19th April 2007 - Ironkeld & Hodge Close

8 riders met up at the Elterwater car park, some 'just in time'...! We set off left out of the car park, right up the lane, some took a detour to the RHS while C&C reworked a squeaking brake! Up to the quarry, where Ian & Chris took a look at the slates goods on display, then on and upwards through the testing wood section, all the specialized boys had a go competing for who could look the coolest! After the wood meet up with a track to Dale End and down to the road, turn left then right and head for the ford, although we had cameras ready the Specialized boys were having none of the river crossing and took the bridge. Now into Little Langdale, head on to Hodge Close and Oxen fell, but keep to the right and head for the road, now cross over and head up the testing climb (loose stones) to the left turn for Iron Keld. After a brief rest ride up through the felled trees and mini rock slab, no problem for Grant. Then it's a downhill to the road, here we had time to turn left and head up the road a take the second right to find the NT downhill route through the trees, it's an excellent finish to the ride. Back along the lanes, slip-streaming behind others riders for the final sprint to the cars. 4 brave folk went to the pub for chips and sat outside even with a light drizzle, Ian & CT went inside later when it got dark and noticed 6 MTB nite riders who nearly rode past but got pulled in by the lure of a pint!
Next week it's Troutbeck Church for Longmire Rd & Wain Lane, 6.15pm

12th April 2007 - Winster (downhill special)

9 turned out for the first official summer ride in the warm barmy weather of April!! A quick discussion at the start of which way round, ended in the downhill vote, quick ride down the road to the ford at Birks Bridge, John and Grant rode through the ford, everyone else took the little bridge. Then we started the tarmac climb, passing a small group of walkers with very large rucksacks heading up the road, we overtook them with a cheery wave. Up Peer How Hill listening to CT's new disc brake whistle! At the top Chris M' found a pile of gravel to play on, giving it a Red rating, so a few of us gave it a go as a bit of fun. Head off down Ghyll Head Road and take the first right down a track past a tarn and on down (and up) the hill, at one point someone took a little detour and we all followed thinking they knew of a better route, only to pause and ride back to the track. Continue down and pick up the bridleway to the road, then right on the road past the pub and right past the cars by the church, to take the left hand bridleway named Craig Lane, up and down a little rocky route, testing Chris's slow puncture and up the grassy hill to the road. Cross straight over the road and take the uphill route of Bow Mabble Breast, regroup at the gate and then enjoy the DRY downhill! Back on the road past Batemanfold and take the track around Stonehills Tarn, then back to the cars. 7 made it into the pub and ordered chips after 8pm, they were big and fat chips with plenty of sauces! we sat inside and chatted (as well as watching the football on TV!).
Next week it's Elterwater, meet near Britannia Inn and it's a 6pm kickoff.

5th April 2007 - Giplin Bridge for Witherslack

7 riders met up along with one photographer for the customary quick ride around Witherslack and Yewbarrow, ending with a meal at the Inn. It was a bright evening and we may even make it round without the need for lights, Paul turned up with a sparkling new cycle (a bargain off an auction site apparently!) so off we set for the usual route past Raven's Lodge up and over to Beck Head, along the lane with no puddles and head for Witherslack Hall school. Turn left for the Yewbarrow circuit, although Paul on new bike had a puncture, a thorny issue! then we set off down the thrilling descent made a little easier by having no mud, but just large boulders instead, all down safely back through Town End for the final descent and back to the Inn. We met up with Jim and Inge for a slap up meal, starter (shared, much to the dismay of Grant) main course and pud! We discussed to a fashion the summer ride list and then left it to Jim (and the steering committee) to finalise plans, the 2007 summer ride list will be posted soon, keep watch!
Next week it's 6pm meet by the church at Winster.