14th January 2010 - Gilpin bridge

This ride was schedule for Oxen Park, but re-arranged for Gilpin to all an easy introduction to the snow and better access via the roads. the weather was warming up and the snow melting, still now it was exposing the ice beneath....6 Turned up, George, Grant, Joel, Chris M, Jamie (by bike again!) and CT, we had a word with the landlord who said he would have the chip machine fired up whatever time we turned up! Usual route along the side of the main dual carriageway over the new bridge and head to the farm at Raven's lodge then up the bridleway, patchy snow but rideable, down into the village and turn right heading through Beck Head and onto the road to Witherslack hall school, turn left and onto the bridleway for Yewbarrow, more snow, now down the descent to Church Road, turn right approx 1 mile then take the right turn up the testing bridleway, enjoy the snow! back to the top and enjoy the descent again, back to Church road and head back via return route. Back to cars 9pm-ish but still chips were on offer, well done the Gilpin bridge! stayed for chat then off for a warm, next ride Hawkshead (main car park).