Fewer riders than expected turned out for such a beautiful day, maybe they were all tempted onto Mark's Epsom bound ride instead, or perhaps they had been warned of the drama in store for us.
We took a well trodden path across the golf course to Walton and then down Bunny Killer to Headley, taking in Secret Singletrack and on towards Life on Mars. All is well so far. A quick nip down TNP for a photo opportunity and back up (gosh, yes it is very hot and humid on this climb) for some more fun as we had made such good time so far. Fun came in the form of Wizards Sleeve, a new trail for some, popping us back out at the bottom of Juniper for mechanical number one.
Stuart: "the back end has been feeling a bit odd lately", no one panicked though and after a fixed puncture and a few tightened bolts we headed up Norbury Park in the direction of tea at Bocketts. But fate wasn't ready for us to reach refreshment yet and after more "back end" tinkering and a second puncture we finally made it to an eerily quiet Bocketts.
After tea, lemonade, pasta (2 out of 3 tomatoes), bacon and much cake had been devoured we headed up to another newish trail of which I can't remember the name (View to a Kill - Mat). However perhaps this is a sign the trail should be renamed, suggestions welcome, but perhaps something along the lines of "Shearer"?
This trail was too much for Stuart's "back end" and he limped to the bottom of the trail on foot to reveal one of his seat stays had completely sheared in two. After some very ingenious trail side "splinting" Stuart was back on the bike for a quick spin down to Rykas to await his wife in shining armour.
The rest of us headed back up a very hot Box Hill and onto Reigate Hill and home, a little later than planned.
Gilly
(More photos here- https://www.flickr.com/photos/80976333@N08/sets/72157655500438231)
Event / Article Type
MTB-Experienced Reigate Hill 04/07
20150704 - Bodgetastic