Don’t want the C02 inflater? No problem, you can choose a mini pump of similar value instead. This is a great offer saving BCC members over £30, so go visit Avon Valley Cyclery with your membership card to take advantage.
Author: Archive User
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Round and round and round we go…
Enjoy riding round in circles?
Like massive berms?
Hate braking?
Bored of gears?
Like curry?
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of the above, or just like the look of what you saw in the video then check out the forum for our BCC Velodrome outing comming up soon!
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The Morning After The Night Before 10/05/2009
You know that feeling in the morning after a heavy night on the booze? Well, almost everybody who rode at the Ticker Tape had that feeling today (I have to thank Marjory for that, brilliant night, ta), Andrew Denham had to sit out. He had very little sleep and was still wearing the dress from the night before.
Looking around at the HUGE turnout for the timed runs I could see red eyes and tired faces. I immediately thought there were going to be some very slack runs.The course had been re-routed slightly in-between the step-downs at the top and then back up the hill just before the rocks. This provided a high speed sideways experience all the way down and a number of line choices that could hack almost a second off run times. The rest of the track was running bone dry.
A look at our watches on our first lazy hung-over practice run showed just how quick it would be. Chris Smith and I had just over 32 seconds on the watches, the previous best from the last Ticker Tape was 32.08 by me. Rob Lewis had 30.60 on his. Game on!
It was a fairly relaxed affair all day with 40 second barriers being broken and everybody scoping lines in between runs. I have never seen so many people jumping the doubles, big shouts out to them.
We had loads more people there; Graham Cook, hungry from his Bath trails being ruined by R’tards, was shredding on his 10ft long Yeti 303. Graham, with a few others, built the step down on the track originally. New kid Daniel, only 7 years old and riding real fast. He is definitely one for the future and he has parents that have a brilliant attitude in supporting him in his riding and the millions of other sports he does too. More talent in Ed too. Consistent, fast runs and learning from every little mistake made. He didn’t jump the doubles but was beating most who did. Ed received the Beans award of a freshly baked Brownie courtesy of my lovely girlfriend, Helen.
Right then back to the times.
Chris had a new bike, it was full on DH, set up like a jump bike. He was the one to beat after beating Rob’s previous time. I then got under Rob’s time then it was just between myself and Chris.
He got under 30secs, something I wanted bad, I got it. But soon after I set up his suspension properly he started thrashing me further (why did I do that?). He ended with a 29.38, over half a second quicker than me. I thought that was it, half a second was big. On such a short track, that is riding a cm too far from the line. I plugged out one more run at the last minute, 29.46. “Close but it’s not the one” as Roy Walker would say.Chris Smith was the recipient of the Ticker Tape sticker and I was beaten by a freerider. I have a bag of excuses but I may need them for some other time.
I wanted to say hello to everyone but those who were there know how busy it was. It was great and I can’t wait for the next one.
Cheers!
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The Secret Diary of Ian Crook aged 27: Night Rider 12/05/09
18:41: Arrive at Horse and Groom, due to bad parking there are far fewer spaces than there should be. Fit lights.
18:44: Al arrives.
18:51: Al leaves – he’s forgotten his shoes.
19:07: We set off, Simon tries to hitch a lift from Marjory on the first hill.
19:12: Sheppard’s Woods, the trails are bone dry and bluebells are everywhere.
19:40: Al returns to the group, with shoes.
19:45: Reach the Allotment, most of the group ride BBMS, Mark rides 143 in full for the first time, then begins planning for his imminent DH bike purchase.
20:08: Singletrack down to Center Parcs, skids and hops off mounds are the order of the day.
20:19: Fast descent down to Shearwater. Attempts to force Chris off and overtake him are futile.
20:43: Chris leads us into Singletrack that is cut short by felled trees, we abuse him then continue.
20:51: Finally dark when in the trees, nearly crash when I completely fail to notice the final large sleeping policeman.
21:00: Sprint down Longleat drive.
21:03: Still recovering from sprint down drive.
21:08: Final section of off road in Sheppard’s woods, it is now pitch black which makes a simple descent much more challenging and a steep slog just as tiring.
21:15: Return to the pub, throw bike in car, enjoy pint of Landlord, good chat.
22:45: Bedtime.
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Thighs of steel
Hi Ladies,
May 10th Ladies ride was great. We were blessed with sunny weather and dry conditions except for those who splashed their way through the ford
. By the way, I neither plunged, paddled nor dipped my big toe into the ford 
. My method of execution, major easy gear, follow the previous girls’ line, take it slow but forceful, ‘ viola’, dry land We all, at some point, lead the group, and in true democratic fashion, we unanimously chose our route along the way. Rachel suffered one puncture and two blowouts (i think that’s bike lingo) prompting a prime opportunity to learn some new mechanical skills. Caroline showed the group how to dismantle the rear wheel, replace the inner tube, and reconnect the wheel – a valued lesson. Thanks Caroline!! All of the group was very helpful at handing out pumps, spare inner tubes, and puncture kits, except for me 
In the future, I will pack all necessary mechanical instruments and spare inner tubes (bar the kitchen sink) into my backpack – Sorry ladies!! Adding to Rachel’s bad luck (torment), she tried to retract a bug from her eye ( I tend to eat them) and subsequently fell off her bike. I confess, I too have had the odd little topple myself – you’re not a true biker until you have the bruises to prove it The fire roads were easy enough with a few rough gravel paths and easy breezy slopes. My bike (not me) seemed to gravitate towards graveled areas, sizeable rocks, and tree roots making my bike rattle and shake – time for a new bike I think
. Occasionally, we met a slopping road that allowed for a fast and smooth ride – giving all a few moments to ponder the gorgeous surrounding view. But what goes down must go up!! The hills were steep and challenging, but conquerable. I have to admit, my ego got the better of me this day. I positioned myself well, clicked into an easy gear, leaned down close to my handle bars, and made my way up the steep pathway between the two houses that weaves its way up to the sleeping policemen. Half way up there – I was on a roll, ‘WAHOO’. Still on my bike, I shouted, ” out the way girls I have thighs of steel and I coming through” (what was I thinking). Two peddles later my bike hit a dirt hump and stopped. There went my ego – deflated like a cheap rubber balloon. I thought for sure those thighs were going to get me up the hill 
. I think Helen and Maria had a giggle. Marjory and Caroline conquered the hills like champions. That’s my goal, conquering the hills without stopping or needing resuscitation at the summit Regardless of a few mishaps, our ride was fun and smooth, with a number of tough hills to grunt our way up!! Fun ride ladies.
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Inaugural Sunday ladies' night
We had a good turn-out for the first evening ride to be aimed at less experienced riders. We set off with a fairly casual attitude route-wise, deciding to follow the Tues night direction, but to keep to wider tracks when possible. A few wannabe’s also turned up (including Andrew, Alastair and Colin) but they were dismissed to find their own less comfortable pace up ahead.We were soon bowling along towards Shepherd’s Wood, warming up and getting better acquainted. The chat diminished on the first climb. However, a few enforced stops so as not to frighten the horses or the previously mentioned sub-group that we met on the way, allowed us to get our breath back. Mark was our token-male, and we were grateful to him for encouraging us to take a little detour in order to admire the beautiful carpet of bluebells in the woods.
Everyone made it safely through the ford, and special mention should be given to Juliet who sailed through without a hitch. Reckon it was being with us girls that got rid of the jinx! Caroline, Maria, Rachel and Juliet were setting the pace, whilst Leanne, Mark and myself lurked at the back. The evening stayed fine, the tracks were dry, and we soon arrived at the allotment. Here the newcomers were given their first opportunity to see Andrew and Chris bomb down 143. Suitably impressed (probably), it was on to Shearwater. Leanne and I took an early bath, so-to-speak, and were first in the pub for chips and other refreshments.
The new ride seems a success with people keen for another. I’ll be out next Sunday, with or without a hangover. Who else is up for it?
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Night Rider
14 people made it out on Tuesday, we were lucky enough to have (mostly) dry trails and yet more light (anyone would think the days are getting longer)!
We took a few different options to normal and so made it back to the pub a little later than planned, but still got to devour plenty of chips, cider and beer as reward for our efforts.
Paul managed to do a “180 mud slide to face plant” in the final stages, popping his pedal bike crash cherry (he’s more used to his 144 KTM than his Pitch Pro) but saw the funny side. His left side – caked in mud!
One newbie was quoted as saying “that was the best ride ever!” whilst others commented on my “evil route”, either way everybody seemed happy and eager for next Tuesdays Night Rider. ….
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Reminder!
All orders must be in by Friday! (joystick is also included in the offer)
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Prizes
Just incase you didn’t realise.. these are the prizes from this months TickerTape that’ll be winging their way to James and Adam.
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April BCC Weekender – TickerTape
The day started fantastically, great weather and a spotless trail to mark… somehow Rob and I managed to make the 500m role of course marking tape last 450m’s meaning that we had to get creative if we were to give the illusion of a fully marked course. Seemed to work though as no-one said a thing.
The format was same as always – 1 taped course, plenty of freelap watches, a white board and some good old fashioned competition.
BBMS was riding faster than ever, and it quickly became obvious that the day was gonna see some new PB’s and potentially a new track record!
Some of the highlights were Ben Irons frantically dancing to the jingle of the Morris dancer bells he ‘d strapped to his arms as every rider rode past, James Richards riding the log drop like a man possessed and and Robert Bunce showing more stamina than anyone else ( racking up 8 timed runs).
Chris Smith managed to set a new track record: 36.13, before braining himself on a rock. Pretty selfish really as I’d just managed a 36.48 and was pretty flippin’ intent on celebrating rather than wiping blood off of his face and telling him “you look fine mate, really, it’s not that bad…” typical pro; all about him!
The day ended pretty swiftly after the sabotage crash (seriously, his last run was timed at 8:10), but it had been a great day.
James Richards won the prize for “giving it beans” after riding with real commitment, showing that he’s got the skills just needs to let them out. Closely followed by Robert Bunce who really put the effort in on the day.
The spot prize was won by Adam, the stealth rider amoung us, quietly going about his business getting his lines sorted….won’t be long before he starts posting some fast times.
Both James and Adam won a bottle of Fenwicks bike cleaner.
Check out the white board to see how people got on….
