Hardy bunch

What a way to get the Thursday evening rides of 2010 into full swing.

Despite the weather 3 hardy folks met for the regular Thursday evening ride, heading out of the carpark we got a taste of what was to come. The usual climb to the tree-line was impassable due to thick virgin snow that despite our best efforts proved impossible to ride through. A short cut across the playing fields was equally tough but at least we had a little bit of gravity on our side. The tarmac road climb was awkward but doable and we arrived at Upper Lodges.

We turned right with the intention of doing the twisty and rooty singletrack, our first big mistake, the fireroad was impassable and we ended up pushing to the top. The snow on the singletrack was completely undisturbed and had drifted against the trees and roots. In we went to be greeted by hub deep snow drifts at every tree. We persevered but after 1/4 of the way down opted for the fireroad.

The long fireroad to the main carpark off Coldean Lane was reduced to a 1′ wide trampled path with deep snow on either side.  Branches weighed down by the snow were hanging completely across the trail, the photo was taken on the main fireroad. It was surreal and we commented that it reminded us of the first book in the Narnia adventures. We each had a few off’s but Matt’s over the bars into a drift scored the highest points!

We headed into the main drag of singletrack and made our way down, the route was almost impossible to follow as the snow was completely undisturbed. We came across a fallen tree that used to link one of the first trails we made in Stanmer, undeterred we all safely went over it. The usually mega fast singletrack following the small camp area was a great fun and any speed resulted in a getting dumped into the snow.

We all wanted to hit the snow drifts on the grassy hill. Without stopping we came out of the trees and straight down it, unbelievably there were some middle aged men playing on a sledges! Not sure what they thought of us as we blatted down the hill through hub deep virgin snow.

Not many miles but it was brilliant fun. A great way to kick-off Thursday rides in 2010.

Be there and join the fun or be lardy!