9th August 2007 - Hartsop for Ullswater

9 riders (including a new chap) turned out on a beautiful summers evening, (at least for August 2007). Basically we ride north and then navigate clockwise or anti-clockwise around part of Ullswater, so we had a little chat about routes, knowing pretty much that we were going anti-clockwise, either way we get a big hill in and this way we do it early in the ride, you know a traditional RADs warm up! So setting out from the small carpark in Hartsop village head back to the road, but turn right down a track just before the main road take this bridleway north towards Dubhow and take the hill climb up to Boredale Hause. This is one steep climb and gets steeper as you go up, so by halfway you will be doing well to keep riding, near the top and it's even hard just to push the bikes over. So we regrouped just after the stream and admired the view, after a few minutes of chat we continued up and over into Boredale valley, the cut through is rocky and technical, you either have to be very committed or get off and walk, so we walked. Enjoy the descent down the valley, meet up at the gate and we get the first mechanical, Jamie punctured on his hardtail. Head along the track and onto the lane, take the left fork and just before Sandwick turn off left up a grassy track, take this bridleway and follow the edge of Ullswater, after a little climbing we rested for cookies, but not too long as the midges were out. Continue round enjoying the testing rocky route, watch out for Jamies broken chain (the second mechanical) also watch out for the staircase rocks, they are a tester. Round the corner and near Silver bay there is a choice and there is a alternative bridleway which climbs steeply up (i.e. carry the bike for a bit) and then take the higher track, this goes higher than the farm and means coming back via Rooking, which was the way we went, all except David who stayed on the lower track and eventually beat us back to the cars. Once at Rooking its back via the main road as there is no bridleway direct to Hartsop, so a little road race to warm down! Next ride is Grisedale from Hawkshead, 6.15pm.