Gisburn Forest 25.7.2013

It was all downhill after last week’s peak of 3 riders, as it was back to two for Gisburn. Neil had emailed on Wednesday to see if anyone else planned to go, not wanting a long drive for a solo ride. So Thursday saw George and Neil turn up, and by 6.45 and with no sign of anyone else, we set off, for what turned out to be an excellent ride.  It was a warm evening, and with only a few other riders around, we seemed to have the place to ourselves, as during the first part we caught two guys, and later a guy passed us near the top northern section.

Spot George on the photo?

Although the route was just over 13 miles, it seemed to pack in a wide variety of terrain and challenges over the ride that took us just under 2 hours of riding. From some very thickly wooded sections, which despite being a sunny evening were a bit spooky with quite deep shade in them, (would be an interesting night ride) and some closely packed trees proved a challenge, especially  with wide bars. Sections of “board walk” which should probably be called split log walk, as they had been made of logs roughly split longwise. Open moorland, and plenty of technical sections to provide plenty of testing sections.

George shows how to do it.

We both agreed that it had been an excellent and most enjoyable ride, and well worth the long drive – but we both left with  unfinished business, as somehow we had missed the best bit - Hully Gully!!! Neil had ridden it about three years ago, and was looking forward to going down it again, but despite some clear instructions from Charlie, we managed to miss it - at least it gives us good reason to return soon!

Next week Keswick Now it's Staveley meet at Barley Bridge 6.30 – who’s going?