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Post by hodgy on Oct 17, 2015 18:38:27 GMT
Having seen the pics of the new " discovery " 3.5 km of bridleway in the thread " so you think you know your local trails " ..it would appear that Colin Barking Mad ( CBM...on here ..and yes that really is his proper name !) ..can't wait to get to grips with the 3.5 km of skinny singletrack that I stumbled across and has suggested a ride with this woven into it ...
I'm quite keen to get to know more of this section of forest criminal to think that this is only 5 miles away from my home ..but the forest is so vast ( one of Europe's largest ) that I doubt that I could cover all of it before going to the great mountain bike kingdom in the sky ...
I think I have put together what should be an interesting route ..some of which will be a journey of discovery .
Meet in Bellingham village centre for 10.00 am ..The Bike Place is as good as anywhere ..and we will discuss if we should start with a sharp road climb (which I won't enjoy ) to give us a great downhill off road finish ( which I will) ..or cut all of this out and start in the forest itself ...
Having met up with Nick McK today ..he has said he is coming and obviously Colin too ...
Anyone else care to join us ? ..all welcome
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Post by hodgy on Oct 19, 2015 17:07:34 GMT
Nick can no longer make this ..so just looking like thee and me Colin .
I had a bit of a drive and exploratory walk on a few sections that I didn't know with the missus today ..which I'm pleased I did as some sections are just crap ..but others are surprising .
Should be a good day ..but maybe a tad windy !
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Post by hodgy on Oct 20, 2015 16:17:47 GMT
Another little jaunt out on foot today ..
I owe an apology to Steve Watson ..who I haven't seen or heard from for a few years now ..he used to always be banging on about trails in and around Stonehaugh and I used to look at him as if he had two heads ..seems like he was right all along ..with one particular bridleway running through the trees worth doing the ride for on it's own ..
It's going tobe a good ride tomorrow ..with plenty left to explore ...
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Post by hodgy on Oct 21, 2015 18:18:30 GMT
Met Colin at the appointed time and made the ( very wise ) decision to skip the 3 mile road trip to the edge of the forest which included a real bitch of a climb to get out of the village ..
What a day ..new trails explored and despite the weather we had a fantastic time a lot of excellent new singletrack , some really cheeky stuff including part of the Pennine Way ( footpath ) and a fantastic rooty drop on the outskirts of Stonehaugh ...
We set off at 10.30 and got back to the cars at 6.00pm with the strong wind conditions playing a part ..especially when climbing in to it ..almost bringing Colin to a complete standstill on one occasion( mind you we also had some wind assisted climbs !
All n all 51.16 km or nearly 32 miles in old money and good craic all the way around !
Hope the legs recover in time for Saturday !!
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Post by hodgy on Oct 21, 2015 18:51:14 GMT
It goes without saying that there was a lot of fire road link up sections but with views like this who gives a chuff ! That's Deadwater in cloud cover in the far distance with 18 miles of forest between us and it ..  Got to try out my new Endura waterproof trews today ..9/10 No complaints in how dry , warm & clean they kept my legs ..only losing a point due to me having to hike them up occasionally  Enlarge the pic and you can see Mr.Deer and his ladies ..  This was an excellent section which got better the further you went ...turning to singletrack ..Long edge on Henshaw Common  Another long forgotten trail ..new to us ...  The bridleway from Stonehaugh to Ravenshaugh  So much more good stuff that didn't get photo'd ! Love to do this again after a dry spell ..it would be a lot quicker .. |
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Post by cbm on Oct 21, 2015 22:33:32 GMT
Absolutely kackering fantastic fun! Real explorer stuff with unbelievable results Sorry for the lack of turn right turn left etc stuff but by joint agreement we've claimed this as ours with fantastic opportunities for night rides winter / day rides in the spring to entice you all to join us - or rather Hodgy as still not sure where we went Definately one of the most enjoyable rides I have done in a long time - thanks Neil
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Post by glynnsixo on Oct 21, 2015 23:49:55 GMT
looking good there chaps. you recovered from injury now then hodgy?
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Post by hodgy on Oct 22, 2015 4:31:09 GMT
Still a twinge from the medial ligament ..but nowt I can't live with ..
Rest & the stretch excercises seem to have worked for the hamstring ...
As of 5.28am ..body feels knackered but no more so than after any tough ride ..not sure how I will feel after another tough one at the weekend !!
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Post by Jimbo on Oct 22, 2015 10:28:53 GMT
Looks awesome countryside as usual. Thanks for taking the time to post them! I can keep dreaming of explorer rides while I work
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2015 10:43:23 GMT
Great stuff - great mileage too!
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Post by hodgy on Oct 22, 2015 13:25:48 GMT
Looks awesome countryside as usual. Thanks for taking the time to post them! I can keep dreaming of explorer rides while I work No problem Jim ..glad someone reads them ! |
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Post by hodgy on Oct 22, 2015 13:26:31 GMT
Great stuff - great mileage too! Cheers Pez ...life in the old dogs yet ! |
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