Personal logs for windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing and other sports. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php Copyright 2006. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12647/MartinF/Swinley%20Forest%2C%20Bracknell 29th, January 2012 - First visit to Swinley Forest for a couple of years. You know; for a place that has practically no vertical elevation, it's always a hard slog. I guess when in the hills/mountains, you really know when you're going uphill, and it's usually followed by some intense downhill stuff - so you're not burning your lungs out the whole time. At Swinley, you ARE pedalling almost the whole time, and it's knackering!! That said, it was a bloody good, albeit chilly, ride for the eight of us, covering some 19 miles of ground. We headed West'ish out towards the corkscrew where we played for a while, then all the way East - past jump alley and out to the Labyrinth. I had a slight off not far from the start, when lifting the front of the bike over a depression; my gloved hands both slipped off the bars. oops! Not used to wearing such thick gloves any more. :-0 Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12647/MartinF/Swinley%20Forest%2C%20Bracknell Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12646/squiz/Felixstowe 5th, February 2012 - Although not a lover of the cold and hate the winter :( I have been looking forward to the forecast snow, so when we woke this morning to find 4 inches, it was a case of a quick shower and breakfast, ski clothes on as it was breezy and cold -1 and Mag and I set off at 8:30 to see if we could get to Landguard ??? We walked down the road as the paths were deep but on nearing the prom we discovered that the wind had caused the snow to drift around the beachhuts leaving a nice fairly clear path along the edge of the prom :) Not surprisingly there were not many about, a few bonkers dog walkers and a crazy group of sea anglers having a fishing match !!! We made it to Landguard Common tand found a few kids with sledges. The walking was easy as the snow had been blown away !!! It was slow going and Mag had to keep waiting for me to snap away with my camera - shame the sky was so'ooooooo grey - oh for a blue sky and sunshine - still can't win'um all. We made it to the Landguard jetty just in time to see a ferry leave Harwich - rather them than me !!! We were hoping to have a coffee at the cafe at the veiwing point but they were shut :( We continued back to the prom where a few people had spent the night in campervans, stopping off for milk before getting back to the bottom of our road.Mag went home for a shower while I continued to The Spa, then up to the town for a pastie and cake before heading home for a cup of tea and a warm-up and to post my pics on Facebook. So great 7 mile walk in the snow and we were out for nearly 4 hours !!! :) [url=http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2860794511629.2131987.1012660562&type=1&l=69e8a50ec6]Photo Gallery here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12646/squiz/Felixstowe Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12645/pete%20b/Gartree%20road 4th, February 2012 - Not a proper mountainbike ride but worthy of an entry due to only being -6c when setting off and only rising to 0c at best. Usual green lanes & bridleways to Hallaton and back. The obligatory puncture before I'd even got as far as the aerodrome but luckily the only one. The ground obviously well frozz so no mud. Didn't realise how cold my feet had got until the post-ride bath set on pins & needles! Sunny to start but clouding over towards the end and it's snowing now! Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12645/pete%20b/Gartree%20road Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12644/maker/El%20Medano%20Tenerife 29th, January 2012 - Looked windy early which died in heavy cloud. Blue skies around 1pm so sailed until a bit after 4pm on 130l/7.3m then 104l/6.6m. Some nice rollers and quite flat out the back, and chop smaller than previous so OK. Paul having good time too, Rog not happy with Naish boards, Mark, Ian Pete gone home. Good blasting around. Harbour wall not working so stayed in bay. Lovely sail and good end to the holiday, enjoyed a lot. Then off to Flashpoint for Forcacia and massive Strudel. Got home to find 2kg appeared from somewhere. Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12644/maker/El%20Medano%20Tenerife Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12643/squiz/Levington 29th, January 2012 - Saturday 28th Jan.2012 4 star walk. What a top weekend, well for me as on Sat Mag had to do a first aid course in Ipswich so I took her then parked up to see if I could see the famous flock of waxwings currently resident at Heath Road Hospital.After an walking around with no luck but seeing loads of other birds and 2 squirrels having fun I returned to the main road where all the berry trees are and there they were up a tree right in front of me !!! and waxwings are the most wonderful birds with their crested heads and bright wing feathers :) Then it was a walk through Christchurch Park, a little shopping before returning to pick Mag up.We returned to where the waxwings were but sadly they had gone :( Sunday 29th Jan.2012 4 star walk We woke to a frosty and sunny start and were going to walk from Martlesham Creek to Waldringfield but by the time we had got up backed breakfast and a picnic it had clouded over and was raining :( We decided to have our breakfast at Levington Marina and see what the weather did ??? We had a great breakfast being entertained by 50 or so Avocets feeding in the mud as the tide was low :) Then at midday with the rain stopped I looked at the OS Map and we decided it was too late to go to Martlesham so we parked up in Levington Village, donned our walking boots and headed along the bridle path toward Nacton Meadows and were greeted by a kestral sitting on a fence post :) The meadows were very soggy but we made it, then it was across farmland the the lovely Decoy Wood where we started collecting a big bag of sticks and pine cone for our new open fire, which was a bit of a mistake as we then had to carry them !!! We stopped in the woods for our picnic lunch, found somewhere near the road to leave our bag of sticks before setting off back to the van - collecting anther bag on the way :) The sun even managed to shine but it was chilly and going to get colder as the week goes on :( thats no more windsurfing for awhile :( Check out this facebook album for a few pics :) [url=http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2783938790284.2130687.1012660562&type=1&l=93b530b5d4]Photo Gallery here[/url] Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12643/squiz/Levington Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12642/krafty/Poole%20Harbour 28th, January 2012 - Cheeky SUP on the harbour with Meg Fun little test for achilles paddling with Meg sat up front as I paddled upwind .... And a bit of a giggle as she paddled downwind with me as the passenger. Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12642/krafty/Poole%20Harbour Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12641/pete%20b/Peaks 28th, January 2012 - Started at the bottom of the broken road to Mam Tor, Hollins Cross & drop into Edale. Then climb to Hope Cross where Rich turned right back to family & I turned left on the Roman road. Usual drop to the 57 and them climb to Lockerbrook where I took the great descent back to the 57. Crossed the 57 and after another good descent had to mainly push back up to Hope Cross. Decision: Straight aghead & retrace track back down to Edale I'd already seen was in good shape or left on Roman road. as I usually do that section of Roman road in the other direction decided I'd do that and also avoid the road climb out of Edale to Mam Tor. not the best decision - it turned out to be very wet and mucky. oh well! The ride only warrants 3* but the stunning snow covered scenery & sunshine 5* so I'll give it four. Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12641/pete%20b/Peaks Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12638/maker/El%20Medano%20Tenerife 28th, January 2012 - Went to market to buy pressies and ret of gang spotted wind appearing so by time I arrived they were kitted up. 115l/7.3m was fine then overpwoered so 104l/6m. On water for 5 hours with 30 min break as knackered; pity as wind still up. Harbour wall twice for some cracking gybes in smooth water. Great time had by all; Mark broke a boom and swum in. Fantasic blasting. PWA professional racing, and just passing us. Even Pete joined us as he could not resist the wind and sun. Windless days all forgotten now; cool beers and spag bol in Flahpoint, perfect end to a super day. Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12638/maker/El%20Medano%20Tenerife Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12637/maker/El%20Medano%20Tenerife 27th, January 2012 - No wind so Rog Paul Mark and I hired high performance polythene indestructable kayaks. Great fun going into North Bay and having a coke (drink) and beer (Mark, riding the surf along the way. Good fun. Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12637/maker/El%20Medano%20Tenerife Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12636/col123/coed%20brenin 26th, January 2012 - cold but sunny ish day at cody, did the beast this time 44k ish, was on ok ride but just a longer loop/slog of the dragons back, too much fire road slog linking up to the superb descents, was mixed weather as usual for this time of year, but we got round in about 4 hours with a few breaks along the way, Back on my usual bike, a specialised enduro which felt heavy and slow compared to the carbon 29er i rode earlier in week. Got up this morning with a super stiff shoulder so look a bit like robo cop at the Mo. good ride out just before this cold weather hits for a few days, Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12636/col123/coed%20brenin Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12635/AndyW/Aberdovey 22nd, January 2012 - Quick session in the estuary to keep the fitness coming along. Went with a 5.8m to overcome the wind shadow and the current in the channel. Still need a few more sessions but good to be out in January and not too cold at all. [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlqk9Q7znQw&list=UUzUDCSbMZReHorn6Q15wsYg&index=1&feature=plcp]Video clip here[/url] Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12635/AndyW/Aberdovey Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12634/maker/El%20Medano%20Tenerife 25th, January 2012 - Still no wind soanother swimbetween rock,700m. then when Paul returned had another swim. Easier as sea flatter. Enjoyed it, but need wind desperaly now. Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12634/maker/El%20Medano%20Tenerife Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12633/maker/El%20Medano%20Tenerife 24th, January 2012 - 700m swim between rocks followed by snorkel at far ned of beach where there were hundredsof tiny jelly fish and luckily no after effects. Ian and mark snorkled then we walked up mountain. Paul cycled up Teide, and froze in rain on way down.Nice day but could dowith wind.About 6knots and slalom guys are still planing, even kites are not even bothering. Rating: 3 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12633/maker/El%20Medano%20Tenerife Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12632/col123/llandegla 25th, January 2012 - went to Lllandegla with the wife and met my mate and his misses there, because we had the girls with us we did the red route, including the last sections of black run, with which the girls copied extremely well. intresting day for me as i was on a specialsed carbon 29 inch wheeled bike, which just rolled and rolled, these 29er's make it so easy, coupled with the carbon frame it was like riding a road race bike, the only bit i didn't get on with was throwing the bike about off the jumps and stuffing it into corners at silly pace, probably lack of time on the bike.. With a 3K price tag on the bike i think i'll be giving it back tomorrow and get my trusty stead back after the brakes have been rebuilt. Mind you i might be tempted..new toys and all that. great ride out today although across the moor the head wind was ballistic and made it hard going... oh well back to local hills tomorrow Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12632/col123/llandegla Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12631/MartinF/Afan%20Argoed 22nd, January 2012 - Should have gone windsurfing!! That was my thought as we set off from the old centre to do The Wall trail. It was pretty damn windy. Fortunately, with the wind in the West, we were in the lee of the hill so pretty well sheltered for the most part. What's new... Over-running forestry work means the Penhydd trail is still closed. Word has it that it'll need to be completely rebuilt as most of it has been destroyed. The trail leading to The Wall now runs straight from the centre, under the road, and down into the valley on some new singletrack, and back up on the other side before turning R on the old railway line. There's another new bit of singletrack where you used to start climbing on the fireroad which is quite an improvement, though much of the climbing IS still on fireroad. The gnarly section of "Graveyard" has had the trees thinned out a bit, and there's a new bottle-out section there. It seems less intimidating than in the past? It's certainly doable with enough momentum. The descent is still fast & good fun, though nothing like as technical as White's or Skyline's. This time, I borrowed Nigel's spare Specialized saddle in place of my Fizik Gobi. It was certainly no less comfortable than mine, though maybe my backside's becoming more "bedded-in". Rating: 4 stars. http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/diary/diary.php/view_entry/12631/MartinF/Afan%20Argoed Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000