My new ride

Went for a quick first ride on my new MTB – lots of ‘spronging’ as spokes settled and components bedded in, so I took it easy. I can’t believe how much mountain bikes have changed in the past 8 years – more comfortable (the geometry has relaxed), much quicker (due to intelligent suspension) and much lighter (carbon fibre and Ti’ bits and bobs and frame construction advances).

Looking forward to a bit of a longer ride across Cefn Bryn and down through Parc le Breos tomorrow if the weather holds off. Sarah has got me an adjustable Gravity Dropper seatpost for Christmas, but that is hidden somewhere until next week. That’ll save a few teeth and the odd collarbone.

Alan kindly gave me a tiny little Specialized Hotrock (his son’s old bike) for Aaron – he absolutely loves it. I bought some new huge knobbly tires and he had his first foray off-road last weekend. He came back muddy and grinning, telling his mum about his exploits.

Joe hopes Santa will bring him a bike this year so he can come too. I expect to be spending quite a lot on first aid products this year.