With everyone off to the CORC24 this weekend I thought I would take myself on a solo explore around the area and check out some new (to me) tracks. This was the first proper ride I have done since I broke my ribs in the Angry Doctor so I was anxious to find out how I would go. The idea was to ride from my place to Heath Track, up Quary track, ridgetop track and over the Mona Vale road and around the back of the show ground onto the single track to the start of Wildflower garden and follow that (sort of) through Garden Gully to Ryland and then Sandy Trail. Once in Terry hills I would do the Perimeter track and perhaps long if I had enough time.
Events worth mentioning: On the way down Heath I got a snake bite in the front inner tube and whilst trying out my new CO2 canisters almost blew my head off, and managed to explode the pump. The wrong canisters were the blame. Waited for a passing biker to help.
Thought I would time myself up Quarry and posted a time just under 5 minutes which I am happy with.
There was some great single track somewhere around Ryland, although quite muddy and I did a great face/body plant OTB combo into a deep mud pit.
The hills around the pistol club coming up to Sandy trail are very step, I would say up there with the climb out of Andos, certainly going south. Some really good climbing to be had here. All ridable but loose and lots of water bars.
I managed to get myself sort of lost past the rifle club and ended up on a great bit if single track that ended up on Booralie road where it joins Joalah Rd. The track came out opposite a bus stop. I followed Booralie Rd. into Terry hills and rode Perimeter and back. Perimeter is such a great track on your own, you can get really good rhythm and just slog the few hills that there are. I think I was averaging 30kph which felt fast but good although my front was washing a bit (see below)
Then it was back home, all in all 51 kays and I felt fresh at the end. Happily my ribs didn't give me any problems, so at least I will be up for the Half Fling in a couple of weeks, better than nothing.
The Yeti just gets better and better, can't fault it. One thing I have noticed that is that the sensation of speed just isn't there like my Trek, it doesn't feel that fast, but I know it is. I put the new DX pedals on which are great, I think I have the clip in injuries problem licked finally.
I'm really going off the Ignitor tyre on the front though, and after talking to Whisperer he confirmed what I thought, the profile is far to round for the sort of riding I do. I don't have any confidence in corners, even when hanging off the side like a motorbike. I think I will search for a Panaracer Fire XC Pro and be done with it, the Kenda Nevegal look decent as well.
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