Winter returns with a vengeance!!

Decided with the return of the cold and wet (not that the summer was dry!) to put the winter tyres on the bikes, Jo's Safire doesn't look too bad but my Enduro looks a bit silly with skinny tyres on (1.9 Trailrakers instead of the 2.3 Eskars!!) good job it's dark in the evening!!.

Jo, Bif and I went out Wednesday night - the only night it has rained all week!! We didn't have it as bad as Devon, but we got wet and it was only just above freezing. Glad of the winter tyres, even if they look silly, as it meant I had grip where my Eskars had been spinning and slipping.  Tried some variations on the usual route which added interest.

We were surprised to see another three lads out on their bikes in the forest, I thought we were the only ones hard (or stupid) enough to carry on cycling throughout the year in the dark, cold and wet. Would have stopped for a chat but Jo was on a mission and she just carried on uphill past them, so there was no excuse to stop for a breather and we had to press on to keep up!

Given the wind and rain we avoided going to the top trig point and headed off to the pub. The descent off the hill was interesting as the speed meant the rain hit you full on in the face and all the while you were watching your line as it gets very  muddy and slippy down the fire break, and there are some deep tyre ruts where the off-roader brigade have been chewing up the bridleway.

Jo decided she didn't want to stop and get cold before finishing the trip home so went straight back avoiding the pub. Probably for the best as there was only just enough space in front of the fire for Bif and I to stand there and shiver, and it was heartwrenching to have to pull myself away from a warm fire and prospect of another beer to head the last few miles home in the rain!!