15th December 2005 - Dubbs to Ambleside (shuttle)

8 riders turned out to meet at Moor Howe, on the lane from Ings to Troutbeck and headed up the track to Dubbs Reservoir off up Dubbs road to Garburn, but turning left for the rocky downhill (great fun!) to Church Bridge, south of Troutbeck. Then take the bridleway north of the church to the main village road and then the right hand lane at Town End before finding the bridleway on the left called Wain Lane, enjoy this "hardtail heaven" to the main road, no one fell off, as such, but maybe someone jumped off a bike, quickly!!
Go along the main road for a few yards then take the lane and bridleway, Mirk Lane, past Merewood, now enjoy the climbing! head right at the lane just past the farm and take the next left hand bridleway UP to Robin Lane, rest and enjoy choc' mint orange, thanks Jim.
Now enjoy the westerly route along Robins Lane to Jenkin Crag and the rocky test of a downhill! All back to 'The Van' for the shuttle ride back to the cars, leaving Jim to guard the hardware! A good ride all round, mostly downhill according to some, but maybe we were doing the uphill route!
Next week a casual ride from Ings, Boxing day option (contact Chris) then Thursday 29 to be advised, another casual ride. Bank Holiday Monday 2 January 2006, we aim to ride from Bowness ferry car park to Hawkshead for lunch and back! See you there and have a good festive time.

8th December 2005 - Lowick Bridge

6 riders, wearing thermals, met in the lane by the Red Lion at Lowick Bridge and set out west along the lane, taking the first right hand turn until the bridgeway sign pointing to Kiln Bank, taking the right hand gates just past the farm buildings. Then take the route up and over the hill and finally reach the tarmac lane, where we paused for breath, while Ian decided which route to take. We chatted a while and noticed a single light emitting from the distance, roughly the direction we had come, some said it was a car or motorbike, but very quiet, what ..... could it be a mountain biker? it was heard to say 'it could never be Joel 'cause it was moving too fast'......low & behold but it was Joel and as a finalee he turned on his new red Christmas tree lights stuck to his helmet, what a sight!!
We then turned right and went down the lane and basically circumnavigated Blawith Knott, for exact details ask Ian ('cause my map does not cover this area!), but we returned via the same lane, mostly in the dark for Ian as his lights had given up, again!!
It was a good ride if a tad cold, the wind chill on the way back was bloody freezing, but at least the pub had a real fire going, as we all discussed the merits of e-bay!
Next week Dubbs Lane (park at Moor Howe) to Ambleside, all downhill according to Jim and heaven for hardtails!

1st December 2005 - Ings, around Acretarn plantation

Well no excuses from Grant, as he turned up in the first 3 cars!........OK so there were ONLY 3 cars! The regulars, myself, Grant & Joel, turned out for the usual Ings Kentmere Hall ride, although we think Grant would have preferred to sleep in the car, what with a new born baby at home and getting up all though the nite. So we said the fresh air & exercise would do him good, he lasted up the first hill to the ford at Park Beck, we stopped for flapjacks (Joel bought 12 just in case, thanks Sue!) then decided to head back the shorter route, something about the clouds looking very black....well it was nite-time!!!
We went through the two fords managed to survive the rocky descent, then I came off on the grassy tracks at the bottom, all legs no peddles! We attempted the little rock test at Browfoot (too wet & slippy) cycled up the lane and around the farm to the narrow downhill bridleway, which normally is OK but the wet rocks are becoming a nightmare, roughly translated meaning we all fell off!
Back to the pub, Grant declined a drink, obviously wanting to sneak off to a lay-by and sleep some more, Joel & I put the world to rights, discussed loft conversions and youth hostel experiences (I think Joel could write a book, ask Grant).
Next week we are at Red Lion at Lowick for more fun in the dark.