Llangollen off road ride-out.
Oh, I best acknowlegde this feedback, some which I read as negative, this being a first in the 15 years I have been leading trail rides in the Welsh lanes.
Many thanks to the riders who made it to the end of the day, and well done, I hope you were exhausted and slept well that night.
A 'well done' goes to the riders who had a good crack at the route and gave it their best, I enjoyed watching you try and you should feel proud of your progress made.
As for the early retirees, I've not much comment, as I'm not sure you should have been there. The reason for this escapes me, but maybe you have not read any earlier postings regarding this day's ride, or in fact any of the ride-outs I have set out for riders from this site. If my ride was not to your liking or expectations, then I am sorry.
UKGSER Moderator 'Tuned In' was ill informed, judging by the comments he made, and he apologised if his hearsay was in-correct. I accept the apology as his listened-to whispers were utter tosh. The number of Pogos and the 45min wait were total fiction. Alternative routes were given to the heavier GSs whilst the 650s could have a crack at a more technical lane or two, but the timing was neither here nor there, where a 3/4 of an hour came from is beyond me! Hew, Timolgra, Tina, Snoopy and myself were on pogo steeds, this was not half the bikes that left the Hand Hotel car park at 1015hrs.
And the reason I chose to lead the ride aboard an XR600 was for the welfare of the GSers attending, as many times I had to u-turn at critical points to assist recovery and give advice to any riders so needing it. Pictures show me off my bike in needy areas and the posted threads from attending riders support this.
I am not a local to Llangollen, in fact I live 45miles away and the recce required a few visits to that area and contact with Wrexham County Council regarding the passage of routes blocked earlier in the year's storms.
So where do I go from here?
Well anybody is still welcome to contact me and I will take them on a ride on some of the remaining best lanes this country has to offer. But if you're not in the best of health or your attitude isn't 100% positive, then don't bother. The place will always be filled by somebody that's up for it.....and remember that nobody gets left behind, irrespective of their ability.
Timpo.