Ampthill Mountain Bikers

MBR TRAIL BIKE OF THE YEAR - AGAIN!!

2011-05-25T11:43:00.000+01:00

Orange Five Pro, I loose track of how many years on the bounce that is!!!!!!

last days of summer

2010-09-03T08:58:00.002+01:00

well last week we thought that winter was here, venturing out on thursday 26th august me and massey set off at 7 in the cold and rain, both wearing water proofs after a real slog of a ride in the mud with me nearly coming off 3 times (due to my tyres being 50PSI and pinging off roots left right and centre) we got back to the pub and as it wasnt as cold as we thought so i was wetter on the inside of my waterproof than the rest of my body which was a lesson learnt!!!! Paul then turned up in a similar state. As we sat in the pub window we noticed a splinter cell group cycling past in the wind and rain. Well this week the summer seems to have returned, both tuesdays and thursdays ride were done in glorious sunshine and with not even a hint of a breeze both rides were done at a decent enough pace and with Paul having the funniest off on tuesday the fun never stops!!!!!
there has been very little activity on here so i thought i would try and coax people out for the last few rides of summer before the dredded bog returns!!!!!
so get your bikes out of the shed and come on out for a blast we are still doing tuesdays and thursday leaving the e and t at 7
hope to see you out soon
dave

Thursday Ride out with the boys

2010-05-21T14:26:00.001+01:00

Bloody hard but Dave and Blox made it up the Lidlington hills!!!!!

10th April Peaks Ride and Ampthill Curry

2010-03-14T20:09:00.003Z

We are looking to do a AMB Peaks ride on the 10th April, leaving from Ampthill early in the morning, doing a ride them heading back to Ampthill in the afternoon, heading home to wash up and then meeting for a curry possible at the Rajgate and then a few beers afterwards.

Am looking into possible routes and Dave is also going to flick through his back catalogue of mtb magazines to find a route.

So let us know if you are up for it. There isnt much to arrange other than make sure everyone has got a lift so should be pretty simple hopefully!

Cheers

london to brighton

2010-02-19T14:51:00.002Z

Hi chaps,
i know a few of us have done this ride before and i know a few were talking about it, so this year i am being more proactive and i will initiate the call. I am setting up a team to ride the london to brighton british heart foundation bike ride that is happening on Sunday 20th June, the registration is on the Team entry

To help your chances of getting a place follow these simple steps:
Before Registration opens you should:
Think about a team name : Ampthill Mountain Bikers

Decide on a team leader who will need to register and pay on Tuesday 2 March 2010: Me
The team leader should set up a BHF website account : which i have done

Prospective teammates should all set up BHF website accountsas well as this will save time later on : anyone wishing to enter will need to do this

Everyone needs to add internet@bhf.org.uk to their address books to help prevent BHF emails being sent to your junk folder.

When registration opens on 10am Tuesday 2 March 2010:
Your team leader should log onto the BHF website
They then need to register themselves for the London to Brighton Bike Ride, pay their £31 entry fee for the event and then reserve places (up to 20) for their teammates.

Your team leader will then get several emails, including an invitation to register.

Forward the invitation to register email to your prospective teammates. who will be able to register and pay for their place in the Bike Ride by clicking on the link in the email.

Team members have until 4pm on 5 March 2010 to use this link to register for the Ride, or until your reserved places have all been used.Make sure everyone has the right team name, and their credit or debit card details handy to pay the £31 entry fee.

I hope you are all up for this let me know before the 2nd March so i can get an idea of interest.
Cheers
dave

Its been a while...

2010-02-12T11:22:00.003Z

...since I had any mechanical failures so it was bound to happen sooner rather than later. Well last night Paul, Chris and myself set of on our normal route with me as has been the case recently rather slower due to a combination of poor fitness since I stopped cycling to work and the tyres on my bike which drag an awful amount. Things were fairly without incident until I reached the bog and after trying to get through and failing I went to change up from the granny gear at which point the gear cable failed leaving me stuck in the granny gear. This meant that the chain was under extra stress and about 2 miles later it snapped leading to a walk home and no pub visit for me! Hopefully this is the only damage although with all the mud I need to give the bike a good wash down and inspection to see if anything else has been damaged! Hopefully Ill be back out on Tuesday and hope to see some of the others out as I think it has just been the 4 of us since Xmas!

Old Sun Bikers Sunday 31 January 2010

2010-02-02T17:43:00.000Z

“Come out for a leisurely Sunday ride”. Having not been out for a while (Grimsby) and with the new tyre safely on the rear rim I jumped at the opportunity to be entertained by the ‘Old Sun Bikers’. 10 o’clock meet at Nick’s and we set off up Oliver St (Nick, Lewis, Monty, Shorty, Colin and Paul and myself) over the road and down Station Rd, a quick cut through the woods and around the field next to the ‘Ups & Downs’ (or ‘BMX Track’ depending upon your age) bringing us out onto Woburn St by the rugby club. From here it was out to Millbrook via the church and the test track “in reverse” (for those regular riders of this blog that is the ‘right way’ round the test track). The first stoned climb was cleared by all albeit Paul and I on foot (better part of valour and all that).

The first piece of gravity and I decided to take advantage rounding 2 or 3 riders on the outside whilst in pursuit of Nick who obviously jumped the start! Was going well until the gradient started going the other way whereupon I was passed by virtually everyone.

At the next piece of gravity I was given the honour of leading on down, I’d like to think that it was due to my earlier gravity assisted performance rather than the groups hope I might ‘collect’ Taff, who was on his way up towards us, and we all spewed out into Lidlington.

I was nicely pleased when we turned right by the church, heading down to the level crossing rather than up the hill, left just before the rail tracks and followed the road as it turned to track and into the fields. At this point the single group split into three I will call them A, B and C although no indication of speed, stamina or ability should be read into the labelling. Colin, Shorty and myself (B) crossed the rail tracks and continued to follow Taff, Nick, Monty (C) whilst Paul and Lewis (A) had mysteriously disappeared!

Group B crossed the field out the back of ‘Amazon’ and came out at the timber bridge over the new road leading up to junction 13, cross the bridge and up into Ridgmont with a view to meeting up with Group A only to find that by the time we got there they were back in Steppingley and heading hard towards the pub! Group C were last seen as specks in the distance heading off in the general direction of Brogborough and landfill!

Past Ridgmont old church, over the fields, cross the M1, a quick pause for Colin’s puncture, Steppingley woods and dash along Woburn St and safely back to the Oss saw Groups A and B united at somewhere just gone one o’clock. Group C arrived about a couple of pints later with Nick sporting a lovely shade of ‘mud’ down one side!

Skip’s chilli burgers gained general praise from all, washed done with beer, then the bulk of the group moved on to the Sun to continue Lewis’ birthday celebrations, I managed to make my excuses and escaped for home at some point in the middle of the afternoon have, I hope, upheld the honour of this blog.

Great ride and good beer, thank you to the ‘Old Sun’ bikers. We must do it again.

the new beast

2010-01-22T09:48:00.002Z

On Wednesday evening, Rob and I headed over to Massey towers to try to build me a temporary full suspension mountain bike, with my Bianchi frame on its way to Italy, and Paul having an old Stumpjumer FSR XC lying about in his garage we decided to try and put my components onto the old 2001 (a guess it may be older or one year newer) frame. Our initial problem came before the build when it took us a while to decide how to set up the rear suspension was set up, eventually deciding that we would have to put it on upside down to enable me to get access to the switch to adjust the fox float rp23. After that decision it was time to try to remove the bottom bracket to try and get my FSA crank and BB onto the bike. this was not easy especially as Massey’s book as well as common sense meant we thought the BB would have to be turned one way, when after much brute strength (including Massey standing on Justin’s BB tool, with a monkey wrench attached and rob walloping it with a lump mallet) Massey thought we could try hitting it the other way to loosen it, this in fact proved to be the way it needed to be turned to be removed. so with the main bit removed we thought the bit it screwed into would just pop out, oh no that would be too easy. So we tried knocking it out but this didn’t work so Rob had to hacksaw and then chisel the rest away.
After this everything went pretty much as planned, apart from having to steal a seat post from Jo’s giant, and the rear part of the suspension having a bit of a strange set up when it came to doing the cables, but it was nothing that a bit of masking tape couldn’t bodge.
Well the bike went for its maiden voyage last night, just me and Paul out doing the normal short route, with me not setting the seat height correctly and neither Paul or myself having any tool, due to the stupid backpacks we both have, I could not adjust it. Combining the seat height with the fact that the bike weighs close to that of a small tank the ride was a slow one, well it wasn’t that slow as we did do the ride in 1hr 20 but it nearly killed me. The major plus point of the bike though is it is a mental downhill machine, it was firmly planted with the combined weight of me and the bike plus the suspension being excellent, so with the seat height adjusted for the next ride, I am looking forward to Tuesday’s outing.

Hope to see you there
Dave

thursday 07 Jan 2010

2010-01-08T14:34:00.003Z

Well last's nights ride was without shadow of doubt the toughest completed loop we have done around our usual circuit.
Only Carbon Paul and myself managed to make it out in the snow, both of our women folk called us mental for even considering it, as soon as we set off we knew it was going to be a special one as the paths were just covered in ice and snow. After getting into the woods the going got really tough as the snow was still deep and frozen underneath so we we trying to get some sort of traction but as soon as you got the wheels spinning they hit the ice and just kept spinning on the spot. After managing to get through the woods and onto the roads, i think we prefered it in the woods, none of the roads have had any grit put on them so they are just solid ice sheets which made riding on them extremely slippy and potentially dangerous as cars that came down also had no grip so were sliding as much as we were. The bog was mental as you could not tell where anything started so the only indication you were in it was the horrible sound ogf you cracking through the ice when you were on it. Going up the farmers field was the hardest it has ever been so by the time we got back to the engine both me and paul had said that it was the most tired we had ever felt after doing that ride. It was a good job Rob and Michelle were there with 75 pieces of indian bits and bobs, bajis, samosas etc and dips washed down with a few pints of speckled hen before a trundle home a warm bath and then i was straight to bed as i was shattered.
It was still a real good laugh, mind you i do wish the snow would sod off as i am quite bored of it now!!!!
see you tuesday
Dave

first 'Tuesday' ride of 2010

2010-01-06T13:33:00.003Z

The first tuesday ride of 2010 was a quiet one with just Paul, Rob and myself out for a ride. The ride was a belter, apart from the cold the ground was superb reminding us all of summer riding as the ground was so hard and frozen it was almost the same as riding in the finer months of the year. The ride was set at a fast pace considering that none of us have done a thing (apart from eat and drink far too much), which is a good thing as i know i have put on about a stone over the festive season and now i am in a desperate bid to get rid of it. Towards the end of the ride it did start to snow and now sitting at work i know on thursday we will need chains on our tyres!!!!!!
The weight shedding was kicked off with a good start with the ride being set at a good pace, what probably didnt help was the 5 pints in the e and t after as well as the 5-6 slices of a couple of very tasty pizzas (cheers Paul).
We will have to see about the ride on Thursday, no doubt there will be a few of us in the e and t anyway in the bike gear even if we end up just biking to the pub!!!!
see you Thursday
dave

change of night

2010-01-04T09:27:00.002Z

Happy new year to everyone,
if like me you have put on about a stone over the festive period, i am looking forward to getting back out on the bikes and having a laugh in the cold mud!!!!!
anyway in a bid to try and shed the excess weight i am continuing my kickboxing, unfortunately due to the class being so small the chap that runs it is moving the lesson from a tuesday to a monday evening. I think i have mentioned this to most of you but for those that dont know, I am now going to start going out on a tueday instead of the monday at the same time and meeting at the same place.
so hopefully i will see most of you tomorrow night
cheers
dave

First ride of 2010

2010-01-01T15:45:00.002Z

Blox and I have decided to venture forth on Sunday morning to shake the last of 2009 from our systems and welcome in 2010.

Meet outside Albion at 9:00am anyone that is interested is welcome to join us.

Last ride of 2009

2009-12-26T11:39:00.002Z

Time to shake of the Christmas hangover in preparartion for the New Year one to come.

By mutual agreement (of those out last Monday and those I've bumped into since) we are going out on Bank Holiday Monday 28 December 2009 - the last official outing of 2009.
The starting time will be 11:00 meet in the usual place (Albion / Cottage Bakery on Dunstable Street, for anyone who fancies joining us), late enough for people to get up and early enough for them not to have started drinking again yet!

Hope to see as many of you out as possible and anyone one else reading this that have yet to jump in, or simply need to get on the bikes over the Christmas period.

Drinks in the Engine after, would be rude not to.

For those that can't make it hope you had a good christmas and wishing you a Happy New Year. See you in 2010 (when I'm not in Grimsby!).

The Ampthill Mountain Bikers Christmas Outing

2009-12-22T14:08:00.003Z

WE BEAT THE SNOW!!!!!

The Ampthill Mountain Bikers Christmas outing was only attended by Blox, Fuz and Massey but Carbon, Dave and Claire were waiting in the pub for the chicken and beers afterwards.
I'd like to thank Fuz for the Malt Whisky that warmed us all during the ride (good call) and I hope everyone's head didn't hurt to much this morning.

Let each other know on the blog if you intend to go out over the Christmas period.

Happy Christmas & A Happy New Year!!

See you in 2010

The Blox

AAARRRGGGHHH (again!!!)

2009-12-15T19:34:00.001Z

So I have a new bike now as the insurance cheque for the old one arrived BUT I broke my finger so I'm off the (new) bike for 3 weeks :-(

Is anyone still going out / up the pub?

Please let me know r.e. any pub trips so I can drown my sorrows!

AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

2009-12-02T17:30:00.002Z

Wont be able to join you for a while now - apart from having no lights some thieving little scrote nicked my bike from outside MK police station on Monday while I was trying to be organised and do my xmas shopping early :-(

Waiting for insurance to pay out now before I can get a new bike.

:-( :-( :-( :-(

MIA

2009-11-26T13:16:00.003Z

The big question for everyone tonight is:
are those who have been missing in action actually going to brave the weather and mud and dare to get their bikes dirty?
you know who you are!!!!!!!!

Ampthill Mountain Bikers Saturday ride

2009-11-21T17:32:00.005Z

As I and D missed Monday and Thursday's ride out, we decided to go out on a ride this morning to make up for the for it.

To start off we went over to Milbrook test track to see if Pudsey bear was still hanging around after Children in Need last night, but only found damp steep hills along with very wet sticky mud. With D's new bike we both made easy work of the mud and hills but neither of us made it up the ultimate hill towards Lidlington (you know the one, the one that only Neil has done!). Really good down hill in to Lidlington then more hills kept coming at us but we made it over the top and on to the usual course over towards Eversholt.

Everything was great even got through the bog, which has got much harder, until I had to fall off my bike to save a very rare species of bird hopping around in my path, it had nothing to do with going in to a corner over wet leaves on concrete to fast! ask D, I'm sure he'll back me up.

Really good ride, I think a Saturday morning ride is going to have to be a regular thing!

Stats: -

Ride time - 1 hour 38 minutes

Mileage - 16.41 miles

Calories - 1583c

Elevation Gain - 655m

Avg Speed - 10 MPH

Max Speed - 25 MPH

http://connect.garmin.com/player/19304884

Not riding!

2009-11-20T13:26:00.002Z

Sorry I've not been out lately and just to be consistent won't be able to make it Monday either :(

Monday 16th Nov Ride

2009-11-17T08:17:00.001Z

Just Paul, Dave and myself were out tonight and it was rather wet and muddy after the rain over the past few days. Made for a lot of fun though - Paul was back out on the hardtail which with its interesting tyres made for a interesting ride for him. We just did the normal route but seems a lot harder work in this condition. I had an incident in the singletrack with on of the slippery logs and almost went over the handlebars and there is a new tree blocking the way after all the storms. The bog wasnt too bad really but the farmers field after was pretty tough although Paul seemed to pick a better line up the edge and went flying past me. A quick dash up the bypass and we were home about 10 mins longer than usual so it isnt too slow yet!

See you all on Thursday

New frame!

2009-11-13T15:41:00.002Z

My new frame has arrived. Decided to avoid full suspension as it would only cost me a fortune in parts so decided on an On One 456 instead. Supposedly they are supposed to handle great and also good for trail centre use so looking forward to building it up. Wont get time to build it up until after the weekend so will prob be out on the old bike still on Monday!

Ampthill MTB Monday Night Ride

2009-11-12T16:48:00.002Z

Stats for Monday night ride: -

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/18403519

Reply back to this blog as to which course we should do on Monday: -

a. normal loop over to Eversholt

b. Chicksands

c. suggest a new route

see you all on Monday night.

thursday 5th Nov

2009-11-09T10:42:00.002Z

Well it ceratinly seems like winter is here, thursday night was bonfire night although we didnt see any fireworks we set off like rockets (sorry no more firework puns). we decided to just do the usual route and i think everyone was suprised as to how hard the ride was. the route is so different when its wet and muddy with everyone have a couple of arse twitching moments, personally i prefer the winter, the ride was such a laugh, slipping on wet leaves, skidding through thick mud (which my tractor tyres are loving!!!) and sliding along moss covered roots. Hopefully there will be more out on monday as there was just the 4 of us on thursday, it seems the weather turning has put off the fair weather riders (you know who you are, Fletch!!!!!!).
see you all monday
dave

Monday 2nd Nov

2009-11-04T10:58:00.001Z

Mondays ride was meant to be a nice easy affair with Paul, Massey and myself all recovering from colds.
We met at the usual spot and decided that we would do the normal ride and even do the short route as we were all feeling the effects of the man flu that has been going around (well that I spread to everyone). First of all the light that Paul donates to Dee would not switch on but with a bit of taking the batteries out and giving them a rub, they eventually worked and we were off.
I was at the front heading to Millbrook and when I got to the top of the hill about to cross the road I looked back to see the other 3 further back. I thought oh perhaps I am not too bad and I had blasted up the hill, I waited for them to catch up, playing with my lights and not taking much notice of what the others were doing. After a few minutes I thought where are they, I realised they hadn’t moved so thought something must be up. It turned out Paul had a puncture, which we pumped up and plodded on. After getting into the woods and blasting down the now not so sandy tracks, half way up the hill the battery on my new light decided to jump off my bike into darkness, so I had to turn back and go hunting for that. I found that and caught the boys up, Paul then decided his tyre was going flat again so decided to turn back and head to the pub. Dee, Massey and myself then plodded on, after possibly the slowest ride I have ever done since I started this mountain biking lark and after coughing up about 5 litres of flem and one of my lungs we made it back to the pub for some well earned food and beers.
Hopefully Thursday will be without as many incidents and marginally quicker!!!!

Dave

Monday night ride with Blox, Neil, Dee

2009-10-30T07:49:00.003Z

As you'll see from the stats below, Monday's ride was always going to be a challenge! Firstly Dee kept up easily with Neil and myself on his bone shaker of a bike and secondly note to all, always carry two spare inner tubes and gas!!!

We went over the top of Ampthill hill and went over to Milbrook followed by with the extra corner added at the bottom of the sandy downhill out of Milbrook woods (just for good measure) Like I already said Neil and I didn't stop just slowed down on the flats for Dee to draw level (which he did within a few seconds).

We joined up with the normal course through Eversholt and Tingrith and popped out by the Drovers Arms in Stepingley where we decided to go off to Flitwick woods. There lies our error! within half a mile Neil has two flat tyres with 4+ punctures and I had a flat back puncture! Dee on his slicks was fine.

I guess it doesn't always pay to be at the front! The two of us ran along side Dee on his bike to the nearest street light and tried to fix the bikes. With only one inner tube between three tyres we attempted to fix up the punctures with my repair kit. Only one gas canister to boot we tried pumping up the tyres with my crappy pump. Needless to say Neil walk to his sisters for a lift and Dee and I limped home with a slow flat back tyre. We were going great guns until then.

Big bulk order of inner tubes and gas canisters are now on order so this never happens again.

Here's the link for the Profloat CO2 pump (40psi on a MTB or 130 psi on a road bike tube)

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Innovations_Proflate_16_Pump/5360017951/

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/17489111

Food

2009-10-28T15:47:00.002Z

Hi everyone.

If you require food on Thursday, please let me know via the blog. I will be collecting money when we arrive at the pub. No money, no food!

Monday night ride with Ampthil MTB

2009-10-26T21:12:00.002Z

Hi all,

please see the stats for our ride tonight.

http://connect.garmin.com/player/17176052

See you all out on Thursday

Blox

Thursday Ride

2009-10-22T20:51:00.004+01:00

Hi All,

Carbon Paul, Rob and myself were out tonight! You all missed a really good one, we've changed the beginning of the ride thanks to Rob and it now takes in the Millbrook part of the ride.

Click on the link below to view stats and track.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/16841410

Enjoy the extra hour in bed on Sunday morning and I'll see you all on Monday

Blox

Thursday 22nd

2009-10-22T15:38:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone

I'm still waiting for my new lights to arrive - spoke to the supplier today and they reckon I should have them on Monday.

Hopefully see you all on 26th.

food tomorrow

2009-10-14T20:39:00.001+01:00

Not sure of numbers tomorrow, so if you are coming and eating, then please bring your own food. Thanks.

Monday night ride over to Chicksands

2009-10-12T21:41:00.005+01:00

I think we'll all still be smiling as well as aching tomorrow after such a good ride out to Chicksands tonight!

Myself, Fuz, Neil, Dee & Greg chose to take in the fast single tracks and hellish climbs, whilst Dave, Paul & Chris went on the normal route over to Eversholt.

pretty normal start over to Maulden woods (no swinging in the tree vines this time from Neil) with only my light cable coming loss whilst going down the sandy hill making me nearly crap myself.

We all decided to let Fuz go first down his favourite single track just outside of Chicksands woods. It was the right decision to let him rip or should I say calve his own track down there, no stump or branch stood a chance with his Giant hardtail thundering through, needless to say no one got close to him so he finished with a celebrated chunder at the end!!!!

Chicksands is just the best place in the dark, you don't feel the fatigued for some reason, probably the adrenaline kicking in as you go speeding down the track with roots pinging you up every two seconds.

Another single track race down and out of the woods with no crashes and up in to Haynes along the road. We headed back down through Limbersey Lane in Maulden at a really good speed with myself and Neil racing only to be over taken by the flying Fuz which was not expected.

All very good and definitely what we all needed.

I've put the states on the link below: -

http://connect.garmin.com/player/16017155

Monday 12 October - No Van

2009-10-12T09:47:00.002+01:00

Sorry Guys, I can't get the Van tonight so it looks like we'll have to do the normal route.

Afan Oct 09 Pic's

2009-10-11T08:21:00.006+01:00

Garmin link for Monday 5th Oct ride

2009-10-10T22:17:00.002+01:00

At the Cycle show yesterday, Fuz and I visited the Garmin stand to see what's new and discovered (free of charge) a new training web application with really cool stuff on it.

I've tried to link our ride last Monday on here, but I think it's got everything for 09 listed.

Click on the link below and let me know what you think.

Garmin Connect -
Activity Details for
Untitled

Shared via AddThis

TREK 8500 (2008)

2009-10-07T19:24:00.002+01:00

Just in case any of you are interested I am selling my old hardtail on ebay this weekend. They seem to sell for about £700 on the site but if anyone is interested i'm looking for £500 minimum. Less hassle than ebay. Most of you have seen it but if any of you or your friends are interested get them to give me a call and they can come and have a ride on it. The frame is a 19.5 inch which i think is a large. Other than that look on evens cycles as i think they still sell them. It was £1400 new.

Food on Monday

2009-10-07T18:17:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone.

It's Sam here updating for CarbonPaul! I am doing some rather nice food for Monday. £2.00 a head. Please can you let Paul know tomorrow at biking, or email/txt so I can confirm numbers? Thanks.

Sam :-)

The Drovers beer and curry festival.

2009-10-07T18:08:00.003+01:00

When Dave fell asleep....

2009-10-07T17:48:00.004+01:00

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

2009-10-07T09:28:00.004+01:00

The Good

I said I would post a link to the website I made about UK trail centres:

http://mtbtrailtime.googlepages.com

Also there are some routes near Ampthill if you search this site: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php

The Bad

I have a cold :-( - a proper one NOT man flu!! - and not sure if I will be able to make it out tomorrow :-(

The Ugly

Thats me with a cold!

If I'm feeling better I may miss the ride but join you in the pub. If not, see you on the Chicksands trip on Monday.

Exposure Red Eye

2009-10-06T20:53:00.000+01:00

Dave is the Exposure red eye rear light worth buying ?

Food for Thursday anyone??

2009-10-06T09:54:00.002+01:00

I have received orders for Chicken wings from Carbon, Dave, Rob, Fuz and Claire for Thursday. If anyone else wants some they are £1.12 for 8x wings please let me know by tomorrow midday.

Great ride last night, despite the complaints I think Fuz is secrety in love with his hard tail!!!

Monday 5 October 2009

2009-10-06T00:30:00.002+01:00

Just a couple of things to say:

1. Welcome Claire, first ride out with us tonight and a good show, nice to see someone giving Blox a ride for his money up Station Road, Hope you enjoyed yourself and look forward to seeing you out on Thursday.

2. Xmassy, Dave and Carbon - Beers paid!

3. Yes please for chicken for me on Thursday!!!!!

4. I now know why I spent all that money on the Orange!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Riders out Me, Blox, Xmassy, Dave, Carbon, Dee, Rob and Claire.

Next Monday we will be off to Chicksands, meet in the normal place same time, Xmassy will be seeing about a van for the homeward leg, more time fun riding , less time slog home!!

Thusday 1 October 2009

2009-10-05T15:53:00.000+01:00

The full (hopefully) extent of the damage from Thursday night:
Snapped chain, bent rear derailleur, bent mech hanger, bent QR skewer from rear wheel, all the above require replacement! Not to mention the numerous nicks, scratches and gouges taken out of the previously lovely green swingarm.

“Tonight Mathew I will be riding………….the Giant”. Could be a little hairy going back to a hardtail with 80mm front travel from my matched 140mm front and back! My arse is not looking forward to it!!

Anyhow back to Thursday, those out were:- Me, Blox, Carbon Paul, Dave, Dee and xmassy. In Steppingley (Centre Parcs) woods the group was split 50/50 as half took the sandy gulley whilst the other 3 opted for the soft option (no names).
It was just after we reformed to climb up through to the back of the woods when catastrophe struck, chain snapped, initial response (stick a gold link in and carry on) actual response on investigation (f**k, walking home) and Dee went off to catch up with the others and tell them I’d meet them in the pub.

I cobbled together a single speed and decided to carry on through the woods and then back on the road from Steppingley, however upon reaching the road, my bike now on auto pilot headed off towards Eversholt with a few shortcuts/detours I met up with the others between Eversholt and Tingrith and came back from there with them, completing the ‘Bog’ and the ‘Field’ up to the ‘Big House’ without a foot down.

The boys kindly stopped pedalling along the road back from Steppingley and in the slipstreaming in the ‘Lotus’ position I was able to stay with them until Blox took advantage of the slow pace and made a break for the bypass, don’t know if anyone caught him, as Dave and I battled up the bypass and Station Road, me with one gear and burning legs and Dave wit a flat tyre.

Refreshments in the E&T as usual Dave, Carbon and xmassy, your pints will be repaid Monday! Thank you! see you then.

Cheap light!!

2009-10-02T08:36:00.002+01:00

As promised last night this is the link to the light from dealextreme which when coverted from the dollar price shown works out at about £55: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.29489 they are basically a Chinese copy of the Lupine Tesla at £274, see http://www.evanscycles.com/products/lupine/tesla-4-front-light-ec017434?query=Lupine. I have ordered one which I hope arrive in the next few weeks (shipped from Hong Kong) so it will be interesting to see how good they are!! If you want to do some research on these lights you can visit various discussion forums which can be found by typing 'magicshine' into Google search.

P.S. - Dee, I have a spare light you can borrow until you decide what you are going to buy. It's home made but does the job a lot better than your current lights!! I'll bring it along on Monday.

Cycle Show 2009 - Free Tickets

2009-09-30T13:26:00.001+01:00

I have 5 free tickets (normal price £14.50) for anyone who is interested in going to the cycle show at Earls Court on Sat 10 or Sun 11 Oct. If you want to see what is on offer go to their web site www.cycleshow.co.uk

Let me know if you want a ticket and I'll bring them on Thursday's ride.

Food for Thursday's Ride anyone??

2009-09-30T08:56:00.003+01:00

I will be buying chicken wings tonight for tomorrow's ride. If you want me to pick some up for you let me know how many via this blog and you can give me the money for them in the E&T after the ride (£1.20 for 8 wings - I'm having 16!).

PS - I am too old and hurt too much after Afan to even contemplate Monday's ride - what a great weekend though, can't wait for the next one!!

Monday 28th sept

2009-09-29T11:07:00.002+01:00

Well after an absolutely superb weekend in Afan (I am sure someone else will be writing a full review about the weekend) there was a poor turn out on Monday, with me being the only one who rode the weekend and went out for our usual monday blast around the ampthill area. Out was Paul, Dee and myself, the ride was a good steady one without any stops or incidents. Dee seems to have got the bug and is now upgrading his bike (with the help of the cycle to work scheme - which i can't wait to hear about as he is about 150miles from his office!!!!!!!).
Getting back to the ride the sand is getting worse, I hate to say it but we really need some rain as there were more than a couple of arse twitching moments as we blasted down along the fence in the woods. When Paul and myself got back to the e and t we enjoyed a few beverages and Paul cooked enough pizza and nachos for about 5, so needless to say when we finished it all both of us couldnt move and were sweating more than we did throughout the whole of the ride.
Hopefully there will be a bigger turn out on thursday as those whose bodies couldnt take it will have recovered by then, well some of them we are getting on a bit and these things seem to take a long time!!!

Dave

Monday 21st September

2009-09-23T13:27:00.002+01:00

It was a good turn out for this ride, I met Paul at the e and t and we had a ride to the Albion (opposite the bakery) where we met up with Blox, Dee and Neil we rode to the memorial to meet Rob, from there it was the usual banter to the woods. The first downhill proved to be tricky for me and my bike didnt feel in control, not helped by the sand. Then by the time we got to the next down hill (along the fence) my bike really was not handling right at all once again i put this down to the amount of sand that is down there at the minute, when i got to the bottom it soon became clear that it wasnt just me being crap but that i actually had a puncture. luckily thanks to rob we pumped it up with the old slimes and CO2 we thought that that would be the end of that. however by the time i got to the gates it was flat again, typically i had no spare inner tube, but luckily Blox was packing one, so the old joke comes into play "how many mountain bikers does it take to change an inner tube?" well the answer was 4 (me, neil, Blox and Rob). from there the ride was a good pace and no more incidents meant that we were back in the pub for 20:30 to enjoy some of Pauls now famous Nachos and Robs delicious chilli. For the food and drinks Paul, Rob and I were joined by someone who clearly needed some refreshments after a hard bike ride, Justin who was wearing his usual biking gear, trousers shirt and shoes!!!!!!!
Bring on Afan this weekend for those who are going and I am looking forward to meeting my hobbit friends.
We will be meeting for the usual monday ride to compare injuries and swap stories!!!!!
Dave

Monday 14 September 'Where have the light evenings gone?'

2009-09-17T21:36:00.003+01:00

Good turn out for the evenings ride Me/Blox/Xmasy/Carbon Paul/Neil/Richard and newbie D followed the 'usual' route (note to whoever is interested: we must make the effort to vary a little more, even if it means riding longer! Camp my be divided!)

Anyway from were I was (at the back) it looked like Neil set the pace (again) (would be nice to see the ferret up the hills in Afan)(too many bracket?)(who cares!). The track at the back of Steppingly(CP) woods was VERY sandy and made for fun time (didn't quite catch the Blox!).

Caught up with D just before the steam into Eversholt, well I say caught, he had actually stopped, wondering if the right way was up the steam or had he missed a turn somewhere!

I finally convinced him we were going the right way and the pair of us swept up Richard on the fram track from eversholt to tingrith.

The road back to eversholt saw a shout from Richard with a flat tyre, I stopped to lend a hand and was shortly joined by D who having lost the group in front had suddenly found himself all alone so turned back to find us.

We entered the woods between eversholt and the motorway footbridge with D's lights going very dim, discretion the better part of valour and al that so Richard and D took the smooth track while I headed into the ditches (no moths to eat this time).

Through the bog without a foot down (more like a big hole now than a bog) and Richard needed a new tube on the footbridge.
I like the field climb in the dark, you can't see how far you have to go to the top!
And a quick blast back from steppingly to the engine and tender for beer and food (including Carbon Pauls pissed chilli).
Thanks to D for joining us, hope to see you again soon, hopefully you joining us may incourage others to do likewise!

Bikers Night Out

2009-09-11T09:29:00.002+01:00

On Saturday 19 September the Drovers Arms is holding a Beer and curry festival. I missed the last get together but I know everone raved about the food at the Drovers so I would like to sample it for mayself! Other good reasons to come along include it being Carbon Paul's birthday, there are 20 beers from micro and small breweries at only £2.50 per pint to enjoy with pots of curry, there is a free shuttle bus to and from the White Heart and the girls from the Sheilas Wheels ad are singing jazz (Maybe I should have left that last one off!!).

Anyway for anyone interested we are planning to meet at the White Heart and 6.00pm and head off from there. You can see more info at the Drovers Arms web site, www.droversarms.eu.

Charity bike ride

2009-08-24T15:48:00.000+01:00

On the 11th September me and Jo will be trying to cycle the width of England, going from east to west coast to coast. We are going from Whitehaven to Sunderland in 3 days, while I think this will be a challenge it is even more so for Jo as she actually hates cycling!!!!! We decided to do this as a bit of fun but also we realised we could raise some money for a good cause. At the age of 3 Jo’s niece “Bethany” was diagnosed out of the blue with type 1 diabetes, this means that she has to regularly monitor her blood as well as have several injections of insulin a day. So we are hoping to try and raise as much as we can for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), who are trying to find a cure for this illness.
So please donate any amount of money you can spare no matter how small or big!!!!

Jo has set up a Just Giving website if you want to donate this way or you can just give the money directly to me and I will pay it into the site.

http://www.justgiving.com/Jo-Holmes/

We will be posting pictures on our Facebook pages so you can see that we complete the ride.

WISH US LUCK!!!!

Dave

Afan - September 2009

2009-08-17T22:33:00.001+01:00

Saturday 26 September
Sunday 27 September 2009
Again joining with the Portishead Chapter.
The plan is to drive over Saturday morning, do one ride lunchtime/early afternoon, beer & food at the Glyncorrwg Ponds Mountain bike centre/café and camp there the night. Up and at them early Sunday to do another ride and back at the Afan Forrest Café for breakfast (last service 11am I think). Followed by the drive home.

Please advise on this blog whether or not you will be coming so that we can arrange transport/tent sharing.
This is an open invitation to all, not just blog members. All are welcome!

Posts Owed

2009-08-17T22:26:00.000+01:00

I owe this Blog a number of well overdue posts stretching back to before I disappeared to sunny mid France (without the bike) for a well earned (in my opinion) rest. So in no particular order (other than chronological) here goes.

16 July 2009 Thursday
Although I didn’t make the ride I did manage to meet up with Dave/Blox/Neil/Richard/Carbon Paul and Daniel for the after ride Indian Banquet at the Drovers Arms. I arrived to find the others partaking a no doubt well earned imperial measure on the patio in front of said establishment, only for the rain to start and drive us inside. After a number of ales dinner was served and we sat in the rear conservatory listening to the by now torrential downpour drumming on the glass above, however the beer and particularly the fine quality and quantity of food was enough to distract and we all ate our full share.
The ride home was fun enough should you like feeling like a goldfish, with only two of the party feeling unable to battle the elements and arranging alternative ‘drier’ transport homewards (Neil and Richard hope you made it safely!).
Big thank you to The Drovers Arms for a fabulous spread, we will be back).

6 August 2009 Thursday
First ride out since returning from holiday and I can’t wait,
4pm at work, glorious day outside and raring to go!
5pm(5:30 if anyone from work is reading) In the car, beginning to get a little dark!
6pm arrive home, thunder lightening and torrential rain!
6:30pm text from Xmassey “Due to inclement weather im going straight to engine. All other wimps are welcome to join me!”

Just Blox and myself out, everything going well albeit very wet and muddy, when completely out of the blue (well black actually) something decides to knock me clean off the bike, I find myself on my back in the bracken with the world spinning. Blox returns to the scene and deals with offending branch that I hit head on right across the front of my helmet, while I get my land legs back. We finished the usual course with only a couple of minor offs, mainly due to my being slightly spaced!
Decided to give the pub a miss, as I felt drunk enough!

At this point I’d like to thank my helmet sponsors (me) on the excellent head gear provided and ask them to dig deep to provide a worthy replacement as it is now cracked! Thank you branch!

10 August 2009 Monday
Two different start times this week
Riders present 7:00pm Carbon Paul/Dave 7:30pm Blox/Xmassey/Myself
The 7:30 group took the ‘normal’ route without too much incident ending in the Engine for after ride drinks. Chicken wings and nachos provided courtesy of Carbon Paul and the Engines kitchen facilities. Many thanks!

13 August 2009 Thursday
Only supposed to be one group tonight, but I was late
Carbon Paul/Dave/Xmassey followed by somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes behind by me!I followed the normal route and frequent intelligence reports from the public indicated I was not far behind, but the quarry was never overhauled mainly due to mechanical failure and a slow puncture, that is until the Engine where I joined them for a refreshing pint.

Who's out on Monday

2009-08-01T08:39:00.002+01:00

Hi All,

Who's out on Monday??????

Curry night

2009-07-07T14:21:00.002+01:00

On Thursday next week (16th July) we are going to do our usual ride and then finish for a curry at the drovers arms Steppingly. The reason for this is that we havent done it yet, but have talked about it loads, and it is my birthday on the tuesday so we are using both reasons as a good excuse. We are hoping to sit outside on the terrace area (weather permitting) and my advice would be to bring lights as it starts to go dark at 9ish and we will be having starters mains and beers!!!!!

Not out tomorrow

2009-06-24T21:24:00.002+01:00

Just to let you know I am not going to be out tomorrow after all! Enjoy the ride

Thursday 18th June Ride

2009-06-19T08:21:00.002+01:00

Only Dave and myself made it out tonight and it was a nice evening for a ride. We went along the usual route but with a few minor changes. I almost came off again for the second time in a row on the sandy descent through the woods but just about managed to keep it together!

We went under the motorway with the plan of doing the bridal way by the drovers arms. The rest of the ride continued without incident until we reached the bridal and rode up to find it came out by the French Horn. We then went right and came out along the bottom of the sandy descent took a right and came out along the road with staples on it. Back along the A507 and into the Engine and Tender for a couple of Dallaligio's finest!

Ride Stats:
Distance: 17.39
Average speed: 11 mph
Max Speed: 26.1mph

Not biking tonight

2009-06-15T13:41:00.003+01:00

Carbon Paul, Rob and Chris not out tonight. ..Has anyone seen the weather forecast?! Whoever is going, enjoy the thunderstorm! Plan to go out tomorrow night instead.

CO2 Cartridges and pump

2009-06-09T17:34:00.002+01:00

Hey everyone I brought a box of 30 CO2 cartridges so if anyone wants any let me know. They cost £15.66 for 30 of them so 50p each. Let me know and ill bring them on my next ride.

Also I got this CO2 inflator because I didnt think they would work with my inflator I already have. As it turns out they do so this is surplus to my requirements. If anyone wants it let me know - £6 will do includes 2 cartridges

http://www.tyreinflators.co.uk/cls-tyre-inflators/mosa-co2-mini-inflator-inc-2-x-16gm-threaded/prod_269.html

See you all soon!

Bank Holiday Monday Rideout

2009-05-25T10:13:00.002+01:00

Rob, Carbon Paul and me are meeting at 1.00pm outside the cottage bakery today for a ride out. If that isnt enough to tempt you to join us the engine is putting on a free BBQ from 2.00pm onwards which of course we will be partaking in. See you there!!

Monday 18th May

2009-05-20T10:02:00.002+01:00

On Monday it was decided that we would do the now infamous "normal" route.
During the day and early evening the weather was very changable, one minute sunny, then absolutely wetting it down then it seemed a hurricane was starting, but by the time we all met at the bakery things seemed to have settled down. Out for the ride was Carbon Paul, Daniel, Rob and I. Well it was a little slippy and muddy in places but a whole lot of fun, Daniel has now realised that riding without your back brake half on actually makes for an easier ride, but it probably has help improve fitness quite a bit!!!!
The whole evening was a good one, adding on an additional field, going over the motorway instead of under it, the flies going up the brook are minging, as i found out again by going first and straight into the swarm talkng to paul, so there really was not any need for food as i had had my fill of protein at that point. One of the highlights of the evening was rob turning round to see what was going on and flipping over his bike, then paul getting a little over confident and quick and nearly flying off into the brambles. Then it was all back to the Oss for some of Skips chicken wings, drummers dips and nachos. Cracking ride - no stops, bring on thursday
Dave

Thursday 14th

2009-05-14T16:54:00.001+01:00

I am not about tonight lads as I am heading over to Chicksands at about 6 starting from Clophill. Have a good ride and hopefully will see you next Thursday

Saturday 9th May Morning Ride

2009-05-09T12:57:00.002+01:00

Only Fuz and I made it out this morning and we decided upon the Millbrook route which suitd me as it was annoying that I didnt make it up the gravel hill. We set off through the village and along the bridalway and luckily this time I managed to make it up the gravel hill! The rest of the ride passed without incident and was an enjoyable saturday morning spin.

Map of route below:
http://maps.google.com/?t=p&z=15&ll=52.02808380126953,-0.4949429929256439&q=http://api.motionxlive.com/motionx-remote/api/gps/host/3940456b-6343-4bb6-ac32-f79a7eb268b2

Stats were:
Total time: 1hr 15 mins
Average speed: 7.2 mph
Max speed: 33.2 mph
Total Distance: 9.02 miles

I may go out tomoz so if anyone is interested then leave a message on here and Ill check later this evening

Thursday 7th May Ride

2009-05-08T07:55:00.002+01:00

So we did a different route tonight - heading around Millbrook. Four of us made it out from the Albion and we headed over towards Millbrook round by the church and into the village. Just before the proving ground we turned left with what seemed to be never-ending rain. Along the back of the proving ground we came along by the 45 deg slopes and up the steep gravel hill one at a time. All but myself made it as I didn't have the balance (I may go back and try it on Sunday!). We continued to track the edge of the proving ground ending up at another very steep hill which none of us made it up. Not quite sure what happened but I couldn't unclip and started rolling backwards into Dave who had to abandon his bike! Sorry Dave!

We then headed down towards the A507 before heading right into steppingly woods and going the opposite way to which we usually do popping out by staples and then heading back to Ampthill, over Coopers Hill, down Station Lane ending in the Engine.

Stats were:
Elapsed time: 1hr 14mins (includes stops)
Distance: 8.5 miles
Avg Speed: 6.8mph
Max Speed: 26.4 mph

Have put the route on the map below although I think the GPS had some issues in Steppingly Wood as not sure we did the straght line it suggests!

http://maps.google.com/?t=p&z=15&ll=52.02859878540039,-0.4947569966316223&q=http://api.motionxlive.com/motionx-remote/api/gps/host/34de57b0-db77-484f-848b-2a90f8deee2e

As for the weekend I will be starting from 8 in the usual place on Saturday if anyone wants to join me (I believe Fuz is and possibly Blox). Will prob go out on Sunday too but will post when I decided a time!

Thursday and weekend ride?

2009-05-05T21:09:00.004+01:00

Ok so I assume we are out on Thursday again this week?

Also Michelle is working Saturday and Sunday so I have both days free and was thinking of doing a ride on both of them anyone care to join me?! Can do anytime during the day really. I have set up a poll on the right side assuming that it works but we will see! So either reply on here or vote on the poll! And see you on Thursday!

Thursday 30th April - Ampthill to Chicksands

2009-05-01T12:31:00.003+01:00

Well a fun and eventful ride last night as 8 of us set of from the Albion. Cutting across the fields we came into Maulden and up the hill by the church which my bike actually made it up! We continued through Maulden Woods and over the A6 onto some great singletrack through Chicksands woods before arriving at Rowney Warren and the smell of the wild onions!

We then proceeded to follow Neil around Rowney Warren with some rather steep hills to get up not all of which I managed and it was rather entertaining to see Blox fall off going up and Paul falling of on sympathy. After spending quite a time going around Rowney Warren it was time to head back which is where it all went wrong as my inner tube seemed to explode throwing slime about. The hole was to big to patch but luckily Neil had a spare tube and Daniel's CO2 allowed for a quick change over. The new inner tube however continued to go down slowly leaving me struggling back. Thanks to Daniel and Fuz for waiting with me.

The evening finished with a few pints in the engine! Overall a great if tiring ride with some new challenges on the route. Below are the stats for the ride which are fairly good and would have been back quicker if not for the tyre problems.

The stats are from my house:

Total Distance: 21.58 miles
Average speeds: 10.1 mph
Max speed: 24.4 mph
Total riding time: 2hrs 7 minutes

There was discussion about what time to go out on Monday. I was going to do a poll but it appears that I dont have user privileges to run one so post on here what time you want to go out on Monday!

Daniel: Will get you some new CO2 canisters
Neil: let me know when you are next out and I will get you a spare inner tube

Thursday

2009-04-29T15:57:00.002+01:00

Hi Guys,

Long time no see but looking to join you on Thursday. Note you are going to Chicksands. Is this a definate as if so my brother and Gavin may join us. However they live in Silsoe and Clophill so would meet us on route. Therefore can you confirm that you are definately going to Chicksands and the route you will be taking. I will then make arrangements for them to meet us at some point.

Rain stopped play (for most)

2009-04-28T09:42:00.002+01:00

Darkening sky and then rain from about 5:30pm saw a plethora of texts giving excuses, sorry reasons! for not being able to make the ride. Phrases spring to mind like "a few good men" and "the good and the brave".
Anyway just Dave and I braved the elements, which politely stopped pissing just a tad before the 7:00pm start, what looked like was going to be a wet ride turned into a rather pleasant outing.With just the two of us plans for Chicksands were abandoned and an easy consensus reached to take what is now the established 'normal route' (plans are afoot to add some variation for future rides). Waterproofs were removed once in the woods as both of us were beginning to over heat having been fooled by the earlier black sky. Once on the sand it became apparent that the earlier rain had not soaked far into the ground making the going treacherous as the top layer just slipped on the dry sand under it. With the going a little slower I was able to make the most of the few roots down the back of the wood to bounce the bike around a little while Dave clattered along behind me!
The single track before the bog was pretty lively with the top layer very slippery, there was a number of occasions where I thought Dave had stacked it as I watched his back end slip away only to be saved at the last moment. The Bog did not live to its legend and was quite an anti climax as was the final climb up the field to Steppingley.
A quick (or not so quick for me) dash up the bypass and we were both rewarded for our troubles with some fine ale and food at the Oss (some less worthy partook of this sustenance, but we shan’t name names!).

Next ride is THURSDAY not Wednesday, THURSDAY 7:00pm by the Albion, off to Chicksands weather permitting.

Monday 20th April Ride

2009-04-20T22:03:00.002+01:00

5 of us set off from outside the Albion this evening on a very nice but cool evening. We proceeded along the normal long route and made good progress. Was a little wet in areas but the downhills were pretty dry and fast with Justin bombing down with his usual gusto.

Again the tree on the singletrack seems to have got lower with only Dave attempting to get under and losing his rear light in the process. The bog was succesful for all but myself as I went flying into the brambles and a very muddy shoe (luckily the overshoes mean the cleaner wont be annoyed at work tomorrow!)

These are the stats of the ride (again from my house). This is actual rider time so although was a bit quicker than last week I think we had more rests to was a bit more of a blast.

Actual cycling time: 1hr 19mins
Distance: 14.84 miles
Average speed: 11.2 mph
Max speed: 26.5 mph

See you all outside the Albion on Wednesday slightly later at 7.30

Oh and I managed to break some more bike bits - this time my singlespeed chainring! Pics above:

Wiggle e-voucher

2009-04-16T21:40:00.002+01:00

Any one interested I have a e-voucher for £5 off when you spend over £25 in the next 14 days at wiggle.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/

Wednesday 15th April Ride

2009-04-15T21:52:00.002+01:00

Well Chris, Dave and myself made it out tonight and surprise surprise I made it round without any mechanical faults! Bike ran smoothly and seems to be good now! We went for the normal long route and it was a pleasant evening to do it with short sleaves on for the evening.

Managed to set a pretty good pace without too many stops and wihout incident until the singletrack through the wood when I hit my pack on the low tree (which seems to be getting lower every week) and then a pedal/crank on a log following one of Dave's routes. The bog was pretty wet but all 3 of us made it through without stopping and then a short blast home. We only really needed the lights once we got onto the road which was nice! Dave's 3 lights seem sadly redundant now!

These are the stats (including to/from my house):

Total Cycling Time: 1 hr 23 mins
Distance: 14.99 miles
Average speed: 10.8 mph
Max speed: 23.4 mph

See you all out next Monday!

Chicksands/Rowney Warren Wednesday 9 April 2009

2009-04-09T08:49:00.003+01:00

For everyone that didn't make last nights ride i think you missed an epic ride. Blox, Rob and myself set off from the usual spot (outsde the Albion) and decided chicksands would be a good idea. Being fairly new to Ampthill (I have only been living there for 3 years!!) I didn't have a clue where Blox was taking us, past some allotments across some fields, he assured me he knew where he was going, then we popped out and were confronted with a stupid hill leading up to maulden church. It was granny cogs all the way up to the top of the hill, well nearly all the way up as we heard strange noises coming from Rob and his bike and then a horrible snapping noise and ping his rear mech had snapped off his bike, if you have seen the blog he just bought a new one this week, and he had bought an XT, and it snapped off and snapped his chain as well. He then strapped this to his bike, told me and Blox to head off and he would start walking home, after seeing the pictures of the mech i am assuming he got home ok. Blox and myself plodded on we did chicksands wood and rowney warren, the woods are in great condition and both Blox and myself managed some of the more challenging hills, two of which neither of us have ever managed to get up before. As it got darker and darker we decided we would head back, we got out of the woods and headed to the army base, where the smell of onions is almost unbearable. We then got onto the road by shefford and Blox noticed he had a puncture and typically we had no spare inner tubes so puncture repair kit it was, we managed to locate the hole and fix the puncture. We sat off for the ride back, it seemed to take quite some time as we had both got quite cold fixing the puncture, by the time we had got back to Ampthill we were so wrecked we didnt even go for a beer!!!!!! although we were still back by 9:30, so without all the delays it is a solid 2 hour ride. A great evening ride with some scary moments, especially being stalked for a good mile around rowney warren by a deer, this felt a bit like a disney version of the blair witch project. We will be doing this again soon I think
Dave

Seriously FFS!

2009-04-08T22:03:00.002+01:00

On our way to Chicksands tonight another disaster with my bike...

snapped mech hanger, ruined chain and bent rear mech so some more bits to order :-(

Anyhow going to attempt the monday evening route on my fully rigid singlespeed with v-brakes tomorrow so should be interesting!

Not the way to leave the mountain!

2009-04-04T12:21:00.002+01:00

Afan February 2009 Whites Level boardwalk section.

Thankfully not one of us!!!

That time of year!

2009-04-04T11:34:00.004+01:00

Yes it's that time of the year again, The UK's most important test!

The mbr Trail Bike of the Year 2009 for the third year running and the second year with a ten out of ten is ...................................... yes you guessed it ORANGE FIVE PRO!!!!!!!!!

All I've got to do now is learn how to ride it without flying over the bars each time we hit the bog!!!!!!!

See you all Monday 7:00 pm outside the Albion.

Saturday ride anyone?

2009-04-02T20:38:00.002+01:00

Sorry I couldn't make it out last night. Decided to do some of the route on my way home from work and on the flat just before the downhill section in Steppingley woods my rear mech decided to place it self in my rear wheel. Hence a bent mech, mech hanger, broken chain and bent spoke! Pic below

So anyway ordered the new parts and they should hopefully be arriving tomorrow, which if they do I want to get them on the bike and go for a ride on Saturday is anyone about to show me some more of the local trails?!

Thanks! Rob

Evans Cycle Ride It Challenge 28th March

2009-03-08T17:36:00.003Z

Hi,

Who's up for the Evans Cycle ride in a few weeks round the local Bow Brickhill route?

Neil has mentioned this to me as a really good steady ride out on a Saturday morning, but the main thing is all the 50% off the goodies on sale at the start/finish line. Get this; you can even try before you buy, so anyone who wants new gloves etc. get them before your ride out, then just hand them back or buy them after you've finished the ride.

All the details of the ride and the download of the GPRS is on the link below.

Click the title or copy and paste the URL below to view and download forms and details.

http://www.evanscycles.com/ride-it/milton-keynes-march-28th-29th-2009

Blox
:)

Ampthill Mountain Bikers trip to Afan 22nd February 2009

2009-02-24T21:58:00.002Z

View in Google Earth

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Date 22-02-09
Time 09:07
Total Distance 10.03 miles
Avg Pace 8.49 /mi
Avg Speed 6.8 mph
Max Speed 18.6 mph
Total Ascent 6507ft
Total Descent 6679ft

Fletch's fav descent over the weekend!!!

Afan 2009 AMB Trip 21-02-09 course and stats

2009-02-24T21:39:00.003Z

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Date 21-02-09
Start time 11:26
Distance 10.87 miles
Tota Ride time 1:37:14
Avg Pace 8.56 mi
Avg Speed 6.7 mph
Max Speed 17.4 mph (down a sheer rock face)
Total Ascent 5549ft
Total Descent 5694ft

Saturday 24th January 2009 course and stats

2009-01-26T19:13:00.002Z

View in Google Earth for best view.

The map is a little off i belive due to a fall by myself on what I thought was a puddle but turned out to be sheer ice. Very badly brused arm, leg and very sore shoulder. The bike lever is now pointing the wrong way. Hopefully Nick will fix that for me.

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Total Distance - 11.99 miles
Total Time - 1 hour 28 minutes 48 seconds
Avg Pace - 7:24 /mi
Avg Speed - 8.1 mph
Max Speed - 25.0 mph
Total Ascent - 5705ft
Total Descent - 5858ft

Saturday 17th January 2009 course and stats

2009-01-17T12:32:00.002Z

Please view in Google earth for best results

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Total Distance: 16.32 miles
Total Ride Time: 1h 43mins 35sec
Avg Pace: 6:20/mi
Avg Speed: 9.5mph
Max Speed: 22.4mph
Total Ascent: 2914dt
Total Descent: 3289ft

We're out Monday at 7pm from the Ampthill Bakery if anyone wants to join us

Trail Bike of the Year "The mtb world's no.1 test"

2009-01-17T11:34:00.003Z

Back in May 2008, mbr magazine did their Trail Bike of the Year test and included bikes from Cannondale, Commencal, Tomac, Cube etc. Where did the experts choose to go to test these bikes? Their regular test track, Afan Valley, now assuming that you test the ultimate trail bikes on the ultimate trails, we are going to spend the weekend in Feb riding some of the ultimate trails in the UK.

Despite Neils unfortunate absence we appear to be back up to full strength with the late recruitment of Dave (deposit pending), Carbonpaul is staying with family, so that leaves five of us in the house, which coincidentally is the same place the mbr testers stayed during their Trail Bike of the Year test, TY Afan http://www.ty-afan.co.uk/ (following a familiar theme!).

Look forward to seeing most of you out on the bikes before the trip.

Oh did I mention that my new bike scored 10/10 in the test to become 2008 Ultimate Trail Bike!!!!!!

Happy riding.

Sat 17th Jan 09

2009-01-16T10:14:00.000Z

I am biking from mine (14 Cornwall Rd) at 9.30 on Sat 17th 09 if anybody fancies it. Greg, Richard Wiles and Gavin are joining me so far and I also think Blox. Intend doing the full Millbrook loop in reverse. From Steppingley and including the Millbrook golf course section. About 18 to 20 miles I think.

Vote to change the weekend riding day

2009-01-08T20:08:00.004Z

We need to have a vote on a changing the weekend riding day, from a Sunday to a Saturday.

The reason for changing to a Saturday is: -

a. Too many other commitments on a Sunday for the majority of the group’s riders
b. New members can only make a Saturday
c. Helps with the clearing of the head due to the night before excess
d. Very early Sunday mornings are meant for a lay in!
e. etc. etc.

The reason for not changing to a Saturday is: -

a. Down to you lot to come up with a reason!

Let me know what you all think

:)

Wales

2009-01-05T15:09:00.002Z

Hi All,

I have just been advised that the weekend of the Wales trip is my annual Insurance awards dinner which I have to attend. Sorry to let you down and will obviously pay any monies that you are unable to recover. It is usually the last Friday in February so had not anticipated being away.

Neil.

Saturday 3rd January 2009 AMTB Ride

2009-01-01T20:07:00.003Z

Anyone who is up for gentle 2009 outing on the bikes are welcome to join myself and Fuz for a gentle) New Year's AMTB ride. No time has been set in stone or route, so anyone who is interested please reply to the blog with suitable times and suggestions.

Afan - February 2009

2008-11-19T21:23:00.002Z

Right, firstly let me apologise for the lack of input to this blog for the last month, that's an apology from me as well as everyone else that has access to create posts (you know who you are).

On going discussions (with who ever was out riding) mean we have come up with the following proposal.

Date: Weekend of the 21st and 22nd February 2008
Ride/s: Saturday 21st White's Level Trail - Distance 15km Climb 525m Time 1.5 to 3hrs
Sunday 22nd The Wall - Distance 23km Climb 450m Time 1.5 to 3hrs
(Optional Ride: Friday evening (night ride, Lights) Cwmcarn - Distance ? Climb ? Time appox 1.5hrs?)
For further details on the trails check out www.mtb-wales.com www.afanforestpark.co.uk www.glyncorrwgponds.com
Saturday ride currently afternoon to allow those unable to travel on the Friday to arrive, Sunday ride morning to allow time to travel home during the afternoon.

Don't know what there is available in the villages but I'm sure they have pubs in wales, and I do hear that they are fairly keen on food also. There are cafes available for breakfasts or kitty for cook ourselves.

There appears to be a plethera of available accomodation cottages/houses to rent for the weekend within the villages of Glyncorrwg, Cymer and Abercregan (the 3 villages at the start/finish of the routes) going rate for Friday - Sunday for upto six appears to be approx £250 total. What we book depends upon the numbers and availability, so now we come to the crunch!!!!

If you are seriously interested to coming on this little jaunt then its time to stump up the cash.
I would like to book accomodation this side of xmas so £30 secures your spot ASAP but no later than 19th December 2008.

To give an idea of numbers those showing an interest already (but yet to pay) are:
Me, Simon (my little bro), Blox (+2 others), Richard, Neil, Andy, Paul, Xmasy.

Any questions or comments please get straight back to me via blog, text, phone or email.

Afan in Feb

2008-10-21T22:33:00.000+01:00

Afan sounds like a great idea. Count me in for discussions Fuz! Richard

Sunday 19th October THIS SUNDAY

2008-10-17T19:09:00.002+01:00

The majority vote is for a trip to Woburn (I'm sure we can find our way without Richard).
So meet in the Registry Office car park at 9:00am I have room in the car for 1 other. Any problems ring me!

Afan - February 2009

2008-10-16T23:09:00.003+01:00

February 2009 (probably mid feb) but open to discussion, as is the duration, accomodation, transport and routes riden. Initial thoughts were travel there Friday evening/ Saturday morning, Saturday & Sunday rides, home by Sunday evening. Pissed and food Saturday night.
Accomodation, camper/ tents, though being February house, cottage, bunkhouse or B&B might be a relatively cheap option.
All interested please leave a comment so that we can include you in the disscussions, I went last month and it is awesome, well worth the effort, so come on express an interest and leave a comment. This is open to all viewing this blog not just those that ride with us regularly (that is assuming that anyone else actually bothers to read this blog let alone visit it!)

Sunday 12th October 2008

2008-10-16T22:57:00.002+01:00

Final change of plan agreed on Saturday evening and Sunday saw a new meeting place, Registry Office car park on Woburn St, no not the long awaited marriage of Blox and his beloved Trek, but a convenient launch pad for a trip to Woburn woods. Three of us made it, Richard, Neil and myself, bikes in or on cars (minimise travel time, maximise ride time) Richard led the way to a car park somewhere in the woods and so began the marvellous mystery tour for Neil and myself as we took it in turns to blindly follow Richards back wheel around the wood’s tracks and trails.
At times Woburn golf course appeared through the woods but for all I had any idea as to where I was it may as well have been St Andrews (or given the weather on the day maybe Augusta!). Great single track, plenty of sand and roots and lots of trees (some are quite close together as Neil seemed consistently (but probably only occasionally) to find out) (apparently the bars on his new Trek are three inches wider than on his old one) I just call it poor spatial awareness!
Back to the cars absolutely knackered, but very happy with a good two hours ride, only to be told by Neil’s computer we’d only managed 10 miles!! I blame it on my snapping yet another spoke in the back wheel!
Thanks to Richard for acting as tour guide, another couple of times and one of us others may be able to remember some of the route!

Wednesday 8th October 2008

2008-10-16T22:56:00.001+01:00

With the bike back in one piece and raring to go I met the others at the junction of Dunstable St and Arthur St, Blox and Carbon Paul were already there and from the end of their conversation it became apparent that Xmassy was still recovering from his latest bout of man flu!
Another set of lights approached up Arthur St and Neil rolled up to join us. Keen to get going the four of us set off to follow the normal route, as we joined Woburn St by the rugby club, Blox and I in the front became aware that there was no longer two bikes behind us but three! Richard had managed to catch us, after being late and assuming we had gone! The rest of the ride was the usual blast through the woods, haul up the field, splash through the stream, tear along the farm track, drag down the road, bit of fun in the woods before getting stuck in the mud by the motorway bridge, last climb up the field into Steppingley and the final road race back up the bypass to Station Road and a refreshing pint or three in the Engine.
Yet another Wednesday safely under the ever decreasing belt.

Saturday 18th October - Cannock Chase

2008-10-15T20:12:00.002+01:00

Boys, a few of us are going to Cannock Chase on Saturday. I think there are a few trails but one main red / black man made type run that looks good fun. Its only about 7 miles so it might be a lap or two. If you fancy it then meet in the Old Court House car park in Woburn Street about 8.15 am. I plan to be home about 5 or so, after a couple of pints! Hope to see you then.

Ampthill Mountain Bikers 5th October Course

2008-10-05T13:04:00.005+01:00

Despite the threat of bad weather Niel and myself set off on the usual course over towards Eversholt and Tingreth. With the ground so damp and wet we struggled to pass a jogger out in the woods (very embarrassing!)

Only two stops this time, once for me with half the woods stick in my front gear set and the second was Neil's first puncture in ages, so with very wet feet, sodden clothes and very very muddy faces we completed the nice and refreshing Sunday course below, now for the score on the door: -

Total Distance: 16.00 miles
Riding Time: 1 hour 21 minutes 33 seconds
Total Time Out: 1 hour 38 minutes
Average Pace: 5:05 /mi
Average Speed: 11.8 MPH
Max Speed: 25.3 MPH
Total Calories: 1704 Cal
Total Ascent: 2878ft
Total Descent: 2898ft

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Will Fuz return?

2008-09-29T10:01:00.004+01:00

Hi all,
After speaking to Fuz over the garden fence last night, I can give you all an update on the status of his bike, the two components have been ordered to fix the bike but only one has turned up as yet! If the second part turns up by Tuesday we will have Fuz back on the tracks with all again. Lets hope we see him very soon, because I can not keep up with the sheer lack of stops, we need him back for the stability of the ride!!

NEXT RIDE:

Wednesday 1st October at 7pm outside the Albion Pub

See you all there!

Sunday's 21st September Ride

2008-09-21T13:59:00.003+01:00

Sunday consisted of Neil on his EX-9, Gavin (cycled 3 miles to join us at the start point) also on a Trek bike and lastly myself guess what?........... on a Trek EX-8 bike, I think Phil Corley's bike shop could take a month’s holiday without noticing a drop in profits this quarter, the amount of money our group has spent with him recently!

As you can see from the course I've posted below we headed over to Chicksands woods as the weather couldn't have been more glorious, perfect to ride round the woods with the sun’s rays breaking through the tree's canopy. I must say it's the best single track and downhill’s I've been on to date! No accidents just a big muddy smile on all our faces!

Riding time: 1hr 57mins
Time out: 12mins
Distance: 19.95 miles
Average pace: 5.58 min miles
Average Speed: 10 MPH
Max Speed: 25.8 MPH
Total Calories Burnt: 2013cals
Total Descent: 3560ft
Total Ascent: 3607ft

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Wales Trip

2008-09-18T21:09:00.003+01:00

A last minute change of plan saw the OS Map guided adventure of the Brecon Beacons being swapped for a ‘blast’ along the way marked trails of Afan Valley.

Saturday 13th September 2008
The change enabled us to have a leisurely start to the day and arrived at Glyncorrwg and were ready to ride just before midday, but which route to ride? A process of elimination lead us to the obvious choice, The ‘Skyline’ Trail at 46km, 2000m climbing and ride time of 4 to 7 hours?, perhaps just a tad to long for a first try.
The White’s Level Trail starts with a climb comprising of rock and rot strewn switch back single track, granny ring for the next hour as we battled our way up the side of the valley, constantly having the shift the weigh back and forward to keep the grip on the rear and the weight on the front.
The climbing continued into the section known as Dastardly & Mutley as the track moved away from the edge of the valley, till eventually you come out onto the what appears to be the top, a wide fire road and an obvious place to catch a little respite. The trails continues with what appears to be yet another climb this time on fire road, but no sooner have you gone round the next bend that you leave the road on to single track, here the heart picks up a beat as you begin the descent. Five minutes into the descent with a smile so wide just as the track goes back into the trees I have my first unscheduled dismount and opt for the rock strewn track rather than the 10m drop to a stream on my left.
With the wind back in the sails we continued down the single track every twenty metres or so whipping back inside a tree stump like a gate on a giant slalom course, before being spat out onto another fire road.
The next section of the trail stood before us on the other side of the fire road and next to it a fellow biker changing a tube. "Sweet" was his reply when asked what this next section was like, "there’s a few table tops, but if you keep the speed up you can clear them". Thankfully the table tops didn’t need to be cleared and some were avoidable, but the downhill was no rest, sections of northshore type decking, a couple of drop-offs led to a technical downhill which just kept going, by the time we reached the ‘Darkside’ legs, arms and shoulders were all aching, but still the rocks, roots and buffeting continued.
Finally at the bottom the short tarmac stretch back to the visitor centre gave time to reflect upon despite being separated from my bike on about 5 occasions, both me and my trusted stead had survived in tact, which personally I consider to be no small feat!
Ride Distance: 15km
Climb: 525metres
Time: 3hrs
Fun: immeasurable

Sunday 14th September 2008
An early start despite the beer from the night before saw us in a car park in Rhyslyn and starting on The Wall by nine, advised that the initial climb was easier than the White’s Level and the down hill faster and smoother, we were raring to go. Indeed leisurely climb on fire road for approx 4 miles was a nice way to start the day, a quick switch back and the incline increased, another switch and the fire road was left behind to be replaced by single track climb. Some 50 metres or so into the single track and disaster struck, what at first appeared to be a snapped chain, on closer examination turned out to also be a bent derailleur and mech hanger, effectively end of trip! Very short consideration was given to converting the bike to single speed, but retreat appeared to be the better part of valour.
Whilst heading back to the camper Simon commented that less than an hour ago he didn’t think he would find himself in the sun in a forest in Wales with his hand on another mans bum (as he pushed me along the flat bits).
Whislt loading up the bikes for the return trip to Bristol the shout of the weekend occurred, "time for a fry up?" The Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre obliged very well indeed.
Annual trip? I think so hopefully more frequently.
Check out Youtube Afan videos for White’s Level for some idea of the thrill.

Wednesady 17th September Ride

2008-09-17T20:50:00.002+01:00

Only the hardcore two riders were out tonight, Richard & Blox!!!!
Armed only with their commitment and catseye lights we ventured off on a new course for the AMTB gang through Steppingley woods crossing over the busy A505 through to the Milbrook golf course area. I must say it was the most technical undulated course through single tracks and muddy downhill’s trying our hardest not to been thrown off at any given moment due to the narrow beam of light just yards ahead of the bikes and surprises every few seconds. Still the most fun you can have can have with your clothes on for more the 10 minutes!

Click on the "View large map" below and view in Google Earth to see the course taken tonight

Ride Duration: 1 hour 30 seconds
Miles: 9.57
Calories burnt: 1111 cals
Average Pace: 6.19 minute miles
Total Ascent: 2031 ft
Total Decent: 2163 ft

Next AMTB ride will be on Sunday 21st September at 9am outside the Albion Pub, please post a comment after this post if you can or can not make it please! Look forward to seeing you all there

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Wednesday 10th September Biking

2008-09-15T12:38:00.003+01:00

Hello all,

Wednesday brought a good group out on their bike consisting of Fuz, Chris Massey, Paul with his new bike, Niel, Derek, Richard and me Blox, also with a sparklingly new bike (Trex Fuel EX-08). A big thank you to all who came out as England football team was playing! We all agreed it was for the best for all to be back in the warmth of the pub by 9pm to watch the second half of the game with a pint in the hand.

Very good ride extremely and a quick pace (probable due to new bike syndrome) with no fallers. By the time we got back into Stepingley, just before the stream leading to Eversholt. Fuz decides to add a little va va voom to the ride announcing "last one out of the other side of the steam buys the first round in the pub"! with the last syllable leaving his mouth he was gone with Richard sharp as a razor setting off at almost the same time, leaving the rest of us trying to clunk our cleats in to our peddles. All I can say is, all I heard coming from the back was poor Chris Massey who's was not feel 100% in his fairness "Oh sod it, I'll buy the bloody drinks".

We all made it back to Ampthill safely apart from Neil who took on the bramble bushes and lost!

Next ride out will be this Wednesday 17th at 7pm outside the Albion Pub

I'll give you all the stats next time for the ride as I forgot my Garmin watch last week.

Blox

Ampthill Mountain Bikers 7th September Course

2008-09-07T20:51:00.002+01:00

Sundays course (07-09-08)for you all to download and view. Best viewed in Google Earth!

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