As Dani wanted a fairly long ride we decided to tackle the 15 mile Monkey Trail, graded Red/Difficult. The route was quite technical in places, and some of the climbs are on the stiff side, the Insidious Incline sticks in the mind, with switchbacks to zig-zag up hillsides. What goes up must come down and the descents are fast, technical in places, and damned good fun! Rock gardens add interest as do the re-assuringly wide (I don't fancy North Shore!) wooden bridges.
I rode my Mojito, probably the cheapest bike there today, and I'm pleased to say that the whole trail was singlespeed friendly. Singlespeeds are, in my rather biased opinion, the best tool for singletrack riding, it seems that getting the power to the wheel feels more immediate than on a geared bike, and of course only having one gear to play with means that you concentrate on the trail and forget about changing up or down. Singlespeeds are quieter as well.
All in all it took us about 2 hours, which wasn't too shabby. We will return, but not too soon. Trail riding is great, but its not something that we want to do too often, especially as we live in the Peaks!
I forgot my camera, so here's a couple that Dani took with her over-complicated 'phone;
Paul.
Nothing wrong with that jacket! Every time we go to Coed-y-Brenin I feel distinctly under dressed and be-labelled. I feel like reminding folk that it's about cycling, not posing! Factor in my 15 year old Diamond Back and you can imagine the looks I get!
ReplyDeleteDani spotted quite a few Aldi jackets at Cannock (I tend to check out other peoples bikes rather than their dress).
ReplyDeleteI probably had the cheapest bike there, my Diamondback cost about £250 four years ago. I have spent a bit more on it since then though... But, it ain't what you ride its where and how you ride!
Coed-y-Brenin - haven't been there for a few years. I have fond memories from riding there, we'd ride up from the campsite in Dolgellau, do a short loop, have tea + cake in the old tin hut cafe (sadly gone) then one of the longer loops before more tea and the ride back down to the campsite. Happy days!