Pics by Dan and Dave, report by Dan

 

 

So, the snow has returned but despite the promise of a fun ride in the fresh powder turn-out was restricted to just myself, Dave and Richard III.

 

 

With even the roads under a fresh coating of snow even the ride up to the golf course on the road was harder than usual (choosing the Orange - gears and all - over the singlespeed was a good move) and we were soon overheating under all our layers, albeit fully aware we were going to need them as the ride went on.

 

 

The roads were ghostly quiet up on Ashridge and we had them to ourselves, the tarmac covered with hardpacked snow and surprisingly easy going. Unlike the trails, which were a good six inches deep in fresh powder and very hard work. A bit of gradient down to the Alford Arms helped things, some photographic faffage resulting in Dave going down hard in a flurry of snowflakes. Check out the look of fear in the photo ... he knows he's doomed!

 

 

 

Unusually for an MTB Berkhamsted ride we actually rode past the pub and back up the road towards the college before dipping off road again for the run to the bottom of Thunderdell. It was slow going but beautiful and nearly nine by the time we reached the cottage and it was declared about a quarter to Riser. So we headed back, tyres crunching on the snow and sharing the run back to Berko with two of the Leisure Wheels bunch with whom paths had crossed.

 

Back at the Riser Steve looked dismayed. We were neither muddy or smelly so his usual mutterings about stinky filthy cyclists couldn't be deployed.

In conclusion a sledge would probably have been a more effective tool for the ride but, what the hey, we had our fun.