Mountain Bike Meet: December 2011 - Jason Whitely

A very cold, blustery and at times wet day was enjoyed by ten members on the December ride, based at Grizedale Forest in the Lake District. However, we didn't just have the weather to deal with as the forest had been closed due to the Grizedale Rally taking place that day! Despite this, we managed to circumnavigate the forest without causing any issues for us or the rally and had a great ride, with great views at times when we were not surrounded by trees. It really is fantastic being able to see some old favourites such as the Old Man and the Coniston Fells from another angle.

From Grizedale we went South and then West, crossing the ridge and eventually descending to Coniston Water, and thence on to Mark and Janette Braithwaite's for a welcome brew and lots of cake. The ride back was hilly. Very hilly. And steep in places, but we got back in time for more tea and cake in the Grizedale cafe after a ride of just under twenty miles. Well done to all for turning out on a testing day, especially David Medcalf who had pneumonia! This year I'll make sure that wherever we go there isn't a rally on!