Dodging the Rain Showers in the Forest….and failing !

Overnight nice and dry, so, as I lay in bed watching the sunrise, I thought ‘then Indians are finally putting in an appearance’ ! Errr… wrong just as I was ready to get up, and going the rain thundered down – no problems I thought, the ‘forecast’ said it would be turning dry, particularly on the East Coast, that’s me I thought…wrong !

So, breakfasted and ready to go I was off, shortly after 10 a.m., through the ‘toll’ (he hee,free for me !) into Dalby Forest and swooping down the Forest Road to the visitor centre, and the start of my days riding.. I had decided I would ride all 3 ‘Red Routes’ in the Forest, which could be done, on a great loop, and hopefully with enough ‘puff’ !

I was soon climbing up through the Forest, on the same route as the day before, before swiftly turning onto a far harder climb, the day was set… it was going to be tricky. The weather held fine initially, and although tricky and hard, I was enjoying the climb and route, and I had soon completed the first route, the Adderstone trail, and up to the Dixons Hollow Bike Park, where I had had some fun before, and not wishing to overlook an opportunity swooped up,down and round the jumps ,drops, and swooping turns for a fun filled time,and having it to myself…

However, I couldn’t stop there all day, I had more climbing and trails to do, so off I went onto the next Route, which straight away showed it’s teeth, as I dropped right off the track, through the Forest, bouncing and bumping over some large rocks,and chasms..just managing to hang on (for Dear Life !) Right I thought,time to get the Muvi camera going..and guess what ? – came a cropper on a simple twisty uphill corner, fortunately mud and moss makes for a soft landing !, undaunted I carried on, as the rain started, quite heavy, and I sheltered for a while from the deluge under some handily placed trees – amazing what you find in a forest !

This was then to be the process of the day – ride,rain,shelter,ride,splosh,rain etc etc… the rain was heavier and heavier, turning the rocks on the trail to glass, and I slithered my way round several corners, and over rocks. I kept going up,down,round, sploshing my way round the next two routes, picking up some lost bikers in front of me, and leading them along.I did, in the main stick to the ‘difficult’ red route, but tempted as usual, the signs of a ‘skull and crossbones’ indicating a severe/dangerous jump or drop, reeled me in, and I had a few jolly japes pitting my wits against them…and surviving !

I eventually dropped into the visitor centre area, having only had a couple of ‘small’ mishaps on the way, and having taken 5 1/2 hours to complete the days ride, soaked,mud splattered, but satisfied ….and treated myself to a hot spicy tomato soup, before my ride back up the hill to the camp site…and a long shower, the clothes first,then me !  

A good days riding 675 metres climbing (and descending), and now… watching the swallows swooping around the campsite feeding, and bathing themselves in the puddles..

A rest is called for – so, off to the seaside for the weekend….’Kiss me Quick’ ????