Another wet start, but slowly 6 riders turned up, 2 even cycled to the start and one had a single speed rigid bike for the experience! We headed off north and took a lane to avoid the main road to get us to the bridgeway opposite the Lyth Valley Hotel, on the way someone was cutting hedgerows and leaving a nice collection of thorns, I duly collected 2 in my front tyre but as the tyre was still up I just carried on riding figuring I would change the tube at some point. Then we took the usual anti-clockwise route up the bridgeway, round fellside plantation down along to Fell Edge and to the road south to Low Wood. Up the muddy/stony track towards Witherslack Hall Farm and then south to Yewbarrow for the downhill through the woods = joy!
Heading back through the village and Buckhouse Wood for another great decent in the darkness and down to the lane and back to Gilpin Inn for a pile of chips and time to chat about where the summer had gone!
PS: The tyre stayed up and the thorns were removed back in my garage, I now have an extra 2 patches on my iner tube!
Friday, August 26, 2005
18th August 2005 - Grizedale from Bogle Crag
9 riders braved the wet weather to enjoy one of Ians trips around the forrest. Although by all account some riders had to be coaxed from their cars, come on they said it's just a Cumbrain summer so wear a bit of Goretex!!!
Even with some journalistic research no one could tell me the exact route, except that the ride took in the east side of the forrest, for more details ask Ian next time you see him. 18 wheels good and no punctures and also chips back at the pub.
Even with some journalistic research no one could tell me the exact route, except that the ride took in the east side of the forrest, for more details ask Ian next time you see him. 18 wheels good and no punctures and also chips back at the pub.
Friday, August 12, 2005
11th August 2005 - Red Lion, Lowick
11 riders set off, although not exactly on time as usual, it was about 7ish. Directions were also sketchy as we rode towards the area known as Subberthwaite Common.
Only Ian could explain where we were as this was relatively uncharted RADs territory. Grant made a break from the group at one point, he was seen happily steaming up hill, sadly this was in the wrong direction and he had to double back which was a shame as it was the first time he has been ahead all year!
Bracken was the major complaint of the evening, if there was less of it we could have seen where we were going and many were suffering bracken-burns. George meanwhile was seen herding sheep using the power of his fully-sussed specialized. Jamie I think was the only one to puncture... and Joel didn't fall off from a stationery position as he's writing this blog, Joel was cycling at his best, and nobody else could keep up! (dreaming? Ed)
After the loop of the Common (I really still don't know where I was) it was getting dark and it was commented that winter rides are a coming.
Chips were finally acquired in the Red Lion even after the 8.45 deadline... one to remember.
Next week, Bogle Crag, and remember to get your grizedale challenge application in before the deadline of the 2nd September.
Only Ian could explain where we were as this was relatively uncharted RADs territory. Grant made a break from the group at one point, he was seen happily steaming up hill, sadly this was in the wrong direction and he had to double back which was a shame as it was the first time he has been ahead all year!
Bracken was the major complaint of the evening, if there was less of it we could have seen where we were going and many were suffering bracken-burns. George meanwhile was seen herding sheep using the power of his fully-sussed specialized. Jamie I think was the only one to puncture... and Joel didn't fall off from a stationery position as he's writing this blog, Joel was cycling at his best, and nobody else could keep up! (dreaming? Ed)
After the loop of the Common (I really still don't know where I was) it was getting dark and it was commented that winter rides are a coming.
Chips were finally acquired in the Red Lion even after the 8.45 deadline... one to remember.
Next week, Bogle Crag, and remember to get your grizedale challenge application in before the deadline of the 2nd September.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
4th August 2005 - Elterwater
13 riders turned up in the car park but with only 12 bikes, someone went home before the ride started! The others had a good ride, although someone asked at the start 'do we need lights?' no this is not a winter ride, .....never count your chickens!
Head south from the youth hostel road and turn right up the steep lane which turns into a track, up and over then left and right down to the ford, cross over and time for a quick discussion on the merits of going left or right, the outcome 11 went right, 1 went left (Ian on a different schedule). Up over Knotts and onto High Tilberthwaite and the first puncture, George enjoying himself on the descent! Then left back onto Hodge Close, then Oxen Fell and over the main road heading to Iron Keld, where we met Ian on his 'alternative' route! And Joel got a puncture before we enjoyed the downhill and back to Elterwater on the road, very nearly dark and it was only light rain showers!! we even got chips at 9.30pm (must be holiday season!)
Next week 11 August Lowick, meet in lane by the Red Lion.
Head south from the youth hostel road and turn right up the steep lane which turns into a track, up and over then left and right down to the ford, cross over and time for a quick discussion on the merits of going left or right, the outcome 11 went right, 1 went left (Ian on a different schedule). Up over Knotts and onto High Tilberthwaite and the first puncture, George enjoying himself on the descent! Then left back onto Hodge Close, then Oxen Fell and over the main road heading to Iron Keld, where we met Ian on his 'alternative' route! And Joel got a puncture before we enjoyed the downhill and back to Elterwater on the road, very nearly dark and it was only light rain showers!! we even got chips at 9.30pm (must be holiday season!)
Next week 11 August Lowick, meet in lane by the Red Lion.
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