26th July 2012 - Ribblehead (take 2)

So it's still summer albeit one month on from mid-summer, so let's see if we can do more of the Ribblehead ride; 4 turned up initially (i.e. on time!) Charlie, George, Jamie and CT and set off north west under the viaduct and then turn north for the Blue Clay Ridge bridleway running along the railway tracks, take a left over the viaduct and start up Craven Wold climb. Half way up here a 5th rider joined us, Grant, keep heading to Dentdale and enjoy the descent, try to keep some brake pads for later ;) Once in Dentdale head east along the river Dee, go past Cowgill and head up the Arten Gill bridleway, another first gear climb to start and then it eases off to second gear; try not to get sheep's wool snagged around your jockey wheel as this does not help the gear changes! Remembering that it is a warm and humid evening so the climb at over a mile means some sweat is produced which attracts midges, glad there was some breeze at the top. There is currently some work to make a new track to link onto Swineley Cowm, work still in progress and very claggy mud in places hence very muddy bikes and lots of grinding noises. The reward is to hammer down  to Newby Head gate and it's an excellent descent, just remember the last corner before the gate!Unfortunately not enough light to fully enjoy the last section off Cam High road (relief for some) and so we head back via Black Rake road bridleway and the last bit by road, where it was much darker, Jamie was first down the road with charlie chasing, George followed, CT adjusted his seat post and chased down George whilst Grant came back from the rear and we all raced back into the head wind, god knows how Cav' gets his power for any sprint finish! Good ride, must remember midge repellent next time, next ride Yewbarrow / Witherslack from Milnthorpe.