[Closed] Whitwick / Coalville / NW Leicestershire Riders

On a related note I tried to get a t-shirt made with a line-drawing of a well known local landmark and the text "I rides where I likes". Bastards refused to print it because it breached the 'not causing offence' section of the company's terms and conditions. The world's gone **** mad

I bet they'd be a lot less conscientious if one of the large retailers that stock playboy bunny t-shirts for eight year olds came a-knocking, though.

Luckily we can put said world to rights over a couple of pints later.

And to add insult to injury they refused to print the other t-shirt with a crude drawing of a space ship that looked a bit like the Enterprise. Man, how will I ever impress the laydeez now 🙁

I'm in, I'll be the guy no-one recognises...

Looks like it'll be a good turn out. Wonder who's round it is (hides...)

I'm in, I'll be the guy no-one recognises...

You wont be on your own pal, i'm popping my cherry tonight too! I may also have a friend coming. if he can get his bike sorted out in time

You need a rear light daveski, I have a couple of spares?

Crikey, it'll be quite a gang.

Helpful suggestions for them's that haven't ridden with us before (apart from boring stuff like "bring lights & pub money, be on time" etc)... everyone has to be nice to me. I'm allowed to be obnoxious to everyone, especially Scandal for turning up 10 minutes late

I'll be the one in the lycra and the niche bike. (Might not be that niche tonight, I should have gears and suspension this time!)

Hi fin, if you dont mind lending one tonight that would be great thanks 🙂

On way now be about 10 15 mins!

Nice ride tonight people. Perhaps a bit 'mechanical-heavy' for most peoples tastes, but hey if you go chasing strata segments then you make yourself a target for the karma fairy.......

Nice to see some new faces, hope those of you joining us for the first time enjoyed it.

When we were actually riding, it was a good way to spend a Wednesday evening, when we weren't, it was a good chance to unleash some black belt piss taking.

Rounded off with a couple of pints in the Curzon.

For those of you who haven't been before we missed a fair few bits out owing to our unfortunate mechanical issues, so there will be plenty more in store in future.

Thanks a lot for being patient with my fat self tonight, really enjoyed myself (in between dying up the climbs and wimping out of the drops). Will unfortunately not be around the next couple of Wednesdays (family and work), but this gives me a bit of time to get the fitness (and courage) up for next time.

Aye, so fun riding, some not-so-fun milling about waiting for repairs, but it's all good and a even the most disappointing evening on the bike kicks the crap out of an evening on the sofa.

Bob - remind me what that CX bike was (I was listening, honest...)

Hey guys! really enjoyed my "short" ride last night, even if the up hills were a struggle for my fat arse!

I will hopefully make it all the way to the pub next time! if you can be bothered to wait for me! 😉

Jim - are you paying attention?

Its a Cotic X, 56cm, Orange, 105 Groupset, Hope Pro 3 Hubs, Mavic Open Pro rims.

Best do-it all bike on the planet

I am paying attention. Honest.

Er, what fork's on it? And where are you so I can look at it?

Its got steel Cotic forks. I can bring it next wednesday or you can come and have a look at home(Old Dalby) or my work (near Costock)

Good ride again last night, although puncture happy (I'm looking at you Nathan 😀 )

Can't make next Wednesday as me n wife are in Wales for a few days. Looking forward to the Peaks a week on Saturday though, maybe bringing a friend as well if he's welcome.

If it's not too much trouble Bob, chuck it in the van for Wednesday and if we can arrive 10 minutes early it'll give me the chance to kick the tyres, suck air through my teeth and find lots of non-existent faults to complain about

So who's up for a mudbath tomorrow? I'm in

So who's up for a mudbath tomorrow? I'm in

Me too!

Don't give up IT for advertising as a career, though.........

Is it ok if I tag along tomorrow?

Can't normally make it, 7pm start is too early for me with kids and dogs to deal with. But the missus has gone away for a few days so I have free evenings this week.

Of course, as long as you don't mind hanging out with Danny

Is it ok if I tag along tomorrow?

Yes, of course!

7pm Man Within Compass, Whitwick (ready to ride at seven).

See you there.

Nein 😥

Nein

No, Seven.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

There doesn't seem to be a 'dick' icon Danny or I'd be adding it 😆

I'll not be out tonight.. I had my first session with a chiropractor yesterday. I'm feeling quite sore today. He's suggesting at least 6 more sessions (licence to print money), so unlikely I'm be out for a few weeks yet. I'm hoping I can get out to spin my legs in a couple of weeks, depending how the sessions go.
Anyway have a good one tonight gents.

Having been out for a walk to the cob van on the corner, I don't think tonight's ride will be a total mudbath.

It hasn't rained for nearly two full days, the ground was really dry before Monday and it has been warmish and a bit windy for the last couple of days.

I think conditions may well be perfect. Assuming it doesn't rain again before 7.

See you there - confirmed attendees are mrbelowski, supersessions9-2 and myself at the moment - anyone else?

We can also have a chat about Saturday's Peak epic - if you are not there tonight I will post up about it tomorrow to finalise the meet etc.

Yeah, I'm coming. Bob - you up for it? If not we'll have to arrange some other time for me to have a look at this Cotic

Hello, yes I will be out tonight and i have the cx bike in the van. See you all later

Martinshaw woods last night wasn't too bad considering the rain on Monday.

See you later.

I should be there aswell aswell

Apologies for barging in, I have a keen nephew in Coleorton who would be looking to ride with a decent mentor (I am up fairly often, but not seldom on Wednesdays). In the past week he's ridden Red at Swinley and Cannock with me on his Giant XTC, and did pretty well to be honest.

Could someone drop me an email (in profile) about times and dates, and I'll go into a few more details about the circumstances.

Many thanks

TiRed

Mentors? Whilst we're all quite grown up and sensible (some of us even have proper jobs / raised children / marriages, with varying degrees of success) I'm not sure if we'd make good "mentoring material" - the conversation rarely rises above gutter-level and we're horrible to each other. I guess it'll depend on how old he is and what your / his expectations are

I'm off out now for a bash as I'm engaged this evening unfortunately.

If I can make it I might pop up to the pub to clarify plans for Saturday.

He's 11, and I'd need to organize my travel and his social life to attend and get him to rides, but he is keen!

Expectations are just normal XC riding. Banter is also expected - especially when he rides into trees (seemingly slowly and not infrequently!). But he seems keen and I'd like to bring him on. I am only familiar with Hicks Lodge, which is rather tame, and Cannock, as I'm not local.

I'm also looking for something SS and cheap to ride that I can keep in Coleorton, so I don't have to keep dragging my bike around. (Any excuse for another bike, really).

Looking for another bike you say... Hmmm.... (rubs hands). I may be able to assist there if you're 5 foot 10 or under

Looking for another bike you say... Hmmm.... (rubs hands). I may be able to assist there if you're 5 foot 10 or under

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Oi, it's a *quality product* you little turd 8)

On the subject of being 11, most Wednesdays we're riding till nearly 10pm, then we shout at each other in the pub for another hour after that. Now, when I was 11 that wouldn't have been a problem - it'd have been a nice early night and a break from the glue-sniffing & car-stealing, but times have changed (apparently)

5 10[b]1/2[/b] and proud of that half 😉 The prospect of a late evening post ride meet in the pub may be a hard sell to his mother 😉

Drop me a line, I'll ride anything - as long as it isn't too often!

I might come across a bit 'nanny-state' but I'm not that keen on night riding with an unaccompanied 11 year old. If you were to come along yourself and bring him with you, then great. But I wouldn't be comfortable assuming responsibility for him - not necessarily even from a crashing point of view (we have got separated a few times in the dark and only caught up 10-15 minutes later).

Sorry, but 'real-world' considerations make it a bit of a no-go for me.

As above - if you want to come along on a ride and bring him, then great - you are most welcome.

I go on organised rides with a SMBLA qualified instructor sometimes - even though he knows me, knows I won't sue him if I chuck myself off my bike, I still have to sign a form before every ride. It's just the way things are.

Don't worry, I'll be coming along. But I don't make him sign either!

Wont make the boozer now either 😥

Let me know details chaps

I won't be along this week. I can't make it to whitwhick in time.

Right, first things first. Great ride tonight. A really good blast around the Whitwick area, no mechanicals, good riding, and a decent pint at the end.

Reasonable banter as well.

Ok, the arrangements for Saturday are to meet in the big pay and display in Castleton. Basically it is almost all the way through the town (past the sharp left and right bends) and is on the right off of a mini roundabout. We are meeting at 9.00am sharp. Riding by 9-10am. Matt, for your purposes if you aim to get there for 8-30am you'll be about right......

It's going to be a big ride, so bring some grub. Lunch is at Fairholmes, afternoon tea is at the cafe in Edale.

I'm well up for this, and the weather is rumoured to be on our side.

See you there.

Post up in the next couple of days if you are coming.

Cheers for tonight. And apologies again for the overgrown trail choice.

Sat is def not a goer, was confirmed tonight we are going to Shropshire on sat for nephews birthday.

I'll see if I can get out on a weds again soon.

Smashin ride chaps, like Danny said it seemed to flow really nicely (except for all those sodding gates). Roll on Saturday 🙂

Mission accepted, I WILL be there on time!!

*Going to camp in the pay and display on Friday night*

I'm in for Saturday and really looking forward to it, see you there 😀

On an irritating (literally) note, my badly chosen words about being a magnet for horse flies came true last night.

I was sat at work late on this morning and thought "I know that feeling" as the back of my leg started to become very hot, itchy and tight. Little bastards have done me again. If ever there was a case for evolution over creationism, this is it. After all, no god would ever create horse flies.

I've got a few antibiotics left over from the last time, but not as many as I thought, so I'll see if I can get the quack to write me a prescription without seeing me tomorrow.

No impact on the weekend. I will be riding even if it is with some (more) discomfort, so don't worry about that.

Is the general consensus that the M1 via Chesterfield is the best route for tomorrow?

The utter shitfest that is constant 50mph average speed checks had me in doubt.

Yeah, to Chesterfield then A617 through Chesterfield.

Actually, I don't know why I'm answering this question as you've only asked as an elaborate early excuse for being late

How's the leg Danny? Will it need to come off?

Actually, I don't know why I'm answering this question as you've only asked as an elaborate early excuse for being late

😯 How could you even think it

Shocking, isn't it. Anyone would think you have 'previous' as a tardy malingering excuse-filled perennial late-comer

Can't stop daydreaming about going riding tomorrow and today is dragging so badly

You coming Jez?

How's the leg Danny? Will it need to come off?

Leg is a bit bigger than it should be and hurting and itching in equal measure. Not a concern for tomorrow, though. I'm not giving up a pass to mope around and get roped into shopping / DIY / other 'punishment activities'.

I'm popping antibiotics like smarties as well as some anti histamines. Worse things happen at sea.

I think on arrival we should get 'pumped' by doing something like this (check Dallaglio after 1.55):

Or maybe not.....

It's going to be a no show for me. Bruised all down right hand side from my Olympic sumersault dives on Wednesday. Have fun and no pushing the bikes uphill (dan).

I've just set off, see you there.

I've just set off, see you there.

You can start getting psyched now, then.

Stop every ten miles and punch yourself in the face for a bit. Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

Im feeling bruised but extremely psyched, bring on the peaks.

Well, today was the day that the Castleton killer was tamed.

Bob, Jim, Sam, Matt and I met in Castleton at 9am. Matt had got there first, twenty minutes early. Fortunately the smelling salts brought everyone round and off we set, in quite dismal weather. The broken road climb was despatch and we crested the shoulder of Mam Tor. On the following grassy and rutted descent it became evident that no one was quite ready to deal with the first properly slippery riding we had done in a while. I managed to low side myself trying to get out of a rut, but it was onto wet grass, so the bike and I just went sledging for about 3 metres. No rocks involved.

We then tackled the also rutted grassy descent to back Tor bridge. Again there were sketchy moments aplenty, but all arrived safely. I then contributed the first mechanical of the day as my headset started to bind (quite dangerous that). It got sorted in the end, but I think the lower bearing needs replacing. On one smoothies are gash it has been decided.

We climbed Jaggers Clough, dropped to the stream and climbed steeply out again. Sam and Bob showed a clean pair of heels up here. Matt and Jim both gave it a decent go. I gave it a go. This brought us to the top of the Beast. Not before I contributed another semi mechanical with a loose lock on grip. The beast didn't have its teeth out today we decided. Everyone descended at a good pace despite the rocks looking a little 'green'. We now pushed up Hagg Farm to Lockerbrook. Again a really good descent with everyone riding it well. Now Bob got in on the mechanical act with a tubeless tyre issue. Cue much joking about hands covered in jizz etc.

Lunch at Fairholmes followed. The. The climb up from Bridge End which saw some very good stamina and skill from everoyone except me (I showed a bit of brute force and stubbornness, but still didn't get to the top feet up. Now onto the Hagg Farm switchbacks, which were owed one from earlier. Sam generously held open the midway gate to give everyone else a continuous run. This was probably the best descent of the day from my point of view, finally getting a rhythm and speed going. Again we all blasted down, no worries. Across Snake Pass and onto the climb to Wooller Knoll.

The climb was dispatched with ease by most of the group (ahem) and we dropped to the Roman Road, disappointed at having to pedal all but the steepest bits as the wind was quite strong for August. We then rode down the Roman Road to Hope with another extended mechanical, from Sam this time, but involving tubeless tyres again. Cue much joking about hands covered in jizz (we are nothing if not predictable). A depressing road section to Edale followed into a headwind. There was some roadie style jockeying, but we made it for a cafe stop. Matt surprised everyone for the second time today by emerging with a full cream tea.

Off up to Hollins for the last time. The bikes were making some fairly sub-optimal noises by now. Everyone got to the top in one piece, but it was a bridge too far for me as I pushed up the majority of it. Now for the final descent down the 'back' bridleway into Castleton. A very interesting bit of trail, some more ruts to cause some dicey moments, and a big drop at one point that my now addled brain could not compute. I just hit the anchors and spoilt that bit for Matt and Jim who were behind. Through the gate into the rocky bit I had another brain fart and just gave up trying to control my bike for some reason. I parked the front wheel up the bank on the right and laid down for a rest, causing Jim to stop again. Still, all down safe and off to Castleton for some good pint(s) and average chips.

The only one to escape the mechanical fairy was Matt (I can't remember what Jims bike did).

A great day out, big thanks to the lads for making it and having a laugh along the way. Cheers to Bob for driving, I could barely keep my eyes open on the way back, so driving would have been a chore to say the least.

See you Wednesday evening 7pm Woodhouse Eaves village car park.

Completely agree Dan and massive thanks for organising and route planning. Was a top day out with what felt like at least 3 of the 4 seasons, great riding and top banter. Legs are shot now 😀

Just for the record, in case anyone give a shit, we managed 23.32miles with 1,308m of climbing.

1,308m.

I've established over the last few years that 1,400m is about my limit for one day (in comfort, at least). 92 metres from meltdown.

Thanks Danny, great write up as usual, always look forward to it.

Just back from the bbq, which was an absolute pile of steaming spaff, even compared with the final climb to hollins cross with cream tea filled legs.

Cant wait for the next away day, cheers for a cracking day on the bike chaps.

Yip, a fantastic day's riding and a great laugh too, really really enjoyed that gents. Thanks for all the organising Danny.

Now to work out if i can unstick that sodding piston, and order some drivetrain bits 😯

Yep, new headset required for me as well, I think. I'm going to use the last spare bearing to keep this crappy one going until I can get a quality unit ordered and put in.

Great day out, made by the enjoyable route, group banter and the sun finally coming out.

Today seems to of become a bike maintenance day, I'd hate to have a mechanical on Wednesday!

Jim - I have e-mailed you ref the Cotic

Great, thanks Bob. I put the bike in the garage last night and haven't been back to it - dread to think what state it's in now

Right, how many of you horrible lot are out tonight?

I'll be there - Woodhouse Eaves Car Park 7pm R.T.R.

Anyone else coming to top up their awesome after Saturday (or bathe in some reflected awesomeness if you weren't there)?

I think I'll be there. I've got a cold / chest infection and am hocking up some gnarley docker's omelettes at the moment (tastes like Gruyère cheese) so it depends on how sketchy I'm feeling.

Bob - if I don't survive the day you can keep the bike. If I do survive the day but am too ill to ride I'll give you a buzz and pop over in the car to the pub, so still bring it along please

Hello, i will be there.

Jim - your bike is in the van ready.

Did the money show up? I have instructed my agent to sent it forthwith by Western Union for your receiving pleasure good sir and god willing you will kindly receive it thankyouplease and we can continue our great friendship

Rev Belowski

I shall be there to top up what little awesome I have!

A mate of mine is coming along as well, he'll be on an even more niche bike than me!

As long as he has some air in his tyres and a working pump, we'll all get along fine