21st July 2005 - Walna Scar

Report by our on-the-spot consultant;
"It was such a simple plan, says he;
However:14.00: Chris phones to say he has chosen Thursday to be the perfect opportunity to start a major upgrade to his bike. Can't get it back together again in time so won't be coming(gutted!)
18.00: Fred and John decide to combine transport for last leg. Arrange to meet in Torver; They fail to meet.
18.20: John arrives at Forest without Fred
18.25: Everyone else claims they know where Fred is.
18.26: George roars off to fetch Fred.
18.32: George arrives back without Fred.
18.33: Everyone confused.
18.40: All ready to leave.
18.41: Jammie arrives!
18.50: Finally on our way. Still without Fred.
19.02: Charlie pulled off her bike by bramble. Lands on the bruises from several previous falls in the last 10 days. Doesn't cry. Good girl.
19.15: Route up from Stephenson Ground is 'completely ridable' as promised. But only by Jammie.
19.20: Dissent and muttering breaks out amongst chaps. Pacified with Bakewell Tarts. Grant admits its not the first time he's been 'pacified' by a tart.
19.45: Stop after first climb to admire sunset over the Duddon.
19.46: Fred arrives.
19.47: Fred catches breath and confesses he had forgotten his saddle, but a combination of driving like Timo Makalin and riding like Pantani got him home to fetch it and back with us on the climb.
19.50: Continue on into the mist.
19.50: Joel falls off. Everyone laughs. Joel nearly cries. Still everyone laughs.
19:55: Impossible to see one end of the group from the other: Thick mist / disparate climbing speeds - or combination of both?
20.10: Team photo in cloud at Walna Scar col after mainly walking with our bikes.
20.12: Set off down. Most happy to be riding at last. Simon looks nervous as he has forgotten his helmet.
20.13: Simon falls off. Fleeting sympathy from others.
20.14: Some get off for the steeper bits and start to walk again.
20.20: Everyone enjoys fast ridable bits.
20.25: Then George falls off: Everyone shows concern. Some genuinely. George should have cried as it looked painful. John tries to steal his wedding ring. Grant tells us all about some horrific accident he once had while doing the hoovering.
20.45: Make it to van where final part of plan works like clockwork.
21.05: Went to pub. "
PS: George went to hospital next day for a check up, nothing broken apparently.
Next week Askham, means a new ride opportunity!