Singletrack

Looking for the Ranger.
We head for the Ranger’s Path. Apparently the oldest route to
the summit, it’s definitely the best way down. There are two
other bridleway options – the easier Llanberis track, and the
Rhyd Ddu, a mega-technical ridge that’s part ride, part walk.
Both are good, but the Ranger occupies the happy middle
ground.
Al leads the way and Andy and I sprint after him. Neither
of them are slow riders. There are plenty of technical descents
I’ve ridden fast and smoothly, ready to give myself a pat on the
back for my efforts, only to realise that one of them is right on
my wheel on a fully-rigid singlespeed, or something equally
stupid. So I stick with them as we head downhill, ready for
some fun.
Now ahead of us is Snowdon mountain railway track.
A foot or so wide and several inches high, the rusty rails are
an intimidating obstacle – but a temptingly hoppable one. I
hatch a plan to pull a cheeky overtake on Al as we cross the
tracks. But then he brakes, swinging left at the exact moment
I pull alongside. Avoiding a collision by a whisker, I yank
on the bars in panic and fly sideways over the rails before
squirrelling off the track. That’ll teach me.
Al has recently returned from the Highland Trail 550 and
his bike is still in epic-ride mode, equipped with weird sweptback
handlebars and a suspension seatpost. Remember them?
Great for comfort, not control, especially when you stand up
and the post extends a couple of inches higher than you’d like.
I can see why he didn’t hop.
Rangers, this way please.
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