17th September 2009 - Gilpin Bridge

For the end of Summer ride we had 11 turn out, there were also a bunch of other riders in the car park enjoying the good weather. A few of us had lights just in case, but we all wanted to get back in time for the traditional meal. The Gilpin Bridge Inn were happy for us to turn up around 8.30 and were to keep a table for 12. We set off for the usual circuit out over the new bridge up the wooded track along the side of the scar and then onto Witherslack woods to enjoy the downhill, here we decided to turn right for a couple of road miles before the uphill track through the woods. After re-grouping the usual Q:which way now? a few thought maybe another section, but the dinner table was calling and so we set off in reverse and so got in the sketchy descent in the dark woods. All back safe and ready for food. Inside the pub we rearranged the 4 smaller tables to make one large one and got 12 chairs laid out, Jim was due to arrive, but in the meantime Charlie ordered for him. The usual decisions...what to eat, I think 9 folk went for fish & chips, the old traditional, unfortunately the waitress came back with news that there were only 6 servings and so a fight nearly broke out over who was to give up their fish, luckily some brave soles found salmon on the menu which saved the day. Grant was talking salad and no pudding (but we knew he would succumb) but we really needed carbo food for the folk who were to do Grizedale challenge on Sunday. It was good nosh and we polished off all the chips and mushy peas. Then on to pudding, again decisions, nearly another fight over bread & butter, but there were the last two portions left, the others had thunder & lightening, more carbo loading!! All in all a very good night, now on to the winter schedule, next ride Staveley, Barley Bridge 24th September.