3 things that really count when cycling
So having posted about what trends are looming in 2018, what do I think really matters?
Well, this is such a wide topic but I think I can boil it down to Community, Experience and Enjoyment. That does sound a bit poncy doesn’t it?
- Community. As I’ve mentioned before, somehow I’ve managed to fall out of the habit of riding with people, partly because my main source of miles has been commuting. Actually that’s not quite true, I’ve been commuting reasonably regularly with my brother in law on account of our wheels heading the same way at the same time, but my weekend riding has been limited. I’m not expecting an overnight change either but I do think that most physical activity is improved by having people to share in the social experience. It’s not just the riding though – the Moles have always been at their entertaining best when active online and I’m trying to lead the way here with lots of regular articles planned. I would also like to encourage anyone who wants to contribute to get involved… more makes more after all.
- Experience. We’ve done all sorts of bike related nonsense over the years and this year I hope will be no exception. I have quiet plans to re-visit Bedgebury when (if) it dries out as we haven’t been for years. Wales is a perennial favourite and I quite fancy either a bit of South Downs Way riding or perhaps some form of Surrey to Brighton ride? I’m also planning another day road riding round Boulogne (followed by that meal I missed last year), and have discovered that the Eurostar/TGV can get you a long way cheaply across the near continent. Might there be a chance here to try a short trip away? Any other suggestions folks?
- Enjoyment. Well, it’s always nice to buy a new bike and I have one lined up thanks to Cycle 2 Work. The question is, what to indulge in? That’s for another post really as here I’m thinking of enjoyment more broadly. Not just the bikes, but the riding. I’ve already said I’m aiming for social, but I’m also aiming for more riding that I enjoy. I’m not averse to a bit of ‘Wooo!’ but I also really like simply covering the miles. I think there’s a place for a bit of good ol’ fashioned XC riding without trying to Enduro things up too much, especially as the Surrey Hills is not the highest, steepest or rockiest place on the planet. No problem if people want to challenge themselves but I think heading out for cake is an end in itself!
So there you go. It doesn’t sound like much but when you add it all up, fun and good company always trumps bike spec. And I think that’s how it should be.
About the author
Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.
Having ridden a 2007 Orange Five for many years then a 2016 YT Industries Jeffsy 29er, he now rocks a Bird Aether 9 and a Pace RC-627.
An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a 2019 Cannondale Topstone 105 SE, a much-used 2011 Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1.
If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.
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Steven Dunn says:
Day out idea: Day trip to the IoW, there is something about riding on an island. Easier for you, Portsmouth to Ryde on the catamaran and you can mix off road riding with sight seeing and steam trains. My first IoW trip this year will be West Wight taking in the coastal path to the Needles (Alum Bay and Rocket Test site) then over Tennyson and along to the top to visit the IOW MTB center where new trails are being built (opens March 31st) – I recce’d this route in the autumn. For the road there is the very popular IoW randonee on May 6th, but I prefer to stay off road and avoid the crowds. 🙂
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Posted on January 4, 2018 at 9:28 am
Matt says:
I like the idea of the Isle of Wight Steven, I’ve not ridden there but know some of the other guys have. And I certainly didn’t realise an IoW MTB centre was being built, thanks for the tip off.
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Posted on January 4, 2018 at 11:23 am
Elliot says:
We rode past the IOW MTB Centre but everyone was in such a rush to hit the booze at the pub down the road we didn’t check it out. Definitely want to go back for a proper look!
Bedgebury is worth a visit. Some nice singletrack but not much distance so 2 loops seems to be the done thing. Parking charges are a little insane so I started at Bewl Water, did a circuit there and then rode over.
Great pic you’ve dug up there Matt!
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Posted on January 4, 2018 at 4:08 pm
Matt says:
Yes it is a great pic! Good times, and I have plenty more…
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Posted on January 4, 2018 at 9:35 pm
Mat-S says:
I’ve not been to the isle of Wight for ages! I think I’d be up for that. To be honest I’m just hoping to make it out on a few more moles rides this year…
I think I’ve mentioned it before but a ferry across to Normandy can make for a nice weekend- we did it again this year with friends and I can heartily recommend it for food, cycling and scenery.
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Posted on January 7, 2018 at 11:03 pm
Matt says:
Nice to hear from you Mat, Normandy sounds interesting…
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Posted on January 8, 2018 at 9:28 am
Mat-S says:
It’s been good fun both times we’ve been- ferry out overnight on the Thursday from Portsmouth, breakfast in Ouistreham and then spend all the time until the ferry back on Sunday lunchtime trundling round enjoying the countryside, beaches and cafes.
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Posted on January 8, 2018 at 7:31 pm
Related: Ride report: Sunday 6 January - The Moles Christmas Ride | Rides | Muddymoles: Mountain biking (MTB) in the Surrey Hills and Mole Valley