Well i still don't quite believe it but we had 21 out on this very chilly eve. Nigel led the fast group of Ruth and Mike, Langdale Richard and Dan. They has an interesting ride, apparently! The rest of us social group headed straight up hill into Broxa, so at least we warmed up. It was great to see some new faces, Terry and Ian from Malton, Dan, and loads of regulars reappearing just like snow drops! We even had old timer Julian back out which was great. Shortly into the ride we nearly lost a rider but quick thinking from Malton Ian soon had him found, thanks! We rode some fairly easy trails with just a few low branches to keep us alert! Towards the end of the ride we were splitting so people could do either do a down hill or go round when Terry came a cropper! He clearly was in pain. Julian said he would live and jacckie wrapped  up in tin foil, so he bravely got back on his bike for the long downhill fire brake to the pub! Out over 2 hours, well done all!

Yeah, good night's ride tonight. Thanks to Nigel and Richard for directions. We went along under the shoulder of Broxa forest towards Low North Camp, then back via Blue Man. It was a cold, cold night tonight. We were cracking ice on puddles, and the muddy ruts were sometimes soft, sometimes solid. We all had shifting problems later on the ride, as gear cables started to seize with the cold. Apart from one or two climbs, though, it was all pretty much rideable, if a bit slidey. We had a couple of river crossings, one easy, one through which most of us dabbed - although Ruth managed to jump from rock to rock (on foot, not on bike) and stayed dry. 

Mike was having an easy night, so didn't tear our legs off, although Richard peeled off at one point. I'm not sure if he had a fall or what, but suddenly went quiet and was drifting off the back. Everything okay, Rich? (He did say farewell and head off. We didn't just leave him!)

I took a pratfall on Blue Man. There was a watery gulley, which even Nigel didn't ride over. But Mike did, so I figured I'd give it a go. I got mostly across, then fell backwards into the water, getting a soggy backside. Synthetic chammies absorb water like sponges, it turns out! I squelched around the rest of the ride and started to get a bit cold by the finish. 

Great to get out. Funny how you can um and ah before going out when it's a bit grim, but you're always glad you did afterwards.