7th May 2009 - Hawkshead for Claiffe

8 riders turned up at Hawkshead, John, George, Grant, Charlie, Neil, Ian, Jamie and CT; we set off for the usual start towards Colthouse and early left turn down the lane to the road opposite the camp site, where one forlorn tent was just managing to stay up in the wild winds. Turn right and up the road until the bridleway on the RHS and the start to snakebite alley! and yes we had one puncture by the bottom, so we had a chat while Neil changed a tube. Then onwards towards Wray, only this time we went left along the lake shore and then right up the lane and the climb up to the forest track at the guide posts, here we thought we had time to go straight on and up the tester climb near Hollin Band Plantation, only Grant broke his chain (so we lost time!) on down the bridleway past Moss Eccles tarn and out at Far Sawrey, past the pub and climb up the bridleway for the great descent down Belt Ash Coppice to the lake shore, very enjoyable say all. Now head along the shore route to Fleming Wood and take the rock sets up to Scab Moss, here we went up the link route to the guide posts which meant pushing somewhat, over at the guide posts and now the downhill to Colthouse, now it's getting darker, so take it easy, all down safely and back to the cars. Over 10 miles and 2.5 hours another good ride. Next time it's Staveley, Barley Bridge for Longsleddale.