12th May 2011 - Sedburgh for Dent

5 turned out on this showery day, wondering what the weather may bring, Neil, Paul, George, Grant and CT. Route recorded by Neil check out http://www.sportstracklive.com/track/map#NeilH/Mountain-Biking/Sedbergh/RADS/191528/full ; 15 miles, back 9.45pm, no chips in Dent too cold and getting dark. Usual route, a little cold to start, warm up on the climb, keep jackets on for the lanes and take off for the climb up Gawthrop hill (and yes it can be done in middle ring!), stop and re-group at the gate, look at dark clouds, don rain coats, rain arrives, head up track, cold in wind but steady away, rain eases by top, keep going for second bridleway descent, it's another miles along the top. There were muddy puddles and rocks slippy when damp, a few times rear wheel slipped down a rock and pirouetted you across the track to much amusement of others. We arrived at the start of the descent, last time it was dark now in the evening light you could see how steep it was, Grant not looking forward and trying to see the place he fell off last time?! So onward, it's always tricky to start when on the brakes, down the grassy side or take the rocky path, as it was damp neither was an easy choice you just have to keep some momentum, not too much braking and keep an eye on the hollows. Much merriment was had and we made it to the gate, next section is as tricky and I warned to look out for the holly tree, if you could keep riding past it you were doing OK, I think George and Neil were first, then Paul hesitated as he saw holly, so a little dabbing was occurring, but the rocks are a real test, just keep going with momentum for balance, Neil made it all the way down nice and steady is the way. Now down the lanes and through Dent and back the way we came, Grant and Paul stopped at the farm gate and chatted with the farmer, we could hear laughter, not sure who's jokes were being told, surely not Grants...? Back to the cars and 3 folk went off in search of a pub, the others went home for food. Next ride Keswick