Sun shines on the right Trails

As quick as the mud came it disappeared. Wow the last few days have been glorious sunshine and today was the best of the lot. So sorry to all you guys stuck in the office!

9 of us started and finished today. Although after the 1st climb we lost Gary to 2 punctures. While he returned to the shop for first aid we rode Grievous Angel. Scott from Oz had come down from Essex to ride and was in at the deepend with a bad landing, good attempted recovery and then a comedy crash off the first log. (see video) Gilles was back on form although he did have a refusal on the 2nd.

Chris had a laying down moment on the 3rd, right in front of me but fortunately I did not land on him.

We lunched on the green outside the shop while Gary got tubed up again and rejoined the ride.

Sweet sweet bulbs ws calling and we sessioned that which is really in great condition now, then down F&M. Climbing up to Coldharbour we rode the Summer Lightning DH trail then over to Valorian to find Ken's shades (apparently he went OTB last night and left them there).

At that point having mentioned everyone elses crashes and mishaps I dropped into the Valorian bombhole, and trying to go fast to make it up the other side I sank my front wheel in the mud, went OTB and shoulder checked the other bank. Ow! 1st crash in ages and no armour- that hurt and I went quiet. (Shoulder and knee are now rather swollen and black and blue already! Watch out there may be photos later!)

I was not alone in questionable technique as everyone after me had an off moment trying to get out the climb and some tree hugging was attempted.

Descending damn fast down Bassanova (is there any other way?) we finished down to Rookery so fast and dry- fun! Another great ride in the bag!

Riders: Simon, Roger, Scott, John, Chris, Gary, Matt, Gilles, Claire