Lark and Larkling rides to Hartington
Larks and Larklings set out as one from South Park Base Camp in a touching display of seasonal solidarity.
After the Hanging Gate I exercised my Ride Leader’s Right of Dispersal (Club Rule 42) to despatch post-haste to Hartington the Masters of the Universe, otherwise known as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, otherwise known as the Four North Men of the Post-Election Electric Shock, otherwise known as Steve, John, Dave and Raph, otherwise known as the Fab Four. I, meanwhile, very much enjoyed the easier pace (9.5 mph average) of what I believe the records will ratify was my first ever Larkling Ride, with Stuart, Richard, Phil and Andrew.
Our provisioners of choice, the Hartington Farm Shop & Café, provided very prompt service with ample baked beans, dairy-free spread and soya milk. We were even able to co-locate with the Larks as they swilled the remains of their repast, belched discreetly and departed in a flurry of lycra with the telling tinge of mudded overshoes that confirmed they had indeed taken the same white water route that amused their below-the-salt comrades so much.
Claims, however, that the Larks did indeed take the routed dog-leg out of Gradbach at mile 9 up to Flash, engagingly dubbed Back o’the Cross, are subject to continuing review.
Yes, we’ll have a ride on Sat 28 Dec, maybe we’ll have a combined Lark and Larkling ride, maybe two separate rides to the same place. It all depends on who turns up. You won’t know unless you come. Forget the January Sales, haven’t we all reached Peak Stuff by now? Let’s ride.
Chris
White Water Larks (but the camera can lie)
Bridge on the bridge
Richard
There he is again. Dowel Dale.
Andrew