Matlock Bath Breakfast - 11th March

[Monty]

Yep

[Kwacky]

Saturday is the 11th, and as a further kick in the balls, I can't make it as it's the only day I can get the MOT for my bike.

[Itchy]

I meant to say Saturday!

Still want to play Monty?

[Monty]

Deffo matey, pass stamped and everything!

[Kwacky]

I've changed the date in the diary,

Sorry I can't make it.

[Itchy]

Never mind, I'm sure me & Monty can smash the shit out of a breakfast!

[Itchy]

On second thoughts, if we have to do that to the breakfast, maybe I'll skip the morning meal!!!

[Monty]

What time you thinking Itchy? You decide as I'm only 20 minutes away.

Anyone else free for Breakfast and a morning ride out? Weather not looking great, but doable.

[Itchy]

Is around 1000 ok? It's an hour and a half-ish to get there from me so I don't really want to set off any earlier.
Or I can do anytime after that if you'd prefer it later, I've got a full day pass!

Also I'll PM you my number, if you could ping me yours back (just in case I have any starting issues with the battery I haven't replaced yet, it should be fine, just covering worst case scenario), that'd be swell.

[Monty]

Shall we say anytime between 10 and 11, and take your time. No rush.

Got to be back for 3ish

[Itchy]

Coolio. Did we decide where we're actually meeting?

[duke63]

Sadly i have terminal manflu so can't make it.

have fun on the leap, guys.

[Monty]

Coolio. Did we decide where we're actually meeting?

Let's stick with Matlock (Charlie's) just in case anyone's planned to come but not checked the forum.

[Itchy]

have fun on the leap, guys.

Monty, is that where we met the last time we went? I'll program Google Maps...

[Itchy]

210 miles for me today.

Weather has looked a bit turd all day but it's been ideal really. Not too cold, not too hot, and kept dry, which is a massive plus point.

Full English smashed as per usual to start proceedings.

A lot of mud and crap on the roads still, some from the bad weather, some from Farmer Palmer trundling his shit-daubed tractor all around.

Me & Monty have both concluded we're not bike fit. I ache after today's shenanigans, but at least my butt cheek didn't cramp up this time! More biking needed, obviously!

I'm still not sure about the Rizoma Sportline grips. On the way up to meet Monty I was sure I didn't get on with them. Throughout the course of the day though they haven't been as bad. On the way home though, I wasn't sure again. I'll give it some more time, I'd rather not have to take them off again if I can help it!

I love being reachably close to the Peak District. Great roads, awesome views, what's not to like?!?! Weeknight jaunts with Monty are not too far away...

Monty doesn't like cyclists.

Still need more confidence. Wasn't helped by the mud on the road.

I'm slowly adjusting my riding. After pootling out from home I had to drastically step up to keep Monty in sight sometimes. Constantly playing catch up, but once again, that's OK and I was under no pressure, save self-inflicted, to physically catch up. By the end I was more calibrated. More able in the corners, more willing to get leant over. And this transferred onto the solo ride home.

By then, after a days riding, I was calibrated to Tankslap mode. I hoofed it home. Found gaps that weren't there, 90mph sweepers that were 65mph ones on the way out, forced my way to the front of traffic lights, everything was faster, more aggressive but more flowing at the same time. Things have started to click, and I'm not just talking about my knees!


Anyways, enough waffle.

Tl:Dr
Went for a rideout. Had a blast.

[Kwacky]

Cheers for the write up.

Shame i couldn't make it.

Hopefully next time.

[Itchy]

Fingers crossed mate. There'll be plenty more, no doubt.

[Monty]

Cracking day out dude, and the first proper ride of the season. My left leg is knackered, I had to lift my foot off the peg to change down. School boy error, I set my rear sets up while wearing trainers!

Just for the record I don't hate all cyclists, just the ones that go the wrong way down a one way single track road with blind corners. Tosssers!

[Itchy]

"IDIOTS!"

[Rossgo]

Love your write up here Itchy!!