It was clearly going to be one of those nights. For a fair while we thought Hackness Mike was going to be mateless mike as we seemed to have no fast riders out, however Anvil Nick, Nigel, (sporting a new look in the nose department!), Russ,  hackness Mike's new best pal, Richard, (who i have been calling Michael for the past few weeks, apparently that's his brother!) and  at the front Squeak, riding something totally unsuitable but as fast as ever. (If i hadn't seen it with my own eyes i would never have believed he could ride a tricky rocky downhill on a fixed wheel roady bike,)They all came back sporting big grins, so a very good night for them. We social few, Myself, Jax, Matt, The Tedman, Chris 2, father baked bean, lizzie, malton Carl, Dave,  (a fast rider having a rest, or maybe he prefers our company!) Toby, Philip,and back to fitness after his unauthorized dismount a few weeks ago, Garth. Serious point now,  I cannot stress how important it is to be fully prepared for the ride, leaving home without a battery and relying on another rider to give up his spare light is not really fair, but thanks to the Tedman for lending his battery, and i promise to be bettered organized next time! We were swopping lights again moments later as Jackie's light would not come on, then 5 mins into the ride Dave's lights failed so he had to ride with 2 torches, as torches for walking the dog they would be ok was his comment on their power! Jax had no sympathy as she had done a Mayhem lap with only one whilst injured after a crash. As for the conditions, well either we were sweating a lot or it was raining really really hard. All night long. Getting heavier and heavier. Still it was mild so we were warm and as i managed to find a route that kept us riding mainly up hill through sticky mud there was no danger of us getting cold. Even i am suprised at my thoughtfulness  sometimes! I am in serious danger of loosing my nickname 'Scount' i think. Comment such as, 'Do you know where we are',  etc etc did not inspire confidence in my ability as leader but all ended well with only one track ridden twice, the newly christened 2 log track, after which it was a race downhill to the pub, won i believe by Jax with Dave hugging onto her rear wheel, well done Jax! I ate the most chips tho! Almost forgot, we saw a very friendly game keeper, and even more exciting the Beast of Broxa, it does exist Anvil Nick!

Twas a great night indeed, despite weather and darkness.

Just one point, I believe it was Chris (not the tedman Chris) that was first back to the pub. And in truth I only beat Dave cos his torch came flying off once he reached speeds of warp factor 3. But I was right on his tail. I love downhills!

Did anyone go home with their own lights. Bit like musical chairs. Or something.

it was a great race back to the pub,

 i was  ready for the final sprint to the finish when one of my borrowed torches flew off. it was so wet that even though i applied my brakes fully it still took me nearly 300 yards to come to a halt!!