Reinstate?

Tonight was fun...

After over 3 months of the regular Macc forest rides we had the old gang back together again... with a special guest appearance from Mr Cubbin.

Took things easy and answered the age old question of how many engineers does it take to fix Leo's bike (in answer - 5)... we made a slow start up to Charity Lane.

In true Fearingout spirit we stopped numerous times for chat and banter but Scott managed until the barn before talking about bike components - good work.
Onwards and just as we got to the road Mr Cubbin came storming up the hill - a late starter but a reinstatement of a whole new level.

Then onto the main event - the Charity Lane downhill. With promises of being the fastest ever Scott and James shot off with me in close pursuit but within 50m the dreaded 'hiiiiiiiiissssssssssssssssss' so on the others went leaving me with a bastard Nokian tyre to remove!! All fixed (although unfortunately with a dodgy Nokian tube) the others pushed back up for a second go... This time Leo led the way and although massively improved over riding his old Rockhopper he still hasn't found quite his speed on the new Coiler - still he had fun and I relished taking it slightly easier - although the two of us nearly had an airbourne coming together towards the bottom. Good foot out lairy back end drifting style (or was it just out of control) Mr Pickford at the bottom...

Onwards to the 'secret trail' - good fun but overgrown... had a few moments personally but arms pumped I was grinning from ear to ear.

So 4 of us now ride Kona full sussers... I would suggest it may even be 5 by the end of the year with Phil eyeing the new rigs up - big smiles all round and good to get such a good turnout.

Minor wheel buckling issue for Mumfordo to sort before next week so I think he's out of the street ride on Monday... but should be back for next Thursday and then Gwydwr on Sunday 20th!

4th at Portreath - NPS 4X Round 5

Congratulations to team rider Matt - 4th in class at the NPS 4X 5th round down down down south west in Portreath.

Full results and writeup as well as photos can be found here.

New purpose...

What a difference a........ STEM makes!

Echoing Scott's comments about last nights chortles my bike felt absolutely fantastic on the BMX track. All commented about my pop and aerial bike handling skills, which to be fair used to be ok but not as hot as Scott and James - then BANG - new stem new purpose.

The bike was always light I guess, but the lower and shorter cockpit has made picking it right up a doddle. I'm going to push myself over the coming months to bring in some more style now I've got the control nailed... whips first, and if my balls are big enough start doing some proper doubles trying to lay the bike a bit flat.

There is something special about learning a new skill. It feels good to push yourself and your boundaries. Everyone is different though and as I tried Ben and Scott's bikes last night it became obvious that although the Chameleon suits me and my style, the burly overbuilt nature of the Sanchez and Double Shot (Ben's Felt) suit them for different reasons. One things the same though - the desire for having a laugh.

Bring on Delamere next week, and a street mission to Leeds over the Autumn. Watch this space.

Keepin it Street

Last night was a short blast round the BMX park, followed by an investigation into a local hoodlum's hotspot. The latter was a bit cack, so we'll leave that there, but the park and the general chortles were good fun.

New stem changed the feel of the bike quite a bit, and the natural flow of the jumps felt a lot better. Much less effort required, so concentrated on getting the shape right. Loved nailing the drop at the tennis courts, and the forks feel planted and stiff with the new fitted spring. Only downside was a lat eon puncture after jumping up a step wrong! Oops.

Next week is Delamere and I'll be going full honk stylee!

Painburn

Only the third ride on my new stead and I found myself heading over to Stainburn Forest in North Yorkshire. With Scott piloting the Dadmobile we made it over there in about an hour and a half. Meeting Tez in the carpark, we decided to tackle the 'natural' trail first as a warm up. Although not overly technical, the going was slow due to the soft ground and singletrack climbs. Not the sort of riding I relish, especially in the heat with hordes of insects trying to take a bite. Still, there were some flowing sections, especially the final run, complete with a small jump off some logs, which with lots of speed has the potential for some good air. After a brief rest back in the carpark it was time to try the other loop. The difference was immediately apparent, with hard-packed stone chippings giving a good firm ride. Some cheeky little jumps and twists in the trail kept it interesting and things were looking good. Then it all went a bit hardcore... Dragons tails of the highest order lay before us, literally trails made out of big rocks and slabs. Skills were needed here and quite frankly I'm still getting used to the bike! At some point a rock decided to encroach on one of my chainrings... This in turn twisted my chain, which then caught up in my rear mech and as I was still pedaling it then wrenched the whole thing round and stripped the thread out of the hanger. Not a happy bunny, but at least I only need a new hanger! Overall, good to see somewhere different, but technical singletrack climbing is hard going, especially when you can go to somewhere like Gwydwr and climb up a nice fireroad, leaving plenty of energy for the downhills! Photos can be found at FLICKR here

Stainburn forest

Yesterday saw myself, Leo, and the rarely seen, lesser spotted Tezbo make an appearance over by Harrogate/Otley at Stainburn forest. The guys at singletraction.org.uk have been busy, and after reading it up in MBUGay, I decided it was time FO had a look. Good drive over and a sunny, close day guaranteed we'd be sweating like pigs. Met a guy in the car park from singletraction and with some advice, we went over to do the natural loop first, something that reminded me of the days of building the FO course! Similar terrain, soft underfoot, but much longer and a good blast every now and again. I have to say all 3 of us struggled with technical singletrack climbing all day, I for one do not have the power in my pins for it! Despite this, there was the ocassional section where you just let go, and being the kamikaze leader into the unknown, there was a real buzz from yours truly about the unknown!

After a breather in the car park, we headed to the man made, gravel and stone encrusted trails. This proved to be a real eye opener, really technical in sections, and athough you could flow with practice, it was our 1st outing and we gingerly made our way round! It was a real buzz pulling off the slab ride and the 25ft (estimate) decline down the narrow stone pile after the narrow hairpin bend, and once I'd balls-ed out my line choice, I was buzzing! Terry's skills got him through as usual, not sure what Leo was making of it all. After that there was some flowing stuff in the woods, and some mental challenges to get round/over some of the rocks. My bashguard was loving it! As were my pedals judging by the squeels of delight!

We helped out with some building for a bit (gotta do your bit) and I am as intrigued as ever about building, so I got some tips for the political side of things! All in all a good day out, very different, very technical and not the flowing singletrack we perhaps expected, but a real learning experience, and I enjoyed the buzz in any case.

I'll let Leo summarise his bike situation (ask me no more!).

Ah, the sunshine...

Last night we were back to normal. Perfect riding conditions; sunny, not too warm and a wee breeze. Got to charity lane and the talk was all off protege james m following my back wheel. As if son! Though I did puncture annoyingly. Only had 3 punctures in 8 months and 2 of those recently, grrrrrr. Anyway, charity lane was tops as usual, then som chortles on the way home.

Good to have Ben back and that he's here for the year and not just the summer. Looks liek we've got a few riders for the street/4X as well as the forest rides.

Good stuff.

Still can't decide on what licence to buy for 2007 and what event to race in! We'll continue the debate, though chain tools and what bike gets the most attention may well decide ultimately!

It's been a while...

I thought its about time I write something on here, since I've been riding for a few weeks now.

Awesome. You really appreciate what we have on our doorstep when you live in Cambridge, where the rocks, trees and holes are replaced by kerbs, cobbles and white vans. Different kind of adrenaline I think.
Last night was a good ride - nice and gentle up to the top, and a good blast down Charity Lane and Chris' trail. Still waiting on Scott to get his balls together and have a go at clearing those steps. :P
And the added bonus - a ride without me breaking anything!

Time for a transition?

Wow - I'm 26 today. How old is that? Not that old to be honest you cheeky f***kers!! And another thing, I want a new bike...

Spotted Transition Bikes via a link over at Homegrown. They look pretty awesome - and one in particular caught my eye - the Bottlerocket.
Sort of a slacker version of my Coiler Dee-lux... Perfect for our sort of riding? Well it would be with a double ring up front :)
Only problem is - no UK distribution - yet. I've volunteered Fearingout's services so watch this space!

Fucking rain...

...that's all I'm saying. Ruined last night (street doesn't really work in the wet!) and looking out my window it looks like summer is over and we've moved (in a typically British fashion) straight into winter!

Pure pish.