13th December 2007 - Troutbeck

6 turned up on a cold crisp night, some even had lights, Eh George! We wrapped up and set off heading north up the road to the caravan site at Limefitt park, where we took the bridleway up to the start of Garburn, but at the junction we turned right to enjoy the downhill, after a little fun on the testing climb for CT and JB. Onward and downward, we all made it in one piece to the road and then cycled south along the road, albeit along the path squeezing past the fences to the gate at the start of the bridleway down through the field and up onto Town End. Go right along the lanes to start of Robin Lane, climbing up to the first seat where we took in the views and enjoyed some of Charlie's festive cake (recipe to follow once the recipe web page has been born!). Now take the downhill rocky blast down to the road, where at the bottom Paul had a puncture, fixed by the light from Georges christmas tree decoration lights. Once complete head down Wain Lane for more hard rocks hidden under soft leaves, no punctures, just some bouncy bike handling, especially for the hardtails! Once at the main road turn right and head up the next bridleway behind Merewood, now this can be a testing climb, but it helps when the gate is open so no chance for a rest! Once onto Holbeck Lane carry on through Town End and take the bridleway around high fold that comes out by the church. A pretty good route once the fingers and toes had chance to warm up. Next ride is a pre-Christmas route from Barley Bridge, Staveley.