27th August 2009 - Ings for Kentmere

It was a grey day with dark clouds forming, but it looked OK for biking, 10 riders turned up at the meeting place near the Watermill at Ings, one other joined part way round. There were a few rain drops in the air as we set off up the lane to Grassgarth then onto the bridleway, there were a fair few puddles with more to come. We were headed past Mickle Moss and yes more puddles, the gate was open half way along on the left of this route giving an unofficial detour past the main water-logged patch, we headed on and over to enjoy the descent into Kentmere church where we met another group of MTBers heading in the opposite direction. As this was the last Kentmere route for the summer we headed over Green Quarter towards Staveley Head with a view to do HP. Over Green Quarter it started to rain more and visibility got worse for those with glasses! Still we headed on and made it down to HP, at this point the wet rocks were a real test and there were a few fallers down at the bottom of HP where it is dark under the trees. Back on the lane and we headed to Browfoot and then the tarmac climb up the lane, here we bid bye to our 11th member as he headed home. At the top of the lane we decided that the narrow lane with wet rocks in near darkness was not a good idea and headed back via Grassgarth. All safe back at the cars, get out of the wet gear and headed home for a warm up. Next ride is Barbon (bring lights, just in case!)