2nd February 2012 - Satterthwaite for Grizedale

8 managed to wrap up warm and brave the cold, Charlie, Grant, George, Chris M, Jamie, Freddie, Neil and CT, we all managed a natty bit of parking in the pull in although there was a car parked right in the middle we just threaded out cars all around it. In an earlier email Charlie has mentioned she had fitted her ice tyres, so Neil and Chris M followed suit, that left the rest wondering how icy it would be...Not sure exactly how cold it was but probably below zero, there were patches of ice on the roads where run off water had frozen. All gear and lights ready to go and we opted for the warm up of Breasty Haw, there was much checking of gears as some seemed sluggish right away, could it be that cold? JB had decided to try a new chain, Oh No it was not best going up hill under strain, so at least we could pass him on the climbs, much to our amusement! Ice tyre trio were enjoying the frozen streams along the bridleway the rest of us were learning the hard way. Grant on his re-modelled 69er special was not enjoying it, CT had front brake issues, JB limited low gears, the others just ice to deal with so a good night on the cards, after the descent to the road Grant was not happy, but had to head uphill as the only way out and his car was blocked in! We climbed out and headed to the fox and here realised that Grant forks were frozen in the bottomed out position so he had no suspension at the front for the rest of the ride, but otherwise could enjoy the experience;) By this time gears were giving problems and so much staying in middle ring. We basically crossed over to Moor Top and did the north face to get back to the top of the descent back down Moor Lane, all fun, if you keep moving it's not too cold, having said that ice was forming all over the bike and apparently it's a good idea to remove/reduce ice from the fork stanchions so it reduces potential damage to the fork seals. The last descent was very icy in places and a few tumbles were taken and you never know how bad until you get home and have to cut off the damaged skin! All safely back to the cars, with Grant complaining of his extra upper body work out, check out the picture of what Grant could have looked like with bottoming out forks. Next ride is Barbon, will we have snow? *** UPDATE: *** No snow yet but freezing rain on roads, paths etc, so Barbon postponed and the few with ice tyres may ride a circuit of Kendal meet at Bruices 6.30.