As it was the day before the Selkirk Merida, the plan was a cheeky pick'n'mix
ride using fun stuff we could remember from previous editions of the Merida, and
also to explore any new trails that might have been sign-posted...

We had four folk out - Dangerous Dan, Dave (Dr Chopper), Pat and myself (2
biggish bikes and 2 steel hardtails, respectively). We climbed up from
Innerleithen using the old XC course ("Mousetrap!") and then - missing out Minch
Moor - went straight up the Southern Upland Way. It was when we got onto the
ridge that we realised just how wet all the trails were, with visibility
seriously affected by spray off the front wheel on the fast descents of the SUW.
Views from the 3 Brethren were spectacular, with dark grey clouds and heavy
showers in every direction - whilst we were seemingly above it all.

The descent off the 3 Brethren was as fun as ever, with one or two new links
where the trail had been trashed by clear-felling, or the construction of a new
quarry, but most of the singletrack was still present and correct. It was on the
way down to Yair that we decided the overgrown trails had been cleared back
using weed killer - and were very slippy as a result... The Elibank climb was a
beast, and the descent was wetter and sketchier than I'd ever seen it, but fun
all the same. After that, we were caught in a cloudburst, and as a result
started to get seriously wet and cold - so Dan showed us some "contouring" (i.e.
mostly uphill!) footpaths through Community Woodland he'd discovered previously,
and this took us back to Inners car park.

All in, it was about 30 miles, and a good mix of trails - a good day out. Would
really like to know how the Merida on Sunday went - I strongly suspect absolute
carnage on the super-wet singletrack, with that many riders... Can anyone who
did the Merida yesterday confirm or refute?

At any rate, it would be good to go back and do the ride again at the end of the
summer once the vegetation has died back a little, and after a dry week or so.

Martin






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