November sunshine...

It seems to have been an age but we had a great ride this weekend. The weather, the company, the trails, the riding - all came together for that perfect crisp morning.

James Cubbin was back from his travels overseas, his first Fearingout ride for probably two years, Chris joined us, again his first ride with Fearingout this year he reckoned! Wow! We really have got old. Ryan was out with a smile and the promise of getting out on the weekly rides again in 2014...

So with creaking bikes and unfit bodies we pootled around the forest, enjoying the chance for a chat and catch up as well as the lovely views. Getting to the serious stuff Charity Lane was immense on the Five, Ryan said he couldn't keep up, and then he punctured at the bottom, Chris and James appeared a few moments later with big smiles but we were all soaked! After a quick puncture repair Bottom of the Oven was loose and wild... the slog around the forest loop allowed a bit more chat before a quick breather at the view point. 

The final section down the old push up track was mega, the off camber left hander fast and lairy, then into the dark woods and that was a lot rockier than usual! By the bottom the fact I hadn't used the Five for 6 months, plus the 'tired' brake pads meant things were a little hairy but wow what a smile. Great great fun!

Let's not leave it so long next time!

Where did 2013 go?

I've lived and ridden in Macclesfield for ten years now and 2013 has been the hardest of all.
Life has been incredibly hard, and whereas in the past my riding was a sanctuary, riding buddies have come and gone and Fearingout is no longer the vibrant and busy social group it was...

From Mountainbiking 2013

This year has been hard for more than just me as regulars have changed jobs and worse, suffered major injury...

Times change but passions don't die, they just fade a little... riding is in my blood (literally after pedals to shins and elbows to gravel). Going for a walk at lunch recently opened my eyes to the opportunities on my door step. It's going to be about finding the opportunities to get out on the bike, not letting the traditional 'after work' slot be the only time available. I have dreams of urban singletrack, steps, sneaky secret cut throughs and smiles for the first time for a long time.

So here's to the winter that follows - and the hardtail in my garage begging for a rebuild!

Mountainbiking 2013