20th September 2007 - Gilpin Bridge

7 turned up in the car park for a pre-meal ride, we set off for the usual circuit, around Yewbarrow and Witherslack, a few folk fitted lights, thinking it may get dark before 8pm, which it did. At the end of the bridleway towards Hell Moss a solo figure approached and it was none other than JP, racing to catch us up after a hard day at down town Manchester. So from 'magnificent seven' to 'after eight', in a blink of an eye. A quick ride up onto Yewbarrow and Phil was waiting at the gate, but no we had a little detour so we could use more time, so it would be dark for the final downhill? The descent was great, dry and no punctures. Onwards and back to the descent below White Scar and watch out for the slippy section, I had no lights and so tried to follow Jamie's blue haze, no luck so trusted the force, at least until I let George come past with his lights, he was cautious and still slipped down the track, it is very sketchy when the light has gone! All down safely so back for a meal, where Dave joined us and we set about the usual mixed grill, but no wait, Paul and Grant were not here so traditional fish & chips were chosen by most. All very welcome, now onto the winter ride list. Next week it starts with Staveley and meet at Barley Bridge for 6.45pm.

13th September 2007 - Elterwater for Loughrigg

5 riders turned out for the penultimate summer ride (4 took lights along!) we started off heading up the hill towards the youth hostel, CM tried some of the off-road uphill route, but we reckon the tarmac is a slightly better warm up, at least for a RADs ride! A little re-group at the top by the hostel and then downward to take to the terrace, enjoy the views back up the valley Ian and CT admired the lion/piano rock. The other 3 had beaten us down the hill and had gone via the tarn, Ian and I took a visit to a cave (although I thought it was the rock climbing one) then we met up at the gate and whizzed down to the lane, along the road by the stream and on to the uphill section. Select low gear and ride...at the first gate we noticed that the digger was still in action and on the top trail the work is in evidence, we also passed half a dozen fell runners out for some air. The digger party have formed a track along the top and the downhill section virtually to the tarn, we are not sure what to make of the 'improvements' maybe once they weather down, although we do like the natural changes that nature provides, to keep us on our toes. Once down the descent we turned right, along past the campsite (watch out for an old dog, barking away) then we took the route through the youth hostel garden and then enjoyed the downhill, including trying the little extra boardwalk section, with sharp left turn next to the beck, it's a tester, I had a second go just to be sure.
Back to the cars and some chips in the pub (£2.90 so be warned, but very welcome), next time it's the last summer ride and we will have a meal at the Gilpin Bridge Inn.

6th September 2007 - Barbon

8 riders turned out on a barmy summers evening. The usual route went something like this; set off up the lane passing the church on the left, follow the lane heading over the cattle grid, breathe in to avoid racing car driver! turn right and take the steady road down to the trees, a few hundred yards into the trees take a deep breath for the first off road hill test...get to the top and catch your breath, through the gate after admiring the large stone boulder nicely walled into it's own pen! Head along the bridleway, watch those rocks and come out onto the lane, get ready for the hill climb, it's just a bit of tarmac, nothing to be afraid of.....(shut up I hear you say) Charlie led the way, we all followed, at the turn off we seemed to carry on, more UP but steady away (Charlie is in training for something, running from sheepdogs.....?) We had a rest at the top gate, now only half way up, but sunny so no complaints. Head off to the gate and a bit of mud plugging on the down hill, through the clay, watch out Grant! Back onto tarmac for a brief section, rolling down the hill, turn left and enjoy the rocky, 'which way now' route down to the road. Now just a river crossing, very shallow, so only 2-3 feet were to get wet, Ian took no chances and used the bridge, race down through the trees and back down the Barbon hill climb to get to the cars just after 8pm! time for chips and a beer, how civilised.
Next ride at Elterwater.

30th August 2007 - Ings to Kentmere

8 folk met up at Ings, 7 set off on bikes the other just met up for the craic and a few chips! The usual route up from Ings, over one river down to Kentmere, then across the village to Green Quarter, unfortunately some dogs took a fancy to Charlies' ankle (must have been vegetarian!) next time leave Grant at the back. Not much other news till next time it's Barbon bash.