Following last weeks cracking spin I was reduced to my old hardtail , the one I took to the trans alp in 2002 when Mr Power and Mr Hull were still in nappies . In those days it had a generous 80 mm travel on the forks , how managed I do not know , every bone in my body shaken . It did climb well however and I was able to keep in touch with the usual Power v Hull climbfest on Castle bog . Straight home and up the road to annoy Aidan in Greenbikes , just need lotto to come up now.

Joined by newbie Paul this week who got it tough on the initial climb to Fallow , out to Ford and dropping to road and Batts wall , He departed here but will hopefully return when epo kicks in 😉

This mornings forecast was inclement although that did not stop our hardy Scotsman doing castle bog , Hootsmon to him . Kenny was out trying not to let Emma wreck her Da’s rally car, Tim had a feeble excuse , Mr Power had none that we know of .

I had an attack of hydrophobia and joined the Rossi at 2. The cycle stated with a lot of crying about the route ,in which choice I took no part . Francis was less than happy but
aceeded to Sallys yard , although he was nowhere to be found at the second gate .

Ronan was getting it tight and I was nearly sent home for the defib , methinks this off piste might be a one off for him .

Brendan , John (G) and John (MCG) made up the merry band as we enjoyed the sun on the climb to the mast , then down to Gully which was at its slippiest , Fallow corner , Up tunnel road and into the trails . Home by black runs . A road spin threatened tomorrow.

Route

In which John Falls off , I fall off.. on John , Sandras Bike fails the Chameleon test , Kenny wants more and Liz wants less.

Through the Bush telegraph Kenny had arranged a rendezvous with the Wilsons and a few others at whatever the Sportsman is called now.
Michaels route as advertised looked byzantine to say the least however it would have been rude to complain.Not that that would usually stop me . There was a slight feeling that payback was being had for climbs inflicted on our home territory . It was indeed a climb fest . Up somebodies G-String , Down various canyons , so many names I couldn’t keep up either literally or figuratively.
Thankfully Sandra had been appointed as sweeper and did a fine job looking after us tardy ones .Meanwhile at the front Michael , Kenny and Cormac did their best to kill each other .
Back to base for soup etc , a great day out soon to be repeated i hope . Muchas Gracias to the Wilsons.