With the main group away in Coed y Brenin a dozen of us gathered at Reigate Hill for our Saturday morning ride. With typically Welsh weather closing in fast and our own concoction of trails ahead of us, you could say that we were with them in spirit!
The spin out from Reigate Hill is always a nice, easy warm up but it also proved to be our best section of the day. Overnight rain following a short dry spell had left greasy surfaces in places, making for difficult conditions once we left the stone pathway and headed into the woods.
Familiar climbs required more effort thanks to plenty of rear wheel spin over slippery ground and some downhill sections were less rewarding as front tyres struggled to grip at times.
Just as well then a stop at Bocketts soon came into sight and the comforting reward of tea and mars bar cake. Yummy (they don’t have that in Wales!) But where was everyone? It was just our muddy bikes and us.
The home run beckoned and tired legs seemed reluctant to move, not least the ride leader’s following a 6-week absence from the saddle (note to self – don’t take long breaks from the saddle!). It was also a race to beat the rain with Sam’s chain doing its best to thwart our efforts on two occasions.
Despite the slower pace and slithering about, we had plenty of banter, exercise, managed to stay dry and got Darren’s new bike suitably covered in brown stuff.
Good to see a few less familiar faces joining us. Thanks to Rob and Phil for back-marking and Tom for assisting Sam with his chain troubles…
See you soon,
Conor