It's been a beautiful day for riding. Sun out, not a cloud in the sky, yet still cool enough to keep you from boiling over. There are many questions in my head & I guess I'll never get around to answering them all, but the prominent one for today is about people's appetite for destruction - in particular why, oh why would anyone want to try & block the downhill trails on our local mountain. Who tried to block the runs did go through my head - kids, walkers (with or without dog), horse riders - but in reality that's kind of irrelevant. The point is that, whether for some childish prank...

Actually turned out to be a lovely day. I was actually quite excited to hit the mud with the new tyres on, but the trails were as dry as a bone! Unbelievable, but a really nice surprise so pushed on up to the top. Hooked up with a couple of local lads who showed the way to a couple of trails I'd not found before - and more importantly who were very patient with my combined slower pace and falling off skills. What I'd forgotten is just how much riding with others makes you push yourself & ride harder than you do on your own - even more so if those riders have better bike skills. Stories...

First ride & something tells me the tyre choice was wrong...Totally clogged up by North Wales finest goop! Still, the weather held up & made for a glorious ride. I appeared to have forgot to pack fitness & nerve though (maybe something to do with stacking it on my first run due to muddified front wheel doing its own thing) but I'm sure some practice will sort that out. After getting mauled by some proper border collies (emabrassing as one near took my shorts clean off!) not a soul up the mountain. Just brilliant, if a little spooky. Always good to discover some new routes as well....