17th March 2016 - Ings for Garburn

George, Grant, Phil, Joel, Charlie, Jamie and CT turned out at Ings for a clear evening ride. The Watermill had recently opened after their flood reinstatement (new paint:) and so it would be rude not to pop in after. We set off up the Dubbs road and had the following views along the way...

View from Moorhowe road looking west into the sunset

...after the photos head on up to catch the others at the first gate, then continue up onto Garburn. Steady away from the gate and concentrate at the first corner climbing section, Phil managed to keel a constant pace on his fat tyres and made it up other dabbed or walked a bit. The trail is in pretty good condition you just need your legs and lungs talking as one;)
Regroup at the top gate and head over the summit, now's the time to lower your seat post, especially if you have a cx bike! Carefully down it's always a challenge, loose boulders and rocks of every size, but fun nevertheless (if you like that sort of thing;). Down to the 'S's section, halfway pause for thought, then onward to the last section of loose boulder size peddles, ideal on fat tyres not so on thin tyres...apparently! All safely down, now round Kentmere hall and up to the top of three rivers and along the flattish section before down Grassgarth direction and back to the pub, but not before JB had a flat on a rock, then Charlie had a puncture near the end. Over 11 miles as it turns out, back 9-ish plenty of time to head into the pub to check out the decor and beer and crisps, all good!
Next ride in a weeks time will be Winster, we're all having a rest day this week;)