Interesting ride thread.
- Thread starter EddieJ
- Start date
EddieJ
Well-Known Member
Right where to begin. 
It has been raining for the last couple of days so I knew that the ride was going to be a bit muddy, but I hadn't quite realized just how varied that the terrain would be as well.
First of all my mistake. I had booked on to the 22mile ride, but somehow missed the sign for the change of route, and I ended up riding the much tougher and longer 32mile route. In a way I was glad about this, but running out of battery spoilt things. Pedalling a mud encrusted e-bike up hills is no fun.
There was a couple of small sections of tarmac road, and the rest was a mix of wet sand, mud/clay, grass, roots, sand stone, chalk and flint. The flint gave quite a few punctures to other riders but I escaped this. The chalk was scary slippery as it was a along a very deep gully section that made for tricky riding, many were slipping off as their tyres hit the sides. The best bit for me a stream bed, which proved very fast and entertaining.
My confidence has really grown, and after reading a guide about MTB riding, I seem to have made a massive leap forward in respect of speed. I now no longer look at roots/rocks ruts etc that are just in front of me, and instead look much further on and only glance at what is below. The difference by doing this has been amazing. I've learnt to trust that speed will straighten any or most problems out. Interestingly I'm now up behind pushing to get past people instead of just wobbling behind. I'd did massively over cook two corners though, each after fast steep descents. I went straight on rather than round. I lost my balance a couple times, but thankfully no off's. The closet was on a very small 1" thick branch that had freshly fallen. The bark had been stripped from it, and hitting it threw the bike completely sideways. Not one of the many and regular massive roots caused me any issues.
The mud was bad enough that on some section people were almost pushing their bikes down hill just to keep moving, and many were pushing their bikes up hill.
I did have one carrot on stick incentive once my battery had failed though. She was very hot and looked lovely in lycra! I must admit that I was in no hurry to try to pass her.
Having said that, although I was way faster than her down hill, she easily had the edge on me along the flat and up hill. I don't think that a potential extra bike weight of 7kg helped in that respect, or the fact that I'd already ridden an extra ten miles. I shut right up when she told me that she had an MTB race tomorrow, and was using today as chilled warm up for the event.
Back to the rest of the ride there isn't a great deal more that could be said, so here are some photos.
My favourite part, a fast steam bed.
This section wasn't overly steep, but most people pushed their bikes up it, as the previous climb had been so long and energy draining. With no battery power, I also walked it.
Gear changes became very hard, and when I got back and saw just how bad things had got in respect of mud, it was hardly surprising.
It has been raining for the last couple of days so I knew that the ride was going to be a bit muddy, but I hadn't quite realized just how varied that the terrain would be as well.
First of all my mistake. I had booked on to the 22mile ride, but somehow missed the sign for the change of route, and I ended up riding the much tougher and longer 32mile route. In a way I was glad about this, but running out of battery spoilt things. Pedalling a mud encrusted e-bike up hills is no fun.
There was a couple of small sections of tarmac road, and the rest was a mix of wet sand, mud/clay, grass, roots, sand stone, chalk and flint. The flint gave quite a few punctures to other riders but I escaped this. The chalk was scary slippery as it was a along a very deep gully section that made for tricky riding, many were slipping off as their tyres hit the sides. The best bit for me a stream bed, which proved very fast and entertaining.
My confidence has really grown, and after reading a guide about MTB riding, I seem to have made a massive leap forward in respect of speed. I now no longer look at roots/rocks ruts etc that are just in front of me, and instead look much further on and only glance at what is below. The difference by doing this has been amazing. I've learnt to trust that speed will straighten any or most problems out. Interestingly I'm now up behind pushing to get past people instead of just wobbling behind. I'd did massively over cook two corners though, each after fast steep descents. I went straight on rather than round. I lost my balance a couple times, but thankfully no off's. The closet was on a very small 1" thick branch that had freshly fallen. The bark had been stripped from it, and hitting it threw the bike completely sideways. Not one of the many and regular massive roots caused me any issues.
The mud was bad enough that on some section people were almost pushing their bikes down hill just to keep moving, and many were pushing their bikes up hill.
I did have one carrot on stick incentive once my battery had failed though. She was very hot and looked lovely in lycra! I must admit that I was in no hurry to try to pass her.
Having said that, although I was way faster than her down hill, she easily had the edge on me along the flat and up hill. I don't think that a potential extra bike weight of 7kg helped in that respect, or the fact that I'd already ridden an extra ten miles. I shut right up when she told me that she had an MTB race tomorrow, and was using today as chilled warm up for the event.
Back to the rest of the ride there isn't a great deal more that could be said, so here are some photos.
My favourite part, a fast steam bed.
This section wasn't overly steep, but most people pushed their bikes up it, as the previous climb had been so long and energy draining. With no battery power, I also walked it.
Gear changes became very hard, and when I got back and saw just how bad things had got in respect of mud, it was hardly surprising.
Wow, color me impressed Eddie... You do some hard core riding! I'm amazed your bike is still running at all after that kind of strain. What fender are you using for the rear? It really seems to offer great coverage.
Regarding the lovely female you encountered on the ride... maybe when she told you that she had a race the next day you should have asked if she wanted a cheering section and reward dinner after. Instant date! If she's single
Regarding the lovely female you encountered on the ride... maybe when she told you that she had a race the next day you should have asked if she wanted a cheering section and reward dinner after. Instant date! If she's single
EddieJ
Well-Known Member
Wow, color me impressed Eddie... You do some hard core riding! I'm amazed your bike is still running at all after that kind of strain. What fender are you using for the rear? It really seems to offer great coverage.
Regarding the lovely female you encountered on the ride... maybe when she told you that she had a race the next day you should have asked if she wanted a cheering section and reward dinner after. Instant date! If she's single
Court, your reply in reference to the lovely female cracked me up. I liked the idea of that, but sadly I doubt that my wife would have done!
Actually there was no shortage of attractive females on the ride.
The rear fender is just my homemade one, but I did spot a few good ones on this ride that I want to hunt out. Sadly no manufacturers names though.
I stripped the bike down thoroughly this morning, and spent 4hrs cleaning it all back up again.
The rear brake pads were shot, and I still can't seem to track down the constant error 13 code that is displayed. I'm just really hoping that it isn't something to do with the battery hitting the road on the ride a few weeks ago. I also have a hairline crack in the control console, so maybe water has somehow tracked into it, but I think that is probably unlikely.
EddieJ
Well-Known Member
Brambor, maybe the rear fender research would be better carried out with a GoPro camera.
I also think that I may well have solved the error 13 issue. When I fitted a replacement console bracket a few months ago, I didn't put a bead of silicon sealant between the console and bracket to prevent moisture getting in. Because the console was screwed down, I haven't up until today removed it. Sure enough, it wasn't a pretty sight between the contacts. So hopefully with everything cleaned up again and no retaining screw fitted, things will once again be back to normal.
I have just spotted this one in November which looks like a great one to do. It's a bit of trip for me, but the scenery could make it well worth the journey.
I also think that I may well have solved the error 13 issue. When I fitted a replacement console bracket a few months ago, I didn't put a bead of silicon sealant between the console and bracket to prevent moisture getting in. Because the console was screwed down, I haven't up until today removed it. Sure enough, it wasn't a pretty sight between the contacts. So hopefully with everything cleaned up again and no retaining screw fitted, things will once again be back to normal.
I have just spotted this one in November which looks like a great one to do. It's a bit of trip for me, but the scenery could make it well worth the journey.
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Ha! I love the part of the video around 0:55 where it says "Cheer up the worst is yet to come " this looks like a fun ride and the cliffs are beautiful (though a bit frightening at times). Maybe someday I can come out and ride along with you. I'm not married so I'll find a cool mountain bike girl and you, your wife, me and she can do a double date for dinner
" this looks like a fun ride and the cliffs are beautiful (though a bit frightening at times). Maybe someday I can come out and ride along with you. I'm not married so I'll find a cool mountain bike girl and you, your wife, me and she can do a double date for dinner 
EddieJ
Well-Known Member
I must admit that I wasn't comfortable with the closeness to the edge of the cliff. You won't see me that near to it.
As for getting the girl. Why not rub salt into the wound!
Of course you would be welcome though.
The worst is yet to come sign was out yesterday, and that is when I realised that I'd taken the wrong turn and was now doing the epic route. They weren't kidding either!
As for getting the girl. Why not rub salt into the wound!
Of course you would be welcome though.
The worst is yet to come sign was out yesterday, and that is when I realised that I'd taken the wrong turn and was now doing the epic route. They weren't kidding either!
Ha! Well, you're the one with a lovely wife and I'm sure she's awesome letting you out to ride all the time. Unless... this is actually your attempt at escape!As for getting the girl. Why not rub salt into the wound!
By the way, what is Wiggle again? Some kind of store or a brand of bike equipment? Seems like they are huge over in the UK with all of these races, very neat.
EddieJ
Well-Known Member
Three more 'decent' photos for you.
I'm not really sure of the best way to describe Wiggle. Probably the most accurate way would be to say that they are an online cycle/accessory shop, that also also happen to run UK 'fun' cycle events, both off road and on road. I'd put them at the top of the game, in that the service cannot be faulted in any way, and certainly from an end user point of view, the company appears to be run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. The staff/helpers that support and run the cycle events, are always happy and helpful, and make the days what they should be, enjoyable and fun.
I'm not really sure of the best way to describe Wiggle. Probably the most accurate way would be to say that they are an online cycle/accessory shop, that also also happen to run UK 'fun' cycle events, both off road and on road. I'd put them at the top of the game, in that the service cannot be faulted in any way, and certainly from an end user point of view, the company appears to be run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. The staff/helpers that support and run the cycle events, are always happy and helpful, and make the days what they should be, enjoyable and fun.
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Those are awesome shots Eddie! I'd love to use another for the homepage but need the wide (almost panorama) to make it work. If you do more races and get pictures like this please ask for zoomed out shots. Whoever took the pics got some nice depth going with the foliage. Beautiful country
EddieJ
Well-Known Member
Only a couple of weeks to go until the next event. (link removed)
This one should prove to be a good one to ride, as it is the first time that the route has been used.
This one should prove to be a good one to ride, as it is the first time that the route has been used.
EddieJ
Well-Known Member
Todays ride, which was supposed be just a short trip for me to suss out some of the ride for the next MTB event, but resulted in me becoming repeatedly lost. Still a nice sunny day for it though.
Ride map 22 miles.
The destination in the distance.
One of several very steep climbs.
The destination.
Beautiful and seemingly remote scenery, and yet not far enough out, to be away from decay and vandalism.
Ride map 22 miles.
The destination in the distance.
One of several very steep climbs.
The destination.
Beautiful and seemingly remote scenery, and yet not far enough out, to be away from decay and vandalism.
EddieJ
Well-Known Member
Oh dear not a good ride.
I set out in the second group of riders, but was quickly past everyone on the first 24 degree climb. I held this position for about two miles, but was then was overtaken, and this is where things went wrong. Someone had either moved the marker signs or they had not been set out properly, and myself and approx. 100 other riders set off to ride an extra 8 miles wrong. 4 miles one way and 4 miles back. Some riders did much further.
This was when the second disaster struck. A lovely snake bite pinch flat that wrecked the rear tube. Next disaster was that my dual fitment pump wasn't! Thankfully someone stopped to help.
The sram three speed rear up gave up at roughly the same time, and that is one design of gear change that is not suited to bumpy fast off road use.
Things started to go okay after this, except for nearly piling into the back of someone at an indicated 28mph! I had got into a bit of a down hill race with another lad, when suddenly we were both on top of a slower rider. How neither of us piled into him I don't know, but it made for some good banter when we got to the bottom.
The next disaster which spelt an end to my day, was two instant pinch flats on a very fast hard packed chalk and flint track. The impact of the flint burst both tubes! The organisers did say that the bike wouldn't make it, and had already advised no cyclo cross bikes.
I was then left with no option, but to take a short cut of approx 6miles back pushing the bike. After 4.5miles, someone kindly stopped and took myself and the bike back to the start.
Right the opinions of the crank drive. The BH with it's discreet look and hub drive, doesn't even raise an eyebrow. I have previously had a couple of friendly "cheating" comments at feed points, but today was very much different.
The organisers didn't seem overly impressed, and I totally lost count of how much abuse and negative comments that I got from seemingly everyone that I passed. Mid drives and their batteries stand out like a sore thumb, but it is the noise that really gives the game away.
Mid drive motors and organised MTB events do not go hand in hand. Shame though, as I was very impressed with it.
Overall distance completed was 28miles, which annoyed me, as it should have been nearer forty with the wrong turn.
I have also been quick to dismiss the Mt2 brakes, as being mediocre. Off road they are outstanding.
In the scheme of things, I still enjoyed the day though.
Photos to follow.
I set out in the second group of riders, but was quickly past everyone on the first 24 degree climb. I held this position for about two miles, but was then was overtaken, and this is where things went wrong. Someone had either moved the marker signs or they had not been set out properly, and myself and approx. 100 other riders set off to ride an extra 8 miles wrong. 4 miles one way and 4 miles back. Some riders did much further.
This was when the second disaster struck. A lovely snake bite pinch flat that wrecked the rear tube. Next disaster was that my dual fitment pump wasn't! Thankfully someone stopped to help.
The sram three speed rear up gave up at roughly the same time, and that is one design of gear change that is not suited to bumpy fast off road use.
Things started to go okay after this, except for nearly piling into the back of someone at an indicated 28mph! I had got into a bit of a down hill race with another lad, when suddenly we were both on top of a slower rider. How neither of us piled into him I don't know, but it made for some good banter when we got to the bottom.
The next disaster which spelt an end to my day, was two instant pinch flats on a very fast hard packed chalk and flint track. The impact of the flint burst both tubes! The organisers did say that the bike wouldn't make it, and had already advised no cyclo cross bikes.
I was then left with no option, but to take a short cut of approx 6miles back pushing the bike. After 4.5miles, someone kindly stopped and took myself and the bike back to the start.
Right the opinions of the crank drive. The BH with it's discreet look and hub drive, doesn't even raise an eyebrow. I have previously had a couple of friendly "cheating" comments at feed points, but today was very much different.
The organisers didn't seem overly impressed, and I totally lost count of how much abuse and negative comments that I got from seemingly everyone that I passed. Mid drives and their batteries stand out like a sore thumb, but it is the noise that really gives the game away.
Mid drive motors and organised MTB events do not go hand in hand. Shame though, as I was very impressed with it.
Overall distance completed was 28miles, which annoyed me, as it should have been nearer forty with the wrong turn.
I have also been quick to dismiss the Mt2 brakes, as being mediocre. Off road they are outstanding.
In the scheme of things, I still enjoyed the day though.
Photos to follow.
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