Remember that nasty horrible miserable-itis virus that hit the Chilterns last Saturday? Well, it gives me huge pleasure to report that the miserable-itis virus has been wiped out and replaced with … wait for it … the smiley-itis virus 😀

Yep, you read it here first folks … just in time for the STW Chilterns Forum Ride on Sunday 21st June.

How did this happen you may ask … well, I went to the Chilts today to recce some new trails and faced this HUGE road climb on a single track road. The odd vehicle couldn’t get past me, hell I wasn’t stopping on a climb but then in the opposite direction, a miracle occurred!

A yummy-mummy in her convertible (roof down naturally) stopped to let me through and proceeded to shake her head saying “I would never ever be able to do that” 😯

Naturally a smile came to my lips cos I’ve only recently stopped my membership of the “yummy-mummy club” 😀 Of course only those who have met me will appreciate this 😉

Still it boosted my ego and I made damn sure I got to the top without walking!

Chilterns was still looking glorious with its bluebell displays.

hoping to make this next week CG, mainly depends on ride tomorrow and recoup from broke wrist. 8 weeks and need to get mtbing again 🙂

smudge – it’s next month! Next week is the New Forest ride – that could be a gentle reintroduction for you?

Where in the Chilterns on 21st June??? I may well be interested if I can get there….

youre jokin? thought it was next sunday.. sh1t, dont suppose youre free next sunday to show me and a few mates around then.. *pretty please*

Gulliano – probably start from Watlington. There are a few of us working out a route good enough to keep the STW’ers happy! Trouble is we’re spoilt for choice 😀

smudge – I’ve organised a ride in the New Forest next Sunday, why don’t you and your mates come along? May possibly be able to show you another time. There’s just so many rides going on at the moment, what with Exmoor as well!

hi CG,
thanks for the up on new forest, i’ll see how tomorrow and midweek ride goes with wrist first.
change of subject slightly, youre called cinnamon girl? any reference to neil young?

I broke my wrist a few years ago, now use Ergon grips on all bikes. Take a bit of getting used to but it means there’s no “death grip”.

Yeah, I’m an NY fan 😀

and what’s the smelly-itis bit ?

i hope youre not ‘like a hurricane’ lol, dont get me started on NY!
will let you know about new forest, but more likely go for chilterns ride in *cough cough* june

smudge – I get called a lot of things 😯 What’s your fave NY track then?

sfb – the Chilterns has a unique ambience!

NY well,
play massey hall 1971 or weld loads!, never ever get bored listening to them his humour thrown in on massey sums him up that i guess not many will ever know. cortez the killer, if i could ever play guitar i would play that and ‘like a hurricane’ (14mins on weld) saw him in in his trans period with nils lofgren, but got loads of records,cd’s and live stuff if you want any copies let me know. love to burn

Smudge, were you in Sutton Park yesterday?

Hi neil, I drove past sp with my bike on the roof if that’s close enough? I will be starting to go in again now I,m back riding again

The New Forest route should be fine for a gentle re-introduction. There will be people towing tag-a-longs

got out to watlington today, roast at the pub in the sun, yummy

just off to dust my bike.

Okay Mark, Snakey said I have to look out for a 70’s pornstar likey moustache…. 😆

The Chilterns were top dollar today, but only saw two other bikers, one on a s/s Voodoo so therefore he must be a STW’er.

Hey oldgit, that was me on the VooDoo! Were you part of the group of four guys we spoke to by the gate in Launders Farm?
Was a great morning, and everyone we met were really cheerful, apart from the two roadies who refused to acknowledge us.
That was only the fourth outing for the singlespeed, and first time round the Chilterns, normally ride a Pace 405.

Hi
Had to stop just after that as my tyre pooped itself on those flints.
I was on the Giant XTC race bike (normally it’s a Nicolai s/s)
Got going again and did the old 36 mile loop that used to be listed on the old STW site.

I would love to come on the Watlington ride (as I only live 20 mins away) but I can’t make it. I don’t know much good riding aroudn this area anyway. Anyway else make any riding in the Chilterns possibly this weekend (need to check with Mr MC??

Oldgit, was just tracing out that route from your description on the other thread.
Don’t know any of the section from Catslip to Nuffield, not been south of the road, we’ll have to give that a try. Finishing the ride with a few miles of the Swans Way/Ridgeway and then the climb up Hill Farm must be a PITA though, we sometimes do that at the start of the ride out from Watlington.

Munqe-chick, I’m down there fairly frequently, normally start riding about 9, usually Sundays, let me know when you’re going and we can try to meet. Alternatively email me and I can send a couple of route suggestions.

Five of us rode from Nettlebed to the Ice Cream van on the Thames in Henley and back Sunday pm. We found only happy walkers about – even the one who had to hide in the bushes as we sped past on a very narrow bit of singletrack didnt say a word.

The sunshime makes people happy.

Five of us rode from Nettlebed to the Ice Cream van on the Thames in Henley and back Sunday pm

Hey, any info on the route you took? I’m allways looking for new trails in the area. One frustrating thing i find in that general area is it’s not easy to find a route that gives maximum bridleway – allways too much road or footpath to get through. Would love to find enough good bridleway that all fits nicely together for 30 miles 🙂

Munqe-chick / r6ymy

I’m planning to ride in the Chilterns Sunday if either of you are about?

Andy YGM.

nickc and r6ymy – did you get my e-mails?

Munqe-chick – could you e-mail me please? Address in profile.

Andy – shall I pass on my PR skills to you 😉

CG, yes, got your email on Saturday

Andy, I will be riding from Watlington on Sunday, have emailed you.

Just in case anyone hasn’t seen the thread, there will be a STW Chilterns Forum Ride on Sunday 21st June. Route planning is currently taking place in earnest, after all there are so many mighty fine trails to choose from. Have to keep the STW’ers smiling in the Chilterns!