So today’s ride at Mapleton had a bit of extra treacherousness due to the massive amounts of sticks lying around. The bikes copped scratches, punctures and snapped spokes and our bodies pretty much copped the same as well. My theory is that the sticks were unfairly punishing us for their obviously inadequate skills at being a proper tree branch.
The first group left from the township at 7am and made their way through the forest to meet the 2nd group at the Day Use Area at 7.30am. We had some new riders with Blair, Kate and Dennis coming along to have some fun riding through sharp pieces of wood. I hope you guys had a good time.
For the record Blair’s new Scott bike is the brightest bike I’ve ever seen, it’s like the love child of the Sun and a traffic controller’s raincoat. I tried to take a photo for you but my phone would scream in agony before abruptly crashing itself. I know I’m going on about this but that’s probably because it’s still burnt into my retina’s and it’s all I can see at the moment.
Toby won the “Most damage to bike” award when he lost 6 spokes to a stick that I flicked up… whoops! Will won the “Most damage to person” award when a stick tried to remove his bicep. Terry won the “Most damage to fashion” award with his outfit that he obviously assembled in the dark – bahahaha!! Just kidding Terry. Speaking of fashion, Shelly tried to bring her “bright” game to the ride with her funky new pink helmet and socks but I reckon they just sulked the whole ride once they saw Blair’s bike.
But despite the carnage and all the gravity-challenged pieces of tree everywhere, riding through Mapleton forest was as lovely as ever. The temperature was great, the sky and views were amazing and the foliage was lush and beautiful. The trails were pretty good but there was a bit of mud about which was surprising but mostly avoidable.
Thanks for the ride everyone and check out the photos below.
Michael “Protect your wrists and just land on your face” Johns
Club Secretary
Ride map and elevation
