Brian entered himself in the Veteran class of the latest Gorrick race and therefor became the 1st person to race in our new team strip. Not sure how the race went but he finished roughly half way up the field in 29th place so well done to him.

A short ish ride today for myself George and Charlie over to Newlands corner but at least it gave us the chance to show of the new kit as below.

George was sporting the new shorts and race shirt as shown above.

Once at Newlands corner Charlie tried out his new shirt.

and above and below I was trying out the wind stopper top and shorts (although they are hidden by my baggies). I am pleased to confirm that all the clothing performed well and in our opinion looks good too, oh, and well done Duncan on the design work, excellent

Great news, the Dorking Cocks team kit all arrived today and it looks great. We'll have some sort of launch sometime over this weekend and get some pics sorted.

With all the bad weather that we have been having lately we were prepairing for the worst on our annual visit to the North Wales trails. It didn't get off to the best of starts either as Mark and Duncan got stranded on the M40 after Marks car broke down. They did eventually join us but not until a stressful day sorting out a replacement car etc.

Still, the remaining 6 of us all got to our planned meeting point at The Eagle Pub in Penmachno on time only to find it was shut at lunchtimes. This was perhaps a bonus as we headed straightout onto the trails. There are 2 loops their now which we planned on doing totaling about 30k, we were lucky in that it wasn't raining but the ground was very wet and the wind cold.

 Despite the weather we had a good workout completeing the 2 loops. It was only the 2nd time we'd been there and the 1st that we'd done the 2nd loop. All in all we thought it was a good trail with plenty of flowing singletrack and after the initial big climb wasn't overly hard but undulated nicely.

With the trail finished it was time to re pack the cars and head off to Coed y Brenin and our Ferndale accommodation. As per usual a boozey evening followed and at about 8 Mark and Duncan finally turned up meaning it had take them over 12 hours to make the journey from Surrey.

Saturday morning arrived and although cold it was still dry. Antony sorted us all out with a big English Breakfast so we were all ready to hit the trials. As per usual we were going to do a mix and match of the various trails available starting from the front door.

As we were to find out there were plenty of trail sections closed so we did all the bits we could, some of them 2 or even 3 times, had lunch at the new (but souless) cafe oh how the old one was so much better and generally had a good time.

That evening we made the decision to pack up the following morning and head down to the Cli mach trail as there was just to many diversions at Coed y Brenin.

So Sunday morning arrived and we packed up and headed off to the Cli mach trail. The forcast before we left for Wales on Friday morning head Snowdonia down for heavy snow, however in reality we were experiancing what can best be described as the very early signs of spring with even the sun making an apperance by the end of the ride.

I found the trail very hard work and althought the final decent is very good I really felt like the climbing to get to that point could be mmade far more interesting and enjoyable. Still it was still a good trail and the right decision to head down to do it rather than stay at Coed y Brenin. 

Well, with the trail finished it was tme to head home. We were so lucky to have had yet again, a dry February weekend in Wales made all the sweeter by hearing tales of woe form the grim weather back home in Surrey.

It feels to me although this is the longest and wettest winter in history, there seems to be a never ending cycle of rain sweeping across the area and still there is no sign of improvment.

This Wednesday just gone Simon was the only one brave (or is that stupid) enough to turn up for the night ride and to be fair, despite that fact he bravely carried on ending up at the Plough Coldharbour getting to know the locals.

Still, to be fair we have still be getting in a fair amount of biking. On Tuesday night I ventured up to Coldharbour on my own for the darts match and last Wednesday 8 of us turned out for what ended up being a very muddy ride over Ranmore and Mickleham down way complete with a couple of lovely pints of TEA in the William IV.

Saturdays have also seen a fair turn out of riders - last week there were 7 of us on the Nirvana ride which I had to bail out of early due to being so unfit it was embarrasing whilst the weke before that 5 of us had a grat ride over to Newlands to do some of the trails over that way including the Chantries and St Marthas.

Last weekend also saw Jo head up a group trip to the Peak district which included Paul, Mike, John, Al another Paul and others. From what I've seen and heard they had a great time  based around Hope taking in some of the popular routes such as Jacobs Ladder and Ladybower lakes - looks like that could be re run again in the future.

This weekend (Tomorrow) sees 8 of us (Duncan, Mark, Antony, Brian, Huw, Simon, Charlie & Toby) heading off on our annual visit to Coed y Brenin. The plan is to do the 2 loops at Penmachno tomorrow afternoon then retire back to our accommodation at Ferndale and spend Saturday and Sunday on the trails at Coed y Brenin hopefully throwing in a night ride for good measure.

The Dorking Cocks kit is nearing its arrival - we are able to follow its progress at Endura via a link they have provided us with and it is now at the sewing stage - expected completion is still showing as the 11th March so with the 12th being QC and despatch date we really do hope to have a launch day very soon.

I have been informed of a new Trailquest event that is scheduled to take place at Bookham on Sunday 11th April 2010. It is being run by www.midlandstrailquests.co.uk/events.php and all the details are available on their website.

Its a Sunday morning event with the choice of  a 3.5hr or 2hr option with full facilities being laid on at the event centre. Sounds like it could be fun and of interest to people who enjoy the orienteering side of things.

I think I said below how I was looking forward to a great start to 2010 with plenty of biking. Sadly its turned out to be far from that, its not only the weather that has been hampering this desire but  more so than that a virus that I picked up. 

This has laid me very low, has seen me off work for a couple of days and feeling rubbish for the past two weeks with the ability to go mountian biking put way beyond me. Still, the worst seems to be over now and hopefully a couple of short night rides will happen in the next few days.

So last Tuesday saw another dump of snow, it seemed to be years since we had any real snow and then last year in Feb we had  a big fall and now again, a year later we have our coldest spell of winter weather for 30 years or something so they tell us.

We had a home darts match so that means a cycle up to the plough, I met with Mike and as we headed up through Redlands wood there was just the odd flake, a sign of things to come. Within minutes of getting to Coldharbour the snow started to fall and settle, it didn't take long for it to start building up

 We stayed at the pub for a Tallywhacker or 5 watching the snow building up outside and villagers struggle around in their cars. We were looking forward to the trip home and at about 11 we eventually decided to kit up and make a start.

We left on the road towards Dorking which was a struggle as the first little section is actually up hill. We followed the road down to the entrance to Redlands wood then headed off into the woods. From hear we went our seperate ways home. Another 10 miles or so covered and great fun riding home rather drunk in the snow.

 Above is Mike heading up the road out of Coldharbour.

I had promised myself to get off to a flying start in 2010 and had a big 40 plus mile route planned out in my head, sadly how ever, as I left home this morning my legs had other ideas and I knew straight away that this sort of distance was beyond me.

Still, I managed to force myself out and up Leith Hill through Redlands and although the whole ride was a bit of a struggle I was pleased to make my way over the hill, down to Holmbury then over that hill to get refreshments at good old Peaslake stores.

After a cheese straw and mug of tea it was back over Holmbury Hill and then home by which time a creditable 26 miles was covered - not what I had hoped for originally but none the less, a pretty decent start to the year in glorious winter sunshine - beautiful

Where does the time go, can't believe its over 10 years ago since the excitment of the year 2000 celebrations. Still, in Biking terms its been a good decade and 2009 itself wasn't half bad.

For us it started with the Strathpuffer 24 hr race in January, this proved a great event. Hopefully we'll have another go at that sometime but not this year.

We also did fairly well in the D2D at Thetford in October, it was our 1st visit there and we loved the course, we'll certainly be back to do that again.

February had our usual trip for a long weekend at Coed y Brenin which is always a good crack whilst May saw 10 of us lead by Huw spend a long weekend in the Black Mountains for some natural Welsh riding and what a great trip that was.

Simon and me got up to the 7 Stanes in July for a long weekend and loved it as per usual whilst the South Downs Way in a day saw several of our crew taking part in one or the other  (and in some cases both) versons of it, including Kiwi Mike & Aussie Matt winning the 1st one and Antony coming 2nd in the 2nd one.

Also in the summer a group of 7 or so of the guys spent a week in Italy which I am told is just superb not to mention numerous trips by many of the guys to Afan.

I also managed to clock up 2,961 miles which is the most I've done for many a year but frustratingly just short of my target of 3,000. And to think up untill the end of Oct I was well on course but was folied in the end by a rubbish last 2 months of the year.

Tonight we are planning one of our regular 'cooking on Leith Hill' rides. Meeting at 7 at the Plough, bring your own stove/food for a short trip onto the hill, should be good fun and will be followed by a Tallywhacker or 2 at the Plough.

Well that was fun, and bloody cold. Riding on the road was rather scary with all the ice - off road was much better except for the snow covered everything and then froze which buggered up all the gears. Also the cleats in the pedals get packed with snow and become useless, infact all the moving parts become very blocked up, jockey wheels, front and rear mechs, gear cables, cranks - you name it and it suffers big time.

Still, we managed to get up to the Plough, have a pint and then ride off to our venue on the hill, we even managed to drag Tom, one of the pub locals along with us. So with George, Huw and myself that made 4 of us, we got a fire going cooked up some soup and chilli, ate then headed back to the Plough for a couple more Tally's. All good fun

Well hows that for a bit of luck, Wednesday night just gone was our Christmas Meal ride and how good was that to have a little snow on the night to add to the atmosphere.

A total of 17 of us were due at the Kings Head in Holmbury to eat at 8.30. and of those, 11 of us were riding there. Meeting as usual at 6.30 at Nirvana we set off up the newly surfaced rookery climb, along Wolvens lane before takeing a couple of cheeky trails past Tillingbourne waterfall to Broadmoor then up, over and down to Friday Street.

The Stephen Langton was our planned number 1 beer stop of the evening and we all greatfully pilled in to warm up and enjoy our 1st pint which was so good it was quickly followed by a 2nd. Mark turned up on his own to complete the 11 riders for the evening and at 8pm prompt we all geared back up and headed back out into the sleet to push on over towards Holmbury.

After a climb up the road out of Friday Street we made our way over to Abinger Common where we dropped in on Joe and Kellys new house, Joe was there looking smug in the warm and as we pressed on over to Holmbury he jumped in his car to make the same journey.

Still the sleet came down but the beer was keeping us all warm as with more cheeky trails we continued on towards Holmbury. We arrived via tracks that go near Belmont School just in time for 8.30. and found Nashie alone at the bar looking a little sheepish, clearly he was glad when we all turned up.

With Joe, Paul and Duncan all arriving under their own steam over the next few minutes we were all there with the exception Of Dave and Yvonne. Now they have a reputation for being a little on the late side so with all our glasses once again charged it was time to take our seats.

As with the previous couple of years the food was excellent with plenty of Turkey and veg to go around, Dave and Yvonne even managed to turn up just as the rest of us were finishing our mains. It was at this point that the now traditional 'Calanders' were handed out, each one personallised for the recipiant and now incorporating Duncans 'Dorking Cock' motif.

The beers were still flowing nicely and befor long the Christmas Pud/ Spotted Dick was served and on a night like that one they were most welcome. More beers followed, a few toasts were maid and generally those of us cycling were getting a little worse for were.

By about 11 it was time to leave, there were a few smug looks on the faces of those who were driving and getting back into the comfort of their cars whilst the rest of us hung around outside shivering waiting for everyone to get ready. At this point I headed off by Bike on my own as I had no need to go back to Westcott which would have doubled the length of my journey home. So off I went via tarmac down to Forest Green, accross to Ockley and finally back to Capel for about midnight.

The rest of the guys (and girl, Wendy) headed back towards Westcott, sounds like it was fun with plenty of spills along the way, I am told Charlie in particular seemed to have drunk rather to much and very unusally was lagging at the back wobbleing all over the place and taking regular tumbles. Thankfully everybody got home fine and another great night was had by all.

The two main choices, what will it be, any comments welcome

This

The 2010 Calendars are on their way

Well it feels like the whole of November has been a complete washout. Having got so much biking in this year up until the end of October its been a real struggle to make the effort to do any riding in November.

So far I have managed just 4 rides, one short 10 mile road ride last Sunday, a fairly short ride up to Coldharbour and back for a darts match last Tuesday and then 2 Wednesday nighters. Still, all is not lost as we still have a week or so to go this month so perhaps the rain will abait for a while and allow for a few more hours in the saddle.

Yes I no you can still ride in the rain, and yes I still do sometimes but I just don't enjoy the whole experiance, perhaps its an age thing, it certainly seems harder to motivate yourself to go out in such conditions as you get older.

Role on the cold crisp winter mornings with a frosty and frozen ground and clear blue skies - hopefully we'll be lucky and get a heap of snow again like last winter, that would be just great.

So here, at last, is the draft copy of the new 'Dorking Cocks' logo which will be incorporated into new race shirts. This is only the draft and may change a little and the shirts are also likely to have a little advertising and perhaps even a 'strap line' added. Can't wait to see the finished product. 

On Wednesday 14th October we had our last Wednesday night ride with Matt and Laura. Since moving to Dorking in the Spring of this year the two of them had become regular members of our rides as well as the Nirvana Saturday rides.

Matt was a very strong rider and Laura wasn't to bad either manageing to keep up what ever the pace of the ride was and improving technically as well.

I tried to make that last ride interesting and put in one or two paths they had never done before as well as haveing a few favorites to savour for the last time. We did a big loop taking in Holmbury & Pitch hills, Winterfold and a bit of Blackheath before having a beer or two at the William 4th at Little London. The return leg to Westcott via Shere, Gomshall and Abinger Roughs was a little slower than normal as legs got tired.

Despite being their last ride it wasn't the last we were going to see of them as the very next evening a table for 10 had been booked at the Pilgrim pub in Dorking for a farewell meal. Not too surprisingly the 10 places booked was not enough as not far off double that number of people turned up to wish the Aussies well on the're planned travels.

It was great to see so many of our group out on a social and showed just how well liked Matt and Laura were. Luckily for me I saw them again on the following Sunday morning when they came to my house on their way to Gatwick. It was great to have a few more hours chatting to them and wish them well for the next 7 weeks traveling by bike (with trailor and pannniers) around Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Greece and where ever else they said and then for their new life in New Zealand where Matt is to retrain as a Doctor and Laura as a vetinary nurse.

It was very sad to watch them pedal off into the night at 9.00pm as they headed off to camp somewhere near Gatwick so they could make a early start the following morning and I don't mind admitting to being jealous of their adventures to come.

Well besides the above there has been a little biking too. On Tuesday 13th Myself George and Simon cycled up to a home darts match at the Plough Coldhrbour and spent a little time in Redlands on the way. Then last Saturday I opted to miss out on the Nirvana ride and do a big loop of the local hills on my own. I covered 42 miles and took in the tops of Leith, Holmbury & Pitch hills before heading over to Reynards Hill, the perimeter track, Winterfold, Blackheath over to the edge of St Marthas then up to Newlands Corner for a well deserved tea. From here it was back along the North Downs, down to Westcott back up to Coldharbour and a final flourish via tarmac to home at Capel.

Also, depite missing out on riding this week, the draft designs of the' Dorking Cocks' race shirts have been unvieled. I haven't seen Richards but it will have to be very good indeed to beat Duncans effort. I look forward to seeing  a finished product asap.

Had another good ride on Saturday from Nirvana. I didn't feel great cycling over to Westcott and had it in my mind that I'd just say hello to a few folk then pootle home via Leith Hill (I wanted to go past the Coldharbour bonfire site and see if there was any wood there for the traditional Sunday morning Bonfire building I was due to do the following morning).

However, as people gathered under the tree on the green opposite Nirvana it was apparent my ride leading abilities were in demand so I was persuaded to lead out at least for a while.There were 9 of us as we set off - regulars such as Dave, Leo, Simon, Brian, Matt, Laura and myself along with 2 faces I don't remember seeing before.

Well, as stated I wanted to go via Leith hill so off we all went setting a course in that direction. We went via Wootton then Wolvens Lane before we started to twist and wind our way around the hugh choice of singletrack thats on offer. I was glad to see a big pile of palletts up by the bonfire site so new my Sunday morning would be busy and having seen this we continued on our way.

This weekend saw us entre a team for the 1st time in Dawn to Dusk at Thetford Forest.  We had a reasonable team of 4 out and were hoping for a top half finish.

George was to start followed in turn by Charlie, John and then Toby. After the 1st couple of laps each we were up to 20th and then hoping to break into the teens. Alas, we started sliping back the other way and ended up finishing a respectable 25th out of the 70 teams that started. Lap times etc are shown on the 'Dorking Cocks' page of this website.

Since my last comments theres been plenty happening including loads of riding.

Design work on the new 'Dorking Cocks' race kit is under way with both Richard and Duncan due to come up with seperate ideas. Hopefully the team kit will be ready for a pre Christmas launch although its far to late for the original plan of having it for 'Dusk to Dawn'.

Talking of which we have a team entered in that event which takes place this coming weekend. Hopefully the weather will hold although theres no way in can be worse than the Strathpuffer so we are quietly confident that at least we'll finish it.

Work has also begun on the now traditional Calendars. So watch out all, you never now what picture of you will appear on the 2010 versions.

Theres been plenty of riding too with the usual Wednesday nights and Saturdays going well and much ground being covered including several trips out as far as the River Wey and Guildford and more locally, exploring of yet more new trails in the ever superb 'Redlands Wood' as Charlie shows below

Last Tuesday also saw Myself, George and Simon cycle to the 1st Darts match of the season. My conclusion from which is that there was not a lot of biking, not even that much Darts but far to much Tallywhacker. This made for an interesting ride home and sore head on Wednesday morning, thank god there is no game this week.

We have also had our end of summer 'Bacon Butty' ride up on Leith Hill. As per usual this was great fun  with a bigger than normal turn out (Myself, Joe, Simon, George, Brian, Matt & Laura) and plenty of stoves. The range of food was wide and shared by all, we had a little fire for a while before retireing to the Plough for a beer or two.

Only a few weeks now until we have to say goodbye to Matt and Laura who are travelling back down under after having a final few weeks bike touring in Egypt and elsewhere around the med. We wish them well and will miss them both having had their company for the past few months. We tried to persuade them to stay but to no avail.

So despite a good many of my biking mates being away on a trip to the Italian Alps to get in some serious biking, I didn't fare to badly myself staying in the good old Surrey Hills.

On Saturday I made the 10 mile trip from Home to Westcott ( Via Coldharbour and Leith Hill) to join the usual 9.30 Saturday Ride. As I suspected the turn out was low with many of the regulars being away.

So with just 5 of us there representing England (2) Australia (2) and Brazil, I lead out a ride of people who didn't really know each other very well. Amazingly It only took about 1 mile before we became 4 as Aussie Matt took a very hard tumble for no apparent reason and cut up his knee quite badly and decided to head off for home.

So the remaining 4 of us (Toby, Simon, Leo and Brendan) headed on into the hills. I was once again leading, and struggleing to keep up a decent pace as we assended Holmbury Hill. We wound our way up to BKB and then flew back down it to Peaslake. From here we carried on through Pitch Hill and over to Winterfold. We headed down towards Farley Green before climbing back up to the Windmill, over to Pitch Hill then back down all those lovely 'T' trails for tea and cake at Peaslake.

With such a small group it gave us all the chance to get to know each other a little better, Simon I had only ever seen on the ride the week before, Leo seems to have become a regular over the past few months and Aussie Brendan I had seen before but never even new his name untill this ride. Well, with the refreshments over I did my usual trick of heading home alone via a climb over Holmbury hill then down to Forrest Green and a road trip whilst the other 3 headed back together to Westcott.

By the time I got home I managed a very tiring 36 miles which I was pleased with but was a little worried as I also had a ride planned for Sunday morning.

I had been meaning to ride with the Muddy Moles for quite some time but somehow never found the time as their midweek rides clash with ours and Saturdays is my normal weekend riding day where as they tend to do Sundays. Anyway, Aussie Matt and his wife Laura were set to join me but then pulled out after Matts injury on Saturday. Luckily thou Charlie was less his usual Sunday morning riding buddy so jumped at the chance to come with me.

So, we arrived at the designated car park in good time and watched as the group grew quickly from 3 to 5 then eventually to 15. I was quite glad I wasn't leading such a large group although I had 18 to deal with on the Nirvana ride the weekend before. Still, a few introductions were done and then we were off. I'd never ridden from that start point before and it was a nice steady climb all the way up to the top of the Downs. This was followd by a traverse before descending the delights of Abba Zabba, Blind Terror etc. From here we travelled a direct route through Abinger Rougths, behind Gomshall and Shere up to Albury Heath then back down to Albury.

From Albury its a hard climb up to Newlands Corner where we stopped for Tea and Cake/Rolls and a well needed refuel. So far I was pleased with my energy levels and really enjoying the ride and Company. Charlie was coping fine on his Rigid Singlespeed but then he always seems to some how, don't know where he gets the energy from.

The route back along the NDW was fast and flowing as usual but the bit I was looking forward to was the way back from there as it would include some trails I'd never done before. Dave who led the ride did a great job keeping track of everybody especially as people started to leave  as we got nearer to home. Once off the NDW we did a few paths that were new to me. The fast decent was excellent and very very similar to one we do that actually comes out at the same point on the A246. Well, after that we proceeded accross and around Bookham common, I can't really say where but it was all nice stuff. Still the group was getting smaller untill with only a couple of miles left Dave showed the remaining other 3 of us back to the carpark leaving Matt and a couple of others to sort out a puncture.

Another 29 miles ridden and very enjoyable it was too. Hopefully I'll get the chance to join the Moles again sometime and would perhaps be good to lead them on a ride around all the Leith Hill Singletrack one day.

I was lucky this weekend and managed to get out on two very decent length rides.

On Saturday I rode from home to Nirvana (approx 10 miles) which is about a 50 % off road route to join the 9.30 shop ride. There was a big turn out with a lot of unfamiliure faces as well as a fair few regulars which pushed the total number of riders up to 18.

Richard led out the ride up past the church then down to the Rookery and the Climb all the way up to Leith Hill Tower. Due to the number of people it was a little disjointed with a lot of stop start going on, Wendy and myself got detached for a short while having stoped to sort out her chain but we all met up again at the tower.

From here I was appointed leader to take everyone through the maze of singletrack between Leith Hill Tower and the final descent to Holmbury. The route I pieced together took in such delights as ' Windy Willow'. 'Caspers', 'Su Egypt', 'Pint Glass','Chocolate Jesus' and at least the same amount again of trails I just don't know the names of.

From the Quarry Richard took over again and led us down to Holmbury then over the hill to Peaslake and a tea stop. From here as is often the way for me I ventured home alone via a climb back over Holmbury Hill then a road trip back via Forst Green and Ockley. 35 miles was my final distance and I felt every meter of it in my tired legs.

Come Monday morning and another ride had been organised. This was to be a little more social with just myself, Simon, George, Matt and Laura. A long overdue trip out to Newlands was planned and this time I drove to the start at Westcott to save my legs a little.

We set off up White Down and then took a route I haven't done for a couple of years over to Newlands which goes out Via the Saw Mill so kind of does a big arch before rejoining the North Downs Way above Shere and blasting along the top to Newlands.

Once at Newlands a breakfast roll was the order of the day washed down with a cup of tea. George had to be home early so off he went eastward on his return leg. For the rest of us we carried on picking up all the excellent singletrack around the car park then heading west to eventually come out on Pewley Down. From here we cut over to 'The Chantries' and the super descent which comes out near 'Warwicks Bench' .

The trails now got easier and the pace relaxed as we cut over to the river wey and followed the towpath South for a couple of miles until the old Railway line to Horsham is met. From here we went down the railway line (part of the Downs Link) to just South of Bramley and then turned off over 1/2 mile field then on to Shamley Green.

Having stopped for a rest and re fuel at the local shop we pressed on back into the hills. The Bridleway we take eventually comes out on Farley Heath and from here we tracked back via pomds lane to above Shere then round Gomshall and Abinger Hammer, up to 'Cow Shit Field' and back to Westcott through Abinger Roughs.

Another 31 miles done and a great ride completed. Not overly technical but it made a very pleasent change.

Its not often I or we as a group go riding in the rain. I can't say I enjoy it and most times it happens its when it starts to rain having already started the ride.

Last night was a little differant in that between leaving home and starting the ride the rain started coming down. However with 9 of us in the same situation all waiting at Nirvana we decided to press on amyway but change the proposed St Martas route to a more local traverse of Leith Hill and its wonderful singletrack.

Its far to complicated to try and explain the route but lets just say it started by heading up 'Wolvens Lane' via a less well known route that passes 'Wooton Church', made its way up to Coldharbour Cricket pitch, wound round the hill a bit then carried on all the way down to Friday Street incorporating sections of 'Caspers' and the whole of 'Wildwood'.

At Friday Street we managed to resist the temptation of a beer at the Stephen Langton but instead climbed all the way back up to Leith Hill Tower before again desending back to Westcott via 'Summer Lightning'  and 'the Rookery'.

All in all it was an ok ride given the conditions, St Mathas will have to wait for the weekend.

As an aside, John coudn't make it out tonight and Jo was nowhere to be seen but rumour has it that the've been moonlighting with the Muddy Moles

This link was shown to me by a friend earlier this week. I have to confess that I'd not seen it before but how much would I like a bike named after my home village ! That would be just great and its a pretty good looking and well speced bike too.

http://www.pinnacle-bikes.co.uk/2009+Bikes/Mountain/Coldharbour/?contentId=1475

If only they did a frame only option then I'd almost certainly get one. They are on sale for just under a grand at Evans.

 Well what a great weekends riding that was. Last Thursday Simon and myself headed off up to Scotland for a long weekends biking. Our 1st stop was to be the trails at Dalbeattie on Thursday afternoon with Kirroughtree planned for the following day and then moving on to Peebles on Saturday and Sunday.

Dalbeattie was better than I remembered, the last time I was there, there were several diversions in place where as this time it was all open. Despite a heavy rain shower the riding was excellent and we both enjoyed the circuit.

For the night we camped at Newton Stewart and had several beers and great food in a local hotel. On Friday morning we were up early and on the Kirrougthtree trails by 8.30. As per usual these were fantastic, loved the Red and Black routes and made the extra journey out to the west  more than worth it.

After Kirrougthtree we untook the long drive over to Peebles and the Tweed Valley Trails. The Crossburn campsite that we normally stay at was fully booked so we tried our luck at Rossetta and got in there fine. After setting up camp we had some food then a night in the local pubs. On Saturday morning we cycled up to Glentress and after having breakfast at the Hub we opted to do the Red route.

 Simons Knees were feeling the strain of his two recent SDW rides but we made good progress, I really enjoyed the knew climbs at the biginning of the routes up to the Buzzards Nest car park. Once at the top the return back down was a real buzz, loved it and we enjoyed another stop at the Hub.

Normally we would have gone back out to do the Black Route but today we felt like a chilled ride so opted for the Blue which we had never done before. I have to say it was very enjoyable and I would certainly do it again, very flowing and fast, great fun.

After another night in town, this time at 'The Bridge' pub which over the years we have found to be by far the best, it was our last day. We decided to make a early start so we could get the Innerleithen XC trail done well before lunch giving us time to return to the campsite shower, pack and make the long journey home.

We started out at 9 and were back to the cars by about 11 having completed  yet another great trail. The climb is long and hard, probably my least favorite of the weekend. On the other hand the decent remains the best overall. Its a great trail although I still give the honour of the best overall trail to Kirrougthtree.

Well summer seems to have taken a break for now but despite the rain the trails are still flowing nicely. A couple of weeks ago about 6 people who ride with us took park in the BHF South Downs way in a day event.

All 6 finished with various degrees of success. Mark who did the same event a few years ago and came 2nd didn't fare so well this time but still ended up in the top half. Andy hunt struggled most but persisted and completed the event in about 14 hours.

At the other end of the scale Brian and Simon were in the top ten until they 'bonked' at the 70 ish mile stage but still continued to finish in the top 30. Then of course there was Kiwi Mike and Aussie Matt; Now, as mentioned below, how come the Kiwis and Aussies allways seem so fit - it was no surprise to me when it was revelled that they finished together 1st and 2nd.

As for me, I might be tempted to have a go at this on the 25th July when the event takes place again. Brian and Simon have both entered again to try and do the event without 'bonking' and get a time they feel they deserve. Anthony is also doing it having had to miss the last event with a broken wrist.

My riding seems to be suffering lately and I can't explain why. I went out yesterday and did 25 miles but it felt hard and was more of an effort then enjoyment. Still, the miles are still racking up this year.

Simon had a crash whlst out with Brian on Friday coming down white down at speed and put a nasty gash in his arm that needed several stitches in Hospital. There seems to be a lot of injuries at the moment, Mike the cyc is still recovering from his broken collar bone, Anthony is still recuperating and several Nirvana riders have had real nasty incidents.

Back in June we had a great trip to the Black Mountains in Southern Wales. Huw was our leader and guide for the weekend and he did us proud putting together 3 seperate routes each with a really good  real ale pub stop included as a lunch stop.

Our base was the Castle Inn where we stayed in one of the bunk houses. This was ideal for us and came complete with 5 bunk beds two showers and two WC's.

The pub itself was very nice and the beer good and well kept. However the food and Landlords attitude left much to be desired. Still, that didn't much matter in the scheme of things and a good weekend with decent weather was enjoyed by all 13 of us who were able to make it.

Since my last update I have been in to hospital to have a few checks done on my heart. This is the result of a scan I had done through work at a discounted price, fully expecting to have a clear result I was a little perturbed to discover the scan found signs of heart disease.

I was immediately referred to my GP and then on to the local NHS Hospital for them to run some tests. These have now been done and have confirmed a small amount of heart disease which as it turns out sounds worse than it really is.

Still, I am now on asprin and another drug for life but other than that and trying to be a little more careful with my diet, nothing else needs to change and exercise is positively encouraged ( I gave up the ciggies 4 months ago which was the one big thing they would have been concerned about)

Anyway, back to the biking. So on the 10th I was back out on the traditional Wednesday night ride and leading the group all over Leith and Holmbury hills before eventually settleing for beers in the Plough.

I also managed to get a trip up to Coldharbour and back on Friday evening which was a bonus ahead of the Nirvana Saturday ride.

Come Saturday morning I set off from home feeling full of beans and as I joined the short section of duel carrigeway near Beare Green I bumped into Brian. This was a very unusal place to see him but it turns out as part of his 'South Downs way in a day' training he decided to cycle from home in Crawley to the start of the Nirvana Saturday ride.

We carried on over to Westcott together bumping into first Andy and then Simon and Huw on the way, just past Dorking. By the time we left Nirvana I had been very reluctantly volunteered as ride leader of the 14 strong group. I did my best taking in a very winding and singletrack route over Leith and Holmbury Hills eventually ending up at Peaslake shop for a lunch stop. I was however feeling exhausted from my efforts and called it a day and headed off home alone over Holmbury Hill and then on the road via Forest Green and Ockley.

Despite Saturdays efforts, the opportunity to ride again on Sunday evening was too good to miss. Still feeling tired I decided to do a loop from home through Ockley and Forest Green, up Leith Hill then back home through Redlands which is about 50% off road and has a killer climb up the hill from Forest Green. And well worth the effort it was too with me arriving home feeling very satisfied with my efforts over the weekend.

Roll on to Tuesday and yet another ride was on the cards. This was a short evening jaunt, once again up on to Leith Hill but this time with the camping stove and food to cook myself a pasta dish up near the tower overlooking the Dukes Warren. George joined me for this and then having eaten we retired to the Plough where we were joined by Huw fore a pint in the evening sun - marvellous.

   A trail in Redlands

Getting ready to cook my pasta supper.

With all the good weather I thought it about time I did one of my 'fair weather commutes'. From home to work on the road is about 11 miles and although pleasent is nothing to write home about. The route is pretty much all on back roads and on this occasion took me just under 48 minutes to complete averageing about 15 mph which I guess isn't to bad on the mounatin bike.

I am lucky that we have a shower at work so am able to properly freshen up once there; we also have a staff canteen to get a well earned breakfast if required although on this occasion that wasn't needed. I always feel good at work on the few occasions that I do cycle in but get distracted throughout the day thinking of the route home which is far more fun than the road journey in.

So come 4 (I work 8 to 4 which is great especially in the summer) I quickly get changed back into the cycling gear, head out of the building, unlock the bike from the crowded bike rack and head off on the long journey home.

The 1st mile or so takes me out of  Redhill via London road and Carlton road (hear I bump into a couple of mates, Andy and Ed who are working on Marks new house extension) and then into the off road stuff starting at Gatton Bottom.

Well I guess a update on here is long overdue so here goes.

May has been a good month for riding, so far I've managed over 250 miles so may even hit the 300 by the end of the month especially with a good forecast for the coming weekend.

With the dry conditions we've had overall this spring, I have been lucky enough to be able to get out more than hoped and for longer. The Saturday rides with the Nirvana boys have been averaging about 40 miles for me (allowing for getting to and from home) and seem to be getting faster by the week.

Now heres a question, how come every time a Aussie, Kiwi or South African turns up for a ride they are always so fit.? There were 12 of us out this Saturday and whilst Huw was leading, at every opportunity the Aussies and Kiwis would be out ahead of the group chatting away as if out for a pootle in the park.

Don't get me wrong, its not a complaint, far from it but as a general rule it seems so true. Even Matt from Canada is always flying and Duncan (Zimbabwe) used to until we eventually managed to corrupt him with beer and horses (don't ask). Even the girls are always quick as Wendy and Laura all to frequently demonstrate.

Infact now I'm on the subject and on a roll, its just made me realise how many non uk bikers there are around. In our group/Nirvana alone, there is Mike, Matt, Matt, Laura, Rodney, Duncan, Wendy, Vere and thats just the ones whoose names I can remember. There were at least 2 others out on the latest Saturday Ride and then there is Iwona from Poland featured below who regularly wins the Polaris Challanges.

Its all good stuff and good welcome company but is it just that only the fit ones travel or is it really that the lifestyle in these countries encourages and breeds more athletic and 'outdoorsy' people !

With the summer nearly here several of us are now looking forward to Huw's guided Black Mountains trip. Last year I am told it was superb so can't wait now to get out there on June 19th.

Several of the guys here are trying to get supper fit to do the South Downs way in a Day charity ride at the end of June - 10 hours seems to be the target time to do the 100 miles route so good luck to them with that. I'd love to have a go myself but i'm not confident enough of making it, perhaps one day I'll get around to doing it.

Its been 3 months now since my last ciggie and I have to say (touch wood) that having read Alan Carrs book and got myself in the right frame of mind its all been a bit of a doodle so far. From 15 roll ups a day to nothing overnight with no aids , just the right mindset. It really has helped with my biking and that alone is the biggest incentive to stay off them along with the general health benefits.

Since the last update I did back on 17th March the weather has been generally very good for the time of year and lots of riding has been done.

Simon and myself had a great day showing off the local trails to Linden and his mates from Kent. I'm pretty sure they all enjoyed it and perhaps we'll see them up here again sometime.

With the drying trails and longer nights the traditional Wednesday night rides have been gathering pace and riders. With 12 last week and 15 the week before its getting harder to keep everyone together and the rides flowing. Having said that there is the oppertunity to see more crashes so as with everything there are pluses and minuses to be had.

Plans are afoot for a trip to the Black Mountains in June with huw once again being the local guide. There are also rumors of Brian sorting out a trip to the 7 Stanes in May so hopefully that will happen too

Tomorrow is a planned Bacon Butty ride on to Leith Hill followed by beer at the Plough and then of course we have the normal Saturday and Wednesday rides to look forward to.

Last Saturday I was lucky enough to be asked by Wendy to lead her and her friend Iwona on a ride from her house in Dorking over the hills to Peaslake.

Its not often I get the chance to go biking in the company of lovely ladies so I was only to pleased to take her up on the suggestion.

So, at about 10.30 we headed out over the Glory wood and on to Holmwood Common which incorporated a couple of paths I'd never done before which was great. There were 4 of us on the ride, Myself and Brian and then Wendy and her Polish friend Iwona who'd come along for the day to sample the delights of the Surrey hills.

After crossing Holmwood common which was still rather too muddy, we headed up through Redlands wood and on to Leith Hill. I showed everyone the site of the preposed oil drilling and the paths that will be destroyed if it gets the go ahead including a really nice roll in.

From hear we slowly made our way over towards Leith Hill and took in plenty of Singletrack including 'Summer Lightning' where you can see Brian and Iwona above.

After summer lightning we carried on up to the Tower via a bit of a play around the cricket pitch at Coldharbour

This picture shows Wendy and Iwona on a path between the Cricket pitch and Tower.

Once at the tower we decided to carry straight on towards our goal of Peaslake shop. This was done by heading down 'Caspers' and 'Windy Willow' and then on to Friday Street via yet more singletrack such as 'wildwood'.

  Brian

From Friday street  we cut over to Abinger Common then over to Holmbury Hill. By now we were all getting hungary so aimed straight over the hill and then desended to Peaslake via 'Barry Knows Best' for some well earn't food and drink at the ever wonderful shop.

 Iwona

Wendy

Having refueled the Girls announced they wanted to head back home asap so they could go out for a bit of canoeing before dark. So with that off we all went, Wendy, Iwona and Brian heading back to Dorking via Abinger Roughs and me via Holmbury back to Capel.

Hopefully a good time was had by all and in particular I hope Iwona enjoyed seeing the trails from a new perspective other than 'trail break' routes that made her trip down to Surrey worth while.