Exmoor Explorer 2013

Had a great if somewhat wet and tough time on the Exmoor Explorer this weekend. The 20+ mile mountain bike event that was entered by over 300 people starting from Minehead rugby club in North Devon.

Having not done an organised mountain bike event before I was not quite sure what to expect. Things did not get off to a great start as after the first climb the chain snapped but I was soon back on the trail with a bit of help from Toby with a chain tool. The event route was well selected just about every type of terrain Exmoor has to offer. Some of the downhills on lumpy grass track were perilous resulting in a roll in the heather ( and not in a good way).

The hardest part was getting up Dunkery beacon, the ground was vertical and the rain horizontal. Even after all that effort the view was just misty.  Other parts of the course were better as later on the rain cleared and stunning vistas across Exmoor opened up.

It's important to know your limitations and for me that was getting to the half way tea stop. Most of the return section seemed like an uphill struggle even if the profile shows otherwise. Cramp was biting and grit & mud had got in everywhere. However the best technical sections were on the return leg with a couple of glorious woodland trail descents, just needed a bit more oomph to make the best of them.

By the end of the day the back brake had faded, the rear gears were jamming but the tyres and wheels held up well. For next time I would prep the bike better, remove saddlebag and not bother taking cheese and pickle sandwiches. Flapjack, cake and tea were provided at the tea stop and end of the event. 

Overall was pleased to have finished in around 290 out of 380 position.  Thanks to the organisers for a great event.

On the beaten track

After a week long project meeting, last week I had a day off in San Francisco The weather was warm and dry so there was no excuse for not using the day to the best advantage. For me that was hiring a mountain bike and heading for the hills above the Golden Gate bridge. This area is hilly with a big H but offers fabulous views and stunning outdoor locations to explore.

Strangely some of the trails on the map that look to be suitable for off road mountain biking are marked on local signs as not for bikes. These trails start out as suitable but change to steep, narrow paths only really useful for hikers. I went from the hire shop on Columbus Av. down to Fisherman's wharf, past the bay side marinas then up to the Golden Gate bridge. After the bridge crossing, currently restricted by repair work to a crowded two way bike and people path on the west side, I turned left and climbed the steep hill road to the costal artillery battery emplacements. Beyond there past Rodeo beach the real country hills begin. After nearly getting stuck on Wolf ridge, I headed toward to Sulsalito and then along the ridge back toward the bridge and city beyond. It was only 29 miles but certainly some of the most satisfying off road riding to be found.

There is lots of information on the net about mountain biking in Marin county and reasonable quality bikes can be reserved and hired from Blazing Saddles in Columbus Ave. If you intend to go off road be sure to get a proper Marin bike rather than just one of the regular tourist hack bikes also available from this and other nearby shops.