Saturday 2nd March 2007 – O.B.E’s Stag Ride.

Firstly I’d like to thank the boys for Saturday’s ride. Steve Hart for organising and the others for looking after me, especially Berni who made sure I got home safely with an in depth conversation on something we disagreed about.

The ride was short and sharp and the drinks long and hard (there should be a few photos and videos up soon). The ride home on Beaker’s Trail was exceptionally difficult with a gallon on board but hysterical all the same. Once again, thanks to the attending Moos.

Wednesday 7th March 2007

Luckily for Dickie (who is motioning for a 7:00pm start time as he is the only one who has to work on a Wednesday), Johnsy decided as usual he’d like to do some bike maintenance on arrival at 6:30. This took until 6:50 so no-one was really aware that Dickie was late again!

This Wednesday’s outing was superbly led by Mr Wherlock (my vote) who took absolute control in the absence of both Skip and V.C. The theme of the night seemed to be gates and styles, dummying Turner’s Lane we headed off down the cycle track onto the main road and down the run taking in umpteen styles and gates we headed over the river and across the viaduct which was a refreshing change and a well thought out start to the ride.

From Waterloo we ascended up to Rudry Common. While waiting for a few stragglers at the foot of the Common a cow pat fight erupted amongst the herd. Once the dung had run out it turned into a mud slinging contest. Unfortunately for Scrippsy, he was KO’d by a cracker but in his defence he was out numbered 13-1. It was a cracker too, as it took him several attempts just like a new born giraffe to re gain his feet. Like a true pro though he didn’t moan and completed the rest of the ride slightly blinded but still in one piece.

This is where we lost Steve 2 (or perhaps gallon of Strongbow and can’t walk let alone ride Steve). This was due to the first mechanical of the night. The remaining 16 Moos climbed and descended the Common on a fantastic downhill found once again by Beaker. Number 2 mechanical occurred when we reached the bottom being Bernie’s rear brake giving up half way down (too much use). Luckily for old large-arse, the mechanically minded Moos who know how to ‘DOG IT UP’ got him back on the trail. Two punctures later it was off to the watering hole to meet Steve for some refreshments. At the Maenllwyd it was nice to see like-minded mountain bikers enjoying the social side of our sport also. With plenty of time to spare, we asked the ride leader “any chance of one for the road?” to which the response was “my ride aint over yet”. Back out in the cold, Beaker decided to stay away from any mud (unlikely as everything was swamped). So a lot of graft later and Bernie’s rear mech hanging on by insulation tape it was decided to head home to HQ via the path.

Back at HQ - slightly worrying is the bond between Half-pint and Crock. During consolation on Crock’s Moos Merit table position it was noticed they were a little more than just friends. Moos attending rider’s wives should keep an eye on them sneaking out by themselves.

Thanks for your time – it has been an honour.

Geoff Davies O.B.E.