20th December 2012 - Ings

3 riders made it out in the wet, Ian, Paul and Charlie, a few other nearly made it out...but landed in the pub for the after ride meal! Apparently the ride was a bit of a swim and included a little circuit around High House, but did include fairly lights! In the pub Joel, Neil, George, Jamie and CT joined the others for a meal and a few even managed a pudding. Thanks to Paul for donating to air ambulance this year in lieu of sending cards. Next ride will be Thursday 3rd January 2013 let's say Barley Bridge.

13th December 2012 - Elterwater

5 turned out on this icy cold evening, Charlie, Jamie, Grant, George and CT; on the drive over it was hovering around -2 deg C with the gritters doing sterling work, Charlie forgot a wind proof so borrowed one off the team. CT was looking for Orion's belt as shooting stars were due to make a show, but the belt was not viable yet, maybe later. Set off down the lane past Britannia Inn to start with the steep climb as a warm up, a little bit of ice but generally very grippy and a good climb if a little testing so early in the warm up! Down the lanes, over the ford (bridge) and on to the playground, up the slate and onto Iron Keld, just watch out for ice patches all around and do NOT follow Charlie as she had ice tyres and was looking for ice, we kept forgetting not to follow her lead, as she was generally faster! Up iron Keld and at the top pause for snacks, cheers Charlie, and also we can now sight Orion's Belt and so stood around for a few minutes looking for shooting stars and yes they did make a show, all very poetic, but tooo cold so we continued on, down the ice track, but not too bad, back to Elterwater via a little bit more off-road. Not too long a ride but very cold, the cars said between -4 and -7 deg C, the drive home was cold and at Bretaholt roundabout my car did a 45 deg spin, not quite 180 but enough! Next ride is from Ings, early start 6pm for a ride and 8pm for a meal.

Friday 7th December 2012 - Whinlatter

OK so this is not strictly a Thursday night ride, but as the rain was very bad, a couple of us took Friday off, due to the better forecast and set off for Whinlatter. Grant set off early to get a ride in before his lunchtime appointment and Jamie and CT arrived mid-morning due to child responsibilities. The roads were a bit icy and traffic slow in places but we got to Thornthwaite  and parked at the bottom of the hill, apparently Jamie wanted to ride his newly built rear wheel in by riding up on tarmac; there was snow on the tops and an icy feel so layers were put on and we headed up, nice and steady. At least they had re-built the road so it was open, albeit lots of water running off it. Half way up the road the phone went off, it was Grant saying he's finished his ride and was off for breakfast! Head up to the visitor centre, chat to the cycle shop staff and head onto the red route after seeing all the Christmas trees for sale and some real live reindeer!! A few puddles on the route, then into the snow line fairly quickly, a couple of youths passed me, but I passed one at the hairpin bends as he could not take the turn in a clean line with his mega fork set-up; gradually work the way up, keeping an eye out for snow graffiti, good riding as not too icy, just some icy! Grippy enough with normal tyres, would be better with fresh rubber ;) enjoy the last swoopy descent before a coffee break at the cafe, then onto the south circuit, icy at the start then snowy, some great photo opportunity. Then to finish back down the road then tee off left for a mega descent straight back to the car, so that's why you park at the bottom! No rain and a great day. Next ride is Elterwater