Tow path 1 Dec 2011

[manuel6b]

A dry, still evening but definitely getting cold now. 5^oC.

I went down to meet the lads heading out but I wasn't joining them. I have my right calf strapped up and instruction from my physio to stay off the bike for a week.

Team The Losers had reformed to get some training in for the next trail quest (Alan, Dennis and Stewart). Martin McA was out again (the lad's granny had died this time last week). Gibson C was not out this week as he had just had an arrival in his house, first child, boy, arrived last Sunday.

We had a new face this week, another Phoenix man, Wesley who was there on recommendation from Torchy who could not make it.

They all set off just after 7 pm. Hopefully Stewart will put up a report of their adventures (although Dennis was talking about just doing the run to the Lagan Weir!!!)

[mtec45]

A cool dry evening with little wind and the temperature around 5C it was great weather for a bike run.

When I arrived at Civic Centre Martin G was already there making excuses about hurting his leg, yeah yeah. I think he was just chicken because it was a bit cold. Get well soon.

As Martin G wasn’t going Dennis and I already were making plans to miss out the hard climbs that he always bullies us into and doing a nice handy wee run. Little did we know that Santa’s little helper, I mean "Martins little helper" would foil our plans.

We headed off as usual with five of us out tonight Dennis, Alan, Wesley (Phoenix man), Martin McA and me.

The usual route was taken but on the approach to the metal bridge I realised that Dennis and I should have been at the front to steer the party straight on but "Martins Little helper" drove us straight up and over the metal bridge towards the Ring, damn.

Up to the ring and all well with Martin & Wesley showing that they are PLENTY fast enough up the hills. That means I am still the slowest, damn again.

Around the path Martin had a bit of a slide and got stopped just before hitting the fence and then Dennis ran into the back of him head butting him in the back. Dennis really needs to get someone to check his brakes out. ;D

Onwards and Nettle lane was just a sliding session again, trying to stay upright as usual with my road tyres on. Into Belvoir with no problems and the usual route taken towards the Meadows and back towards Shaws were “Martins little helper” was at the front and away up Barnets like a shot. That meant we all had to follow. Damn.

Plenty of shadow men at the top this week, their AGM?? I wasn’t stopping to ask.

Alan, I mean “Martins little helper” lead the way through the Jumps with Martin and Wesley following. Dennis and I chickened out with the road tyres on and went straight on, Dennis giving me a Demo of how to hang the tail out and stay on, just.

On home at a nice pace with the frost glistening on the path. Great run as usual, haven’t a clue on the mileage (26ish?).

Wife had the fire lit when I got home, result.

Looking forward to the next run.

Cheers,
Stewart.

[wez]

Thanks guys for making a Pheonix guest very welcome.
Wes.