20th December 2007 - Staveley - Green Quarter

3 turned up for an icy ride, it was cold but had not rained for a while, we stayed on the east side of the valley and headed up towards Staveley Head, we decided to carry on past Birk Rigg and then go left to Green Quarter. No real dramas but some ice, including a trough with water in which Jamie rode through, thus breaking the ice, C&C decided to go left to avoid said icy water and while Chris tried to ride up the bank his rear wheel hit ice and over he went, no real fall, except for banging his left knee on the handlebar, ouch! It was a very clear night, stars were out with a 90% moon and visibility was good, so you could see the trail without lights. We also spied some lights on the west side of the valley above the tarn, we thought they were bikes, but they moved very slowly and not in the usual direction, very strange. Once we hit the lane at Green Quarter we headed south, now the night was cold but with little wind did not feel freezing, until we whizzed downhill and the wind-chill hit home, it was cold sliding along the lane, we continued to pick up the route back via long houses, half way up we stopped at a gate and enjoyed some of Jamie's mini stollen, there was plenty for everyone, even after C had eaten 3 or more, something about training for the holidays. We then turned right at Staveley Head for the HP experience, now due to the frost the usual puddles and bog we solid so the route was ride able all the way down! The a road ride home, all very enjoyable. Next official note ride 3rd Jan' at Ings.