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.