Dent

STOCKPORT CLARION CLUB RUNS
Autumn 2007, Report by Dunc	Dent Weekend, 11th November 2007 Club Run Page

This years Dent weekend away was one of the most popular we have had for many years with a total of 8 riding out. Meeting at Parrs Wood early on Saturday morning 6 riders set off to meet Mark and Maggie at Whalley just north of Accrington. Before we had even got there Mike had been unlucky to get at puncture at Parrs Wood, and then it was Ric’s turn just after we had made it through Manchester. This he had planned his puncture at this point (check out his favourite restaurant is the background). When close to Accrington Mike’s rear mech decided to stop working and not spring back when changing gear. He was pictured here taking out a few links to stop the chain hitting this tyre…..
Once the 6 riders got to Whalley we found the café where Mark and Maggie were tucking into their lunch so we decided to make this the café stop for the day. Simon to his delight found a £5 note on the floor (the highlight of his trip I think). We all then set off for the final hilly 40+ miles to Dent. Heading out through Bashall Eaves the roads turned upwards, and the wind started to be more noticeable coming from the west at a gusty 18mph. When we were just approaching the Forrest of Bowland, Mike was unlucky to puncture again and without another spare had to repair it. When we had realised Mike had punctured Dunc and Ric went back to see if he needed any help or a tube. It was bad timing as the ride back to find him was all uphill but only about 1 mile. Once off again we headed towards Slaidburn, this is when the ride turned very hilly going over Great Harlow. Just before the first summit we regrouped, but Mike was missing. After a 15 minute wait Dunc went back to look for him and found him only 1 mile away but with another puncture.

When at the summit (pic) the others had gone on to get out of the cold wind and Mikes tyre went down again. Out of tubes and repair kit Dunc gave him 2 new tubes and they were soon on their way. Further down the road Simon also punctured. The road got very hilly at this point with great scenery but a strong headwind up the climb to High Bentham. The 6 that went on waited at a local pub (in true SCCC style) and were joined by Dunc soon after. Unknown to us Mike had had another puncture so was about 30 minutes behind. With only 10 miles togo we went over Whenside with the daylight starting to disappear very quickly.

Once at the top the decent in the dark was not much fun with everyone on LED lights the direction of the road was hard to work out so the decent was about as fast as the climb. The added obstacle of cattle grids and gates made the decent a bit tricky as you could only make out the gate in the last 10 meters so everyone’s brake block were well worn down. Just approaching Dent a cars headlight behind us helped to see where the road went, unknown to us sat in the passenger seat was Mike. A motorist had stopped to see how he was and gave him a lift into Dent. Were not sure who he was but a big thanks must go to him. We stopped at the Sun Inn to get warm before setting off to find out B&B which was a mile outside Dent. While buying the first beer of many we found out there were 2 spare rooms which we took so save the walk in the dark, wet, and cold later. Last orders were served at 11pm on the dot, much to the shock of the group. It was probably a good thing as it would have been an even harder ride home. After a big breaky we set off to climb out of Dent towards the viaduct. Mike was lucky enough to have found a bike shop of sorts and bought a new tyre. This did not help as he punctured 4 miles into the ride (pic….puncture No 8…) When back on the road the tailwind made the ride a lot easier than the first day (and the fact we took a flatter route home). We left Mark and Maggie just before Whalley so they could pick their car up. After a quick lunch stop we headed for home. As usual it all went pear shaped. Over the last climb just before Bury we lost Mike, and just after Bury Ric jumped red lights and headed off on his own as he must have had a prior appointment (think we saw him on Canal St in Manchester as we passed). It was just turning dark as we got home….. Another epic trip to Dent. Same route for next year if you fancy it……....... Next planned weekend away will be sometime in Feb’08 to Lincoln……….