RIDING THROUGH THE SEASONS

SANNY REFLECTS ON SOME OF HIS FAVOURITE BIG MOUNTAIN RIDES THROUGH THE SEASONS. NO MATTER THE TIME OF YEAR, THERE IS RIDING TREASURE EVERYWHERE.

WORDS BY DAVID ‘SANNY’ GOULD

Spring.

“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming.”

Pablo Neruda

PICTURES BY DAVID ‘SANNY’ GOULD & CHIPPS

It’s hard not to become excited as the first shoots of spring claw their way out from under the sodden earth and bring some much needed colour back to the landscape. Te dull monotone and unrelenting gloom of winter slowly fades into the rear-view mirror, albeit usually making a concerted effort to overtake you and envelop you in its icy clutches at least one more time before finally relenting. Sometimes it is the little things. Birdsong unheard for what feels like an age; coming out of work to see dark blue in the sky as opposed to inky blackness – a sure sign that spring is coming.

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”

Leo Tolstoy

With both a literal and metaphorical spring in your step, spring rides are hard to beat. After a long winter of night rides, mud, snow, incessant rain and gales (unless you live in California in which case none of this will apply – bastards!), snotty colds, grinding drivetrains, constant trudges to the washing machine with riding kit that is not so much wearing in as wearing out, it’s time to cash in the chips from all those character-building rides. Maps have been pored over in front of the fire, new ride kit purchased, plans hatched – now is the time for them to come together.

Early season trips into the mountains carry a unique set of challenges. The snow may have receded, but in northern facing and more sheltered corries you are sure to find banks of corniced snow clinging on for dear life while it only takes a hard frost to turn a damp trail into verglas. You’ll notice it at the exact moment that your front wheel touches it and you find yourself in free fall headed directly for the sharp rocks below.