flattyres mtb routes
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The first of the Oneplanet shop rides proved to be a wintery one with snow and ice on the ground and a
chill in the air, even the sun wasn't out. We were lucky though, as due to even icier conditions the
Llandegla centre had been closed the day before. Despite the cold we still had a good turn out as twelve
brave souls were ready at just after 10am for the ride. Our plans changed slightly for the day. As the going
chill in the air, even the sun wasn't out. We were lucky though, as due to even icier conditions the
Llandegla centre had been closed the day before. Despite the cold we still had a good turn out as twelve
brave souls were ready at just after 10am for the ride. Our plans changed slightly for the day. As the going
would be harder we decided to take in the
Green route and see how that went before
thinking about a lap of the Red. The first
climb proved to be difficult, with a steady
peddling rhythm required so as not to spin
out, and a lot of concentration required to
keep to the one line worn into the snow.
Any deviation meant sliding about, fighting
for grip and traction in attempt to return to
the groove, a battle usually lost very
quickly. The Groovy Tribe were out that
day, also with a big group, which made me
extra glad that Maca was on the back to
keep an eye on not loosing anyone.
Green route and see how that went before
thinking about a lap of the Red. The first
climb proved to be difficult, with a steady
peddling rhythm required so as not to spin
out, and a lot of concentration required to
keep to the one line worn into the snow.
Any deviation meant sliding about, fighting
for grip and traction in attempt to return to
the groove, a battle usually lost very
quickly. The Groovy Tribe were out that
day, also with a big group, which made me
extra glad that Maca was on the back to
keep an eye on not loosing anyone.
| Neal and Mike leading the group up the first climb |
| Sabine and Brenda (below) manage not to get caught out by the tricky conditions |
| Graham and Carl follow up behind |
| Brenda, Annwen and Graham (above), Odette, Carl, Paul, Maca and Mike (right) climb as the track thins down to one groove |
At the top of the big climb we started our first descent. For quite a few
this was their first experience of riding on snow and that feeling of
very little directional control when using the front brake. I think on the
this was their first experience of riding on snow and that feeling of
very little directional control when using the front brake. I think on the
whole most people enjoyed this new
experience. For those who found it not
quite to their liking they appreciated trying
it in the company of others, while on the
more predictable trails of a MTB centre.
After an hour and a half and a few spills
everyone made it back to the Oneplanet
Log Cabin with smiles on their faces, more
than ready for a hot drink.
experience. For those who found it not
quite to their liking they appreciated trying
it in the company of others, while on the
more predictable trails of a MTB centre.
After an hour and a half and a few spills
everyone made it back to the Oneplanet
Log Cabin with smiles on their faces, more
than ready for a hot drink.
| Sabine on her way to cleaning the first climb |
| Annwen heads the group through the 'S' bend |
| Tom getting the back end out on the 'S' bend; Neal (far right) |
| (From left to right) Paul, Tom, Graham, Mike and Emma |
| Negotiating the whoops after the 'S' bend |
| Odette and Maca emerge from the trees |
| Paul finishes a section of singletrack |
| After making it past the hard bits Jim slides out in the last 5m |
| Annwen finishes a section of singletrack |
A decision was made that I would take Paul B and Tom straight out for a lap of the Red route while Maca
took the rest out for a lap of the Blue. All I can say is that Maca made a great call in having us do the Green
route first. Although the Red route was ridable and fun it was hard work and riding the wooden sections
when covered in snow was interesting to say the least. The Black run turned out to be completely clear
which was a nice bonus. After a couple of hours we were back at the Log Cabin ready for another Hot
Chocolate and a change of clothes. Thanks for everyone who turned up and I hope you all enjoyed your
day in the snow.
took the rest out for a lap of the Blue. All I can say is that Maca made a great call in having us do the Green
route first. Although the Red route was ridable and fun it was hard work and riding the wooden sections
when covered in snow was interesting to say the least. The Black run turned out to be completely clear
which was a nice bonus. After a couple of hours we were back at the Log Cabin ready for another Hot
Chocolate and a change of clothes. Thanks for everyone who turned up and I hope you all enjoyed your
day in the snow.
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