The chances of bikers riding in this, are a million to one he said.....

The scheduled 'War of the Worlds Special' MTB ride seemed like a good idea when I planned it.

However, epic amounts of rain in the preceding 10 days and a forecast for another deluge during the ride took it's toll on people's New Year's resolutions to get out and about. In the end, it was a hardcore three of Mat, Gillian and myself who turned up to experience a new (to RCC) route. 

 

Early sections weren't too bad, and the majority of terrain in that area is on a sandy base so it normally drains pretty well. Unfortunately, when the ground is so waterlogged the rain doesn't have anywhere to drain to, so while the impromptu streams on the commons were easily navigable, some of the churned bridleways proved harder going. 

 

One particular section is usually a bit boggy even after dry weather and I thought it may be prove to be pretty muddy. What I hadn't expected was a 50m long 'puddle' which poor Gilly nearly needed a snorkel for.  The rest of the ride was actually drier, until the heavens opened and we returned to the cars looking like drowned rats having covered a shorter than planned 24 miles, but feeling virtuous for having got out and ridden.