2007 jounal is here

New year, renewed enthusiasm.. not likely. It's not like we haven't been out, between all of us someone has been out every week over the last month or so.

From local rides, seeking new territory in the Eridge area, to Leith Hill, it's just with the winter slop, it takes it out of you and your bike, it's amazing how much is grinded away, chainrings, brake pads and the like.

But never mind, the nights are starting to gradually get that little bit lighter, and some of us have even entered enduro events so over the next month or so we should be getting back out there.

Although for some reason some people have turned to the dark side of road cycling.. what the hell that is about I'll never know!

Just a gentle 30.5 miler!!! We set off from Dave's at just after 8 joined by a new rider Guy (who was a lot fitter than a number of us!) The weather looked very threatening and there was a fair wind gusting. It was generally agreed that given the recent rain we'd use the day for getting miles under the belts. So off we went, down London Road and through Gillridge Farm. Turning left at the bottom we entered Eridge Woods via a new route across the railway line. Dave being a lazy git wanted to raise the barriers rather than lift the bikes over. This gave both him and Alvar the chance to play at railwaymen!

Into Eridge Woods where we rode through some lovely single track which had been discovered a few weeks earlier. The Woods were, it has to be said suprisingly dry.

Then it was off to the railway line for a dash to Forest Row. Mike and Mike both left us at this point. After a reasonably painless ride to Forest Row we decided on Tescos. As luck would have it we met the Java lady and were able to give her a piece of our minds. We stood amongst the Gas cylinders and had ourselves coffeee and treats. Alvar provided us with a display of trick riding and also demonstrated how a traffic cone can be used as a loud speaker!

Mr Anderson insisted we ride back via Bramble Tye manor so it was back onto the bikes and off! The little technical uphill proved to be impassable due to mud but we did sneak down the closed footpath on Canziron Lane. Back onto the railway line now we sprinted along to Withyham and up through Buckhurst. It was here in driving wind that Paul punctured, only to find that the new  tube went down in fractions of a second. Somewhat cooled we set off for the final stint. Time was running short so Mardens Hill was the only answer arriving home just after 12.30 having completed 30.5 miles and a vertical climb of 712 meters and no rain reported! Stealth

The trails around Crowborough, although pretty extensive, can sometimes get a bit repetitive, especialy when staying off Ashdown forest or trying to avoid the gloop that's still hanging about.

So, with two people it's minimal effort to get the bikes on the back of a car and head up to Westcott for a nice loop around Leith Hill. Although setting off from the car it's never a good start to find you have a flat on the front, but after a team effort and the quickest tube change I've seen we were on our way.

That first hill is a killer, and by the end you do feel like you've left a lung half way up. This loop is turning into a real classic, good technical climbs, fast flowing downhill sections and twisty edge of the seat rooty, jumpy single track sections to keep the adrenaline pumping.

Here's the route, but your better off heading round with someone who knows the area to get to the best trails. A good 18 miles with 700m of climbing that get's the best out of you and the bike.

Only two riders were up for it this weekend, eveyone else seemed to be down with either a cold/flu or otherwise engaged.
Dave was making his excuses before we left his house. Dressed in light clothes due to the sun it became apparant by the bottom of Gillridge that it was rather chilly out there. Toes and fingers were chilly. From there we hung a left and crossed the railway line mooching along the edge of Eridge Woods before hitting the road into Groombridge. A quick blat down the railway line into Buckhurst and along the Mill Road which was suprisingly dry and rather crispy from the frost. Up Woodcutters and home. A very easy 16 miles under the belt covered in just two hours. A quick coffee and some of Bethan's home made cake and that was the end.