Seven of us set off from The Rosette in the fast group tonight. While the socials were off to Broxa, us antisocials headed for the mud and steep climbs of Raincliffe. There were patches of old snow and ice, but it was pretty much all rideable - barring one or two of the climbs that Steve Hopper led us up. 

It was a good ride. Not too cold. A bit stop-start. <Ahem> Thursday night maintenance, anyone?  I think offenders should have to do penance on a rigid singlespeed. Fixed wheel. With a carbide lamp. 

Faffing apart, though, it was great to get out into the fresh air after the sofa surfing and constant snacking of Christmas. We went into Rainfcliffe at the middle car park and went along the bottom a bit. Steve and Nigel showed us two interesting ways to cross a slimy wooden bridge over a gulley - ride into the gulley or fall off sideways into it!  (Me? I minced over it.)

After that there was a looong muddy climb up towards the top track. It was a bit slidey on the top. Young Nick had a nasty spill into a tree root and Lewis banged his knee too. We lost time redistributing lights so everyone could see properly (cough, cough), so we then came back on ourselves along the top track - and then further along it. Some deep mud and more slimy roots. 

Then we did 'Lewis's downhill'. Some of this was really good. Some was a kind of earthy scree slope that only Nigel seemed comfortable on. Then a quick burn back along the road to the pub for beer. I had a freewheel head-to-head with Steve down Red Scar Lane - his dinky 26in wheels let him down.

Well I have done 2 gentle rides along railway line to Ravenscar, coughing and talking all the way. So I think my flu excuses are running out and I plan to be out next Thursday.

Will be good to get going again.