Lead Rider - John (The Wheel)
Group - Swiss Tony, Kay, Decorator Dave, GFoz, Steve (Swamy) and Jack
Date - Sunday 8th July 2007

An early start from Marple Bridge, the route was planned to go up the lanes through to Buxton, cut across over to the outskirts of Sheffield, on through to Hope and then back to Marple.

Jack had returned for his second ride after trying off roading for the first time a couple of weeks earlier. Again he had borrowed Glenn's TTR for the day.

Decorator Dave was back in action for the first time since his infamous Eddie Kidd wheelie incident!!!, which resulted in a couple of broken bones in his arm, (not to mention a snapped brake lever and a large rip in his brand new rucksack!). With no obvious maintenance issues with the Gas Gas (which was highly unusual ), we made our way out of Marple, deciding to bypass the first lane after we had noticed a group of horse rider's in the distance.

Making good time we got to the stream at Taxel, where a couple of pictures were taken and the smoker's in the group got their nicotine intake. The weather was behaving itself for once, and it was getting a little hot with everyone wearing waterproofs (funny how you can never get your riding gear right?). After we had lunch in the cafe at Buxton, Dave and Kay left to ride home due to other commitments, but both said they had enjoyed the morning's ride and looked forward to getting out again next time.

Jack seemed to be getting the hang of it and Glenn seemed to have a grin on his face, he had been trying to off load the TTR since purchasing his brand new WR 450!

We set off again over to Monsal Dale where we stopped at the top to admire the stunning view and enjoy a quick drink in the sunshine. Our next couple of lanes took us over to Baslow where we encountered a group of about twenty five trail riders gathered at the start of one of the lanes. The size of the group was just plain stupid, imagine twenty plus bikes roaring through the countryside, no wonder our pastime is so under threat!

Our next stop was at the Fox House Inn near Sheffield, the lane leading up to it was a little tricky due to the previous couple of weeks (months?) rainfall. As we got to the end of the lane, Jack informed us that he had fell and twisted his knee and didn't think it was a good idea to continue. We made it to the Fox House where we assessed his injury. Due to him not being able to walk very well, he thought he had better call it a day, and head back home on the road, accompanied by Glenn. 

So with just Swiss, Swampy and myself left we set off on the lanes back towards Hope, we got to the quarry at Pindale where we decided to have a little play trying to get up the grassy hills. Swiss had a bit of an off as he hit a rock coming up the hillside, unfortunately I couldn't get my camera out quick enough to capture the moment (we do need to purchase a helmet cam for club runs!). No harm done, we did the last couple of lanes before splitting up and going home our separate ways.

Another good days trail riding enjoyed by all.

If you are interested in off road bikes, enjoying the countryside and having a good crack with the lads (and girls) then get in touch with us via the website or come down to one of the club nights, where you will always be welcome and we can sort out a ride for you.