MTB Arundel Loop, 12th Nov, AFTERMATH

[Mike Muz]

Hi,

In spite of the grotty weather, I decided to go ahead with this ride.

So having got to Arundel, I unpacked and got ready.

WP_20161112_09_42_35_Selfie(1) by Michael Murray, on Flickr

I had to drive there, as I had some contraband to collect/smuggle home!

I wasn't expecting this when I built the bike!

IMG_0679 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Nice of someone to paint an arrow on the ground to show where my bike was!

So, rolled down to the RV , with Godders and his trusty '97 'Dale ,

IMG_0680 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Shortly after which, came Andyz with another Ritchey,

IMG_0682 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Poor old Godders wasn't sure which one to nick!

IMG_0681 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

And Klein Mad Chris with his fantastic Klein Mantra. Later found it had a looooong story attached to it!

So here we were, the four of us looking forward to some great riding!

IMG_0683 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

What we lacked in quantity, we certainly made up for in quality of bikes and friends!

So, off we trundled, into Angmering Park Estate, along a valley, up a gnarly climb and onto one of the roads through it.

IMG_0684 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Had to take a photo, just to get my breath back!

So which way now?

IMG_0685 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

The wettest way, obviously!

Trying to avoid the boggy main track, I took us all - I think - through some trees at the side of it.
It wasn't long before we got to the first cafe,

IMG_0686 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Where the owner couldn't have been more welcoming, despite our muddiness!

The Junction at Clapham it's called, for anyone who's in the area. Highly recommended. Better in the Summer if there's a lot of riders as space inside is limited.

The heater on, coffee and cake consumed at a rapid rate!

IMG_0687 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

That's Godders normal face by the way

Then fuelled up, we carried on, through a field,

IMG_0689 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

IMG_0690 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

IMG_0691 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Down past a school, out of the wind, and onto some nice tracks,

IMG_0692 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Tried to take a photo of KMC wheelying, but failed miserably!
Sorry mate :roll: But WE saw you do it!

IMG_0694 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Shortly after which, was the only mechanical, a puncture.


Morale was good throughout the ride, despite the almost constant rain which only stopped to allow for mist, or is it fog? Maybe even low cloud! :?

IMG_0695 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Before our second stop, for lunch this time,

IMG_0696 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Soup, cake and tea for some. Along with welcome you wouldn't get in any town near here!

IMG_0698 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Luuuuuuuuvely!

Fuelled up again, we made our way back to Arundel, through some new trails, thanks Chris !

IMG_0699 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

Back on the road into Arundel, I remember chatting to KMC one minute, and falling off my bike the next! :facepalm:
Quite how I managed that, I don't know! :roll: I got a few grazes, knee, elbow, calf, shoulder and thigh, but thankfully the bike was ok, apart from a knackered bar end plug!

Back to the start for a quick last photo,

IMG_0700 by Michael Murray, on Flickr

And smiles, or is it grimaces? All round.

Nice ride lads, great company, and despite the weather, I really enjoyed it!

Thanks

Mike

 

[DICKO10]

Looks cold mike some nice bikes you lot have there.

 

[The History Man]

Nice. Stiff?

 

[andyz]

Re:

In that last photo we don't even look plastered in mud! The rain must have washed it off on the short road section! Great day out.

 

[Mike Muz]

Looks cold mike some nice bikes you lot have there.

It was mainly ok Carl, a bit cold into the headwinds and when we encountered horizontal rain!

Nice. Stiff?

A bit. Better after a bath!

Bike washed before I went indoors, obviously!

Mike

 

[The History Man]

Looks cold mike some nice bikes you lot have there.

It was mainly ok Carl, a bit cold into the headwinds and when we encountered horizontal rain!

Nice. Stiff?

A bit. Better after a bath!

Bike washed before I went indoors, obviously!

Mike

I know all about that. Glad you didn't do any serious damage. (Suitably ambiguous)

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Can only put it down to a combination of riding out of the saddle, easy pace, over the front too much, maybe a gear slip and wet tyre/road

Was fine off road!

Home made tomato soup was very welcome!

 

[Minifreak]

Good stuff guys I find you can only get so mudddy and wet and for some reason really enjoy rides in rain.

Good to see plenty of cake being consumed too and some lovely bikes you all have there.

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Once you're wet and muddy, it's easier, as you get used to it, and just plod on.

However, the driving horizontal rain was starting to take it's toll, and on an exposed ridge for a few miles too. Not the most pleasant part of the ride!

And yes , the bikes were a selection of class!

Unlike my road riding ability! :facepalm:

Bucking fellend!

Mike

 

[mk one]

Its hard to get motivated to start in the rain, but like you said, once your wet its a lot easier and can be fun Thanks for taking the time to share the pictures and apart from the mishap, it looks like you all had a good ride

Oh, and a lot of the mist type low cloud encountered these days is pollution as a result of the current Geo-engineering program

Mark