A Tuesday Night Soaking

“Tuesday.  6pm.  Decision time; sit in with some rubbish TV or get out and ride the bike in the snow?”

“What state are the trails in?  Icy as hell?  Slippy?  Might be grippier away from the main access points?  With Maxxis Ardents you’re being optimistic mate!!  These conditions will grind components to a paste, but bottom bracket’s on the way out anyway [note to self: make use of club  member 10% discount and buy new bottom bracket from Alpine].  Although, it would be my first night ride in the snow this season so could be fun and it might look nice?  Wonder who else will be out?  I’ll miss the banter if I sit at home.  And what if it clears up and turns out a nice night, you’ll just kick yourself.  And you’ve not been out on the bike since Mabie so you need the exercise.  Man Up!!  It’s character building!”

This is what the 3 other hardy souls that I met in the car park must’ve thought (maybe).  I joined Robin and new faces Ross & Jack for the ride.  Keeping to the main trails, we headed out the Westie up to girders before heading up to Drumclog car park and a very soft Snakey.  As was the case last year the heavily used trails near car parks were compacted, icy snow made more slippery with a layer of rain/meltwater.  The main trails heading up to the visitor centre were much deeper snow and provided better grip and a bit of a laugh.  The deep snow covered trail over top moor to the forest looked inviting and the weather seemed to be holding so we made tracks in that direction and had a few nervous moments as the grip was intermittant.  A short section of forest followed before getting back to the fireroad and making our way to descend Rosies.  After a short loop of Carbeth the rain started to get heavy and that was game over.  With the snow rapidly turning to slush along the Westie and the Goretex shoes/Sealskinz combo giving up any resistance it was a miserable ride back to town – at one point, just past Staney Brig, Ross took a tumble, getting caught out by a hard packed path that had mutated into deep mud.  Approaching Milnagvie again the paths returned to the icy base/slushy surface mix so it was a case of ride carefully and avoid sharp turns.  We made it back safe and sound despite the soaking and the frozen, waterlogged shoes.  The reward?  A wee sense of achievement after braving the elements and a dose of camaradarie shared with 3 other intrepid hard men/fools (delete as applicable).

Anway, enough of my exploits – how was your telly last night?  😉