Sutton Bank Revisited

I seem to lay on rides for Sutton Bank on every other program, but as there are many different possible routes to take I don't often repeat any - honest!

On a damp wet day Liz, Dave, Edwin, Pete, Judith, Nic and I ventured out across the top of the Bank heading for Boltby. I knew it was expected to be muddy near Dialstone Farm, so took the next bridleway along, but it was just as bad! We were struggling and getting caked in mud already! Sorry! And there was no view for Edwin to enjoy because of the fog!

The mud continued, much to my annoyance all the way along the bank. We got a respite from it when passing through the woods up to Boltby Forest. People were keen to stay on the bridleway rather than venture into the forest on wide, non muddy tracks so I bowed to pressure and as we'd taken much longer than expected already we took the bridleway along to the top of the Moor. It continued to be very foggy and Liz and I were talking so much we nearly ran into a large tractor coming towards us!

We were at last on hard tracks, but the mud was just splashing into our faces as we zoomed down hill into Harmby. We debated whether we should go into the pub as we were unrecognisable from mud! But after taking our shoes off we were in, only to find there was no lighting. Luckily they were able to make lunches for us. An hour later we left, full up, but not inspired to ride any more off-road muddy tracks, especially as it had started raining now too!

So we climbed the rather steep hill out of Harmby up to Murton Grange and rode the rest of the route on road back to Sutton Bank car park. Not quite the day I'd expected, sorry! At least mud is good for the complexion and I had more girls than boys on one of my rides, so thanks girls for keeping me company this time.

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	Swaledale Outdoor Club

Sutton Bank Revisited

Liz Copsey