MTB Rides - June 2011

[RedBruce]

Yeah thanks Steve got txt from barrymack to say LK at 7.30 I give him a shout back.

[Richard Barton]

I have a vain question to ask...

Tuesday night coming down Dumyat I saw/passed a fair few bikers (they were all going up so it wasn't due to amazing ability!) - when I passed, did I look as though I was in control? And did I look quick?

It felt quick (well it was quick for me!) but I'm just wondering if it was just some sort of illusion!

[Pedro]

Not quick at all plus you went the wrong way. Go ride more!

[Beagleboy]

Another excellent, but expensive ride up Dumyat last night in superb conditions. Dave, Barry, Illya and myself headed over to the Uni intending to meet up with Bruce. On the way up towards Uni woods we sent young Barry racing ahead to meet up with Bruce down in Logie Kirk so we could all rendezvous at the wee steps at the start of the climb. Unfortunately, I punctured just at the Uni library, putting a well placed spanner in the works of that plan. By the time I'd fixed it, we got to the meeting point just in time to see Bruce and Barry disappearing into the distance, thinking we'd gone on ahead.

We all got back together again on the climb up Logie Kirk road and were soon thoroughly enjoying the late evening sun and dry, dusty trail underneath our tyres. Although I was keeping a very wary eye on the huge big dog jobby I'd picked up on my front wheel.  Fortunately I soon found a puddle that shifted the worst of it though.

Up on the summit we watched the sun slowly sinking to the horizon, and Barry rapidly receding into the distance as he flew down the slope. On the descent we hooked up with Steve_B and carried on kicking up dust as we all went for it as best we could. Disaster struck me on the short steep climb up from the little stream. As I put pressure down on the pedals there was a loud screech of shearing metal. My first thought was that yet another seatpost had failed me, but it soon became apparent that my freehub was in it's death throes.  :'(

Down at the gate I bade farewell to the others as they headed off for a spin around 10 Man Train. A big thank you to Illya, who acted as wingman while I carefully coaxed my grinding, screeching and slipping bike back home to the garage, and to everyone else for the brilliant company on a superb night out. I took a couple of piccy's up on the summit, but Photobucket have upgraded their website taking it out of the abilities of this old clunker computer in my lab. I'll post them up when I get home tonight.....if they're not rubbish, like. 

Oh, and finally?

I have a vain question to ask...

Tuesday night coming down Dumyat I saw/passed a fair few bikers (they were all going up so it wasn't due to amazing ability!) - when I passed, did I look as though I was in control? And did I look quick?

No Richard, afraid not. Listen to Uncle Pedro, his words are wise beyond his years. 

Beagy 

[Richard Barton]

Ah well thought I'd ask...GPS clocked 31mph so I thought I'd ask if I looked fast as it felt quick...not to worry, more practice needed! Cheers.

[Steve_B]

Richard - you weren't really expecting sensible answers on here 

31mph does seem like a GPS glitch - no ?

Anyway - if its feeling good to you that's all that matters.

Barry, Dave and I did go onto to do TMT - and  I found myself well out of my comfort zone I am sure there are probably things you shouldn't be trying to do on a bike once you reach a  mature stage in life  - obviously I just haven't reached that stage yet 

Dave then decided that going down Sheriffmuir Rd looked more attractive than going up but as Barry and I were gluttons for punishment we went back up to finish across the reservoir and down Mine Woods.

Steve
(apparently about the only person not to have reached the top of Dumyat this year)

[Richard Barton]

Not a glitch...after the fence, I seem to have been staying over 20mph apart from the ups...and then the straight down to Witches gate was where I hit the 31mph...just felt very fast so thought I'd ask in case it actually looked 'quick'...I've no idea how I look on a bike but I don't think it looks good...I'm always looking for unconstructive feedback! 

[Paul Roberts]

Anyone out from Costa's tomorow?

Before you ask I have seen the forecast  :'( So I'm not sure I can bring myself to venture out but thought I'd post to gauge interest!

Paul

[Beagleboy]

I'm not sure about tomorrow either.  Just in case it is horrible, have a wee peek at what it can be like when the weather does improve. Here's a couple of shots from last night.

Bruce (waving) , Dave and Illya, enjoying the late evening sun.



Barry messing around while he waits for the oldies to catch their breath.  (I really like this one, think it's come out well)




Hopefully this rain will pass quickly and summer will get its act together, even so, with nights like the last one, it's not all bad, eh?

Beagy 

[graemematheson]

I'm heading up to Carron Valley on the basis there'll be some shelter under the trees. Plus I have some new shiny wheels to play on. Would be a shame not to get them mucky

Plan is to be there around 0930ish.

[Paul Roberts]

Great photos Beagy. Jake's at Warrior's on Thursday's so it's tricky for me to get out...

I'll taken a rain check tomorrow (I learnt it all from you!) and decide then. If* it's raining and I have to put the light on to make my breakfast I'll stay in and watch Pokemon with Jake. If I decide to head out I'll send you a text but there's no obligation!

Cheers - Paul

*not sure why I used the word 'if' here.

[YTT]

Does anyone fancy a run out from KP tonight, can be there for 19.00 weather dependant

Neil (He who does not post, often) 

[Beagleboy]

If I can get my wheel back together in time I'll try and make it along, but don't wait for me.

Beagy (he who does not jump  )

[dom]

kp for 7 is good for me

[Beagleboy]

Excellent ride last night, thank you Dom and Neil for dragging me out the house, I had a cracking time! 

I picked up my wheel from ye olde bike shoppe on my way home from work. The mechanic had zip tied the remains of my old seized on freehub to it. I don't know if it was to shame me, but all it really did was convince me that Hope products are a worthwhile investment. For that freehub to have been in such a state, and still manage to operate reasonably well.....awesome. 

I fitted the new freehub and raced into Stirling (very late by this time), meeting Dom and Neil up at the entrance to Cambu woods. A quick blast through the woods then up to N3 saw me wondering at just how better my bike was for having the new part. Snappier, and far more accurate gear changes, a bit more freewheeling resistance....but that'll loosen up. More remarkable though, I'm pretty sure she was faster and far smoother along the 1st cliff path, wow! 

I peeled off and headed home at the old ford, as in my rush to get out the door I'd forgotten to fill my camelback, however this too proved to be a good move as I got home minutes before the heavens opened. All in, a brilliant wee ride on a lovely summer evening. Chapeau guys!

B.