1s November 2007 - Lowick to Satterthwaite

6 turned out a Lowick special, yet again we did the Grizedale route when Charlie turns up, apparently she has yet to do the western route, maybe in Feb' 08? George had a moment when he said he had left his lights at home, but was rescued by Charlie who had a spare with her. So it was the usual route up towards Nibthwaite Grange, turn right and UP Bletherbarrow lane, tee off-road and over to Ickenthwaite, where Ian and Paul were racing downhill, Ian's bike decided to buck him off and he ended in some bushes, no damage done. Blast down Corker lane, watch those leaves, it may be slippy with the dampness, but we was going too fast and it was too dark to see any danger! At Force Forge take the left hand short cut for a quick up and over, George to his credit cleared the whole thing, we all dabbed. Then it's the Moor lane challenge, a good test, until you get into the forrest proper then it's just bloody hard work. Mind you the dampness in the air was forming droplets on the vegetation and the fallen leaves appeared to be golden-like... at least to part of the brain, anything to take your mind off the pain. Once over to Parkamoor is was basically a downhill fun ride, all except for Grant, whose lights were going out, so he borrowed some of Charlies li-ons, half way down Ian's lights knonked out, just at the interesting rocky section, so now we were half way down and 25% without lights, although Ian usually rides faster downhill when he has no lights! We all made it down safely and we just had to cycle along the lane for a mile or so, no real bother until the inevitable last race, of course Ian and Grant could not overtake, 'cause they had no lights, Georges were running low, but we all had a bash at racing, just for fun. A jolly good ride, Ian & I stayed for a drink and the new publicans offered to make us sandwiches even though the ovens were off, jolly good shout for the Red Lion. Next ride at Far Sawrey.