So for our first proper ride back after the Alps we decided to grab some friends and head to Chicksands for the day. The weather was great for riding, sunny but with a nice breeze, so we thought that the trails would be packed, but we were very wrong. It was the quietest we had ever seen it. Which was great as it meant that we were able to explore and session each section as and when we felt like it.

So after several brownies and flapjacks we were really getting into it. Andy did the log jump on the down hill section – which was great – although he makes everything look so easy, it makes you believe you can give it a try!

I decided to practice my jumps so sessioned the dual slalom whilst Dan and Andy went to explore. The first few runs were very sketchy – every jump was really nose heavy and I was beginning to believe that I was just not made to lift my bike wheels off of the ground. Getting some advice from Andy meant that I knew the theory – but just didn’t seem to be able to put it into practice. Keep thinking weightless thoughts, is what I kept repeating to myself but after a few more nose heavy runs – I realized that I was no Tinkerbell or Peter pan.

Having decided that I may not be jump material, I carried on down the dual slalom. Now the problem I seem to be having since returning from the Alps is controlling my speed. Everything feels really tame – the course at Chicksands that was once scary – now seems to be very short and there is no way that I am going to be able to reach 40 miles an hour down it! So I found myself letting the brakes off on the dual slalom trying to make myself go faster and faster.

Eventually some ingrained knowledge most have clicked into place and I suddenly realized that I knew what I needed to do to get my wheels off of the ground. Now we are not talking some giant air here – just a foot or so, but to realize that I was not landing front heavy was a great feeling. So a few great runs later – when I thought I was starting to get much better, I asked Andy to see if I was actually getting in the air by much. However, I managed to walk to the top of the dual slalom course and got talked into having a race with one of the regular riders.

I am not sure what part of my brain decided this was a good idea– but I decided to give it a go anyway. So we set off and I was flying I was actually going slower than I had done all day – it felt like my jumps were really smooth, and I was well in front. Until disaster struck! (if this was some horror movie this would be the time to tell the person not to go into the haunted house!)

I let out the brakes and rounded the berm, however being on the side of the trail which I hadn’t run all day, I misjudged both the speed and dryness of the soil. So my front wheel slid out and I hurtled towards the ground. There was no elegance to my fall and it sounded as if I was a sack of potatoes as I hit the ground, the air whooshed out of my lungs, and my hip took the weight of my fall. But on a plus note – Andy was right beside me to pick up my bike and me from the trail.

Having a sore hip didn’t stop us riding though and it meant that I was able to get some great pictures of Dan and Andy riding the courses. However a day on, and my hip is blue and my ribs ache – not sure there will be any Sunday riding for me today!

Distance Cycled : Unknown
Time : As long as our wet skin could take
Top Speed : Unknown (I’m guessing really fast!)
Ave Speed : Unknown
Weather : Wet
Temp : 10 - 12°C
Trail Conditions : Wet and muddy

Firstly I had better start my blog with a confession – I have been slack! After a few people pointing out the lack of blog entries recently (and I thought no-one was reading these!), I thought I had better admit that although I have been riding I have failed to write my blog for several weeks. Although I am sure that I could come up with some valid excuses, like the dog ate it etc, I had better admit that I have been out enjoying trails and not informing others of this enjoyment. So for the people who have nagged at me – be prepared for renewed ramblings!

Today saw us visiting Chicksands, and although I have not mentioned it, this is our third visit in the last few weeks. There is simply so much to say about Chicksands but for anyone wanting me to sum it up, it is awesome –even the thought of going encourages a smile to be plastered on my face for days at a time. There is so much to do at Chicksands, you can’t help but be impressed. There is a cross country section, jumps, dual slalom, 4x, and North Shore areas.

Today we were going to session my favourite section – the dual slalom – however, the weather thought that it would test our mountain biking mettle and decided to rain all day. Being the dedicated riders that we are, Dan Andy and I headed out anyway. By the time we had arrived and set up the bikes – it was raining steadily, so after a few slow runs of the slalom we decided to head to the North shore area and play about on the jumps, and the fun trails that led to them.

Andy completely aced a 6 foot ladder drop in the North shore area, and the antics of other riders caused much amusement and friendly banter – for those of us not yet blessed with the courage to try these daunting jumps!
I managed to get a small jump on one of the downhill sections, that left me with the hope that I will be able to join in some of the bigger jumps later on in the year.

As the day progressed we get more and more wet, and the bikes more and more muddy. One point to note is that my women specific Speciallised saddle seems to retain loads of water – half way through the day my shorts where more wet than everyone else. After washing the bikes this evening Andy also commented on the water retention of my saddle – so ladies be warned you are getting extra comfort, but at a cost!

Distance Cycled : 8.21miles
Time : 1 hr 08 mins 39 seconds
Top Speed : 23.9 Mph
Ave Speed : 7.1 Mph
Average Heart Rate 139
Kcal burnt: 379 at 45% Fat burn
Weather : Evening sun with patchy cloud
Temp : 7-9°C
Trail Conditions : Dry with muddy patches

Tonight we decided to go exploring. So armed with bikes, water and no sense of direction (on my part) we set off. We decided to try and find an alternative route that we are able to do in the evenings, so instead of heading for the downs we decided that Epsom and Ashtead common were our intended routes. Having lived in Epsom for a number of years, I was surprised to learn of such a place as Epsom common, or the fact that it is the home to two lakes / big ponds (delete as appropriate!) Not only was I unaware of the existence of such a place, I was also unaware of the fact that Epsom Common is actually quite big. We managed to easily do 8 miles, winding our way through trees and trying to avoid running over Canadian Geese. Which in case you are interested do not run / waddle away when two approaching bikes come haring along the path. It was a completely different ride tonight, very leisurely with us able to admire the wildlife and chat the whole way round. The path took us to some great looking trees, which not only deserve a mention but are worthy of a second trip just to take some pictures. The bluebells are also peering through the ground and hopefully it won’t be long until we are able to ride with bluebells bordering our night path. A truly beautiful little place right on our doorstop – I was thrilled, and now I am planning a second trip tomorrow night just to take some pictures!

Distance Cycled : 9.08miles
Time : 1 hr 00 mins 39 seconds
Top Speed : 29.4 Mph
Ave Speed : 8.9 Mph
Average Heart Rate 152
Kcal burnt: 368 at 36% Fat burn
Weather : Evening sun with patchy cloud
Temp : 7-9°C
Trail Conditions : Dry

You know when you are typically British, when you BBQ in the rain, and when you decide that because it is officially British summertime you must wear shorts. This is precisely what I did tonight – with careless regard for the ice on my car this morning, I returned from work tonight and donned my shorts. Off we went on a loop of the downs (thought that a short ride would be best as Andy has done about thirty miles today!). The ride was great as usual, although ploughing down the hills at nigh on thirty miles an hour, isn’t good for the cold short clad legs! I don’t know where the notion for the short wearing has occurred but really I need to reconsider, just because the sun is shinning does not make it warm! So now I am embracing the British spirit of things, and having a well deserved cup of tea and a biscuit.

Distance Cycled : 12.22miles
Time : 1 hr 34 mins 48 seconds
Top Speed : 24.0 Mph
Ave Speed : 7.7 Mph
Average Heart Rate 143
Kcal burnt: 550 at 42% Fat burn
Weather : Evening sun with patchy cloud
Temp : 7-9°C
Trail Conditions : Dry with muddy patches

Nothing of importance to note tonight, another great ride, but no toad spotting or puncture fairy sighting. So instead a few points I noted from my ride instead. Firstly, why is that on every ride (no matter what distance) I get a runny nose! Even if I was to take my bike to the end of the road I would have a runny nose. Now this doesn't occur before I get on the bike, so why is it that on every ride, my nose starts running?

Now I would feel that the explanation could be weather related if this phenomenon only occurred whilst out in the winter, but it doesn’t. Consequentially because of the runny nose, I ride most of the routes with my mouth open. Which leads to me chewing on a mouth full of mud on most roads (well I desperately hope its just mud anyway!) So my last point is does anyone know the calorific value of mud, my belief is that it would depend on the chalk content, grit composition etc? Also after this mud intake why do I get home and still feel as if I could eat everything in the house. Answers on a postcard please!