Contrary to popular opinion, I do actually have to work sometimes. Which is exactly what I been doing over the past few days, unfortunately delaying me from publishing a few articles I have lined up.

This commitment to work (OK, commitment is probably be too strong a word) has been doubly frustrating because not only have I struggled to post any of my ramblings, I’ve been distracted from the business of actually riding bikes during what is turning out to be some of the nicest conditons for riding we’ve had all year. Just take today for example, dry, warm and autumnal with the promise of a quick cooling as evening wears on. I should really take the opportunity for a quick 15 mile dash this evening but as I say, I don’t have the time.

Fortunately, the fine weather is predicted to last all week, giving us a reasonable chance of a fast ride and a visit to the pub mid week. Last week, for the first time this year we managed to stop by the pub, reminding us of the joys of an after ride cider and what we had missed out on during the Great Precipitation.

Coming up in the next month or so is my much suggested (if not planned) London Towpath ride into Central London from Hampton Court and the Cycle Show at Earls Court. And really, is it too late to get to Wales this year? Maybe in another month Bedgebury may have dried out sufficiently for another visit instead. Then I need to sample Dave’s On-one 29er and Mark may actually have got his On-one 456 built up.

First though, this weekend sees the final run for Mark’s 1999 Marin Nail Trail, a venerable beast that has acompanied Mark on many trips through the scenery. It has to die so the 456 can live so we’ll try and mark the occasion with the appropriate solemnity.

Stay tuned.

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.