31st July 2008 - Sedbergh for Dent

5 riders met up at the free Sedbergh car park after a few phone calls asking "are you going out tonight?" so we did, Chris M, George, Paul, Ian and CT. It was a damp start but it dried up later on, we headed out on the usual route, south east (part of the Dales Way) this goes via Millthrop, through some woods, down past a farm and crosses the road to the ford. The cows were just going to cross the lane so we were lucky to miss them (last year we met cows further down the road). At the ford we used the bridge, last year Chris M attempted the ford, but it is very long and tricky. Once on the other side it's a gentle ride along the lane to Gawthrop, then a right hand turn to head up Barbondale Road, here they had just resurfaced the lane with new loose chippings just to add to the hill climb. CT headed off in middle ring (just to see if it possible!) in actual fact middle ring is easier then the small ring on a road bike (with double chainset) and the climb was not too bad, so CT had time to pause at the junction with Green Lane. Once we had re-grouped Ian lead the way for the next km or so until we hit the first bridleway down to Dent. This is basically a 1km downhill; but because of the rain earlier the pebbles were like marbles and even the full susser bikes were taking it easy, but we all made it down safely. Now we usually stop at the Sun Inn for a beer and chips, but due to the damp conditions we choose to continue back down the road and repeat the first section but in reverse, Ian lead the way along the road, with CM & CT following in his wake, the Idol boys were chatting at the back! On the bridleway back over to Millthrop there is a choice after the gate, if you go left down a wide track you can enjoy a large bermed corner! Then back to the cars and a drink in a local pub, no chips as too late, but Sedbergh now has a curry house! Next ride is Ullswater, park through Hartsop village for 6.15pm.