February made me shiver...

Bit of a cold snap and some local snow made for a few interesting days after the wee Peak climb (not to mention the slippery rides to work!)  All over far too soon if you ask me but still.


I managed a little sledging which all got a bit outta hand and being a fragile 40 something ended with a very painful fractured rib.


Still managed the commute and some riding though.  The commute was more dangerous than the Pines as packed snow became icy on footpaths whereas in the forest it was mainly fairly soft.

4x4 tracks and a temperature inversion en route into Pines

The ride into and around was atmospheric and amazing in every way.  The sound of the forest as the sun set of the crunch of the snow as I picked my way along various tracks and trails and the mist which came and went depending on the terrain.

A couple of the forest vistas

The ride out past the ever present headstocks which further added to the atmosphere.  

Bit of photoshop but
The Clipstone Headstocks

So the rib made riding a bit tricky so just back on it.  Lapierre having a 'Dale' in the Pines and the Santa Cruz is sporting new boots.  The Fire XC's have literally fallen apart!! VERY disappointing as they've only been on 8 years, Schwalbe Nobby Nics have a tough act to follow...


Made a trip to see some mates at the first XC of the season at Hicks Lodge (Parking!!!) which was great.  Took the camera

303 Mr Bradley closing in on 24th place

some shots were great and are on Flickr Mids XC Hicks Lodge,


Looking forward to getting the Lapierre back later this week.


Also looking forward to organising some winter climbing soon....