The natural trail was absolutely fabulously funny; watching as each and all of us struggled down hill in the ruts so deep…lmao. Though one of the guys had gotten further in front, so we didn’t witness him coming off his bike straight over the handlebars as the front wheel got stuck in a deep rut that he saw way too late. Very lucky he didn’t damage the bike or the countryside :)
Then came the boardwalk area with another unfortunate incident, Keven’s bike had a puncture; so while he changed the tubes we were nearly eaten alive by the bloody midges :(
Once back to the point we started the natural trail we headed off to finish the trail centre trails and rode the black/red route, it didn’t take long for my legs to become like jelly. This didn’t happen to Roo today, he was like a big kid as he was trying out a new bike and he was flying up the hills with renewed vigour. James was starting to show the signs of fatigue after his fall; but me, I hadn’t come off my bike and I was still struggling, usually, (these days anyway) I’m not too bad at the climbs. Keven was at a moderate state for awhile but even he started hurting way before Roo; who wanted to go round again!
After having a bite to eat and a look around the bike shop
we headed to the skills area for a spell. I took some pics at the side line while the boys played.
On one of the skills trails Keven had the video camera with him and he attempted a jump section; only he decided at the last second he wasn’t going to be able to do it and yes he went head over the handlebars! luckily no serious damage just a little bruised and grazed. I think his ego was a little bruised too as there wasn’t only us stood by.
The next days ride was Keven and myself, we tried Gisburn Forest and I would recommend anyone and everyone to go here at least once. I loved Hully Gully a black downhill section ab-fab made me squeal with delight anyway. Keven was carrying the video camera today.
There was a lot of climbing and a helluva lot of rocks very technical for two people who aren’t very technical, but as it was mid – week and there were very few people there we had a chance to go over sections again to have a play around. My legs were still struggling after the ride the day before at Llandegla.
We will be going back for more at Gisburn and hopefully we’ll be taking some friends with us :)
We didn’t really give ourselves much time for resting as we were out riding 3 days on the run and as we were visiting my family and the little ones had missed my becoming 40 they wanted to celebrate with us. My word children are loud..lol. I had a headache about 5 mins after walking in the house and my sis announced to the little uns that we were here. But in the same breath it was lovely seeing them and I haven’t got gut rot yet after eating their cakes and biscuits they made themselves :) I still have the banner they made for me and the pressie my sis got me was fab. A bike wheel clock. It is now on the bedroom wall..hehe! brill.
Our 3rd day of riding was at Lee Quarry the link road to Cragg Quarry hasn’t been finished yet so we didn’t do them both, but had lots of fun at Lee as there is plenty to do, not just the actual trail but lots of skills areas to play on and downhill sections with berms, jumps and table tops.
This being so close to where my family are is a place we will be visiting again and I’m sure that even though James took a tumble on a black section (the rocks were a menace). He’ll be back for more fun, especially when the link road is open. It was good that both James and Roo could meet up with us for this ride and anyone wanting to see any videos of the above rides will be able to view them on vimeo.
We didn’t go out on the bikes on Saturday, thankfully, as it rained a lot. Also we had planned on spending time with my parents, so we went shopping and for a meal. Sunday was travelling day, heading South again to spend Monday repairing punctures and cleaning the bikes. Unfortunately we won’t be playing on the bikes next weekend as it’s our friends wedding weekend so we’ll just have to party instead ;) (that’s gonna be a hardship)…hehehe!
I hope everyone out there is having as much fun as we are. I for one have really fallen in love with this mtb lark, I can’t get enough. I have definitely got to book onto a skills course though.
See you all next time :)
