If Carlsberg made weekends away.......
I can't really put my finger on why this weekend was such a good weekend. It may have been to wonderful weather with the sun shining from the very moment we got out on Friday to the moment we left on Sunday. The fact that the trails were running fast and dry may have been a contributing factor too. The scenery was stunning, as usual.
The accomadation and company were spot on with everyone being relaxed about where we rode and and what days - no quibbles at all.
Undoubtably, the result in the rugby had a lot to do with it as a win against England is always something to celebreate, and although 'what goes on tour, stays on tour', the entertainment Gareth provided that night was priceless !
Friday saw most of us meet up at Tebay for breakfast before it was time for the 'Whacky Races' up to the digs to ensure we didin't end up with one of the double beds
Once sorted we made our way along the cyclepath from Inners to Glentress where we rode the Red Route. Although there's a diversion in place which misses out a few sections, it still is a quality trail. A quick blast around there getting used to the mountain bike again and all felt good. Once done it was the cyclepath back to the digs for a freshen up and the pub for some food.
Glentress - Friday
Saturday saw us make the short ride over to the Innerleithen trail head for the Minch Moor XC route. From experience, this starts off on a stupidly steep set of zig-zags and continues to climb for the best part of 5 miles before finally reaching to top. Then it's 5 miles of downhill heaven, including finishing off on The Caddon Bank descent
That descent is still to this day my favourite section of trail in the UK, nothing but grin induced drops, jumps and speed - it just doesn't get any better !
The plan for Sturday afternoon was to go over to the other side of the mountain on what is known as the 'golfie', but having spoken to the guys in the bike shop they said it ws a mud bath and recommended giving it a miss. So it was back to Inners for a a shot at one of the (mild) DH Trails.
Saturday - Innerleithen
Once done, it was a quick shower and an early dart into town to get fed before finding a pub to watch the rugby. This turnrd into one of those classic nights that we are not likely to forget in a long time. The only downer was the near 2 hour wait for a taxi home
Sunday saw us drag our sorry arses out of bed and get ready for another trip to Glentress to ride some of the cheeky trails that James knew. And what corkers they were too
One in particular, the descent into Peebles is one that we will definitely be doing again next time we go up there.
Sunday - Glentress & Cheeky stuff
Finally it was time to get back to the digs, pack our stuff and hit the roads home
A big thanks to all that came and made the weekend so good and memorable. James for the little cheeky trails, Gareth for the lift there and back and Dan for the heads up on the accomadation, one we will definitely be using again next year.
No more weekends away are planned for this year, but there should be plenty next year. Bring it on
One in particular, the descent into Peebles is one that we will definitely be doing again next time we go up there.
