I have been quite busy the last couple of weeks mostly working on event planning for my next two events, it’s been quite a bit of work and stress but that’s for another blog.
I have been trying to get out more on my bike and a bit more running again, me and Maxine went to a few new bike parks to play on the bikes.
We went to Aston Hill which is primarily a downhill oriented park not really aimed at beginners but more intermediate to advanced. Fast techy downhill runs that were right on the edge of our ability and confidence level. That was just the red runs and easier sections. Don’t bother with the XC route though as its the rootiest thing on the planet and all uphill!
Next was Danbury woods, I used to ride around here maybe 10 years ago on my old Specialized XC bike but stayed away from drops and jumps. It was quite busy on a Sunday with loads of riders of all ages doing different drops and jumps and various lines through the woods. It’s great fun for an hour or two and free so perfect for a quick blast. So many features for all abilities. I somehow (unintentionally) cleared a very steep table perfectly landing on the downslope, just because I hit it hard enough blind that I could not see the size of the landing. Great little session out.
As a longer ride I went our for a little explore around the area we are currently pitched at with our caravan. Not too far away is Abberton reservoir which supplies this area with fresh water. I cycled out on regular roads to meet the paths and lanes around the reservoir and tried as much as possible to stick to bridleways and smaller lanes and run a lap of the water. It ended up about 50% road though I did find a great little permissive bridleway that cover 4-5 miles of it. Along the way I found a great little old overflow/pumphouse structure that was really cool.
I also went out to Phoenix Cycleworks which is a great little spot for practising skills and jumps. I went there after a run around the Limeburner trail at Thetford Forest with a friend. I went with my mate Brian and his two little kids Darcy and Issac who have new bikes and are wanting to do more stuff. It’s great taking them around teaching them bike stuff.
I have also had a few smaller runs in the local area around the campsite here to try and build my fitness back up again. The bike stuff is much more fun at the moment for me and is easier to motivate for and more physical and upper body/core orientated than people think. I usually have tired shoulders after a good ride.
Make you get out there and have fun, you are a long time dead!
Beard wisdom
