Having been stuck in my kitchen for the past few weeks trying to get it sorted, I didn’t get out at all the previous weekend, so was glad when Tuesday came around to have some sunny dusty fun on the Sussex downs. Glorious. Around 25 other Sussex MTBers had the same idea and the dusty trail crew were out in their droves 
crew
It was nice to catch up with some of the old faces; JonB with his broken fingers, Picton James with his eyes & RX7, Bionic Clydiee, Deadly etc.
Pictonroad
After a quick LeeBay transaction with Kim, approximately 25 riders set off after some lushness. The pace was a mild Korma flavour as it always will be with such a large group, and we soon found ourselves gazing over the downs bathed in sweet sunshine.
good times
The route was essentially a big loop heading up to the barn on the SDW, right over to OTF, up to the LT, up to NT, then up to the pub.
There’s always some nice sights to see and above Windlesham was no exception – an absolutely cracking pair rode past on something, not sure what as my eyes were transfixed firstly on the front and then onto the rear. I expect the boat race resembled a bulldog eating a wasp, but I’m happy to think she may have actually been a genuine female which will do. Unfortunately no pics as I could only stare, so here’s one of a cow instead.
cow
Just as the memory of the previous encounter had faded, after blasting down the SDW into the top of the climb above the water tap, we had an almost deadly encounter with yet another fine specimen. This one could crush walnuts for a living, though the boxer dog did have a nicer mush.
Down the steps and a chance to bed the new back brake in, then over the A24 and upto the car park afoot cardiac climb. Curly haired Ellsworth rider man sped off at this point while we waited ages for a puncture to be fixed. A chance to wind Tim up about forks
OTF was pretty good too, apart from me and Tim being stuck behind Kim! First chance we got we got past him and released the brakes a bit and soon hit the bomb hole, which was as good as I remember! A few refusals and Jon B trying to impress but failing, and we soon headed to the bostal climb.
jon b
The climb here is where I’m pleased to note that I beat Kim. The King of the Mountains was well and truly watch me pull away at the top, and I even had enough puff to throw in a pelter! Several snacks were eaten by all – I managed to blag two Lucozade energy sweets, 3 green and one yellow jelly babies, and two of Pete’s Haribo sweets. Ta.
At the top
LT was awesome, even though it was quite dark and my piggy eyes couldn’t see too well, I still managed to pull away from Jim slightly only to be heckled by Hoops for the lower part as he buzzed my back wheel! I need to eat more carrots.
Up the NT climb and the lads having a cheeky BBQ almost were invaded but the bangers weren’t quite ready so we left them to it. The pleasant whiff of dog egg accompanied us all the way through the nature trail which was fast. Up the gay tarmac and a sprint to the pub – between the golf courses is soooo fast it gets the endorphins buzzing nicely just in time for a pub snack and a pint.
darkness falls
Recovery food this week was a large battered sausage and chipps smothered in salt and vinegar. Jon my body is a temple B went home for shreddies his nanna had knit.
Jimbo
Tommo
