Saturday 15th July 2017

Eight souls braved the rain as we gathered in Sebergh for our "Tour of the Howgills". The B1 contingent being Andrew D, Ian & Cherry Scone, Steve K and Vincent, while Martin O, Bill and I made up the B2s. The B1s were proposing to take in the Coal Road but after due consideration and taking into account the persistent rain and shrouding mist a decision was taken to proceed as one group saving the Coal Road for another day. This decision tipped the balance for me as I was considering wimping out (having ridden the route in glorious sunshine two days earlier!). We were strung out somewhat along Garsdale as legs warmed up but regrouped at Garsdale Head for a wind-assisted cruise along Mallerstang to the brew stop at Kirkby Stephen.
Leaving the café we opted to avoid the ford on the Crosby Garrett road (we were wet enough) and headed to Soulby, from whence came the long drag up to Whygill Head. So far so good but as we headed for Orton via Sunbiggin Tarn, a stretch which usually hosts our freewheel competition the headwind was so strong that we struggled just to make any forward momentum. From Orton, under the motorway and south along a very nadgery, undulating lane to join the A685, back under the motorway to join Fairmile Road along the western flank of Howgill Fells to complete our "tour". Alas for Vincent the drop to Carlin Gill combining cattle grid, sharp turn and persistent rain caught him out and he hit the deck (ouch!). This meant a somewhat sombre ending to what could have been a fairly miserable day except for the good humour of the group interspersed with a hint of competitiveness on those all too frequent climbs.
See you back on the bike soon Vince!