4 riders met up near the Red Lion, Lowick. 4 riders set up the road towards Nibthwaite Grange, only 3 made it that far, Ian was having gear trouble...he said he would go back...never to be seem again??? So that left 3 riders heading up Bletherbarrow Lane and it must be a mile up hill (not to put anyone off!) and then ease off along and down the lane towards High Ickenthwaite, we discussed which route we should take now that our guide had left us, we figured we should head towards Satterthwaite, but maybe take an earlier forrest track into Grizedale to avoid the rocky climb. We set off down the mini river that was the track to Ickenthwaite, turned left into Corker Lane and along to Force Forge, turn left for the testing little bridleway and look for the forrest track gate just after Low Bowkerstead, follow the fire road until the small tarn (with no name) turn left and keep going following the track, this turns round to the right and heads uphill, take a left track and pick up the marked bridleway onto High Parkamoor, through the gate and look out for the muddy puddles. We now headed along the bridleway to get the great descent into High Nibthwaite and guess who we bump into along the top path, yes our guide had walked up the track with his not so trusty bike, his gears were still bad and we stopped every few yards to free the chain, but at least Ian could freewheel down some of the hill! It is a great test following the water coursing down through the rock gardens and even towards the end there are fast sections with burms to ride over, it was enough to even throw off Ians back light, which we picked up along the trail ('cause Ian does not stop going downhill, even but no gears). We all met up at the bottom gate, now it was getting late, 9.30pm-ish so we rode back to the cars to get home and dry off. A great ride for 3 1/2 and not too wet!
Next week it's Troutbeck, park in the lay-by down from the church.
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