8th March 2007 - Barbon

5 riders met up at Barbon for the usual 'hill climb' ride, it had been dry all day...until we parked up and started to get ready, Charlie even tried to phone me from her car when I was all of 10 yards away, just to say it was raining, but I filtered the call and so she just had to shout from the car, "it's raining".
Any how we set off, it's the usual route, here's a quick summary: up the lane, turn right, along the lane, peddling into the wind! down the hill and look for the bridleway on the left for the short cut (said Paul) up the first testing climb, Chris M' had a good go, the others walked some. Then turn right at the top, thru' the gate and ride along the track, watch out for the muddy wheel tracks, it was hard work even riding along this flattish section. At the road turn left and start up the second tarmac climb, I was even surprised when my lights picked out a frog gently hoping up the road, it on the left hand side so I had to take evasive action to avoid it! The next section is the third climb up the long off-road climb to the left, we stopped on the lane and looked for some shelter, but there was none, not even a sheep sheltering behind a wall (probably tucked up in bed...just like Shaun the sheep!) We a quick drink and a snack and off up the lane, at a few sections Charlie seemed to be testing us as she was walking as fast as we could ride!....anyway on up to the gate, it's a big climb but still only half way up, we paused to admire the lights of Kirkby Lonsdale, then off again up the slog, making sure we took the right track. Down to the gate for the muddy section, although it's downhill we seemed to have to peddle. Even at the gate on the tarmac section we were peddling, then left and onto the downhill rocky route, this was a tester in the rain, but we made it down, now it was just the ford to go, as we were wet through, who would have a go at crossing the ford....no one except CT, nearly made it, just got wet feet, so crack on through the woods for the Barbon down hill, back at the cars a quick exit and home for a bath.
Next week it's Staveley meet at Barley Bridge for a classic.