I finally went mountain biking today. Headed out to Swinley Forest with some guys I met through the London MTB mailing list.
It felt just like home - riding with like minded cycling idiots, crashing in to trees, going over the bars, being extremely cold (well - that was a bit different to home). Veronica will be pleased to know that yes, I did draw blood, but only a little.
I managed to score a lift with a guy who lives conveniently close - just a few blocks away. As with pretty much all decent nearby mountain biking, it is about an hour by car from the city. Public transport should be doable with a short link ride.
Unfortunately I left the camera on the charger, but will definitely go back out there and get some photos.
The trails were... interesting. I guess somewhat similar to Canberra - loamy forest type riding. Plenty of flowing singletrail, switchbacks, smooth trails mostly but with the occasional rooty section. Not any real hills (which suited me fine - not enough riding lately!), and not very technical (which also suited me fine - still getting used to the new bike, and it has no suspension). Body is a bit battered and sore, mostly due to lack of riding, but it felt great to get out there for some proper riding.
I think Loz and I are going to ride out to Richmond tomorrow and loop around Richmond park. Hopefully we will get some distance in - we really need to do some longer rides before the winter scares us off completely. Speaking of winter, I think my clothes are going to be completely inadequate - both normal clothes and cycling clothes. I'm going to have to start taking note of what other people are wearing.
Grant.
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Once upon a time, in a country not so far away...
1 comment:
So you're off riding again... and without major injury, this is a good thing. Since I know nothing about bikes and my eyes used to glaze over a bit when you were all talking about it, I feel a little wrong in commenting.. BUT since when has being a little wrong stopped me from doing or saying anything?
I'm not sure I'm understanding a lack of suspension, is that a wise thing?
Since going back to Strathfield I have done considerably less walking, so I think Bax and I are going to have to embrace the evening dog walk (once I get all the shards of glass out of my foot).
Anyway.. ummm... commenting about bike riding... eh... hmmm... uh.. sounds like fun?
Much respect,
Sherene.
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