We met at a cafe in SouthWest Bristol at 11am and then proceeded onto the first lane which was less than a mile away. It was a little tight in places due to summer vegetation, there was a small stream to cross and some loose rubble to negotiate. So all-in-all, a good one to refamiliarise yourself with those destinctively Syncro handling characteristics.
For the second route, we stopped at a fork in the path and Patrick suggested we have a look at the more challenging route from the fork which lead up a hill. We walked this to see what it was like. There was a couple of challenging features (well for me!) to negotiate and a tight narrow and rocky section just below the summit of the hill. We all decided to give it a go. I was the first up and had to have two attempts to get up the last section, the second attempt using both diff locks. The poor van certainly got a good workout due to the strong smell of clutch at the top.....( i really need more practise at this sort of thing
)Patrick was second up and managed it all in one go....
Mark and Charlie were last up and Mark confirmed his suspician that his Difflocks weren't working, though did admirably well to almost get to the summit without them.
After a couple of attempts to move forward, Mark quickly decided to use the winch. This was a great piece of eductation for Myself as I'd never done this sort of recovery before (and also I believe for Patrick). Chris (Mr Landy90) who was copiloting Patrick, has had some experience of this, and reminded to back the shackle off a little in case the pin bent. A suitable tree was found and it wasn't long before we were all on our way again.
And a little bit of video footage of Mark's ascent from my camera:
http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g227/ ... I_3986.flv
Next was a quick stop for ice cream at ChewValley lake
Then onto Charterhouse and another friendly lane that ended with a lunch stop.
Another hillclimb just behind Chew Valley Lake was to be had after lunch. This time we left Mark's van at the bottom and Mark, Charlie and Toby joined me for the ascent/descent, which occured without incident. The clock was ticking on at this stage and I decided to head home, though the guys were eyeing up one last lane that took them back in the direction of Bristol.
In attendance:
SyncroPatrick and Mr Landy90
Sonic23
Mudlark, Charlie and Toby the dog.
A big shout to Patrick for putting in the time and effort sorting out the groundwork and planning the routes that we took and to Chris for lopping the branches and Camerawork, and Mark for that lovely bag of Muffins!
It looks like there's plenty more fun to be had, so I'm looking forward to the next bit of exploring and Mendip Magic.....
Rich
