Well all good things must come to an end, and it seems that the run of superb rides that various Moos have led, stretching back well before Christmas, abruptly ceased last night with the utter dross served up by Tom. Machen Miggly Moos MOUNTAIN Bike Club is our name, and after last night we should be renamed Machen LANE Riding Lambs, because instead of enjoying scintillating descents and technical climbs, the boys had to make do with leisurely meanderings along the country lanes around the area. This will not do, and the Captain has said that more thought must be put into the design of the rides!!!

There was however a good turnout, despite the cold front that had presented itself from the north, with no fewer than 16 riders to ‘enjoy’ the pedestrian stroll through the countryside. It was a nice surprise to see the Master Baker himself Mr Russell ‘Bag of Leaves’ Evans joining us for the first time in over 6 months, and he even said that Kev ‘Harold Bishop’ Gallon was going to make an appearance, but unfortunately this proved to be wishful thinking, as once again this carrot cake baking star of teatime television provided us with a no show.

With an unfamiliar refuelling stop at the Friendly Fox the Moos shared out their pickled delicacies amongst each other, again everybody made an excellent contribution to the weeks theme, except once again for Crock who had nothing to offer, although he needn’t have worried, because the way he drinks cider and the drunken mess he regularly gets himself into, his body was the biggest pickled item on show last night!!!!!

After some more ‘stimulating’ riding it was back to The Oak, where once again ‘Lyn the Landlady’ impressed us with her magnificent spread. Whilst everyone was tucking in, the conversation turned to the topic of the upcoming Riders Wives night, and while most people were commenting on how much they were looking forward to it, poor old Scrippsy it seems has got the wrong end of the stick, for he was overheard excitedly telling a few of the Moos, that he was getting his new camera ready to take along, and also asking Ryan The Steam, which set of car keys he should take, his or the wife’s, it is not that kind of night Scrippsy, but if you do want to take a set of keys with you make sure they are your house keys, because the Moos all fancy an after hours party at your place!!!!!!

After a good start to the year and winning the inaugural ‘Rider of the Month’ award, it was a disappointment not to see Dickie out last night, although it probably has something to do with the fact that Kay’s and Grattons have just launched their Spring/Summer 2005 catalogues, and he is busy selecting his favourite flowing flowery dresses before the inevitable rush!!

With a vast amount of feedback coming off the back of the enlarged ‘Celebs in Moos Shirts’ section, I would like to thank make-up artist Linda Corr aka ‘make-up artist to the stars’ for her help in getting the celebs in Moos jerseys, Linda’s make-up room was the location for many of the pictures taken.

Next week ride is going to be taken by the Downhill master Jock, so be prepared for lots of technical descents and fast drop offs as we look to put this weeks nightmare ride behind us!!