25 September 2008 - Barley Bridge, Staveley

Neil, Jamie, Chris M, Grant, George, Paul, Joel, Charlie and Ian turned up for what was the 1st night ride of the season. The ride began in daylight with a jaunt up over the river and through Scroggs Farm, briefly back on to the road we all climbed up to Elfhowe where some managed to ride the grass track along the river and up to the road but this is always a tough climb and it was reasuring to see others pushing up to the road.
The road then continues on to Park House where the bridleway begins. Forestry machinery had been here and the muddy track and a large log pile were evident, luckily it was dry because in a few weeks it will be slippy! Turning left towards HP plantation the conversation turned to the new route, rather than taking the rocky track of HP some were tempted by the grassy alternative that runs parallel to the descent. For some the preference was to take the traditional challenge of HP with it's rocky rollercoaster, for the others the speed of the grassy descent took on another challenge... and before we knew it we were back at the road, climbing up past Browfoot, at the top of the road climb we all regrouped to admire the view and the autumnal sunset. Turning right we were back off road and heading for the famous 3 river challenge, to begin with it's past Mickle Moss and onto the first river crossing, turning right and heading towards the second crossing, it was now twilight and getting difficult to judge the landscape, with lights now on it was all downhill through the fast paced rocky descent towards Croft Head, the final challenge was the rocky track that has been overgrown with bracken where it gets rockier until the drop offs in the dark! Phew! With everyone safely back at the road it was a sprint back to Barley Bridge with Grant providing the race commentary.
No chips but a lucky few managed a drink at the Duke in the village.

Next week: Elterwater at 6.30 for a 6.45 departure.