Sunday 27th Nov was the last meet of our Youth Academy before the winter break.  The academy changed from its normal meet to Sawdon and a ride in Wykeham Forest. It turned out to be a good decision with some high winds out on the open moors and roads but the forest was a perfect shelter from these energy sapping winds.    11 riders turned up for the 2 hour ride and it was great to have Trail LeaderPete Blood along as he knows the area so well.

Initial bike checks done and one flat tyre and back brake altered, we set off loaded with suitable chocolate bars and drinks.   The ride started on the road to Granary Farm and then a short ride to the first single track.  It was not long before the flat tyre from the bike check on Reubens bike was back and it was confirmed as a puncture.  While this was being sorted the riders practicsed some front wheel lifts and Paul Thornton showed us the over energetic version with more force than finesse which was also repeated by Bryden who nearly left the forest track with a sideways tracking wheelie!

It was not long before we were off again and we hit a small rooted and rutted section which was covered really well by Reuben, Bailey and Jasper its great to see some really good bike handling at such a young age.      The ride went onto a large forest track which was covered by puddles and channels of deep mud which crossed the track at 90 degrees.   Pete led the way but Jasper choose to ignore him and went for the muddy channel and was stuck solid in the mud.  He managed to wriggle out minus his shoe……which was now not visible.  A laughing hopping Jasper was not going to retrieve this so help was needed to fish around and dig it out (was this going to be a jungle trial in ‘I’m a Celebrity’).

Pete found more flowing single tracks after requests for more riding and these trails had some areas of roots and logs to get over.  We arrived back at the meeting point just after 3pm.  Everyone appeared to enjoy the ride.  Thanks to Graham and Pete for coming along.

Hope to see you all back next year at the Youth Academy.  The Academy is open to all riders aged 8 to 16 years.

Just a final thanks to those that have helped out through the year and a huge thanks to all the parents who have supported the academy and the go ride racing.  A big thank you to the coaches who turn up each week to run the sessions and Toby who works well unseen to a lot of people coordinating the rota and making sure the riders and coaches know what is going on where each week.

Back L-R: Pete Blood, Bryden Simpson, Jeremy Wood, Graham Foulds and Paul Thornton

Front L-R: Bailey Thornton, Megan Simpson, Jasper Wood, Reuben Allanson and Martin Allanson

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