22nd February 2007 - Lowick & Grizedale

4 riders met up near the Red Lion, Lowick. 4 riders set up the road towards Nibthwaite Grange, only 3 made it that far, Ian was having gear trouble...he said he would go back...never to be seem again??? So that left 3 riders heading up Bletherbarrow Lane and it must be a mile up hill (not to put anyone off!) and then ease off along and down the lane towards High Ickenthwaite, we discussed which route we should take now that our guide had left us, we figured we should head towards Satterthwaite, but maybe take an earlier forrest track into Grizedale to avoid the rocky climb. We set off down the mini river that was the track to Ickenthwaite, turned left into Corker Lane and along to Force Forge, turn left for the testing little bridleway and look for the forrest track gate just after Low Bowkerstead, follow the fire road until the small tarn (with no name) turn left and keep going following the track, this turns round to the right and heads uphill, take a left track and pick up the marked bridleway onto High Parkamoor, through the gate and look out for the muddy puddles. We now headed along the bridleway to get the great descent into High Nibthwaite and guess who we bump into along the top path, yes our guide had walked up the track with his not so trusty bike, his gears were still bad and we stopped every few yards to free the chain, but at least Ian could freewheel down some of the hill! It is a great test following the water coursing down through the rock gardens and even towards the end there are fast sections with burms to ride over, it was enough to even throw off Ians back light, which we picked up along the trail ('cause Ian does not stop going downhill, even but no gears). We all met up at the bottom gate, now it was getting late, 9.30pm-ish so we rode back to the cars to get home and dry off. A great ride for 3 1/2 and not too wet!
Next week it's Troutbeck, park in the lay-by down from the church.

15th February 2007 - Winster

Five riders, Chris M (thanks for the on the spot reporting), Paul, Grant, Ed and Ian, turned up at Winster church for an expected easy ride around the bridle ways of Winster. Cycled along the road to the ford, no one was brave enough to go through the ford though Ed thought about it, plenty of comments about not getting wet feet this early in the ride. We then cycled up the hill via the road and had a play on the pile of grit that had been left at the top of the hill, only Ed was brave enough to do the steep drop off. We then cycled along the gated road that turns into a track and eventually joined the main road A5074 near the start of the Lindeth Lane where Ian promptly had a puncture. Puncture soon fixed, we headed up the bridleway towards Bateman Fold, a good long slog and enjoyed the short descent the other side. We then cycled along the road and track to Thornyfields where we cycled up the Bow Mabble Brest (never knew it was called that until I looked on the map!) unfortunately the cattle and farm vehicles had been here before us and it proved to be a slippy, slidy, muddy bike part of the ride; one to avoid for the rest of the winter I think! We then went straight over at the main road to Crag Lane and another challenging ascent in the wet before cycling back to the cars at Winster Church.
Next Thursday it's the Red Lion at Lowick

8th February 2007 - Satterthwaite for Grizedale

The 3 amigo's (the tall one, the skinny one and the legal beaver) turned out to meet near Satterthwaite for a 'cold, crisp and even' snowy ride around Grizedale forrest. We braved the freezing temperatures, well according to the French car it was -2, the Swedish car said just zero and the Japanese could not decide. There were signs of snow at the sides of the road and so we thought that we may get some snow riding in, but at least the start was traditional, yes straight UP Moor lane. We noticed some tyre tracks from 2 bikes and one was at least a hybrid, if not a touring bike! There was some ice in places, but we battled on up the lane.
At the top you come out onto a forrest road, turn right and travel down, we were shown a slight detour which needed some skilful riding and we came out on a track going towards the visitor centre, take the left turn at the bottom of the hill (before you get to the centre) and we climbed steadily up the hill in about 20mm fresh snow. Roughly the route (from OS Leisure) going up Harry Intake towards Mustard Hill, but take the right hand turn, heading down until a junction, then take the rough track straight ahead, at this point someone shouted something about the left hand side, I did not quite hear, it's a little technical and rocky but OK, this route heads down towards the visitor centre, a little further on after a bend there is a washed out section with large drop offs into gullies, so keep left to avoid them, but once committed they are tasty but manageable!!
We crossed the main road and headed up the track opposite the visitor centre, it's very rocky and provided some testing riding, so much that I walked much of it and proved that it's almost as quick as riding! at the top turn right onto the forrest road towards the Fox, then take the right hand track, here we were riding on virgin snow, we stopped to look at the stars and enjoy the tranquil peace of the moment and discussed fishing!!! Onward to take a singletrack on the left hand side, which we usually come up, this was snowy and icy, carry on until the track opens out into a clearing, hear we found animal tracks and wondered were they deer? no too small (maybe a small deer!!) these tracks were all over the forrest roads and we think probably a hare, playing in the snow!
At this point we are looking for a route to get us back to the bridleway into Satterthwaite and after some forrest roads we found a right hand route up a little testing climb, in snow, Jamie had a go and stalled so I saw my opportunity so I headed on....and promtly fell over, landing softly onto Jamie bike! We carried on through the singletrack to join up with the downhill into Satterthwaite, very enjoyable. Back to the cars and into the pub for a warm up, beer and crisps. Next week it's Winster, park opposite the church.

1st February 2007 - Whitbarrow

5 riders set out from Gilpin Bridge on time, a 6th set off later to catch up, but the others had taken a detour, more details to follow...Watch this space... OK so no update but you can imagine the route, ask Jamie for details.

Thursday 8th February it's Grizedale from Satherthwaite (Parking 400m S of village)