MIDLAND RAIL
Looking to test out some of the new technical changes to our urban setup we decided for a re-visit to an old rail. This was a relaxed affair with us setting up on a quiet bank holiday Monday. As per usual we had a load of snow from Milton Keynes and some handy dendix to make things sweet. A taller drop-in and a new transition combined with a longer run-in was making things a lot smoother and more comfortable for hitting the rail.
However speed was still an issue as the baking sun combined with the occasional rain fall was making the run-in a mini-lake in no time. We were hoping to setup to hit the rail from both sides, but with conditions deteriorating fast we concentrated on one side and made the best of what we had with regular topping up of snow to keep things slick.
Streets was all over the rail with hit after hit trying to pin down a solid boardslide, with Phil and myself working on getting used to the setup. It was looking like the fresh service I had given my urban board was paying off, as the guys were having real issues in getting onto the rail with enough speed, with Phil soon deciding it was not worth the risk.
A smaller kicker might have been the key on this, but we pushed ahead to see what we could get out of it. Streets kept attacking it and bar 10cm completed the whole rail, but he was getting paid with some unlucky falls, including a nice heal edge catch to arse on a manhole cover. After a few rides of the bank I managed to pin down a some solid 50/50's with the last of the fresh snow. After that we decided it was time to chill and headed to the pub for some much needed refreshment, canal diving (next podcast) and contemplation of the mornings events.
There is due to be another session at the end of the month, most likely in London. With the ideas developed through this and the other sessions we will be making a smaller kicker to make life a lot easier in getting onto the rail, and hoping that the weather will not kill the White Gold run-in. All we need then is some big balls to bust out some proper tricks.
See you next time.
P.S - Streets headed off to A&E late last night to check out his wrist after another fall. He is now in plaster for the next few weeks.
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