22nd October 2009 - Wister

8 riders came out to Winster, one with a new HID and one with new battery, so 3 HIDs, 1 LED and the rest Halogens. Head south from church and look out for the ford, fairly high water so no takers we used the bridge, steady ride up the lane, turn right at Cote Hill and take the right hand track past Green Hill. It was a bit damp but not that cold, short arms Ok with some! Still quite a few puddles and mud at the bottom. Some discussion on route and which is the best downhill, so we took a little detour around Broom Hill and back into the village, past the Brown Horse and take the left turn up the bridleway past Bow Mabble Breast, it was getting damper...very slippy over the top and then round the lanes past Bateman Fold, now take the right then left turn for the climb and descent and back to the cars. Now it had stopped raining and the stars were out, no pub stop and JP just wanted to keep going to test out his new HIDs! Next ride is Lowick.

15th October 2009 - Elterwater to Iron Keld

5 rides came out, Grant, Jamie, Neil, Joel and Chris. The weather looked like rain, but it never did and in fact felt very warm and barmy, we had too many winter clothes for the nice climbs! Head out past the lodges and up to the quarry, then up the testing climb through the trees, it was really a testing walk. Now onto the ford...or was it, JB was allowed to lead out and turned right and round past Bridge End and up and over heading for High Tilberthwaite. This is a testing rocky climb and a great descent, round the bottom and head to the play area (always fun and tricky in the dark), then continue through Hodge Close and High oxen fell cross over the road and up onto Iron Keld, at which point Grant had a puncture and also his lights decided to stop glowing, I think he just wanted to walk UP the climb. Then up and over Iron Keld, at which point I got fed up a shining my head light to help Grant and instead offered him my back up 6v system (don't scoff it works!), so at least he could get home. All back after what turned out to be a warm evening and quite late so no chips and head off home. Next ride is Winster park by the church.

8th October 2009 - Ings for Garburn

In the end 7 turned up to experiance the misty damp conditions; Grant, Joel, Neil, George, Chris M, Jamie and CT, after coaxing JPs lights into action (as they did not seem to work straight after being charged up) we set off for the usual clockwise route, up the lane then go past Dubbs and onto Garburn pass to see how much you can ride before dabbing, usually the first corner or if not then the rocky section...if only it was dry, warm and moon lit, then I'm sure we'll clean it, or at least some of it! Up and over the top ready to enjoy the descent, only not if your initials at GA! Down safely-ish round Kentmere hall and up to 3 rivers, although we only did the one river crossing at the top and headed along to go through the large and deep puddle by the wall, then on and back down the lane to Ings, Chris M nearly having an off while blasting down the track and mis-judging a water jump! All back to the cars and heading home for a change. Next ride is Elterwater.

2nd October 2009 - Barbon

6 turned out for the Barbon hill climb, the day had been sunny, but the sky was clouding over and a chill in the air; I cycled out to get some sort of warm up, worth doing for the climbing of Barbon. When the clouds weren't obscuring it, the moon cast it's light upon us, at least it was not a pitch black sky. We set off for the usual route, up steep tarmac climb, along the road and look for the first left turn for the bridleway, fairly dry and so a good challenge, but still a few dabs. Ride along the flattish track, which was mostly dry and get to the lane to start the climb, we mostly stayed together, chatting about, lights, food and big game hunting! At the next junction, i.e. the start of the next bridleway, CM had set off and some lights were heading up the lan, who could this be, was it Charlie (no never that late!), what about Ian (no he does not have a head mount), so who then...it was a young chap 'Kona' from Kirkby who had beaten his dad to the climb! We set off steady away and met CM at the gate, we re-grouped with the other two fellas, then set off again, only for the young 'Kona' to overtake us in fit of speed. Now another gate and some mud, it was drier than last time, but still muddy up top, so set off down the trail and watch the stream and mud puddles! Now at the lane ready to fly down the descent in some moonlight. The descent was much dryer than last ride and more enjoyable, Grant wanted more water to show him the quickest line (must be mad!). Now over the bridge or through the river, 3 chose the river, some wet feet I think, then blast down the track and back to the cars. Into the pub for a beer, wine and a pudding (JB!), a great evening for a winter ride. Next week its Ings, meet near Watermill for Garburn.