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Post by manuel6b on Jan 23, 2014 11:13:38 GMT 1
I'm heading down the tow path again tonight. Meeting 6:45 pm at the back of the Lisburn Civic Centre. Set off at 7pm. 2 hours of MTB fun  Just one confirmed so far to join me. |
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Post by manuel6b on Jan 24, 2014 16:09:37 GMT 1
Just 3 of us out last night. Graham, Garry and me. We set at off at 7 pm on a cold but dry evening, little wind. Graham and I were on the front. We rounded a corner and Graham went through a pile of dog deposit. Yuck! Not long after Graham had to stop to fix a puncture (front tyre). It was still covered at this stage so he had to work gingerly. Garry and I just let him work away without assistance! I had said inwardly that I was wanting to get one tow path run without a puncture but it seems this was not going to happen this week.
Anyway, off we went again, over the footbridge and onto the Ring. The pace was strong. As all 3 of us were going strong there was little time wasted at gates etc. Garry was pushing hard and got to the Ring first, well ahead of the rest of us. We then lined up for the traditional sprint across. Garry shouted 'Go' but it was Graham who got the nose out first. I chased hard and managed to pass him half way across. A win! Boy that got the heart going!
On down and back to Minnowburn. No hanging around we went striaght for the trees. I got dropped off the back of the two climbers. They slowed to let me catch up. I then nipped ahead of them to try to get up the first loop climb but they caught me. Around the loop and headed for Vomit Hill. Again I set off first but was caught before the start of the climb. Garry got the jump with Graham on his wheel. No waiting in the car park. Straight on around the loop. I lead the other two around but they were passing me on all the climbs. Back to the car park, no waiting, straight down and back to the tow path.
Pushed on for Shaw's bridge. Straight through the gate, turned and started to climb up Cardiac Hill. Garry was well clear but had to hang around the shadow men before Graham and I caught up. Around the trail and then up to the trail head at Mary Peters. Headed then for Lady Dixon. Through it quickly, back down to the tow path and pushed for home.
The pace was kept high. Garry was sitting behing Graham and "resting" until we got to Hilden. Graham then got Garry to the front. The pace was strong but didn't lift when we hit "sprinter's bridge". Garry and I just rode on side by side not looking at each other, just listening for gear changes. Graham was pinned in behind. As we neared the Civic Centre Graham shouted "someone go". Garry and I had been waiting for Graham and his 29er to dive past us but since that didn't happen I waited for Garry to make a move and then I took off. Got there first....just.
A great night out on the path. Stayed dry. Fast pace. Little waiting. Back for 9 pm.
We had seen a number of other groups of MTBers out.
For the nature lovers last night's count was 3 swans, 1 rabbit, 1 mouse and 1 white cat.
Roll on next Thursday.
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