5th November 2009 - Far Sawrey for Claiffe

4 ventured out on Guy Fawkes night, Charlie, Ian, Paul (new truck man) and CT, not as snowy as last year...there was NO snow! We hoped to see some firework action, although we realised we would be riding in wooded areas, so we set off for the clockwise route, from the pub take the bridleway next to the phone box and start climbing, this gets us to the top for the great descent down to the lake, there was a bit of standing/running water about but no rain, so off we set, the downhill was great and as well as some fireworks on the opposite shore of Bowness we also had the experience of 2 fast jets bombing along the lake BELOW us! just to add to the rockets and general noise, they tomust have been out checking the fireworks. Then we headed along the shore route and past another group of nite-time bikers going the other way, we continued on the base camp route and started to climb the access road, here we saw another bonfire party by the cottages, very nice and 2 sheep went head to head on the lane determined to get past us and onto the road, we herded then back until they met the cattle-grid, no problem for these sheep, just step in between the rails and walk on, so that's how they go for their late night walks! Continue up the fire road, where the evening was light enough for some of us to turn off our lights and ride by the moon-light, at the same time we saw a deer run out in front of us, always nice to nature alive and well. Onwards to the cross roads and then a left turn to go down the tester route, a bit foggy at this point (always a pain for helmet lights) and at the bottom take the right track back up, always a tester...! Carry on up the track, Ian taking a fire road detour (very sensible) C, P & C trying the rocky route, regroup at the top and head along for the downhill back to the cars. All change and a drink in the pub to discuss light bulbs! Next ride is Gilpin Bridge.