Words by Alex, Pics by Pete
Crew: El Pres, Slim, Dunc, Dr S, Lee, Troll, Smiffy, Stunt
Pub: Adrian & Biscuit
Route: Backeddisbury Lane, Zag, Charity, Narnia, Hardingland, Leathers, reverse ressie – the little steep climb, then the trails above Bob’s bench, Leathers, Kings Head
Conditions: Heavy Shower pre start, breezy, mild, wet post pub.
Notes:
The spring weather yo-yo continues with a very mild evening after several beautifully sunny days. Less good is the rather heavy shower that dampens the spirits of the riders assembling at the start..Butty clearly didn’t wear his coat as he bails part way over “wet through”!
What the rain has done is displace air from warm soil to give that earthy smell of rain that invokes summer (petrichor comes from greek meaning “stone fluid” – the blood of the immortals)
We still have good numbers (TNR rider/temp correlation still a good predictor) with only eSmiffy to catch us en route. The blustery breeze makes the going a little harder than it should be, but has the benefit of drying damp kit, and the climb to warm from the inside.
At the start of Charity proper we are quorate, Lee is quoting lumens per gram stats in his decision making on new lights (we love a good lighting discussion) and a possible top gear comparison challenge is touted at Narnia bench between various exposure models.
Up an over Chazza it’s clear that the recent combination of sun and wind has dried out the top layer of the track allowing the surface to shift from mucky filth, to skittery stones…which are now wet. Different mindset needed – bit more weight on the front wheel needed.
At witches cottage there is a hint of purple to the clouds – which the camera picks up nicely (and then Pete goes and puts a B&W photo in !) .
Hardingland loose – and mutterings about front forks needing servicing as a result, tantalizing tales of triathlete doping excuses leads to amusing questions to our medics!
Route discussion needed – it’s not raining (yet) but we don’t have time for an ascent of Nessit. We opt for a mini reverse loop of the ressie, with the rooty singletracks down to Bob’s bench. They might be short, but they are good fun, with many route to choose. Dunc comes off whilst caught in two minds at a fork!
Troll has gear change issues – so talk of a second lap is rebuked in favour of a gentle downhill roll to the pub.
Dr S has already organised a pre order as we needed to be there for 8:15, but in the end we are at the bar by 8! Landlord and Inception = ale heaven, and although we are on a cosy table at the far end, it’s good for conversation.
There seems to be some obligatory aliments of aging discussion before ribaldry gets going these days, and tonight it is ears and hearing! News of Croxy’s latest grandchild arriving = clinking of glasses, and then proper talk about another TNR adventure. Dr S is thinking about a group Scotland multi day trip – much enthusiasm!!
Closer to home Lee is floating a games and beer event in town possibly on a friday afternoon – yes please!
Beware of Trolls that consume pickled eggs
Late comms from Adrian as mountain rescue are training at teggs nose, and he appears with a rather damp biscuit late on , as the AoE have ordered their first whisky!
In a TNR first other Mountain rescue folks also arrive for a cheeky pint.
El Pres (egged on by the usual suspects) orders a second round of whisky, which fortifies some for the wet ride home -come back “clear and cold” all is forgiven!