Six for Sedbergh 3 September

Gathering at the entrance to Halton Park were 4 riders waiting for me to lead them to Sedbergh. Nick, Mike CODD, Len and Patience. Off we set and the only way was through the park to get our legs turning. As usually after heavy rain the road was wet and slippy and with my skinnies I soon lost traction when I got out of the saddle(yes Ian I know to keep my WEIGHT on the saddle!)
Once on the top road a quick descent through Gressingham Hornby then Wray before we arrived at Wennington. A left turn here took us down to Melling to join the main road which we used as far as The Highway Man where a right turn onto the narrow road took us to Overtown. Here we decided to walk the bikes through the hamlet to the foot bridge noting that the offensive sign had been removed.
Once over the busy road we took the old roman road(not meeting any chariots) and took a second left to drop down to Casterton Golf Club for refreshments.
Inside the club house we met Geoff and Ken who were out on a ride of their own.
Once a bacon butty and lovely cup of coffee was inside me a relaxed chat was had before setting off again.
Discussions took place about the state of the narrow road from Barbon so we decided to forsake that route and went directly up the main road. By this stage Miles had joined us coming direct to the golf club.
Arriving in a quiet Sedbergh me and Mike opted for the Red Lion only to find we were 24 hours too early, they only served meals the day after!! Beggar so we found another pub and had our dinner joined by Nick and Miles.
Setting off from Sedbergh in the rain Nick opted to put his over trousers on which was great because the rain stopped later.
Over the metal bridge at Rigmaden and on to the road running parallel to the river through Kearstwick and into Kirkby Lonsdale. We had by this time decided the way home was via Biggins and Hutton Roof into Burton in Kendal.
As we were passing Greenland’s a magnetic attraction drew Nick, Mike and I went in for a brew, Len and Patience wanted to catch the end of the Tour stage.
Up through the Kelletts where my legs started to complain then left after the motorway into a strong wind which meant Mike and Nick sitting on my back wheel (I had found my second wind by then!!) whilst I forced my way to the Halton Road. Through Lancaster and home calling at bargain booze for some liniment for my legs.
A good ride and keeping to 6 will be my intention for future rides because whilst the advice suggests we can increase the numbers to 15 to quote the advice from Cycling UK “generally smaller groups work better”
Jim