NEWS

Winter wonderland ride

It's been a while since I've ridden in snow, so as soon I could I got out on the bike. It was 1degree in Westcott so it was my chance to try out my new buffalo jacket, not the amazingly thick & warm one but a lightweight one with a pertex outer & teclite micro pile lining inner. Since my Karrimor Kalahari Jacket bit the dust I've been hunting around for a decent warm, but not too warm winter jacket. The buffalo fitted the bill as I think you need a fleecy type of lining with a windproof outer to keep the warmth in, but not get too hot on the climbs. Anyway I digress. The countryside was beautiful & for the first time I was going where no man had been before. My tyre tracks being the first marks on the unspoilt snow.

At various points you could see where what I assumed to be deer prints & there were also some pheasant prints. The views weren't great as the sky was pretty grey & a little bit misty. But it was great to ride along with the crunching of snow under the wheels.

It was pretty treacherous though, not being able to see what what under the snow & it all went a bit pear shaped for me numerous times as I slipped on tree roots or suddenly disappeared into a deep muddy puddle. It was also a nightmare getting your feet back into the spd's each time I stopped off or fell off with great clumps of mud & snow sticking to your shoes. But it was great to be out there pitting my wits against whatever the conditions could throw at me. Hopefully, it will stay for the weekend & everyone can have fun in the snow.

PS... The buffalo worked great & I'm a happy bunny at finding the ideal winter riding apparel.

written by Jackie 24.1.07

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