1st January 2009 - Barbon

5 riders turned out and met at Barbon, having the same idea as the local hunt, luckily the hounds headed elsewhere and left us the bridleways. It was a little cold (showing -6 in the car) but at least the sun was out. The usual route up the lane, right at the cattle grid, down the hill and look for the bridleway on the left hand side, this had ice on the climb, but was firm underfoot. At the top you head right and this track had more ice which meant tumble time! Come out to the lane at the end and start the uphill climb heading for the uphill track, at which point JB had a text from 'sicknote' crying off with a bug! who then truned off his mobile so he could get read our reply's!! Start the steady climb up, nice and clear blue skies. Work our way around the hill, looking out for ice puddles, taking care. Then down to the lane and along to the top track and head down to Barbondale, but the right hand track was just an ice chute so we headed left and made it down to the road. Last section cross the river and head through the trees, watching out for walkers. Back to the pub for hot soup and a roll. Happy New Year.