3^rd March 2002 Richard and Mike - The Big_8

Told you Mike enjoyed last week! I am raring to go today as I have had a busy week. I collected my bike from Broadway Cycles in Stoneleigh yesterday having had the front forks serviced for the first time since I bought the bike 11 months and many miles of hard riding ago.

I also have a new bite valve for my Decathlon ‘bladder’ so I can use this for the first time since the start of January – thank god as I find you can never get enough liquid in one of those bottles. I have also reversed the front specific Specialized Team Control tyre that I have been using on the rear wheel. I found that instead of following the front wheel it was trying to take it’s own route – not very helpful. Lastly, I have replaced the rear Deore V-brakes with the Dia Compe’s from the Apollo. The Deore brake had worn and the tensioning spring was not working therefore the brake block was rubbing against the rim. I can do without any more resistance whilst I’m riding.

Just the two of us this week and the pressure is on me as I try to take Mike round the new route that David only showed us two weeks ago.

Surprisingly, I manage to lead Mike correctly through the whole route without any mishaps. The route is very enjoyable although the rain last night has made some parts heavy going.

Due to my new found trail finding skills I have been able to record the Figure_of_8 for you to enjoy.

Richard following the North Downs way – part of The Figure_of_Eight

16^th/17^th March 2002 Richard, Mike, Elliot – Coed_y_Brenin

The Karrimor and Red bull trails on Saturday followed by MBR trail on Sunday leaves us all saddle sore but desperate to return. See Coed_y_Brenin for a full report.

Karrimor singletrack