Saturday morning mainley gravel loop with Jane & Arran

Looking at the forecast on Friday we had to get out on the bikes yesterday (Saturday) as the rain was going to start at 11pm on Saturday and not stop until 10am Monday morning! Arran had a early night for a change so was up early and out on the bike with us. We joined onto the old railway lies to head towards Brandon then turned off at Brawns Den down to the viaduct then onto the cycle track up to Croxdale. From there we took the small back country lane into the back of Tudhoe village then through Spenny and joined onto the old railway line to Bishop. The last mile or so before you get to the metal underpass tunnel has had new thick base gravel laid down but is not been rolled and is very loose and heavy going. If you are coming out of Bishop and heading towards Spenny you will be in for a treat or should I say probably pushing in places. Once at Bishop it was a fast descent down then up into the Market place for our café stop. Three breakfast specials later we were back on the bikes and called in past the House of Smudge to say hello before crossing the viaduct to pick up the old railway line back to Broom Park direction. The lines were still bone dry and dusty but not now after the heavy overnight rain. The lines were quiet as well and did not have to slow down too many times. I took the Cannondale Slate Apex with the 2" tyre up front, what a difference it makes to the ride / Solo fork. Jane was on the Cube E mtb and Arran was on the Cannondale Super X Hi Mod and Angus is working all weekend again! Below are a few sunny snaps, enjoy and hopefully more soon-