With the Moots YBB suffering from a flat rear tyre and the Litespeed Obed having developed serious play on the bottom bracket I was keen to check out the condition of my Merlin after its winter sleep. The rear tyre seems in need of a new shot of notubes fluid and I also wanted to check the suspensions and drivetrain. So I took it out for what turned out to be quite a fast ride.
I normally am very fast on this bike, it gives me an extra boost and the full suspension concept brings comfort and speed. I was enjoying the Bloso Green trail which is relatively flat but still offers a couple of nice ondulating sections and a good stretch of tank track near the E40. 
Piece of cake for the Merlin. I really have to force myself to remain seated on this bike. It doesn't seem to notice the trails and effaces most of the roots, ruts and other potholes. With a hardtail you would be forced to either slow down or take a royal beating. I happened upon Alain De Munter who was also doing some training in the area. That even upped the pace a little more. Alain is a very fast and technical rider who competes in all sorts of mountainbike and duathlon events. He talks of doing the Crocodile Trophy this year and I think he would be right at home on those trails. We maintained a good pace, and on this bike I could even pretend to be able to follow his pace. 

Just before Vaalbeek our ways parted, he still had to ride towards Huldenberg and would be hard pressed to be home before darkness fell. The weather was great with an average temperature of 14 degrees C. The bike performed well but I could feel my rear tyre losing pressure towards the end of the ride. I have to keep an eye on that. 

Endomondo track


Ride Stats : 28K and 200 heightmeters (Garmin) in 1h09mins

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