17th February 2011 - Lowick for Grizedale

9 turned up, yes 9! Neil, Charlie, George, Jamie, Grant, Ian, Chris M, Joel and CT. It was a mild evening perhaps turning cooler, we set off east over the main road, over the bridge and turn left up the Crake Valley for a brief warm up before turning right at Nibthwaite Grange for the uphill tarmac section of Bletherbarrow lane. Just before here George was running behind, apparently due to new brake pads, rubbing, now how much can they rub you ask? loads the wheel would spin about 1" before stopping! so George was hoping that the wheel would free itself somewhat or it was going to be a slow ride tonight. At the top of the lane re-group and take the right track north east, head along the boggy sections, watch out George (who landed in a pile of bog) and enjoy the descent to High Ickenthwaite. Now continue along Corker Lane and into the forest, eventually coming out at the track up from Moor Lane climbing up to High Parkamoor, along the way there was a rock step where Chris M took the left Charlie took the right line and apparently neither was correct!, JB made the left, CT went back and made the left section, Grant was still rolling when he approached it, but blamed his gears (new chain syndrome!) and I believe George may have made it, cause he slithered over with all his mud! Now travel along the track through the muddy puddles, some were not as deep as they looked, others were! Start the descent along the side of the hill towards High Nibthwaite, firstly there were narrow tyre tracks to try to avoid, some got into trouble and when Grant tried to get out of a rut on the RHS he went over the edge, but managed to come back up. Half way down there is the technical rocky section to enjoy, I think we all made it and it was a barmy night for descending. No aurora borealis visible tonight, so quick pub stop, fire burning grand night out! Next ride Troutbeck.