at one stage of the ride - with my front wheel stuck in a drift first and the slowest “endo” being demonstrated, Fraser managed to catch my bike (he said it was the safer option-don’t what he meant!). With a short flurry of more snow on the ride, James took some pics with the mobile (to be posted soon). We took our normal route through Symondshyde and back to the John Bunyon Gulley - the ride took it’s toll on my Spesh when my rear hanger snapped ( I had a spare - of course) along with the chain and a buckled rear mech - thanks to the guys and Simon  (Tim didn’t have a tool kit for some reason!) we were back and riding in 5 minutes ( we won’t mention the flat I got back in Southdown). An OTT first today- no visit to the Amble Inn !. I guess we only rode about 17 miles max, but the difficulty in virgin snow made it feel a lot more. - If you have not ridden in thick snow - give it a go it’s awesome - my standard S-Works Captain tyres worked a treat (full pressure - not low)

Cheers - Rich

A grand total of 10 riders met at the mill for the first OTT Sunday ride of 2010.  It was a pretty cold start to the day and everyone sported suitable attire to keep the frosty air at bay.

We started off up the singletrack & followed a pretty stock route through to Ayot St Lawrence and down to Kimpton Mill.  The “Rocky Road” was our next challenge and although slippery in places, it was still passable.  We looped round the Bury and down past the tea rooms (where some stopped for an early warming break).

Through Whitwell and right at the watertower saw us head in a general Northerly direction towards Hitch Wood.  We branched off through The Firs and entered Preston village.  Onwards we pressed along Dead Woman’s Lane and Tatmorehills Lane before branching off South-West.

A Northerly route to Temple End  was followed by the Chalk Hill route into and through Great Offley and along Luton White Hill.   The long wall close to Putteridge Bury college was our guide until we exited at Mangrove Green.  The fast run down the second “Chalk Hill” of the day was great fun and fast -  you could use the banking well to negotiate the corners at speed.

A fairly long road section through quiet lanes saw us pass through Ley Green, over the top of Kings Walden, through Frogmore and return to the bottom of the watertower climb at Whitwell.  As per last visit, the first section was okay but there was a distinct lack of traction available halfway up the second section.  I think Tim was the only one to make it without a break.  I stopped briefly and pushed but restarted with a friendly shove  courtesy of Mark Sparks.

We pressed on over The Holt and into Kimpton with the final climb and descent down Common Lane taking us back to the start point of our 34 mile epic mudfest at Batford Mill.

Due to time constraints etc, some riders left the group at various points throughout the route.  Craig, Tim, Mark Sparks and myself were the only four riders to slog it out to the bitter end (and wished we hadn’t at times!).  A fine start to the year. Welcome to OTT Sundays in 2010.  Nice one chaps.

Riders today were Rich I, Rich IV, James, Dan, Paul, Pete, Tim, Craig, Mark Sparks and Mark (me)

The route

here’s the link for the Garmin Connect Player

Mark

(pictures added by Rich later)

Northern bloke (Rich IV) with pork sausages - naughty!

Pete playing catch up - after leaving 15 mins late keeps up with the crew

Tim- now’s the time to put tubeless on the rear!