An intrepid group of Oread Mountain Bikers met at The Spotted Cow, Holbrook at 7.30 on Thursday , on a calm dry evening, under an almost full moon. After the others waited for me to find the pub I had nominated, we five set off down Shaw Lane on our searchlight equipped bikes and descended Dark Lane bridleway past the Holly Bush to Makeney. We then turned right to Milford, past the King William, then along Chevin Road to turn left onto the A517 Ashbourne Road.  After a short distance, a sharp left over an agreeably shallow ford led up a rough bridleway  to the well surfaced Lumb Lane in Hazelwood at the top of the hill.  

From here, a turn left, followed by left and left again took us past the Bluebell to the right turn on to the North Lane Bridleway over the Chevin. The views down over Belper on the first stretch were superb. Quite exciting as it is in daylight, the bridleway was even more so in the dark. At the southern end, a fast swoop to Milford down Sunny Hill led us back up via Shaw Lane to the Spotted Cow in Holbrook for an enjoyable get together and beer.

Those attending- Andrew Norman, Simon Wren, Mike Wren, Roger Larkam and Mike Hayes.

I had picked the Spotted Cow as a start point, being democratically situated between Duffield, and Kilburn, where Andrew and Emily live.

It was splendid getting out on the bike in super conditions with great company. Thanks to Spenser for the original concept, and to those attending, especially Mike Hayes, who drove down.  

No injuries were sustained. Mike‘s rear wheel caused amusement when it tried (thankfully unsuccessfully) to overtake him on the rocky descent from the Chevin. On the steep descent down Sunny Hill into Milford, Andrew’s disk brakes reminded him to get new pads.

It may be noted that we passed ALL of my favourite local bike pub stops, thus avoiding the ride turning into a pub crawl. The well-earned pints at the excellent Spotted Cow at the top of the hill tasted good. 

Meet report courtesy of Mike Wren