On the fairly dull yet dry Halloween morning two CRF230s set off from Colaton Raleigh with Jacki on hers and me on mine (bought the day before). I was really keen to try it out, knowing for a long time it was the bike for me no matter how much I liked the WR (now gone to a good home, where it will get the thrashing, sorry, riding it deserves.
I was lucky to find this CRF as Jacki STILL refused to sell me hers. Can't think why! But she did very kindly volunteer to go with me to north Devon to check one out there (luckily unnecessarily) as Olly had with the one I actually bought. Thanks, both.
Anyway, Jacki suggested a ride out, just the two of us, to test it out, even though I still have a roadish tyre on the back and the lanes were a little (sometimes a lot) wet. Does this sound like an excuse coming on? See below for the lanes we rode, many more than once. There was some debris after the storm but nothing that got in our way until lane 154 where a tree had fallen across the lane at hedge height. We had to dismount and walk the bikes underneath, ducking our heads, to pass. We did see it in plenty of time though.
I found the bike absolutely brilliant, slidy back end not withstanding, and spent most of the time standing up on the pegs. It actually felt more comfortable doing that than not. I even managed to change gear in that position a few times, though more practice needed for going a little faster or over rougher ground.
All went great until a very muddy lane where I let the back wheel slide from under me. I remained on my feet, but the best thing about this mishap was that I had the bike picked up and ready to go again by the time Jacki noticed. So one ambition realised!
A few muddy lanes with big puddles which I found myself going out of my way to go through, a few dead animals (I know I squished something small, furry but already dead), some broken branches, a fallen tree and an avoided stream later concluded a few hours riding which I really enjoyed. No matter how kind and patient blokes are, it was great feeling under no pressure to go at paces I'm not yet fully comfortable with. As Jacki says, we need to organise more ladies rides, but I will feel happier and more confident with this bike now on the usual ones. Roll on the next ride!
Here's the facts for those who like (and understand) this sort of thing (lane info already sent to John Leah):
