Monday, February 21, 2005
Great trip to the Wirral, the sun was out, I was hangover free, so I was well up for it. A bit of a trek to get to the fun parts got the lungs working and warmed things up a bit, but it was all worth it when we got to the first set of jumps. A good little mix of track and jumps kept us entertained for about ½ hour and some of the locals gave us a bit of a demo on their dirt boards (or whatever you call them), looked ok but I think I’ll stick with MTBing.
The best and scariest part of the day was the sandstone jumps, it looked pretty harsh, but when Tez nailed it first time, I thought it was certainly worth a crash at the bottom just for the buzz of launching myself off the top. Having asked for a few pointers from the rest of the gang, I didn’t think about the details too much as I knew any type of rational thought at this time would seriously jeopardise me even making an attempt. Having built up the correct speed, I pulled the front end up as I went over the edge, but didn’t quite have the correct positioning on the landing. Having hit the ground with a bit of a thump I was still on two wheels but my seat wasn’t as low as it could be (basic school boy error). The sensation of one of my nads sliding the full width on my seat before desperately popping out the other side before critical bursting pressure was reached is an interesting if not very pleasant feeling and not one I wish to repeat too often. Having learnt my lesson the hard way, I did whatever sensible person would do, I lowered my seat to the correct position and gave it another go. The second time around everything was pretty sweet, but to ensure that it wasn’t just a fluke I thought I’d nail it just one more time. After numerous close encounters with the surrounding vegetation later, including an excellent crowd pleasing head over the handle bars into the bushes, I manage to achieve a second good landing.
The final part of the day spent in the bomb crater, rounded the day off perfectly, everyone was getting some great air and to the delight of the crowd, Tez manage to clear the table top jump. The ride back along the disused rail track pushed by fitness levels, were as I don’t think James C broken into a sweat, however I can only improve.
I am gutted that I won’t be around for Edale, but I am sure there will be plenty more trips to come.
posted by philip.woolrich - 11:47 am
Monday, February 14, 2005
not that i'm picky, but james stopped 3 times! the road climb killed and we were mocked by 2 spandex/lycra clad XC gimps up that very hill as they zoomed past us. However, I had the last laugh as I reached the top I saw them hang left and down the road, thus avoiding the canyon de charity! It has gotten pretty rough, but despite the questioning of my sexuality due to the new shades, I made it down just as fast as ever, possibly faster, as I can now aim my front wheel in the rain/dirt soaked descent, thus enabling faster, puncture-less (touch wood) riding.
but it was damn wet and rain soaked clothes stuck to your body are not nice. still, its a man's sport innit! grrr, feel the testosterone flowing, grrrr! Didnt even get to really test the mule, but it felt good, not that I needed the water!
posted by scott.warnock - 8:14 am
Saturday, February 12, 2005
How cold?
I don't think I've been that cold for years - just got back from a few hours in Macc forest and we've gone from wet but sunny to windy to misty to hardcore rain and wind so strong you have to pedal downhill!
A good ride, well I enjoyed it. Bring on the Wirral (next weekend?)
posted by james - 4:44 pm
Monday, January 17, 2005
Should have been an amazing ride but with James and Terry turning up late and the sky dark as thunder perhaps we should have known. After the first stop for photos of the ride Scott nails his tyre and after fixing six holes we gave up. The lightweight tube we got from a passing XC jey boy wasn't up to Scott's riding and after the following first section of singletrack he managed to rip a huge hole. Game over.
Onwards and it was drying up before Tez got a huge dagger shaped rock through his tyre. A little easier to fix and we were on our way but it felt like the ride was jaded a little. Onwards and tiring we lost James C as he broke away from the front and headed non-stop for home. As Tez, Chris and I started the final descent we were all shattered but by the bottom smiles had been re-instated.
Look forward to a leisurely ride in Macc Forest this weekend. Bad-luck for Mr Warnock but we'll be back!
posted by james - 12:11 pm
no big stories today. punctures suck. 6 punctured holes really suck. gwydr rocks. having to walk off the track and 2 miles back to your car really sucks. solution.....really thick walled inner tubes and making sure you have spare tubes to the max. just purhcased a mule, so needless to say all my storage will be used up with tubes from now on! still a good trip though.
posted by scott.warnock - 10:20 am
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Riding on Saturday at Gwydwr. Meet at the bottom car park at 10.30am. In the words of Tezbo "Be there or be gay!"Can't argue with that...
posted by james - 10:07 pm
Sunday, January 9, 2005
Hey hey - new brakes! Scott and I went into Royle (Wilmslow) on Saturday and I'm now the proud owner of a set of Hope mini monos. So today was their bedding in ride and boy do they rule. So so so so so so progressive. You feel in complete control.
Anyway Leo and Chris joined me for a quick 2 hour blast around the forest doing the now favourite Sunday route. Chris seriously suffering with a hangover did well to get round and Leo's baptism of fire on the wettest and slippiest I've seen Charity Lane for a while.
Plans for rides up until Easter will be announced this week. Hi-lights include a trip to Glentress and one to Afan in South Wales, and even Edale. Good stuff - keep an eye on the front page.
posted by james - 4:08 pm
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Well Sunday was a good ride again - definitely the last before Christmas and possibly the last of 2004. Fun and games in the ice and sunshine in Macclesfield Forest, a fitting end to the year.
Well it has to be said that when we set out at the beginning of the year no one thought we'd become organised enough to plan proper regular rides, a series of summer outings and even a weekend away. The year saw newcomer Scott well and truly christened and even introduced Phil and Leo towards the close. It also saw new bikes for Chris and myself and a general progression in both ability and fitness as the summer went on.
It also marked the fourth DVD release. Good comments for all and we're looking forward to more of the same next year.
So what will 2005 bring? Well early plans hoped for Whistler but now Chamonix is looking more affordable. Still a fantastic venue so lets keep the dreams alive. A trip to Glentress in the spring and no doubt many more visits to the fantastic Gwydwr. Coed-y-brenin at New Year (again) should blow of the cob-webs. Trips to Delamere will break up the regular Macc Forest rides which will continue and we must make the effort to get over to Leeds to ride with Terry... and explore the options for Leeds street!?
Thanks for all the support throughout the year. I have had a fantastic time and feel so alive and positive when I'm riding and that is mainly due to riding with a bunch of fantastic people who are all in it for the same reasons. Have a fantastic Christmas and we'll all be together in January to try out those new parts... Over and out.
posted by james - 6:00 pm
Monday, November 29, 2004
yesterday was a good winters jaunt. despite the effort from us both, we were feckin cold, so once back at james, it was straight home for a coffee. the bike is now gleaming and wrapped up for winter tho, maybe i'll not buy a new bike yet!
ride-wise it was good to get out again and i was happy with my fitness, james' poor lungs struggled to cope tho! once at charity lane it was all fun downhill and i even managed to stay ahead of motocrossers, yeehar! then again, i seemed to gain a puncture (front wheel, weird!).
from there we hit teg's nose and the annoying filled in trail has to be a negative move for bikers, but good for horsey c*nts. then again, we had a good mud-filled ride as shown by the photos. have to say, if ever a photo was made for "does my bum look big in this photo" comment, it has to be that one of me going down the steps. and by the way, the answer is NO! And yeah, nice hairdo in the last shot, love it!
posted by scott.warnock - 3:36 pm
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Good ride this afternoon - cold and wet but fun. Did the now favourite Sunday route up Charity Lane, back down Chris's Trail and then over to Tegg's Nose. Scott and I both hammered the downs as hard as we could but struggled with the cold air on the climbs. My bike felt so so good - and only two TINY TINY TINY snake bites for Scott on the rockiest Charity Lane has ever been.
Polite walkers and no rain. A winter first?
posted by james - 3:10 pm
Monday, January 17, 2005
Should have been an amazing ride but with James and Terry turning up late and the sky dark as thunder perhaps we should have known. After the first stop for photos of the ride Scott nails his tyre and after fixing six holes we gave up. The lightweight tube we got from a passing XC jey boy wasn't up to Scott's riding and after the following first section of singletrack he managed to rip a huge hole. Game over.
Onwards and it was drying up before Tez got a huge dagger shaped rock through his tyre. A little easier to fix and we were on our way but it felt like the ride was jaded a little. Onwards and tiring we lost James C as he broke away from the front and headed non-stop for home. As Tez, Chris and I started the final descent we were all shattered but by the bottom smiles had been re-instated.
Look forward to a leisurely ride in Macc Forest this weekend. Bad-luck for Mr Warnock but we'll be back!
posted by james - 12:11 pm
no big stories today. punctures suck. 6 punctured holes really suck. gwydr rocks. having to walk off the track and 2 miles back to your car really sucks. solution.....really thick walled inner tubes and making sure you have spare tubes to the max. just purhcased a mule, so needless to say all my storage will be used up with tubes from now on! still a good trip though.
posted by scott.warnock - 10:20 am
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Riding on Saturday at Gwydwr. Meet at the bottom car park at 10.30am. In the words of Tezbo "Be there or be gay!"Can't argue with that...
posted by james - 10:07 pm
Sunday, January 9, 2005
Hey hey - new brakes! Scott and I went into Royle (Wilmslow) on Saturday and I'm now the proud owner of a set of Hope mini monos. So today was their bedding in ride and boy do they rule. So so so so so so progressive. You feel in complete control.
Anyway Leo and Chris joined me for a quick 2 hour blast around the forest doing the now favourite Sunday route. Chris seriously suffering with a hangover did well to get round and Leo's baptism of fire on the wettest and slippiest I've seen Charity Lane for a while.
Plans for rides up until Easter will be announced this week. Hi-lights include a trip to Glentress and one to Afan in South Wales, and even Edale. Good stuff - keep an eye on the front page.
posted by james - 4:08 pm
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Well Sunday was a good ride again - definitely the last before Christmas and possibly the last of 2004. Fun and games in the ice and sunshine in Macclesfield Forest, a fitting end to the year.
Well it has to be said that when we set out at the beginning of the year no one thought we'd become organised enough to plan proper regular rides, a series of summer outings and even a weekend away. The year saw newcomer Scott well and truly christened and even introduced Phil and Leo towards the close. It also saw new bikes for Chris and myself and a general progression in both ability and fitness as the summer went on.
It also marked the fourth DVD release. Good comments for all and we're looking forward to more of the same next year.
So what will 2005 bring? Well early plans hoped for Whistler but now Chamonix is looking more affordable. Still a fantastic venue so lets keep the dreams alive. A trip to Glentress in the spring and no doubt many more visits to the fantastic Gwydwr. Coed-y-brenin at New Year (again) should blow of the cob-webs. Trips to Delamere will break up the regular Macc Forest rides which will continue and we must make the effort to get over to Leeds to ride with Terry... and explore the options for Leeds street!?
Thanks for all the support throughout the year. I have had a fantastic time and feel so alive and positive when I'm riding and that is mainly due to riding with a bunch of fantastic people who are all in it for the same reasons. Have a fantastic Christmas and we'll all be together in January to try out those new parts... Over and out.
posted by james - 6:00 pm
Monday, November 29, 2004
yesterday was a good winters jaunt. despite the effort from us both, we were feckin cold, so once back at james, it was straight home for a coffee. the bike is now gleaming and wrapped up for winter tho, maybe i'll not buy a new bike yet!
ride-wise it was good to get out again and i was happy with my fitness, james' poor lungs struggled to cope tho! once at charity lane it was all fun downhill and i even managed to stay ahead of motocrossers, yeehar! then again, i seemed to gain a puncture (front wheel, weird!).
from there we hit teg's nose and the annoying filled in trail has to be a negative move for bikers, but good for horsey c*nts. then again, we had a good mud-filled ride as shown by the photos. have to say, if ever a photo was made for "does my bum look big in this photo" comment, it has to be that one of me going down the steps. and by the way, the answer is NO! And yeah, nice hairdo in the last shot, love it!
posted by scott.warnock - 3:36 pm
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Good ride this afternoon - cold and wet but fun. Did the now favourite Sunday route up Charity Lane, back down Chris's Trail and then over to Tegg's Nose. Scott and I both hammered the downs as hard as we could but struggled with the cold air on the climbs. My bike felt so so good - and only two TINY TINY TINY snake bites for Scott on the rockiest Charity Lane has ever been.
Polite walkers and no rain. A winter first?
posted by james - 3:10 pm
Friday, November 19, 2004
If anyone is interested in a nice full susser at a bargain price (includes fox forks and hope discs / hubs) then check out this link. The bike is a Specialized Epic, priced at £875. It might just be your perfect partner . . .
http://www.bikemagic.com/classifieds/advert.asp?c=6590&t=Specialized+Epic&sp=&v=1
posted by t.wharton - 11:37 am
Monday, November 15, 2004
I must take issue with the lycra ban. Have none of you seen the Eric Prydz video? The ban should only apply to men and 'larger' ladies. In fact, as well as enforcing said ban, I think we should be actively encouraging lycra clad ladies to join in on our outdoor frolics. . . . It may even slow our Jimbo down a bit . . . . It would be silly to overtake a lady in lycra . . .
posted by t.wharton - 12:57 pm
Gwydr in the winter sunshine, perfect conditions if you ask me. a bit of bite in the air, and on the trails, yesterday was awesome. A good 'clan' of riders and we had a good laugh and I loved every minute. Struggled for fitness on the ups, but rocked on the downs. Even found time for a quick fall! Not a better remedy than getting back up and trying the same jump again! We all got some pretty decent 'air' yesterday, Tez's skills must be rubbing off, tho me and my Gaelic cousin Phil seem to be united with the gun-ho, balls-of-steel, as fast as possible approach to everything!
Sorry about the rock btw, it had to be moved!
Bring on the next Gwydr trip, I think its my 2nd home! Maybe we can model our track on the best of Gwydr?
And who said talk of FS bikes was put away, i'm still 'Stinky' dreaming!
posted by scott.warnock - 8:16 am
Monday, November 29, 2004
yesterday was a good winters jaunt. despite the effort from us both, we were feckin cold, so once back at james, it was straight home for a coffee. the bike is now gleaming and wrapped up for winter tho, maybe i'll not buy a new bike yet!
ride-wise it was good to get out again and i was happy with my fitness, james' poor lungs struggled to cope tho! once at charity lane it was all fun downhill and i even managed to stay ahead of motocrossers, yeehar! then again, i seemed to gain a puncture (front wheel, weird!).
from there we hit teg's nose and the annoying filled in trail has to be a negative move for bikers, but good for horsey c*nts. then again, we had a good mud-filled ride as shown by the photos. have to say, if ever a photo was made for "does my bum look big in this photo" comment, it has to be that one of me going down the steps. and by the way, the answer is NO! And yeah, nice hairdo in the last shot, love it!
posted by scott.warnock - 3:36 pm
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Good ride this afternoon - cold and wet but fun. Did the now favourite Sunday route up Charity Lane, back down Chris's Trail and then over to Tegg's Nose. Scott and I both hammered the downs as hard as we could but struggled with the cold air on the climbs. My bike felt so so good - and only two TINY TINY TINY snake bites for Scott on the rockiest Charity Lane has ever been.
Polite walkers and no rain. A winter first?
posted by james - 3:10 pm
Friday, November 19, 2004
If anyone is interested in a nice full susser at a bargain price (includes fox forks and hope discs / hubs) then check out this link. The bike is a Specialized Epic, priced at £875. It might just be your perfect partner . . .
http://www.bikemagic.com/classifieds/advert.asp?c=6590&t=Specialized+Epic&sp=&v=1
posted by t.wharton - 11:37 am
Monday, November 15, 2004
I must take issue with the lycra ban. Have none of you seen the Eric Prydz video? The ban should only apply to men and 'larger' ladies. In fact, as well as enforcing said ban, I think we should be actively encouraging lycra clad ladies to join in on our outdoor frolics. . . . It may even slow our Jimbo down a bit . . . . It would be silly to overtake a lady in lycra . . .
posted by t.wharton - 12:57 pm
Gwydr in the winter sunshine, perfect conditions if you ask me. a bit of bite in the air, and on the trails, yesterday was awesome. A good 'clan' of riders and we had a good laugh and I loved every minute. Struggled for fitness on the ups, but rocked on the downs. Even found time for a quick fall! Not a better remedy than getting back up and trying the same jump again! We all got some pretty decent 'air' yesterday, Tez's skills must be rubbing off, tho me and my Gaelic cousin Phil seem to be united with the gun-ho, balls-of-steel, as fast as possible approach to everything!
Sorry about the rock btw, it had to be moved!
Bring on the next Gwydr trip, I think its my 2nd home! Maybe we can model our track on the best of Gwydr?
And who said talk of FS bikes was put away, i'm still 'Stinky' dreaming!
posted by scott.warnock - 8:16 am
Sunday, November 14, 2004
I know there is going to be a lot of Gwydwr cock sucking tomorrow when the boys get a chance to update but hot of the press todays ride absolutely ruled.
Thanks to Phil and Leo for joining James C, Tezbo, Scott and I. I think that has to be best ride there yet... we really all pushed ourselves hard and got some wicked photos.
Next ride in a fortnight will be Macclesfield Forest - meeting at 12.30pm at my place.
Cheers.
posted by james - 6:56 pm
Thursday, November 11, 2004
ªª who are these anonymous fellas at the top?!!! haha....
cool fireworks last night, looking fwd to sunday in Gwydr, we'll see who canes it most!
btw jimbo, where the feck are the dvds?
posted by scott.warnock - 8:56 am
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
It was the 'premiere' of Community this evening and it got a pretty good welcome by Scott, Chris, Jimbo and new recruit Leo. Will be putting them into production this week so expect your copies by the end of next week boys!
Also watched the Collective too this evening - it absolutely rocks - the North Shore sections are insane and some of the riding is beyond words.
BIG NEWS - Whistler TripEstimated cost = £800 (+food)
Scott and I are up for it - but no one else? Come on guys pull your fingers out - it's a once in a lifetime type holiday as well as officially my 'stag do'.
Not the last you'll hear about it either...
posted by james - 9:39 pm
Monday, October 11, 2004
no need to big-up gwydyr (how d'ya spell it?) anymore than has been done already...oh go on then...absolutely crackin place basically because of the variety of terrain on offer....great fun jumpin at the end too...which brings me neatly to the photo caption....its a shame mr hilton didn't capture the 2 or 3 perfect (well almost) landings performed previous to the pictured skewed/veered landing! no-one would have known i didn't nail the landing if Hilton hadn't added the comment!!!!! darn
Chris
posted by cjn_uk - 4:45 pm
YES YES YES! Gwydyr is top. Check out our-bad-selves on the jumps! When are we going back? Could have spent hours on the jumps near the end.
Important information for any budding mountain biker: Anyone who likes their bacon (to stay inside them) should also take not of the following ancient chinese proverb: mus-not-ave-two-breakfas-n-chocolat-'fore-go-ridin!
Thank you please . . . .
posted by t.wharton - 1:12 pm
Update?
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