28th October 2010 - Gilpin Bridge

6 turned up at Gilpin; Chris M, Charlie, Ian, Neil, Jamie and CT, it was mild but had been raining, so look out for puddles. We thought we should try the old longer route and decided to go clockwise and end up with a chain gang on the road back. Charlie has a new gleaming bike, i.e. it had a really good clean, so no puddles for Charlie!! Head off over the new Sustrans bridge and past the farm to head up the leafy track, though the woods and down into the village turn right and head along to the school with some puddles to splash through. Part way along Chris M had a chain issue and thereafter his gears were wrong, eventually it was sorted by getting the wheel to seat correctly. We headed down the normal cliff edge descent which was sketchy due to the mud, but we made it down and then turned right for a mile+ of road and then up the muddy track, before this Charlie has noticed her tyres were rock hard and let some air out and so had great traction from the tyres going up the climb and she lead the way. A brief rest and re-group at the top near the school and then set off along the lane heading towards the re-built burnt out house, not sure the occupiers of the house knew what to make out of all the bike lights heading up their drive (it is a legal bridleway), not quite sure we would be classed as UFOs? Follow the bridelway de-tour sign and cross a field and join up with the track, a bit of climbing and then the downhill tunnel track through the trees, I was behind Jamie and his LED lights were lighting up the trees surrounding him, giving a halo effect with his red tail light in the middle, a great picture in the offing and the descent is fast and straight, well worth the extra route. Now turn left at the house and down some single-track to the road opposite the Lyth Valley hotel. Re-group and head down the road, there was a head wind and so we tried to get into a chain gang for the couple of miles back to Gilpin, but back for chips and a drink. Thanks to the Gilpin Bridge who made chips for us all, spot on! Next ride is Far Sawrey meet near the phone box.