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Albert Einstein’s theory of what goes up must come down was definitely the theme of the day yesterday, only it went up and down then up and down then up and down again, I don’t think we encountered a single flat section all day.
The group totalled 14 woollies made up of Tyre, Tracey, Hemlock, Clone, Pieman, Turner-Merlin kid, Mr and Mrs Sidge, Onion, Paddler, Macker and friend, Newbie Mark and myself.
Spirits were high as we rolled into the car park greeted with bright blue sky and glorious sunshine, a spectacular days weather. The group rolled through the village and then up the first (of many) lung busting climbs. By the time we were half way up we were well and truly warmed up to say the least.
The ride continued on through spectacular countryside basking in the sunshine as extra winter layers were quickly shed, long steady hard climbs were followed in quick succession by fast swooping rocky downhills.
The tough downhill sections quickly started claiming their first puncture victims however many were glad of the respite. Ed the unlucky continued with the theme of the Thursday ride by suffering with his first (of many) punctures. Turner kid developed some chain suck (running that cheap stuff again) and on we plodded.
The hills continued to come and go and good progress was made, Helen began to feel the effects of her previous days exercise and hit the wall hard. Good team encouragement and fighting spirit saw her soldier on however.
More punctures ensued on the way to the lunch stop and all relaxed and basking in the sunshine as Ed fixed number 3 (or 4). Surprise surprise another sharp uphill followed by a long rocky downhill where Clone decided to get in some extra not so secret training by going way past the turn off point and having to come all the way back up again! (the walkie talkies saved someone else having to go and get him however!) Last sections of the day, more punctures and tube faffing and then the only tubeless incident of the day for L’Onion on his new steed, much p@ss taking and a quick tube fit and the tubeless boys were rolling again. (Dodgy sealant I tell you!)
Back to the car park all were well spent after a smashing day in the hills in beautiful spring like conditions. The stats for the day include, 36.5 km (23 miles) 1491 metres ascent (felt like more), lots of chain suck, 1 chain swap, 1 brake pad replacement, 8 or more punctures, 1 tubeless incident.
Roll on the summer.
Artillary Dave
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