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Topic Started: Sep 8 2013, 09:23 PM (225 Views)
andyjh
Mud Lover
Hi to all in the world of Muddy Arse :D Thought I would introduce myself after lurking for a little while and reading through old posts. I've just recently got back into biking after a long lay off, decided I couldn't/shouldn't get any larger/unfit :lol: also added to this a bit of running so determined to get fitter but its not easy starting from scratch again :(

Having just moved down from Crawley Down to Storrington, I find myself on the doorstep of the South Downs and ideal biking territory. Big downside I've found with this, and I guess the upside eventually, that's getting up the damn hills! :lol: Slowly building up some fitness and getting better with the initial climbs but it's tough going right at the start of a ride! So far Strava has been my friend and helped me find lots of new routes to try which has been great. Only got lost a few times but always manage to find a way home.

At some point would love to come out and join some like minded riders but I think I have some way to go on the fitness levels in order to keep up with you hardened MTB'ers :)

Anyway, so that's me and hope to meet up soon.

Cheers,
Andy
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belugabob
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Mudking
Oh dear - you seem to have moved into the locality of....


The Robinator!:ph43r:


(Although he seems to be a bit too busy with his job to come on rides with us recently.)

Seriously though, new riders are always made welcome, and given the leeway and encouragement required to not put them off - the fitness will only come from riding, so just get out there and do it.

Been there myself, as I was quite portly and unfit when I first met the Muddy@rsers in 2008, but I've gradually improved and was actually told off for being 'too fit' a few weeks ago.

Just watch the forum, pick a ride, come along & enjoy!

(Check the disclaimer page first, though)

(And bring some cake)

Regards,

Bob (from Crawley)
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robbo167
Bog Monster

Hi ya Andy....As Bob says I am in Storrington too...but my riding is very hit and miss these days due to a very busy event season...you are correct in the fact that every ride from here means a steep climb to start with but the rewards are worth it...try and get over to Houghton woods (whiteways) and explore some of the singletrack thats tucked away there...its all worn in nicely now,well worth the effort.
Southdowns Bikes also does a shop ride on the first tuesday of the month(pretty sure thats right)..it might help you find your way about.

Our club rides are a brilliant place to meet other riders with a range of riding skills and fitness....look at it as more a social occasion than a w*lly waving exercise...and get to see some new places to explore.


Ever thought about going Singlespeed? :o
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darth vader
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Mudking
You dont have to be that fit to join a club ride , Basic level needed, but the whole point is to encourage and bring people on just come along
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andyjh
Mud Lover
Thanks guys for the warm welcome :D

Perhaps I can join in the rides at my level already, just didn't want to hold people back on there days out waiting for the new boy bringing up the rear :lol: So far my personal test is a climb of Chantry Ln up to the car park, you probably know the one Robbo. When I first tried this it took me half an hour with four stops! I'm now managing it in about 17 mins with no stops so something is working :) Still can't get up the climb from the A24 towards Chanctonbury though, I guess it's known as heart attack for good reason! Looking forward to noticing the difference in fitness and sounds like I'm starting somewhere near yourself Bob.

I did a big ride for me on Saturday and managed 28 miles which I was pleased with. Think I overdid it a bit though as I felt quite worse for wear that night. Trouble is I'm trying to watch my calorie intake in order to loose some weight but I don't think I'm giving myself enough fuel for a big ride. Got to think about this a bit more, don't want to hinder my energy for rides.

Been thinking about Houghton woods as the rides look great over there but was put off by yet another climb up Bury Hill :( Think I might give it a try soon though.

The guys over at South Down cycles seem pretty good and so far have been very helpful with advice and lightening my wallet :lol: Not as much stock as Evans but I prefer to support a local shop. Plan to go out on one of their rides soon as they also do every Sunday morning at 10am plus the week day one once a month, think it's a Wednesday.

Are the club rides every Sunday? Or Monthly? Or adhoc? Need to sort out a bike rack of some kind so I can join in. Currently I'm limited to where I can ride from my house.

Singlespeed! I need all the gears I can get at the moment :lol:

Once again, cheers guys for the welcome and I'll keep an eye on the forum for ride details.

Andy
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belugabob
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Mudking
Andy,

That climb up Bury Hill is great - it'll really help to develop your fitness and technical skills. (and the fact that the excellent trails of whiteways are at the top of it is a brilliant incentive)

You'd be surprised by how much fun a singlespeed can be, but probably only for smaller hills to start with - I'm loving mine, and I do think that it also help with fitness and tecnique.

A bike rack for your car will definitely help you to get out to the club rides but, once you've been on a ride or two, it may be possible to car share with somebody else.

Club rides are usually on the last Sunday of the month (apart from the odd occasion) and there are several mid-week rides across various parts of Sussex, so you can usually find one within a relatively short distance.

Mid week rides will require lights (from about now, until spring), but this is a good thing, as it allows you to maintain fitness, ready for the return of better weather.


Most club rides are less than 28 miles, so you should be fine.

See you out on the trails,

Bob
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andyjh
Mud Lover
Thanks Bob, going to put Bury Hill on my todo list for a ride soon then and as you say, the single track waiting at the top should be a nice incentive :D

I've never really even looked at a single speed before as I thought they were more for the slightly deranged cyclist! Just read some interesting stuff though that highlights there training aid as you say so perhaps one day I should think about it. Will crack on with what I have for now but will consider it more when I'm happy to increase the toy count some more, doesn't normally take long :lol:

I want to get a bike rack sorted anyway so I get around a bit more plus once the other half decides to use hers a bit more I will need the ability to take two and a half (Daughters) with me. Will ask some advice in a fresh thread.

Lights is something I've started to look at already die to the evenings closing in already. I've just bought some basic flashers for when I'm out on the road under the trees but will need to get a decent front for trails. Quite fancy the Tilgate rides as I work in Crawley and used to go out in the forest with my Brother so I know some of the landscape.

Thanks for the schedule for the rides, I'll try and get myself along to one of these soon. Just keep an eye on the forum for info I assume?

Andy
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Coley
Fairly Muddied
Andy what car do you have as I have a thule 3bike rack for sale
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andyjh
Mud Lover
I have a couple of car options, an Audi A6 Avant or a Nissan Juke.

Hopefully one of those might be suitable?
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