Option was unavailable to complete his ‘Odes’ this week and has passed this simple duty on. In fact, he was overheard saying that ‘he couldn’t be bothered and that he was sick and tired of doing all of the work and organisation for this club.’ Strong words indeed Robert! However the suspicion amongst other members is that he is still cleaning the ‘ full English’ from his van’s windscreen following an impromptu act of vandalism during the CLIC 24 last weekend.
Following the weekend marathon ride, it was clear from the outset that several Moos do not possess the drive, enthusiasm, commitment and indeed stamina shown by other members. However, the apparent ‘tired legs’ syndrome unsurprisingly separated the wheat from the respective chaff, so to speak, with a hardy gaggle of 8 Moos reporting for duty at 6.30. It was good to see Scrippsy in attendance particularly after his eleventh hour call up to the Discovery Channel Team for this year’s Tour De France. With cycling legend Ekimov out injured there was a clear need for some experience to fill his boots. Who better than the seventy five year old ‘Heartbeat’ look-alike? Rejuvenated by this year’s CLIC 24, Scrippsy clocked less than 40 minutes not once but on two occasions, clearly a fact that Lance could not overlook. According to his website, the six times tour winner was on a scouting mission at the CLIC event disguised as an old man on a rigid bike with a phobia of cameras.
The eight Moos in attendance (Beaker, Stunty, Tom, Captain, Crock, Scripps (whose dad looks younger than him), Mechanic and myself were treated to the best trail conditions of the year and ascended the woods via unusually dry singletrack. A steady pace was sustained despite Stunty's semi-automatic gearbox. Crock was overheard saying that ‘he would be better off on Berni’s piece of crap,’ which he also incidentally stated that he (or his dad) was not going to pay for as long as he had a hole in his backside. This is the aftermath of Crock trying to realise his adulthood dream of participating in his own ‘Monster Truck Mayhem Derby,’ last Sunday.
Following a lightning quick descent of the quarry and an ascent of the Ridgeway, the magnetic pull of the Maenllwyd Inn proved too strong for half of the riders with Tom, Mechanic, Scrippsy and the helmetless Crock returning via the lane to the much visited drinking haunt. The remaining four treated ourselves to a sinscilating descent from the Wenallt, and all was going well until the skipper ‘ binned it’ into what Blip would have regarded as a simple corner. Right on cue, the skinny-legged wonder offered his excuse which on this occasion was that he was thinking about renewing his subscription to ‘Broken Arse Monthly,’ which incidentally this month had an article about a Caerphilly baker. Well Mark, that’s mountain biking!
After the regular refuelling stop at the Maenllwyd (and offending old women – thanks to Tom), it was back to HQ in the twilight. En route and with a couple ‘on board,’ it was decided to frequent the Moo’s favourites of ‘Blip’s leap’ and ‘Garlic Lane,’ the latter of which was found in pristine condition and ridden at warp speed by all but one. Richard Turner is now interested in employing our resident mechanical expert after hearing of the efficiency with which his nose ploughed the terrain of the ‘Garlic Lane’ vicinity.
Back at the O.K. we were treated to our usual feast and were also graced with the presence of three non-riding moos notably Dickie, who mentioned that he had been busy researching and organising the itinerary for our forthcoming tour. With Dickie doing the organising, it looks like the moos have a real treat in store after saving conscientiously for eight months. ‘Ryan the cockerel’ and ‘Dai the eye’ also checked in, which is more than can be said for Bernaaard, who, after receiving several offers of quality bikes to borrow, was apparently absent because it was his girlf’s birthday on Tuesday – possibly the most abhorrent excuse to date.
Don’t forget to shred that gnarl dudes and see you on the trail.
Gaz
