The wheels have come off ..

Actually it's not that bad, but the last two months have been rather hectic, especially at work. I have had two '1000+ mile' weeks away this month, along with a few overnighter's and several day trips. Not sure how I have fitted in the riding - but I have. We have had some mingin' weather which culminated in the latest round of snow storms and the country ground to a halt in places. Both major dumps happened whilst I was away and, on both occasions, they made travel slow and difficult but, thanks to the Disco, not impossible.

Molly and I haven't managed to get out much at the weekends, but have slipped in the odd local circuit to test out the 'new' singlespeed (info to follow) while Molly paced me on the '5. Rest stop at the ford in Fairwarp.

Work served up a week in the NE and, at the last minute, a diversion to Tiverton on the way to Scarborough ! This gave me the chance to catch up with Rick and Gabby and let Rick take me out for a hike-a-slide around Dalby Forest in a snow storm.

The North West trip gave me the opportunity to ride in the Lakes, providing my timings worked out. I opted for a 04:30 start on Monday in order to fit the drive (and the day's work) in by 14:30 and this left an hour's daylight to start the circuit of Claife Heights in the sun. Ice, slush, wet roots and a touch of verglas were the order of the day and I had an interesting ride. I got to the shore of Windermere via the bridleway from Wray Castle (in one piece) and stopped for a trail snack. The prospect of slip-sliding along the rock strewn, icy shore-line path didn't appeal and I knew I didn't have time to do the circuit twice - which was the original plan - so I decided to just turn round and re-trace my tracks. First time I have ridden this way and the ups are technically harder and the downs not so enjoyable, but it got a few more miles in and was rewarded with a fabulous late sunset over the moorings at Far Sawrey on the way back to the Bowness ferry.

Tuesday would probably be my last chance to ride during the week, so I had a second set of kit ready, lights charged and spares packed ready for a flying start after work. It was dark when I arrived at the North Face Trail in Grizedale and there was lots of snow and ice hanging around in the open areas - especially the forest trails that link the interesting bits. When you are struggling to pedal in the slush and then wobbling on the ice with an outrigger (foot) at the ready, it makes you realise how boring the 'link' stages are !

The highlight of the battle ? Dave .. check this out

Woodwork doesn't freak me out but there is quite a lot of wood in Grizedale (It's no more than a few feet high though). Several sections are also cambered and favour a positive approach with some speed and a sprinkle of confidence and natural ability. Woodwork that is partly covered in snow and partly covered with the day's moisture slowly freezing, ridden in the dark, needs a little luck too. I rode my luck pretty well but admit to bottling two sections, fell (slid) off one but tottered across the rest. Phew !

Riding on my own most of the time and often at night, I allow myself to be sensible and pull out of some things that I would go for - if I had any mates to ride with.

I was also wrong about the riding. I managed an unexpected four laps of Sefton Park in Liverpool later that week. Nothing to write home about but I got a good sweat going, made my legs ache and spent a few minutes 'sessioning' the steps - up and down. Not sure whether I am actually quite sad or not.