The Tribe 2012

Take a selection of all ages, sexes, shapes and sizes; add disparate characters, different training regimes (or lack of..) and then season with a great location, riding from the doorstep and the one thing that binds us together, a YETI - welcome to the Tribe.
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This year's meet was held at the Long Mynd in Shropshire. Our illustrious leader Andrew Palmer, with valuable assistance from local rider Sandy Plenty of Leisure Lakes Bikes, had put together a weekend of fine riding along some classic local routes, a few stiff climbs, some great descents and more fun than you can have on your own.
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The base for the weekend was the Bridges YHA at Ratlinghope and the local Bridges pub figured heavily throughout the agenda, mainly thanks to the great selection of locally brewed Three Tuns ale (and the great food of course).
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Arrival day often starts with excessive socializing brought on by a combination of excitement and nerves about not being able to keep up with the fit(ter) riders. Inevitably, the less fit riders socialize more and then they have an even worse time keeping up the following morning. Last orders were eventually called and the thirsty-Tribe-night-shift wandered back to their tents to sleep it off.
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Things happen in Yeti time. It's like a combination of 'manana' and 'hakuma matata' and most folk accept this as the natural by-product of having so many people riding together. About ninety of us set off a bit late, but 'hakuma matata' as they say in Shropshire. The first incline had the night shift pushing for a while - but partly due to mud and congestion. Once you stop it aint easy to find enough space to get going, apparently.
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Apologies about the junk bike in the foreground above !
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We had a great day out, with highlights being the descent of Minton Batch and the last climb back up which was a good stiff one. Most of the alcohol had been burned off by then, so the legs were spinning strong and steady. No this isn't Minton Batch, I was enjoying that one too much to stop and take photos ..

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Day two was a different vibe with some classic woodland singletrack thrown into the open-bridleway mix. All in all a fabulous weekend amongst like-minded, tolerant and well-behaved Yeti freaks.
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Long live the Tribe and I am looking forward to next year already. Huge thanks to Andrew, Sandy and the rest of the guys who helped to pull this together, without who .....