Looking at my technowidget (endomondo.com) after Tuesdays Night Rider I looked at the stats and shapes to gain inspiration for this jumble of words that you’re now reading. Some of this may make sense, some may not but I hope it (loosely) describes the events of  stardate 1110.8 through 1110.9. I thought that the 19 equidistant imaginary points draw a shape which shares a slight resemblance with the big dipper and this got me thinking. So hold on tight, here we go………

Seven astonauts led by Captain Sheppard began their journey on the tarmac to reach the lauch pad that is the rocky singletrack to the Ford. The bridge was crossed (for fear of getting space boots damp) and launched up into the dark abiss. A small patch of asteroids (traction less mud) slowed the pace slightly before once again hitting maximum velocity and winding the way up the twiddly singletrack that avoids the hellish fire road past the side of the allotment. For the final section of the climb some of the space travelers swapped Lunar vehicles and we headed back onto the upper slope of Beelzebub’s fire road. All I can say about this experience is that I learnt how to change down the gears on a cyclo-x bike and that skinny 70psi tyres do grip. Lunar vehicles were then returned to their owners.

From the top we headed along an overgrown trail, nearly losing one space traveler in a black hole before reaching heavens gate viewpoint and the circular stone space time portal. As I reached out and opened the gate (which I hadn’t opened for years but instinctively put my bike in the precise position required to open the gate easily) it I felt like I had gone back in time by 17 years. We then swooped along a newly revived piece of ancient single track which had previously been blocked by felled trees.

After cutting through the BCC shuttlepark we bumped into 3 alien dirtjumpers. They weren’t hostile so they tagged on as we shreaded the singletrack from the Longleat entrance towards the doodle system. Doodle was by-passed, I created a new line called rodeo girl (suitable for 800mm wide bars) and we twinkled our way over towards Shearwater past another group of astronauts which were having a problem with one of their lunar rovers (it looked like they had the issue under control so we carried on). We dodged black holes (badger holes) and lauched over milky ways (that drop thing) with the aliens in hot pursuit. The climb out of Shearwater turned into an impromptu space walk and since Chas was more used to controlling his Lunar rover than space walking there was a slight mishap but he ventured on bravely with a sore shin. Back at the top of the allotment the aliens waved fairwell and sped off on a B-line for the pub.

MCC, East 17 and that trail with the log pile at the end were negotiated before passing some astronauts (again) and the race for the pub began (back the way we came).

Sometimes I look at the night sky in wonder and much like our Universe, the trail system that we have on our doorstep amazes me in the way it is contantly growing and evolving.

For those who are interested in giving a bit of XC MTB’ing a go, see you at 6:45pm:

The ride is suitable for any adult with a mountain bike, and a good level if fitness. Riders will need to wear suitable weather specific clothing, a helmet, and have good lights with a run time of at least 2 hrs. Riders must also bring their own food and drink.

FOR THOSE WITHOUT LIGHTS I WILL BE LEADING A 1-2 HR ‘LIGHT RIDE’ THIS EVENING ONLY.

Any questions just give me a ring 07870609871

Eight of the more foolhardy members of the Tuesday Nightriders had to demonstrate their cattle-wrangling skills last night when they joined the Anti-social group’s ride.
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Another great turnout for a Tuesday Nightride. 23 riders met in the East Woodlands church carpark, and after the first Byway, divided into 11 riders in the Social group and 12 in the… erm…. ‘Anti-social’ group.

Over the years we’ve happily allowed people to bring their pets (well dogs) along with them on club rides, but we’ve come to realise that as much fun as it is to ride with your mutt it’s not exactly a recipe for the most enjoyable ride all round. Even the best trail dogs can be unpredictable and make other riders feel nervous, not to mention scare the local wildlife of which there’s quite a lot.

So, from today onwards we won’t be allowing any pets on BCC organised rides.

Thanks

…when was the last time you came along?

Meet at the Horse and Groom pub to leave at 7:00pm, we’re there every week.

We’ve been talking about trying this for a few months, to change up the ride away a little bit,we thought it would be a good way to start 2011.

THIS IS A NIGHT RIDE SO YOU’LL NEED A GOOD SET OF BIKE LIGHTS. THE CLUB HAS 2 SETS THAT CAN BE USED UPON REQUEST.

As always you will need a good quality, well maintained bike with plenty of brake pad material, a helmet and suitable clothing and spares i.e. – extra spare tubes due to the type of terrain, power links etc. There is no bike shop on site.

We will car pool as much as possible to keep costs down. If anyone would like to drive and take bikes and passengers, please let us know.

We’re going to meet Saturday evening in Frome at the Cheese & Grain at 5.15pm, aiming to leave 5.30pm, that should get us there 6.30pm, riding by 7pm. We’ll ride until we’ve had enough, and on the way home we’ll stop off for a beverage of choice at a pub that will be named at a later date. So you may want to have a quick change of clothing depending on the weather.

Here’s Pete riding the trail in earlier in the year…

Trail Details

Please Note: The trails are more difficult during and after wet weather when tree roots and rocks can become slippery.

The first part of this signed route runs around the spectacular Ashton Court Estate where you can cycle through wonderful woodlands away from busy roads.
The yellow trail in Ashton Court is a great place for youngsters or inexperienced riders to have a go on the rough tracks because the route is not too technical – A new ‘figure of eight’ link has recently been constructed and signed in Ashton Court to create a separate circuit in the Estate.
More adventurous mountain bikers can follow the pink trail in 50-Acre Wood to test out their skills in more rugged terrain. A 400m section of off-road track has been created so that novices can extend their ride into 50-Acre Wood over relatively easy terrain and return to Ashton Court via Weir Lane.

Check out the club forum to arrange transport etc…

We aim to be back as normal on the 28/12/2010 assuming that the roads have cleared up so we can actually get to the pub…!

Well if you think last weeks ride was cold, you should have come out for the 2nd freezing night ride of the winter. We’re always recruiting new riders who want to join the Tuesday night party, so com’on out, don’t let Mr Winter keep you in the house, we’ve even got lights you can use!

Once we got going we soon forgot that it was cold as Mr Sheppard (a real person, unlike Mr Winter) led us around the nice dry hard packed trails.  It reminded us of the summer riding, well, except for the ice & snow. We headed over to the ‘Darkside’ to hit the recently found single tracks, did our couple of hours and headed back to the pub for a beverage of choice sat next to a nice warm fire. Perfect.

Eleven of us set off from the Horse and Groom last night, it was proper cold with a clear sky and a bright full moon.

Within a mile from the pub Paul had a mech through spokes incident and he and Adrian were heading for an early pint.

Nine of us continued, the trails were sticky in places but on the whole good for November. We rode a trail the far side of Centre Parcs that we found quite recently and we’ve called ‘Vancouver’ (Al’s fault)

After crossing the ford on our way home to the H&G  we noticed the grass was white with frost, a taster of what’s to come but it does feel nice when you’re toasty warm from your exercise and yet it’s freezing.

We had our pints in front of the open fire while discussing the Ceilidh and where to ride Sunday.

If you’d like to try a night ride please contact us we can even loan lights