MTB Trip 2007, Ingleton
The best attended meet of the year was on again. Returning to an old venue at the Timber Lodge, what would PP's MTB route have in store, just probably the usual low skulduggery, injury and mayhem!
Most people trolled up on Friday afternoon, with a keen team managing to grab a few climbing routes at Twistleton Scars. Zoe and Alan were due early on Saturday morning. PP laid out the route and how to gain points on the along the route. There were points for 2 descents; one on the road and one off-road and points for two ascents. Again one off-road and one on road.
Come 9:30 a.m. with everyone milling around no Alan & Zoe, but the club motto applied so we set off without them. Other parties went off climbing at Giggleswick, walking or simply sampling the fleshpots of Ingleton.
The first points were to be gained on a road descent. Half-way down the descent a herd of cows played the roll of the safety car so we all gathered together. Then away again, blasting down the hill. Now comes the controversy; PP says his directions were perfectly clear - Max is still whingeing about it. Anyway the lead group went the wrong way and those behind PP (well excluding Lou) went the right way. First win to PP.
After a quick grind up a steepish off road section then followed a fast downhill section. Alan had joined us by this stage, we were impressed with his bike - well we were impressed that he was going to do 35+ miles of off road on the nail he was riding.
Then came the first amusement of the day; the river crossing did you:
a) Cycle across the slippery stone bridge
b) Try to cycle through the river
c) Walk your bike across the bridge
Nobody managed b) on sight without putting a foot down except Alan; top marks mate.
Then a longish road section saw us to a cafe stop at Horton in Ribblesdale. Suitably refreshed and fuelled up the next points climb of the day was a long uphill off-road section. Ross was in the lead but punctured just before the top.
Then a quick decent saw us all at the bottom of the points long killer climb road climb. We all ground away and made it to the top. Impending fatherhood was obviously affecting our Chairman as he felt his legs shaking with the effort and saw Lou waving to him as she hauled him in; a last gasp effort salvaged Max's pride and he just kept Lou out.
Then the big points off-road descent saw us all whooping with glee as we blasted down the hill; I forget the places but then a short road ride saw us all get a well earned pint and rest at the Inn by the viaduct.
After a quick stop the team split in two; either to take the long descent back to Ingleton or cycle across the moor to come the back way into Ingleton. Those who opted for the moor after a real leg burning trip across the bogs were rewarded with a couple of short sections through a limestone pavement and then a fast descent on grass back to the road. We were all soon back in Ingleton to relax, shower, for Andy Wood to hone his diplomatic skills and for our glorious leader and his team to prepare dinner.
A great weekend had by all - many thanks to PP and all those who assisted him. Sorry Max you went the wrong way on the first descent so you didn't win it mate.
Andy Railton
Anyway some photos below for people to have a look at.