. We were joined by Danielle and Jess from Astounding Adventures plus some good company from a few other mtb clubs. After coffee, a quick bike check and a few intros, why are you here, what do you want to learn, any issues (I told 'em, don't worry), we set off. A lovely sunny day, blimmin freezing mind.Most of the morning was about core skills, I learned a lot mostly because I didn't have any to start with. By the end of the morning session I had learned how to get my weight properly balanced on the bike, I was looking way ahead instead of straight down at the ground, I'd ridden over a teeny log, which previously I'd have stopped for or navigated round, I'd ridden off a very short, steep(ish) drop, practised some cornering, and had a go at Telegraph. Managed the third section apart from the steep dip with the stump in it. Apart from that though, I got all the way down the steps in good time.
I've just had to re-read that bit, this is more than I'd contemplated I might achieve in the whole day.
After a nice pub lunch, burger chips and a pint of Sussex we were out again. We sessioned a steppy section of Telegraph practising manuals and in no time I was coming off the steps landing both wheels simultaneously. Great fun, did this loads and loads of times. We did a session on basic mechanics which was useful, I need to buy a few spares. Then we rode to the top of Holmbury and did the yogurt pots
. First time I stumbled a bit, this was waaaaay out of my comfort zone but I made it down and managed some sections quite well. We were given the option of another go. I hesitated then accepted. Second time round it was much better, did the whole lot, a bit slow in parts but made it non stop.To finish we did the second and third sections of Telegraph again. Annoyingly I still couldn't hack the stumpy dip but I belted down the rest of the track at high speed and loved it.
The people at Astounding Adventures were great teachers and confidence builders, I think we should try to sort out an ACC session with them, the group I was in had some v experienced mtb ers and I think we all learned well.
Best fun I've had on a bike for ages, in fact I bet no one enjoyed their club run yesterday as much as I enjoyed mine. Still pinching myself
Wonderful day.
