Got out early today for a half day SS ride. I tried to link a few good bits with some rarely used trails. Not a good plan as they were brackened up four feet deep ! I had to brush the ticks off mid ride . I abandoned that idea and got back on the good trails only to run out of energy a long way from the car . Lots of deer in Bicknoller combe .I got back to the car, exhausted, only to find I'd left the lights on, d'oh . Not the best of rides but a ride all the same. Roll on next weekend .Comments ?

click the above pic for more pics.

It's been ages since I last rode on the 'Ticktocks'. Must make the effort again, as I recall the trails were rather good (although the unwanted passengers can be a bit off-putting).

hey did you bring that skull on with you ? if not could you get it for me some time please .been looking for one for ages.would look cool in my garage ! me and mrs of were down there today .complete mare nuff said !!!!

I've only picked up 1 this year!

I've picked up at least one every ride !

Unlucky!

The last two years I got loads.

Maybe its because I drink more now!

What you up to next weekend then? I'll be back from Wales and riding on the Exmoor Bike Marathon.

its right there you old bu55er.

Edit… Im away riding with mates in the test valley area next weekend.

so is that about 11 o clock from halsway post then ?what the trail and paradise combe like not familiar with that ? you still test valleyin saturday ? i take it ?

just seen your edit doh ! hey looks like chipps wants to come out to play going to take him up on it ?

yes 11 oclock then fight through chest high bracken untill you see the gate its now hung on.
Riding with CG saturday and Qs sunday, whoop whoop.

Mr K

the Test valley is a beautiful area

456 may well be a go for wednesday

456 on weds ! I'll get Mike out aswell then.

Having pre-ridden next weeks route with CG on Saturday, my suggestion would be 'bring your climbing legs' as first 7 miles were uphill. p.s. it's not Test Valley as far as i'm concerned (Test is miles away), Bourne Valley would be a bit more like it (or home as i call it).

Hope to see you then.

Mmm climbing legs ? (must find some before saturday , classifieds ?)

bracken is pretty good at the mo eh? think the sprayers from earlier on will sort it for next year…

I managed to get out for an short one earlier and just wish for a good camera….

Love the pics of the deer but we will probably see the pretty ones next weekend, along with a million and one pheasants and partridge. Rusty is right, there is the odd hillock 😉

Odd hillock? There's a few odd pillocks too. One of those deer photos is a little intrusive, i think i can see what he had for breakfast.

The wildlife has a habit of being super relaxed around me