“Urtication, or flogging with nettles, is the process of deliberately applying stinging nettles to the skin in order to provoke inflammation.”
As we’re heading down Ben’s Zig Zags, through the metre high nettlebed that stands as evidence of the lack of traffic that the trail has seen this summer, the only positive to running the gauntlet of stinging is the thought that I’m unlikely to suffer from rheumatism anytime soon.
It’s been a great summer for riding and the plants seem to have benefited from the weather too judging by the jungle like conditions out there. After a few days riding in the open moorland desolation of the Dales it’s a real contrast to drop in to some of the Calderdale trails and be forced to ride blind by the amount of vegetation covering the trail. A real skills tester when you’re forced to react to unseen green rocks and drops.
A weekend of riding, getting stung and trying to sleep through the consequences. The endless itch and sensitivity, it’s time to embrace the nettle afterglow.
How did you get on this weekend? Where did you ride?
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Yeah the local trails a just like this, at least the ones I haven’t had time to buzz-back with the hedge trimmer! Hidden tree stumps and arm slashing bramble fronds are the worst crash hazards. But it was Bike Park Wales this Saturday, for the “Like Morzine, but in Wales” experience. It was ace.
rode on the pure white beaches at Littleborough
Did the Bronte MTB Challenge on Sunday, huge turn out of all ages and abilities! The local trails are superb at the moment, the little bit of damp weather is starting to bind the loose stuff together making things faster and grippier. Here’s hoping they stay this way for a while longer 🙂