Re:
That Mercian looks right at home on those roads Jamie, and at least you managed to stay upright, unlike myself this morning
I went for an early morning mtb ride at nearby Kirkhill Forest today, my first proper ride of the new year.
What I hadn't realised though was that it must have rained/frozen/snowed during the night, my first clue was when the traction control light in my van was flashing furiously away on the short drive to the trails!
I usually park on a quiet industrial estate and take the back way into the forest, up a farm track, well , as soon as I got out of my van I could tell it was going to be "interesting" , sheet ice on the road, footpath, everywhere.
I set off slowly up the farm track and after 2 falls in the first 50m decided I'd better push up the first hill... easier said than done wearing SPD shoes, I was in half a mind to just turn back and call it quits before I slipped on the ice and properly hurt myself, but I reasoned if I pushed on then the trails in the forest proper would be less icy.
I had to walk the bike down the next hill as well as it was like an ice rink.
Once into the firest however the trails were thankfully easier to ride, less ice, more snow on the ground, and much better grip.
I stuck to the main trails around the forest though, I didn't fancy tacking the icy off-piste trails in the dark.
Anyway, first ride of 2021 survived
That Mercian looks right at home on those roads Jamie, and at least you managed to stay upright, unlike myself this morning
I went for an early morning mtb ride at nearby Kirkhill Forest today, my first proper ride of the new year.
What I hadn't realised though was that it must have rained/frozen/snowed during the night, my first clue was when the traction control light in my van was flashing furiously away on the short drive to the trails!
I usually park on a quiet industrial estate and take the back way into the forest, up a farm track, well , as soon as I got out of my van I could tell it was going to be "interesting" , sheet ice on the road, footpath, everywhere.
I set off slowly up the farm track and after 2 falls in the first 50m decided I'd better push up the first hill... easier said than done wearing SPD shoes, I was in half a mind to just turn back and call it quits before I slipped on the ice and properly hurt myself, but I reasoned if I pushed on then the trails in the forest proper would be less icy.
I had to walk the bike down the next hill as well as it was like an ice rink.
Once into the firest however the trails were thankfully easier to ride, less ice, more snow on the ground, and much better grip.
I stuck to the main trails around the forest though, I didn't fancy tacking the icy off-piste trails in the dark.
Anyway, first ride of 2021 survived
