Obsessive Cycling Disorder from OTT

With all the stories of the weekend in Wales the constant reference to the Dropoff Cafe deserves a blog of its own. The food was great, the staff were always happy (even when we set Roger our mature student on them) and it made a great weekend even more fun. The girls who worked tirelessly serving the hoards of MTB’rs with the largest plates of food I have seen and what fantastic coffee - as a registered coffee snob who only drinks from ground beans i would challenge anyone to find better (Costa Coffee come and take a look at how to do it properly). Even when I asked to watch the footie (probably a strange request at the cafe) the ladies where only too pleased to assist (warning though- don’t touch the TV guys/girls). The cafe’s business card states “The UK’s no 1 MTB Cafe” and I would agree - it deserves an article in MBUK/MBR/Singletrack etc etc etc. How can staff work so hard and yet keep smiling - a lesson in customer service to all big companies - Thanks Girls (sorry if any guys do work there, I didn’t see any)

  

www.dropoffcafe.com

Yes, got yet another puncture on Tuesday night as reported in blog.  Still not completely convinced of No-flats solution and being seriously weight-weeny have always avoided slime, sludge and any other jizzy deposits in my tyres.  However I spotted Wiggle ad for Slime Lite (sic) “Lightest Self-Healing Tube on the planet”. Slime claims tubes are 219 g (only a smidgeon above a slime free tube I think) so have decided to throw £15 at the experiment.  I’ll give it a couple of weeks and then think about spending £15 for the other tyre.

Anybody out there with slime lite form?

Tim

Cars with the ‘Child on Board’ signs in the window.   And they’re like doing 50mph in a 30 zone and can’t work out how the indicators work.  Hey lady what is that all about?  Am I expected to back off ’cause your precious baby is on board?  So why drive like an idiot and risk the life of your child (& us cyclists) in the first place.  That’s what really grinds my gears.

Mark (Giant Trance 3)

Just to let all readers know that Mark did not have the accident (see picture) when riding with OTT

Rich

Well folks, here’s my first post - bit of a test really - on the new OTT blog.

Having found the website and joined in on three of the rides now; it’s refreshing to find a group locally that go out for the enjoyment of the ride.  You don’t have to be a super-fit, competitive sportsman with a £4000 bike.  You won’t get left behind ’cause your slower than the others.  You won’t be laughed at for your lack of coordinated cycle gear.

All the guys I’ve met have been extremely friendly and helpful and I thank you all for the great times I’ve had recently.  I’m sure that my friends will also agree with these views.   I’m looking forward eagerly to the first ride of 2009 and for many more in the following months.  Can’t wait until the mud dries out and we can get along a bit faster.

I think we are fortunate to live where we do, as Hertfordshire is blessed with many great places to cycle.  Okay, we don’t do epic climbs or perilous mountain  descents but we have a jolly time all the same.  I’m also expanding my knowledge of the area as I tend to cycle mainly East of the A1(M).  As you may have seen on the website, I’m trying to plot the rides with my Garmin.  I’m also saving the routes on Memory Map so feel free to ask if there are any things such as screen-prints you require.

I’ll end this first post with a big ‘thanks’ to Rich for starting this thing and all the other guys for welcoming my friends and I into the OTT family.  Oh, and a quick shout out to the Amble Inn for keeping a fine pint o’ Landlord.

Happy pedallin’

EDIT: Yes, as Richard correctly points out:-

 The picture below is what happens when you DON’T ride with OTT ! (I signed off with that pic merely for your amusement)  So don’t be scared, oil that chain & come join us…

 Mark (Giant Trance 3)