Bolsover & District Cycling Club

After a bit of bike carrier shuffling at MBS's house we set off for Cannock. MBS, Big Kev, Mik Shields (rides with Nonna's in Sheff) and myself were looking forward to pristine weather and a great ride. My back was playing up from X box kinetic the night before but strong painkillers and excitment got me to the start line.

We geared up quickly and set off as MBS was on a tight time scale. From the off it was a bit skittish under the tyres (well thats what me and MBS thought). The compacted cobbly single track and cold conditions did not suit our tyres.

MBS let some air out but I stuck with it as I always seem to get pinch punctures if I run lower pressure.Things went smoothly until the first black option (the one Conor knows all about) Mik and Kev rode it well but MBS and I wimped out. (MBS has not been riding much and I am just a wuss) The next black option saw Kev off and a broken rear mudguard, but no damage to him so on we went.

After the upper cliff descent we headed round to the downhill park which took a bit of finding but we soon arrived. MBS got a flat and started trying to find the puncture but we were chomping at the bit so he stuck a new tube in and we started down one of the easier black runs. This was ok and most of the obstacles were rollable but it was rutted and fast. We then decided to show all the schoolies with full face helmets and downhiil rigs what xc bikes are good for as we rode back up the push up track.

We then headed down the red route which was great. Kev and Mik crashed out at the double jump with Mik almost pulling off the perfect front wheelie until he got deposited on the bank. MBS lost it a bit lower down while my slightly more cautious approach saw me down safely.

We then rode back to the xc trail and rejoined where we left off with the climb to lower cliff descent. This descent is great fun, swoopy and fast. I nearly lost my front end on some loose gravel but managed to stay with it, whereas MBS lost it and ended up with a front wheel like a taco. No damage to him just a long walk home. ( or so he thought!) Big Kev the vice managed with his bear like strength to straighten the wheel enough so it would turn and clear the forks.

MBS then gingerly set off with a wobbly wheel tpo try and make it back to the car park. He did pretty well eventually peeling off onto the blue route and a bit of tarmac and made it back about 5 minutes after the rest of us.

All in all it was a great ride. The downhill park justifies a bit more time, but maybe midweek when the school kids aren't there showing up the oldies.