Without a doubt better than working. And I'm sure the guilt of doing no work on a weekday and spending a load of money I can barely afford will subside in time. Despite starting the day in the dark by dropping my bike off a frost encrusted plank in a frenzied attempt to get it on the back of the pickup for the first time, the long drive, both there and back, and half a day with freezing feet, that was one of the best days trail riding I've had in a while. Lots of long rocky climbs, lots and lots of water, thankfully none of it coming from above, no walkers and minimal horses and gates, and a guide who knew the way with mnimal tossing about getting lost. And a bacon sandwich thrown in. Only one word for it - brilliant!! Apart from all of that, the icing on the cake was most definatley Seal Skin merino lined waterproof socks!! Leaky boots, loads of water and a very cold day are a perfect recipe for frozen feet - mine were actually getting painful by the time we stopped for lunch. Twenty odd quid in Mole Valley Farmers, plus 5 minutes in the loo with my feet under the warm air hand drier, and they were warm as toast and as dry a nuns wotsit! Made the rest of the day an absolute pleasure. I'd recommend them to anyone, apart from Jim cos he got a pair at the same time!!!
Nice one Jim - thanks from all of us for a spectacular day.
Hi Jim, I second, third and fourth Tim's comments. Thanks for a fabulous day out and I cannot believe that you haven't led before ( except maybe the Honourable TTRfan), 'cos from the 4th riding position it was seamless. The only upsetting part of it was the number of badgers I was chasing, sometimes, it seemed, right into the sett.. Wet, slippery, rocky,muddy, a bit cold, what else could a trail rider wish for?. Thanks again Jim, I hope we'll be welcome up there again when my wounds have healed and the bike is mended. Bob.
Sorry, I forgot to say... Great report and pics Andy, I'm just grateful that you were riding in front of me so you didn't have to use all the memory in your camera taking pics of me closely inspecting the undergrowth and the granite...OUCH.
Hey Jimbo what a brilliant days trail riding you gave us yesterday. Thanks mate. Being TEC for the day had its own rewards, Witnessed some very interesting lines being taken through the vast puddles and up and down the trickier rocky climbs. Bob looked spectacular from behind, weaving his way along the muddier sections ' feet up' bike heading in the opposite direction of his front wheel. Highlight of the day for me was having dry feet all day 'good old Morrisons bags' Not forgetting the great grub and sock stop. Roast Pork with apple sauce in a bap, side serving of roast potatoes and a nice hot cup of coffee, bloody great on a chilly day. Poor old Fixer having to fix his puncture in the freezing cold, while we were forced to fill our faces with hot food and drinks, Warms my heart just thinking about it. Really appreciated the use of your garage and the nice hot pot of tea before we left. Top day with top blokes, thanks everyone. Mustn't forget to thank Bob for getting me there, cheers mate. Tow bar for the car has just taken a step backwards, bloody washing machine needs replacing.
Looking forward to doing it all again soon.
Great report and photo's Andy, Well done mate.
Not a single word about Badgers Bob. Well here goes. Bob and Badgers ------------------No, it'll take to long
