15th January 2009 - Hawkshead for Claife

5 riders braved the damp weather, although as it so often turns out, it was looking worse than it actually was when riding a bike, although you do have to be prepared, cub scouts and all that. Neil, Grant, Ian, Charlie and Chris set off for Colthouse, then Scar House Lane, which was muddy and variable conditions, probably due to the recent freezing conditions, CT was slip sliding all over much to GA's amusement. Head along the road through Outgate to take a right hand bridleway through Spika Coppice, AKA "snakebite alley" But there were no punctures tonight! Now follow the road to High Wray and head for the forest track to base camp, then head up to the guide posts, where part shares in choc' chip cookies were taken, cheers Charlie. Here we took a little detour to enjoy the down and back ride around Long heights, going down was not too bad, although the recent ice and rain had changed the feel of the singletrack, then back up to find GA had a broken nipple!! Now we headed back to the guide posts and west heading back to Hawkshead, this track was quite wet and rocky and GA took a tumble, unseen by the rest of us, a tricky but interesting descent in the dark. Back to the cars to change and dry off and head home. Next ride is Oxen Park.