Crowborough Mountain Bike Collective Journal 2009

18th - 20thSeptember
The Peak District
Day 1 - 13 miles, 879 metres climb
Day 2 - 38 miles, 1509 meters climb
Day 3 - 9 miles, 334 meters climb
Photos

Well the time was upon us and the annual non Wales weekend was here. This year we'd chosen the Peak District and a campsite in Edale. Dave, Graeme, Paul G and Mike set off on the journey. Those of you around the M25 may have just caught Graemes toys when he threw them out of the pram in the car when Dave decided to go the 'wrong' way round the M25 but needless to say the choice was a 'good'n' and we made the rendevous with Paul L and McIain in good time at the motorway services for the traditional extortionately priced full English breakfast.

The rest of the journey passed without incident and by 1 o'clock the two tents and gazebo were set up. The rather cheery campsite manager took delight in rushing us 100 notes and telling us had he have known how big our tents were he wouldn't have let us on the site. To be fair we had created a hotel but we were on holiday!

Ok, now the bit you've been waiting for, the riding and to be honest I don't have a clue! What I do know was that within the first 30 minutes Dave had discovered a new chain at the start of an epic weekend was a bad idea and that Mike must remember to put the pins back in his brakes after replacing the pads coz they work better that way and we don't have to walk up a hill looking for the bits! Needless to say the first day involved a lot of going up hill, with quite a lot of walking, but some absolutely awesome descents not least Jacobs ladder.

Day one and we're already 1,883 calories light, so what better post ride recovery drink is there than a can of Stella or two (five if you're Paul G) before which we blew 60p each for our showers and headed to the Naggs Head pub. Several beers and a burger later and Matt and Ricky (without Bianca) joined us.

That night the nice campsite manager not so politely told us to turn our lights out. It's a shame he still let people onto the site to set up complete with dogs running into the stream at 2am in the morning!

The next morning and it's epic day. Graeme made us all a quite excellent breakfast of scrambled egg and bacon butties and at 10 o'clock we're joined by Matt from Oxford and we headed... you guessed it... up hill and out of Edale. The great thing about an uphill is there's sure to be a down hill after it and we weren't let down. There were some awesome downhills not least the ride down to Ladybower reservoir where we broke for a little lunch of bagels and nuts. Northern Matt and a still Biancaless Ricky had some fun jumping off a little drop off before we headed back onto the ride. There was however just time for McIain to mutter a classic Greerism with the statement that we should shut the gate to keep the ducks in, moments later they flew over it!

It was just after Ladybower that we came across a young man with a broken collar bone, Ricky administered first aid and mountain rescue were already on their way but Graeme had some wise words for us 'let that be a lesson to you' he preached, 'don't go mountain biking in lycra'

At the half way stage we stopped for coffee and cake and it was at this point Paul G found his rear brake had ceased to function, not ideal but he did a splendid job on the way back as the rest of us did in losing McIain and Mike. Amazingly though an hour later we met up with them for what was pretty much the final hurrah of the day the descent down into Edale.

Day 2 and it looks like we've shot 3,011 calories, what more can that mean than recovery beer time. Not so easy to find space in the pub so we return for lamps and sit outside. As luck would have it we've picked another awesome weekend weather wise, or is just that it's not Wales? Another burger and chips later, it's so easy to order' and we move away from our table much to everyones disgust as the outside is now plunged into total darkness.

What better day to start the night riding season! Dave, Mike Graeme and Paul met at Daves and waited for him to fix a puncture. How does that happen? The night before no puncture the next day puncture. Oh well, just as well otherwise Mick wouldn't have made the ride!

The eerie silence of a nightride, the glow of the lamps and having the trails to yourself are what makes them so special and I think all of us on Thursday would recommend to anyone to have a try, borrow some lights and see if it's for you.

So all lights fixed and puncture repaired we set off into the twighlight. The trails were dry and the dust coming up could clearly be seen through the light beams that illuminated the dark night sky.

The route was one that included the great downhills of 'Spunkers', 'Smack me Bitch Up' and 'Willow the Wisp' but of course what goes down must go up, so in just 13 miles it seemed we needed to travel up 400 metres, not too bad for a Thursday evening.

I'm sure that before long we'll be coming back plastered in mud, but with the crystal clear night sky this was a ride to savour

There was Graeme, Mick, Mike, Paul B, Paul G, Paul L, (such a common name) Martin and Dave and eventually, after Mike had a rubbish bike rack and was late we all set off from the car park. The first lap wasn't the fastest, an hour and twenty, but we did stop for ten minutes or so playing around in the bomb hole, you can see it on the video here and there was a bit of a wait after the speedy front runners managed to lose those at the back!

The second lap was a split afair, those that did and those that didn't, Dave, Mick, Paul L and Paul B decided that they couldn't wait for a top notch bacon butty and coffee, the rest decided to do another lap and came in at under the hour! The second lap videos can be viewed in glorious Youtube colour here

Another bacon butty later and McIain joined us briefly while we discussed the forthcoming Peaks trip. Conversation briefly saw the name Ian Cranston mentioned because he hasn't been seen since last year. Not to worry he had an excuse lined up for this week, something about painting a fence or selling a horsebox.

As we left Crowborough the sun was shining but by the time we got to Firle car park it was cloudy. Oh to be a weather forecaster eh!

Dave, Mike P, Graeme and Paul L met at Firle car park for a leg stretcher ahead of the Peaks.

The first climb of the day takes us up 200 meters onto the top of the Downs. Despite the weather the views are still great and we ride off across the top of the Downs heading towards Alfriston. The cheeky little downhill takes us into Alfriston itself but not before Graeme almost totals when a fox runs out in front of him.

The trail then takes us up what turns to be a rather slippery uphill during which Mike punctures. These lightweight short travel bikes eh!

Before long we find ourselves in Friston forest steaming down 3 miles of single track. A brief run along the the fire road and we head back up the same trail and up onto the top of Wendover Hill. Why is that Hill always fill us with so much joy even though today it's just a little busy! Catch the video here. Top marks to Mike for his editing prowess!

Then it's a straight forward ride back to Firle and the end of another cracking ride on the Downs!

A gorgeous day was forecast and for once they'd got it right! Dave, Mick, Mike P, Iain and Paul B met at the car park next to the Harveys brewery for a trip over the Downs to Lewis. Mike was sporting a new headcam, an HD one at that.

As always on the Downs you have to go up, and ten out of ten to Mike for clearing the first hill of the day coz it's a real killer!

Then much the same route as earlier taking in the downhill beside the race course which is great fun with speeds in excess of 20mph but did see Mike's short travel rig puncture!

This ride we rode into Brighton proper and found a nice cafe for breakfast right on the beach......

Breakfast was a quite delightful bacon baguette along with a nice cup of filter coffee. Top Friendly staff into the bargain!

The ride home was another long climb followed by a nice downhill back into Lewis. Dave and Mike almost crashed going across the A26, who puts gravel on roads on 90 degree corners when cyclists are approaching at 30mph... is a very good question!

With just Dave, Graeme and Mike P showing up it was never going to be an epic and with time a little on the short side the three of them decided on a quick blast around Hornshurst Wood.

No one was really in the mood with the exception of Dave's downhill skills being rather enhanced by the invicibility he now felt from having a wicked pair of 661 Kyle Strait knee pads. On the final hill of the day they were put to the test and saved his knee rather nicely!

The ride back from Hornshurt was taken along the railway line trail and a quick flick round the Bull Track ended a short but sweet day.

It's 5.30 on Saturday morning and Dave, Will and Mike head off to Wales to meet up with Iain. We arrive at the campsite and set up our tents at the Glynncorwyg camp site. A bacon roll and a coffee later and we're off riding over to Afan Forest to sample the delights of the Penhyd and Wall trails.

Conditions are near perfect and the ride is a roaring success. There's something about Afan that is just fun!

After the ride we head to the camp site at Afan Forest to meet up with young Matt Duck who just happens to be there the same weekend. A quick chat later and we're heading back off to the tents.

There's a certain je ne sais quoi about camping, no pressure to get cleaned up we just sit for a couple of hours and chew the cud before showering. If there's one downside to Glencorrwyg it's the showers. Lots of blokes into two, really just doesn't go, but we managed!

Then upto the Drop Off cafe for some fab grub and some conversation with some great people, life doesn't get much better and it's certainly a refreshing change from hotels and B&B's.

Sadly the morning brings the sort of rain that only South Wales seems to be able to bring, and after sampling probably the best breakfast in the world, the decision was sadly made to give Whites Level a miss and strike camp and head home.

A slightly damp squib end to a fantastic weekend..... oh and sadly no photo's, sorry

The decision's made and it's destination Forest Row. The weather's good and the intrepid crew set off.

The Route takes us along some secret trails before we head into Broadstone Warren and onto Forest Row where coffee is stocked up on. Riders are Dave, Graeme, Mike P, Mike C, Paul B and Paul G.

We decide to head back along a slightly different route, taking in puncture alley and Pooh Bridge before heading up and into the Warren for the lovely, got it all downhill that takes us onto the Mill Road.

It's about the time of the year when some people find themselves reaching the ripe old age of 50. So a group of us, Mick, Dave, Graeme, Mike P, Paul B and Iain headed out and helped Mick enjoy his birthday with a ride to the Pantiles. Dave had on loan a Santa Cruz Heckler from Wilkd Side as it seems they still hadn't repaired his forks.

This has become one of our more enjoyable rides. Whilst there's nothing to challenging it's a pretty good feel good ride taking us through some lovely singletrack over to Ye Olde Royal Tunny Wells.

Whilst many went for cake at Woods Cafe on the Pantiles, mick and Dave sampled the delights of boiled egg with Marmite soldiers. It seems we both love it!

The ride back left Dave in some pain, it seems a medium bike just isn't big enough! But home we did go in the sunshine for another great Pantiles ride.

It’s finally arrived, our (Paul and Graeme’s), weekend in the Peak District organised by the Trail Break Crew, but this is organised from Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon, no point in driving all the way to the Peaks on Friday without stopping to ride something new, so after spreading the map of the UK out, we decide on Cannock Chase in Staffordshire.

Read the rest here

First of all we did a bit of training.. two rides should be enough, we are only doing the open category, nothing too serious for our first racing venture.. then we put our racing tyres on, the good weather lately had made the trails ultra dry and fast.. shall we do CamelBak or go with bottle and cage, choices, choices, one thing was sure, there was no blooming way I was getting into Lycra.

Sunday morning, 5.30am, absolutely torrential outside, bang goes those dry trails then, shall we just not bother, no, that’s out of the question, we’d agreed to do it (and we’d already paid the cash), at least it was a bit of a lay in from the usual early start, I thought about putting my knobbly trail tyres back on, but then Mike turned up so it was too late.

So, we arrive at the race location, the weather was actually starting to brighten up, no sign of rain so things were looking better. We were a bit wide eyed to the amount of carbon, Lycra clad men, and sh*t, had that bloke actually shaved his legs.. people were actually warming up on turbo trainers, we seemed to be in the minority here - baggy shorts and CamelBak’s are not the norm then?

You’re allowed to do a practice, or sighting lap before the event, so off we went, well, we tried our best anyway, in some places it was like ice, we were slipping and sliding all over the place, which was a shame, because the course looked like it would be fantastic in the dry with berms, jumps, and lovely tight twisty single track. I’m not saying we were knackered at the end (of the practice lap), but it was harder than we thought. Anyway, let’s get some air out of those tyres.

11.15 comes around and we gather behind the line, there’s 48 of us in all manner of shapes, sizes, bikes and kit.. the whistle blasts and we’re off.. and boy, did they go, I think I was getting cursed at as people had to dodge round me.. well I didn’t know it was a sprint start, did I! Mike was sensible and started from the back of the pack. Anyway, I realised that it’s harder to overtake than be overtaken so after a hundred metres or so I decide to get aggressive, getting past people with whatever line I could find, passing three people as they followed each other and got stuck in the mud, now knowing that my fitness wasn’t exactly up there, I knew that getting a head start on the downhill was what I needed.

Coming up to the line for the first lap I knew I’d pushed it hard but I’d also passed 10 – 15 people, If I could belt it down the first half of the course again that might give me a bit of time on the people behind me, I’d caught up with the guy who had parked next to us, I decided to keep at his pace as it seemed to suit me.

The third and final lap.. I was really starting to feel it, the downhill gave me a breather but not for long, I was getting passed now, but by people in the aforementioned lycra and Carbon setups in the other categories, at least the course had dried up (letting the air out of my tyres may not have been a good idea), Stuart who I was keeping pace with got cramp (tried not to feel to guilty as I gained a place), so I had to leave him, I kept looking behind me, I knew I’d slowed considerably.. I was expecting Mike to come into view at any second.

I’d like to say I pushed for the finish line, but I think rolling over at a gentle pace was as fast as it was going to get, I’d only just managed to get off the bike, walk (kind of) to the outside of the track before giving Mike an encouraging shout over the finish line, I’m sure had he also pushed it on the first lap, he would have beaten me!

The website said leith Hill, but with the sunniest day of the year so far forecast we jumped into ye olde Coppard van and headed down to Lewes where we planned to ride to Brighton Marina.

Settling off through the ancient town of Lewes we headed straight onto the Downs. This was never going to be a classic technical ride and quickly we found ourselves heading uphill and steeply at that! But as always when you get to the top you realise why you did it, and why you ride!

Over the top and down, down, down we went. A slight wrong turn at the race course gave us a straight but fast downhill. Then on to the Marina.

McDonalds was the destination and what a beautiful view... of the multistory :-) Not to worry Alvar kept us all entertained with his umbrella tricks. It was decided next time we'd ride into the town centre.

With Dave's tummy carrying a protein and carb boost of a bacon and egg McMuffin we set off over the hill again, but this time we got a decent view...

The highlight of the day was the ride down into Lewis a fast chalky trail with some interesting whoops. Videos will be arriving shortly.

A cup of coffee in Lewis was mooted, but in credit crunch Britain it was decided to return to Dave's for a free brew!

As probably the best day of the year so far only Mike P, Graeme and Paul could be bothered. So not do disturb Dave's beauty sleep we set out from Waitrose car park.

We started climbing Woodcutters via Graeme's new favourite route when we stumbled across a Jack Russell puppy that was obviously lost. After a lot of deliberation Mike rang the owner and agreed to try and coax the little fella up to Kings Standing. At first it seemed he was more interested in rabbits but eventually caught up with us again and gave us a good run for our money up the hill. By luck a very grateful owner arrived almost simultaneously allowing us to set off on our way.

Next we tackled that sweeping downhill, there was absolutely no one about, where were they all? Next we followed the stream through the trees eventually climbing up again until we got to Witch Cross. Along the road to Broadstone and then a balls out blast, peddling pretty much as fast as we could bringing big grins to our faces...if this weather continues its going to be a fun summer. A loop round Forest Row and a slog up to Cansiron Lane before our popular route back to Crowborough via Pooh Bridge, Mill Lane and the Clockhouse. A fast paced ride over lovely dry trails...roll on summer.

Isn't BBC weather great, only 12 hours earlier it had assured us their would be sunny intervals today, but there we all are, waterproofs at the ready and big black clouds in the sky!

Lot's of us at the start today, Dave, Paul B, Paul ?, Mark, McIain, . It seems though that the fit boys, Graeme, Martin and Mike want to do some bike set up to get themselves even faster than the rest of us so they totter off to Hornshurst so it's over to Dave, Paul B, Paul ?, Mark and McIain to venture off to Forest Row for the planned ride.

Woodcutters was taken in it's stride and then it was the long road haul down Kidds Hill and up to Broadstone for the lovely downhill into the back of Forest Row. At this point it was decided by Paul we'd visit his sister Michelle who lives by Forest Row golf course. Never has someone looked so petrified that 5 filthy dirty bikers may want to go into their house. Despite the kind offer of a brew we headed to the Tesco and the dry because by now it was pouring with rain.

A quick coffee and off we went again, rain lashing down as we headed round Brambletye and Cansiron Lane before picking up the railway line. Not ling on the railway as the preffered route is via Pooh Bridge and down past the McIain (Anderson) shelter. Picking up the Mill Lane we elect to go up the steep hill to the Clock House and home all feeling a little tired after a ride that took in more vertical metres than the South Downs last week.

With the forecast good and sunshine in Crowborough, Dave, Paul, Mick, Mike and Graeme piled into the Nissan X-Trail and headed to the Friston Forest car park to meet up with Iain.

Some of the other guys had cried off claiming there was some kids football tournament being played although when we saw Mark he seemed to be very much on his own!

On arrival at Friston Dave phaffed about as ever trying to decide what to wear and to be honest the BBC forecast was wrong again. Lots of white cloud in the sky.

We set off out of Friston taking in an early steep climb of 175m. Just before arriving at the fun of the downhill that is Wendover Hill we were taking a brief break when a guy asked if he could ride with us. No problems for us so Tony became one of the crew for the next few hours. Wendover was as quick as ever with the speed touching 27mph, so little wonder Graeme had a puncture!

We then by-passed Alfriston for another climb of 160m before heading steeply down the other side! 35mph and all the fun of the fair. Check out the video page for these great downhills.

Looping back to the South side of Alfriston we headed up towards the top of Wendover again. It was about here we met a group of kids on the DofE who were unsurprisingly lost. After a little guidance we left them. It's funny how lost kids even though they're lost don't believe it when you tell them where they are. Further up the hill we saw the girls DofE group. McIain made their day by telling them we'd seen the lost boys. Was it cruel of him not to mention to them they were making the same mistake. Nah, they need to learn :-)

It was around this point Paul made what could be the quote of the year when looking at the large number of ewe's with their lambs that were all over the Downs. "Those sheep have big balls' he observed. Paul, ewes are female sheep, those big dangly bits were'nt their balls!

There was then just enough left in our legs for almost 4 1/2 miles of glorious single track back into the valley before returning to the cars and the journey home.

Another lovely day greets us and what a turn out, Dave, Paul, Paul, Paul (How many Pauls?), Graeme, Mike, Mike, Duncan and Mark all set out. Mick Dann wimped out at 7.58!

The ride takes us once again into Hornshurst Wood where we spend an hour or so hitting Bugs Bunny and Bedgebury amongst other trails. Then it's a sharp uphill into Eridge Woods where another couple of hours is spent enjoying the lovely dry flowing single track.

Of course the only way back into Crowborough is up, so out of Eridge Woods we headed to Gillridge when on the way Mr Constable decided to dismount while on a raod, he bounced like a rabbit before almost getting sucked into Paul Greer's rear wheel. A suspected fractured thumb is the result.

Bravely he got back on his stead and we all headed back into Crowborough up Gillridge. A great ride.

A beautiful day so why only Dave, Paul and Mike bothered to show up will remain for ever a mystery. So what to do? Dry under wheel it had to be Hornshurst Wood so that's where we went. A shorth trip through Limekilne Wood took us there.

There was lots of fun to be had on the bone dry trails and boy did we play. It was quite a suprise to discover we'd covered nearly 20 miles when we returned home.

Greeted with good weather we decided to head into Tunbridge Wells for a bit of breakfast. Taking the plunge today were Dave, Mick, Alvar, Iain, Graeme, Paul, Paul and Mike. We set off down Gillridge and took a route through Eridge woods before coming out by the High Rocks Inn and over to the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells where we had coffee in Woods by the band stand.

The return journey took us across the common and into the valley, and over to Groombridge Place. A trip down the Forest Way took us through Buckhurst and back into Crowborough.

1st Feb
Fairly good riding conditions today, riders were Dave, Mark, Iain, Paul and Graeme, we thought we'd have a gentle ride taking in the classic downhill sections close to Crowborough. Although the ground was reasonably frozen, the air temperature was ok so perhaps some cold extremities, but no frostbite was recorded.

The best downhill of the day being the bridleway between Kings Standing and the A26, this is the first time in ages that there was no mud so you could blast down without the concern of the front wheel sinking in.

25th Jan
Most of us are always up for a ride come rain and shine, but there are times when you have to just say "I'm not stupid", today was one of them, sheet rain and blustery, not in the least ideal for riding

18th Jan
Do I, Dave, really want to get up, it poured with rain all night and it's not looking to hot out there right now. The mobile phone starts vibrating as rider after rider wimps out. What to wear can be a problem on these sort of days, but I'm not to worried as I'm banking on the last one or two wimping out and getting back into bed.

Outside it's starting to brighten and to my initial dissapointment Mike C and Mark show up. That's it then we're riding. A short discussion on route and we're off. Limekilne and Hornhurst is the chosen route, nothing to tough, I weighed myself this morning and after a 6 week lay off I'm fat!
The ride was great, after a couple of hundred yards you realise what you've been missing, the wind through your lid, the cold in your lungs and the thrumb of the wheels all contrive to a feeling of well being and contentment.
No major incidents to report apart from the fact that my obesity has contributed to a broken spoke. We ride back to Mikes where we are provided with a welcome cup of coffee and a slice of yummy cake.

4th Jan
BRRRRR, Bloody cold this morning, Paul, Mark and Graeme head off from Crowborough at what is definatly a sub zero temperature, confirmed by the -8 registerd in Pauls car, and backed up by our mouthpieces freezing so making it difficult to drink. I can say that this is the coldest we have ever riden in, the ground was completely solid, and every puddle or muddy patch was completely frozen, this did make for the going very quick though, when we got going that was, we had to stop a couple of times due to thorn punctures, and to rewarm the feet/hands.

Cycling through wooded/forested areas etc, you occasionally come across different varieties of wildlife, however, since the internet and what you can (apparently) view on the World Wide Web, what we came across today was a blast from being a kid and finding gold dust in the woods, how the hell it found it's way in there we don't know (and it's not an Argos catalogue)!

New year, new rides, lets hope we can crack in as much as last year which involved weeekends away in Afan, Isle of Wight, The Lake District, plus loads of riding around Crowborough, the South and North Downs.

What I will say is how miffed off we are with horses, it seems that every bridleway, track and trail is churned up by the ever presence of hoofs, we did have a few little secret trails that we thought were safe from 6" potholes, we were wrong, never mind bikes, you couldn't even walk up this track, do these people actually have any respect for other countryside users, and we are supposed to be the apparent reckless ones!

Some of you may have visited the site www.ashdowncc.org and our campaign to get some kind of cycling on Ashdown Forest, please support us as much as you can.