We had planned to go mountain biking at Gisburn (Lakes side of Skipton) for about 6 weeks so when the day came round and there was significant snow fallage, we decided to go none-the-less.

James cried off as he couldn’t get his car out down at Rastrick so we set off at 08:45. We arrived at around 10:45 at the tail centre as the ONLY car there and in fairness we had seen some incredible snow drifts. The is no way we would have been there without the skills of big Bruce. He managed the snow and the drifts effortlessly and in comfort for the passengers.

We actually needed to clean the snow and crud off the bikes BEFORE we started riding.

At the top of the hills in the open the wind was exceptionally cold but did not deter us from doing the trail.

Tim told us it was a 12k trail although Simon was spent at what seemed like (retrospectively) about 3/4 of the way around. Turns out it is actually 12 miles so Simon feels a lot better about that.

It was (in Simon’s opinion) the most tiring BUT most exhilarating ride that we have completed yet and while that last 1/4 left poor Lee and Tim waiting for Simon a LOT, it was worth the run out.

Snow riding is a LOT of fun and worthy of anyone with a little confidence to have a go – you will not regret it.

We are heading out for a Mountain bike trail at Gisburn tomorrow so are somewhat hoping that the snow stays away, but at the same time am kind of looking forward to cycling in the snow.

Mummy is out tonight at a Spa party so Daddy is having a curry with Uncle Tim and a couple of cheeky beers might just be involved 🙂

There is actually about three inches of snow at home presently and there is more scheduled to arrive overnight….

The forecasted snow has indeed arrived – or rather half of what we were told was coming.

We awoke to 2″ here in Ossett and it has been persisting all morning thus far.

Ossett schools are closed (seems that they close when a few snowflakes touch the front door) and Silcoates is open.  We took the boys up to school in Emily (not enough snow to warrant getting Bruce out to the job) and have agreed with Oliver’s teacher that we will collect him from lunchtime as he still has ear-ache and is feeling under the weather, thus swimming is not a great idea for him today.

Silcoates have text us to say that they will monitor the snow and decide whether it will stay open.  The only reason really for closure is if it continues to drop the snow as the poor groundsmen definitely had their work cut out in trying to keep the paths clear.

Today, the company who fitted our conservatory back in 2009 came to fix a few bits on it. Basically most of the windows needed realigning, one new window hinge and the frame firming up (it had begun to separate on the largest expanse).

It was a whole mornings job but it feels like the whole thing has been revitalised and is ready for years more faithful service 🙂

Daddy collected Bruce from the garage this afternoon – he needed a new rear brake calliper and wheel hub :-(. Apparently the calliper kept seizing closed so the car was effectively braking at the rear passenger side intermittently. They don’t know why so will probably send the calliper back to Land Rover for forensics 🙂

Also, they found something broken at the front so replaced whatever it was as well under warranty 🙂

Then to top the day off, Daddy also found his missing keys under the passenger seat of Bruce 🙂