27th October 2011 - Barbon

The odd shower may have put off some...? but George, Charlie, Jamie, Grant and CT met up in Barbon for the usual route up hill and down dale. So what is the usual RADs start to a ride...yes up hill start just to test the gears, never mind the legs, over the cattle grid, right down the lane and look for the bridleway on the left. Once found select a suitable gear...1st! and attempt the first climb, it was a little damp so very tricky and no clean runs. After the level bridleway up the lane, for a re-group and chat, George took off his rain jacket....so the rain started! take the left bridleway for about 1km uphill, steady away you'll get a rest at the gate and don't forget to switch the lock off the forks, at least I remembered 50 ft from the gate! Next section felt like riding a flat tyre in treacle, then it burned foggy, great for head lamps! Over the downhill section in the fog, I followed George and Charlie and hardly knew which section I was on until the gate. Down the lane to the downhill, damp rocky, watch out for the trenches and try to keep your feet on the peddles, when I shouted to Grant, he said he couldn't talk as he was concentrating. After the right and left 'S' bend, keep on trying, albeit I jumped off at one point (safest option before being thrown off). Re-group at the lane, over the bridge, down through the tree run and out onto Barbon hill climb. Here 3 of us lined up for a gravity race, Grant, Jamie and CT lined up while George and Charlie counted down 3..2..1..GO...!, JB got a jump start so CT had to draught behind his wheel get some speed and overtake, then JB saw a rabbit and slowed down! CT didn't see it with his lights and was back in the lead heading for the corner, but now needed to let JB back to see with his LED light! JB overtook and made the corner whilst CT overshot and ran on the grass, hearing Grant chuckling in the background! All back safely, but no time for the pub. Next ride is Far Sawry, park near the pub and we'll watch out for pre-fireworks.