Leith Hill 26th June 2014

A bumper crop of riders saw us nearly into double figures, with 2 Neils joining us for the first time this year.

Neil Davies who did the extended ride as we arrived early and Neil McBain who was probably very glad he didn't.

Video by Mark



Leith Hill 14th June 2014 1.mp4 from mark holttum on Vimeo.

Words and Photos by Bill

Cannock Chase 22nd June 2014

Thanks to an invite from Paul, I was back at Cannock Chase again this weekend.

It appears that summer has started properly now as it was absolutely sweltering, but I won't complain.

After a day of discussion yesterday regarding the start time, it was decided that an 8.45am start would be suitable for all. A screw in Paul's tyre meant that we started a little later. There was one bail out (I won't take the mickey, as I don't know Mark, I'll let the rest of you do that), so only 4 of us - Russell, Steve, Paul and me.

Not a great start to the ride with Paul finding out that his gear lever had snapped off, giving him only only 3 gears. The gear ratio was adjusted to give some chance of climbing and descending and all in all it worked (albeit rather hard work). Squeaky / binding brakes and a front quick release that kept undoing itself also caused some issues, as did the need to run the seat at a less than ideal height to get through the technical bits. Details on the cheap dropper post HERE  

Cracking fun and only minor blood shedding between us.

I'm back in September on a singlespeed, so the 3 gear bike seems to be a luxury.





140622 Cannock Chase.mp4 from mark holttum on Vimeo.

Bedgebury 18th June 2014

First trip to Bedgebury for some time and only the second for me in daylight.

A very  busy layby caused a few issues, but we all squeezed in.

Video

140618 Bedgebury.mp4 from mark holttum on Vimeo.

Bill's Photos and Report

Pitch Hill 12th June 2014

Good to welcome back Helen who hadn't been out this year.


DIY designer shorts

Has this bike been washed since last time?

At the top of Pitch Hill

140612 Pitch Hill.mp4 from mark holttum on Vimeo.





Look forward to seeing Greg's bike after the mega service he has booked.

Kits Coty 5th June 2014 - The Magnificent Seven

Yes, seven of us made it to the start outside Peter's house. Peter was off riding road bikes though, so he didn't join us.

Photos and words by Bill.

140605 Kits Coty.mp4 from mark holttum on Vimeo.

Leith Hill 29th May 2014

The half term lack of traffic meant that everyone managed to get to the car park before 6.30pm although this also meant that Greg didn't get the chance to get changed whilst stuck in traffic.


Derek was running on high octane imitation Red Bull, which he was having trouble keeping from exploding out of the bottle, not sure if his wife was trying to give him wings or blow him up!

After an extended faffing session due to Greg having to put all the bits back on his bike that he removed to wash it (yes you did read that correctly). I managed a reasonable wheelie across the car park and encouraged by this I tied another one, this one much higher and....well, much shorter as I promptly flipped the bike and landed on my back.

Typically I had forgotten to put on the thin elbow pads I have been wearing recently, so first blood went to me before the ride even started.

Not the last off during the ride as the video shows

Just reaching the top at the tower

Obligatory team shot

Nearing the end of the long climb back to the tower after the fun of the decent

Despite getting within sight of the tower again before heading down on the twiddly bits, Greg felt cheated that we didn't go all the way to the top. So whilst we packed our bikes away, Greg ride back to the top again (before getting slightly lost in the return)



140529 Leith Hill.mp4 from mark holttum on Vimeo.