Having lost my MTB mojo a while ago - I rode it once last year and used it in a cross race in January - I've been doing lots of road riding. I love it - it can be easy or hard, I've got strong enough to cover decent distances at a reasonable pace and am trying to get fit enough to turn my hand to a spot of racing. But, I do look at my Soul in the cellar and feel bad for not riding it....
So, after arriving back in Manchester at 11.30 on Sunday night having ridden the Dartmoor Classic sportive earlier in the day, I had to get ready to go MTBing yesterday.
"Had to"? Well, the MTBing was as close as I am going to get to a golf day with work: it was a MTBing day in the Dales put on by a nice firm of accountants (PwC).
Figuring I would suffer because (a) I had 165km and 3,500m climbing in my legs from the day before and (b) what little off-road skill I possessed had surely evaporated, I wasn't sure what to expect.
Well, the day was superbely organised by Stuart Price and Nicola Weaver of [b][url= http://www.dalesmountainbiking.co.uk/ ]Dales Mountain Biking[/url][/b]. We were carefully briefed, all the bikes checked over (whether our own or hire bikes), food and drink provided, safety instruciton was made clear and concise and the plan for the day outlined.
With a group of mixed abilities, we initially rode together before splitting up and doing two routes, Nicola leading one and Stuart the other. Joining Stuart's group for the longer ride, it was decided that we would do a loop around Pen-y-Gent. Terrain varied between rocky tracks, grassy climbs and the shortest stretch of tarmac to give a really enjoyable ride. The feared thunderstorms stayed away, and we rolled along, chatted at the gate stops and generally had a fantastic time. Nothing was so technical it was unrideable (though my skills hadn't returned as much as I'd hoped...).
My mountain biking mojo has returned. And I've fallen in love with my Cotic all over again.
Actually, the bike and I nearly became one as the seat clamp bolt sheared, leaving me with a seatpost perilously close to important anatomic features. Hats off to Stuart who performed a great trailside fix of lashing the saddle to the now dropped seatpost with a series of zip ties. Had to ride the rest of the way standing in the big ring, though...!
So, thanks again to Stuart and Nicola (and PwC) - a grand day out.
🙂
Yay!! 🙂 that's really nice to read.
that's really nice to read
What, even the bit about the seatpost breaking under me...? 😉
Dales look ace for riding. I'm going to head back up there.
Lol, yeah even that bit.
Dales is ace for riding. We could show you some routes some time if you wanted. As long as you promise not to bore me with too much law talking with GF 😉
My Mrs did a training day last year with Dales MTB/Nicola and loved it - she really got a lot out of it. I did the mechanical course which was great too - can't say too much what a great bunch they are and what a beautiful place. Must go back and do some proper riding with them soon.
[i]it was a MTBing day in the Dales put on by a nice firm of accountants [/i]
Jammy git. I only get to play Virtual golf. Like golf, but pissed. And underground. 🙂
Mtb is a life long disease! 🙂
They have an excellent set up in Reeth. The cafe is top notch and a great place to finish a ride.
Jammy git. I only get to play Virtual golf. Like golf, but pissed. And underground.
Well, after failing to be available for the last couple of years, I swung the invite through one of our chaps being a late drop out.
My legs still ache, and so does my face. From grinning like a loon.
[b]mrsflash[/b] - on a point of principle, I refuse to talk about the law outside work. Indeed, I do my best to avoid it when actually in the office.... 😉
yep we had coffee stops there on both days on a recent weekend in Reeth.In fact the cake and coffee were so nice we spent more time there than riding on the second day, our excuse was --knackered from big first day.
Is this an advert for Dales Mountain Biking?
Is this an advert for Dales Mountain Biking?
If I'm to believe the ST columns, MTBing is all one big brotherly love-hug. I rode my MTB for the first time in 6 months, and some decent people made it very enjoyable. It would appear that others have had similar experiences.
The end.
Good lad is Stuey, we first met him ages ago when he was just starting out, he was on his own on a ride from Reeth & tagged along with me & Steve, showing us a few bits we hadn't done before. He came a cropper coming down Fremington Edge! Came across him a bit back while he was out with some 'customers'. Must call for a cuppa next time wer'e there, hope he does well. Nice fella.
If you don't mind me asking who was it at PwC that organised the event? I might try to get my contacts to get me an invite next time.
Cheers
Rio
had a weekend away with great bunch highly recommend them.