30th August 2012 - Troutbeck for Garburn

At last a summer evening, moon and all, top of Garburn

Moon reflecting on pond, Kentmere valley

4 riders met up at the pull in near Troutbeck church, George, Paul, Jamie and CT; as it happened Jamie cycles from Kendal and CT cycled from Staveley, George overtook us both on the lanes and tested his horn (road rage?). It was a fine evening and we headed up Garburn via Limefitt caravan park then the steady start up the gravelled lower section of Garburn. The technical sections are still very testing when climbing and after about the 5th corner we could hear a hissing noise and we eventually found the cause being a small gash in CT rear tyre, which although was tubeless had run out of sealant and so a new tube was required, at least the pause allowed George to take some pictures. Onward and up to the top, here there was some breeze and so no midges, great, also the moon was out and so gave a photo opportunity (see pic). So down the other side and watch the technical bits, but remember the lower section is loose and as hard as the rocky parts. Round past the church and up to 3 rivers, on the way another photo of the moon reflecting on the fish pond below (see pic, thanks George). Now it was getting darker, test those lights, at the river crossing take it easy or if you are Jamie try it three times just so you don't get wet feet! Along past the boggy bit, not bad, and we split up at the next junction as Jamie and CT were cycling back and George and Paul had to find their cars. On the blast down to the Ings road Jamie had a puncture, bad luck but it's a great descent. A fine evening, next ride is Barbon.