A trip to South Wales gave me the opportunity to visit the Twrch and, now the clocks have gone forward, I may be able to ride round in daylight for the first time in a while. I finished work a bit early and on the drive over had convinced myself that two circuits would be the manly thing to do. Into the B+B at Crosskeys and a quick spin along the canal to Cwmcarn Forest Drive and we are off. This was the first time with gears since October, but glad I left the Whippet behind after an early start, long drive and some steeper and gnarlier trails than those at home.
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One circuit done and the temptation to turn left was overpowering but, with the prospect of forfeiting the right to own a penis, turning right was the only real choice and I went round again. Mmmm - fitness is always relative. Fitness is always work-in-progress. I was wasted afterwards. Slept well.
A few days in the office and three short, fast(er) spins to the gym in as many days worked quite well and helped vary the diet. I checked out the ARC on one ride to make sure everything was working ready for the FNRttC. Back onto the Whippet for the next trip and 200 yards from the house, the free-hub breaks. I managed to jog back, swap bikes and, under pressure to get to the gym to start the spin class, I manage this year's fastest time !
Another week up t'North was next and into the lovely Weirside on Monday where I can explore the Pennines at great length as the evening draws out.
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Big skies (and big ar$e) in the High Peak, grinding up the climb from Ladybower reservoir, prior to a great descent through Nabs Wood with the odd snow and ice slide en route. Snow still hanging about in April !
A couple of nights in Liverpool allowed me to put in four hours of skills practice (learning the stuff I should know and re-learning the stuff I have forgotten) around Sefton Park and then it's homeward bound via Cannock Chase and Oxford.
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Even though I arrived late in Rugeley and rode well past dark, I managed a tour of the Monkey and the Dog with some comedy diversions due to essential (and very much appreciated) trail repairs, but had no mishaps and a great encounter with a 30 strong herd of deer just before the end. The dry trails were an absolute blast after the last year of rain!
