Muddy@rse Ride 18th November 06

Today saw the second Muddy@rse MTB ride, this one taking place in Friston Forest and the surrounding South Downs hills. Great fun was had by all on a very relaxed and sociable event.

We started from the main carpark near the visitor centre and headed north along the main track parallel to the road towards Alfriston, this was an ideal muscle-warmer. The road turns right into the forest, we regrouped at the bottom of the large chute and turned left for the slog of a climb up to the bomb holes. This climb was a taster of what was to come, thick gloppy mud that stuck to all bike parts and covered everyone in a veneer of trail. From the bomb hole we followed the 'Technical Trail' back down the hill via a short section of sweet slippery singletrack. Emerging on the main track we turned right and then left to drop down, cross the gravel road and climb up the other side. It was during this section we 'lost' half the group, a couple of scouts were dispatched and after a short delay we all linked up further down the gravel road. The climb through the forest to the A259 above East Dean was very muddy and slippery; however instead of worried looks and tentative riding everyone was enjoying the relaxed pace and sliding off the trail into the undergrowth held no fear just a source of more laughs. A quick zip past the carpark on the road to Crowlink and then over Went Hill brought us to the Tea Rooms at Birling Gap, the perfect setting for replenishing food and drink. At this point we had to cut short due to 'home' commitments and headed back through the forest. No doubt the others enjoyed their extened run.

An excellent day out riding with a group of people who were sociable and relaxed. The riding was steady but in no way too fast, and there were no heros out to impress. If you fancy a ride (not a race) at a steady pace where no-one will get left behind and eveyone is relaxed and friendly we highly recommend the next Muddy@arse Ride. Many thanks to Lisa for arranging and Grant for leading.