Tired legs meant this mornings ride was a bit of a random bimble around Red Rice, Kentboro and Monxton. 30km in one hour and thirty six minutes. Nothing of note was seen.
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The annual Dorset Rough Riders Mountain Bike event was located at Okeford Fitzpaine. There were two routes to choose from: the Epic at 36 Miles and the shorter 'Lite' version of 20 Miles. It proved to be an eventful day which ended with me pushing the bike the last two miles to the finish, but enough of that later. On arrival at Okeford Fitzpaine, I signed in and received a numbered copy of the route map, which had in addition to the not only the map but comprehensive route notes, which would supplement the numerous route signs. The route signs proved to be problematic in their placing and we had to refer to the route notes as we went along. As this was a none timed ride, you could start when ready, so I signed out and cycled off towards the large Iron Age Fort of Hambledon Hill. The long climb up to the summit of Hambledon Hill was a taste of what was to come with a series of long steep climbs and fast event descents. Once on the top of Hambledon Hill we got a great view of the local area. We then dropped down the north west side of Hambledon Hill and here we came to the first route issue and ended up dropping out onto a country lane in the opposite direction of were we should be going. It appeared I wasn't the only one would had the issue, so after consulting the map we rode back towards the route and rejoined it a little further to the east. This wouldn't be the first time that the signage caused issues. So a mixture of country lanes and bridle paths got us to Irwene Minister and the start of another long climb up Tower Hill, once we got to the top, it was off downthe back of the hill on a very steep greasy descent to a gate, and then onto a gravel track which soon deteriorated into a very muddy track, which seemed to be pretty constant once we got into any of the woodland. The new tyres -Ritchey Z-Max Evolution proved to cope just about with the mud, and was there alot of mud!!! the mud caused the climbs to be rather hard work and the descents rather entertaining. The water stop was well supplied in water and jelly babies. Of particular note was the bridleway named 'Smuggler's lane' which towards the end where it dropped out onto the A350 was rather flinty, a change in character which would remain for the rest of the off road sections. Past Hod Hill, another hill fort in the area. The final climb and descent was over Shillingbourne Hill, At this point we where having issues with the rear wheel - the cone and cup bearing's had come loose, also we had a slow puncture. So after the last descent we ended up walking to the finish and cake and tea. I arrived back just as the rain came down, from half way around the route the weather had begun to deteriorate with the wind getting up and the cloud coming down to completely obliterate the views. So all in all a rather eventful ride, but it was great to see another part of the country and what it has to offer. On return I signed back in and was presented with an event T-shirt. Chatting i found out that the router had been planned by someone with an E-Bike, which would explain the ups. As always you could hear the humming approach of the E-bikes on the climbs and the riders passed you by with a nod and a wink.... |
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January 2023
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