Pinch flats

Not had a puncture for 6 months+. Yesterday in Black Mountains had 2 at same time. Both pinch flats. Running new WTB Stout up front - maybe pressure was too low? Both on long fast grassy downhill track with occasional rocky sections - I felt the impacts on both rims.

Sooo more pressure, different tubes (ideas here?) or improve my riding?! Of course putting some suspension on might help, but nowhere on the ride did I actually need suspension; or I go back to my 2.4 Racing Ralph. The Stout gave me more confidence on the steep, loose and wet rocky bits though.

Cairn in Black Mountains- after this in the cloud. Good ride with Dave. 2 pinch flats on the downhill at end though (trying wtb stouts at low pressure - perhaps too low!!).

Biking in Black Mountains

Off to Monmouth tomorrow then meeting up with Dave to go for a ride.

Sent from my iPhone

New trail shoes

Got some new shoes to replace my ageing Salomon's. Salomons have been great, but I've been using Brooks road shoes recently and got a good deal on some Cascadia 4.

Impressed so far. Used for a couple of local runs where grip in (summer?!) mud was good. Midsole puts foot close to ground. Grip is better than some other 'trail' shoes I have tried. Also did 3 hour run in Spain up, along and down a limestone hill/ridge when on holiday. Grip good and survived the sharp, weathered rock.

Testing, testing...

Hour blast on Pomp this morning before breakfast. Gearing seems spot on. Have found local park which is ideal practise ground - lots of grass banks, trees to weave round etc. I thought 36x16 might be low, but seems ideal; time will tell! Zipping round trees on wet grass was fun - rear wheel dancing behind :-)

SS CX

Bought a Pompino at the weekend - wanted one for ages. Now in process of getting it ready for start of the cross season. Not sure how many races I'll manage in the series ; hopefully more than the 2 of last year!

SS might be mad, but i've loved my ss 29er this year. Original spec was great. Changes: chainring from 42 to 36 (might be too low - couldn't decide between this or 38 but at over £20 a go wasn't getting both!). Roadbars to midges with accompanying higher rise (17 degree) stem. New tyres (old ones worn - just picked up a Panracer Crossblaster to try). Pics to follow.

Big Bike Bash!!

Wow! What a weekend. Kids loved it - fun events, loads of run to do their own thing. Nice beer, camping with friends and all for charity. Even a free air show :-). Thanks to Nick and team for all their hard work. Bring on next year. The shocking bit was me winning 2 things - I never win anything! Firstly the drag race (some nice Middleburn vouchers the prize) then a holiday with Exodus to Morocco!!!