Today's Ride

[mk one]

Warm today

The rain eased for a bit so went for a ride out. Soon as i did the sky cleared and had blue skies and sun. It was late afternoon so not much of it until the sun started going down, which was nice and lit the sky up.

The trails were wet and very slick, still havent changed tyres, but i had a slow pace today so not much of a problem. Had to avoid 1 trail on way back as it has a few sharp uphills and i would have struggled getting up, either riding or walking, so went the longer way round. Hardwick was nice against the sunset, shame my camera is unable to capture the real intense colours.

Wet, muddy, slippery, quiet, beautiful weather and colourful skies, a great ride!

 

[The History Man]

Great photo.

 

[mk one]

Mild today

It was raining as usual but i could see brighter skies on the horizon so i went out for a quick ride and headed to the light.

It is still wet out on the trails and i spent most of the ride wet, and muddy. The camera battery ran out after 1 shot not that there was much to see really. Dogs, was the theme for todays ride, passing a few people with more than 5 dogs each, i assume they were theirs, there are a few dog walking companies around as of late. Suprisingly only one dog decided to turn and stand across the trail, looking the other way and pretending not to notice me, he was only small but my bunny hop skills are a bit rusty these days so squealed to a halt. Still didnt move mind

Glad i made the effort and enjoyed the ride and getting wet and muddy, unlike the only other mtb rider i passed who did not look amused under many layers of jackets, scarfs and hats under hats. I did for a second wonder if i was the crazy one, what with only wearing shorts and summer kit, that is until i spotted another muddy puddle to manual into, forgeting all about the grumpy eskimo i had just passed.

 

[mk one]

Warm today

Very hectic day today but managed to sneak out for a quick ride

The trails i went down today had just been driven up by a 4X4, and not well, so were extra muddy and the parts were the mumpty had got stuck were a nightmare as they had resorted to riding up the sides of the track making everything a right mess. It was so bad i had to leave the trail halfway and head down the lanes to miss the rest out. Not all bad as i got to ride a short trail i have not ridden much as it doesnt go anywhere really. It also meant i ended up coming a different way back, which was a nice change. I didnt really see anyone apart from a couple walking and one guy on his way home from work in full council waterproofs who overtook me and disappeared into the distance on his old steel steed.

An alright little ride in the end and when in the sun it was very warm, bordering on hot.

 

[mk one]

Mild today

Todays theme; Spray, both on the ground and in the air.

It was sunny this morning so went out for a quick ride, the air to start was cool so great for riding, it soon warmed though.

No plans today, just made choices whenever the trail split, very wet as usual so a lot of spray, and being the weekend a lot of dog walkers. The wooded sections were a bit of a struggle with summer tyres on but good for a laugh and to sharpen the reactions. Up on the hills was nice but around here a lot of the trails are sandy so that can be very hard work also.

A great morning ride.

 

[Paul R]

A quick ride today trying out newly built RF turbine chainset

 

[mk one]

Sunny with a cold breeze.

Nice morning today so decided to go for a longer ride, 350 miles* .

I wasnt feeling fit so stuck to easier trails for most of the ride. The thing around here though is that despite it being relatively flat, there is always a steep hill to climb back up on the way back. The wind today was icy cold but kept spinning so body temp stayed about perfect and the sun was very warm when out of the wind.

A beautiful day and a nice, though long, ride.

* mileage based on speed, which was guestimated at 100mph
NOTE: speed is subject to variation due to headwinds, hills and physics.

 

[k-rod]

Re:

Lovely photos, Mk One!

Hey ... anyone else sort of miss seeing FairfaxPat's oft postings on here? Was just thinking about him now.

 

[The History Man]

Re: Re:

Lovely photos, Mk One!

Hey ... anyone else sort of miss seeing FairfaxPat's oft postings on here? Was just thinking about him now.

Always. It was a constant reminder of sunshine and a relaxed life.

 

[Pipmeister]

Re:

Lovely photos, Mk One!

Hey ... anyone else sort of miss seeing FairfaxPat's oft postings on here? Was just thinking about him now.

Every time I post something on here I think about how he would always add the elevation that he climbed, and the temperature that day in California......

Very sunny here today, and it topped out at 8.8 deg C.

I found that it was really sloppy under tyre, and I was struggling in places.

The track past Bowndown Wood up to the Common was a real ‘mare at the bottom, but a bit firmer here towards the top.

Bowdown Track 091219 by Philip Mock, on Flickr


I don’t usually enjoy a ride along a public right of way across a farmer’s field, but after struggling in the wooded sections at the Sandleford end, it was a relief to have some firm terrain under the tyres.

Sandleford Field 091219 by Philip Mock, on Flickr


Once on the main Common though, things were a little drier.

Greenham Track 091219 by Philip Mock, on Flickr


I rode through the centre of the common, and the Greenham Common Trust were burning some Gorse – suppose they know what they are doing!

Greenham Burning Gorse by Philip Mock, on Flickr


Finally down the other end East of the common into Crookham Woods – this bit is a massive drop down into a gully, but not for me today!

Crookham 091219 by Philip Mock, on Flickr


Pip