27th March 2008 - Hawkshead

5 riders (Chris M, Joel, Jamie, Grant and Paul) turned out for the final nightride before the summer season starts again, it was a cold one and Grant was refusing to get out of his toasty warm car as it was only 6 degrees outside and getting colder.
Without the tour master (get well soon Chris) a discussion took place as to where we going and at 18.55 it was decided that we should head towards Claiffe. We all set off towards Colthouse, along Scar House Lane and then Loanthwaite Lane, we usually take a left towards Outgate but someone started right and we all followed (get well soon Chris). We climbed on the road until we hit the junction where we realised that we had missed the off road route to Snake Bite Alley, we decided then to continue towards High Wray and on towards Base camp.

At Base camp Chris M suggested a different approach and headed left off the main track and up a technical rocky section of a climb, this took us parallel to the forest track past the scout huts to Nor Moss before switching a tight 180 degrees before Scab Moss that took us back onto the fire road. At Guide Posts we took the left at the crossroads for the technical loop and then we headed up to Hollin Band plantation for the sweeping downhill towards Moss Eccles Tarn. At the gate another dilema became apparent, we wouldn't have enough battery to get us down to the shore and back and nobody was keen on the return leg on the road... the alternative was then decided to reverse our path to Guide Posts (get well soon Chris) and so we turned round and climbed back up! (...get well soon Chris) Jamie pointed out that this was on an MBR beginners route, but by the time we had climbed back to the top it was suggested that it would put off most beginners for good! The forestry Caterpillars had also been through recently which didn't help the situation and Grant was also getting concerned as he's not from these shores and was alarmed that caterpillars could create such damage!

From Guide Posts it was a final descent over Rough Hows down via Colthouse to Hawkshead.
No chips, Everyone was too cold and it was a least an hours drive home.

New feature: telemetry and google map of the route>>>

Cartographic Length = 14.597 km
Total Time: 02:16:24
Average Speed: 6.4 km/h, Maximum Speed: 31.5 km/h

NEXT RIDE - 3rd April

Gilpin Bridge for the beginning of the summer ride and a meal to celebrate the end of the winter rides. Remember the early 6.15 start!!

March 2008 - Scottish weekend

We should have had some rides in Staveley and Elterwater, but these rides have ended up either side of a weekend break in Scotland and so many of the winter riders took a rain check, hopefully Joel has some news on the last ride, watch this space.
Regarding the Scottish trip, we had 8 riders in all spanning the weekend, some rode part of Ae on Friday whilst 3 others rode Mabie; 6 rode Kiroughtree on Saturday, 8 rode Dalbeattie on Sunday, 2 also gave the Kona Dark Side a try later Sunday evening (it looks evil boardwalk, photos to follow). then on Sunday 4 rode out to try Drumlanrig country park, in the end we were also guided for part of the way by Rik the local bike shop owner and trail builder, so it was quite a route, natural riding through the woods, very picturesque. All in all a grand weekend. Pictures and more ride information to follow, I still think Dalbeattie takes some beating, especially now there are some extended single track sections and the Slab is always fun!

6th March 2008 - Barbon

4 of us met up in Barbon, most of the others had cried off with colds or were holidaying..! Grant had a new bike, well a new feel for him anyway, serviced brakes, gears and so he did not fall off on any uphill sections! We did the usual route, very briefly up the first lane, turn right after the cattle grid and ride head long into a force four wind, i.e. pedalling downhill, then up the first bridleway, it's always hard, dabbed twice rubbish, did I say Grants gears were not normal and not 'rapid rise' so that excuse came out..! Nice and muddy along the level bridleway onto the road section, enjoy the uphill and think of the next mile long track, at least the wind was not against us. The next gate always feels like the top, but it's only half way, on over the hill and to the next gate before the muddy puddles section. Here Joel bravely taking the largest puddle on his all-mountain machine took a tumble and virtually went swimming, bashing his leg in the process but he kept going. Down to the next lane, blast downhill and think of the final rocky section, we advised Jamie to get a brew on while he was waiting for us at the bottom, but we all made it eventually. No river crossing but a great blast down to Barbon, in the pub for chips and a beer. Next ride is Staveley, not sure who will go as many folk are preparing for the Scottish weekend. Enjoy.

28th February 2008 - Troutbeck

8 turned out for a grand ride out, parking at the lay-by near church bridge, we set off north to Limefitt Park and up the bridleway to take the last section of Garburn track downhill, where JP had the first puncture. At the bottom turn left along the road, watch out for a sticking out piece of metal railing, then we turned right to take the bridleway to Town End, what fun you can have seeing how far you can freewheel (i.e. no braking) before you have to brake, the drop down into the field is deceptive and really fast, keep cool and enjoy! Head along the road to take Robin Lane get to the view point and rest on the seat, after a jelly-baby or two we set off down the rocky descent, Grant evidently enjoying himself at the cost of his derailleur hanger, so he had to head back for an early bath. We continued down Wain Lane, it's a rocky track, so keep your eyes open, I passed JP at one point, but then nearly went over the handlebars! Now at the main road, turn right for a few hundred yards to take Mirk Lane, this is a tester and a half, some say it's all in the head, but there are some uphill bits as well! Now back up to the lane and head back to the cars, one last downhill bridleway where Jamie punctured, so he wheeled back to the car. We stopped off at the Watermill for a jar and a chat. Next ride is Barbon.