11th September 2008 - Elterwater for Loughrigg

6 turned up at Elterwater, on time (parking near Britannia Inn), Grant, Chris, Ian, John, Neil, Chris M, we were all ready to go, so some did start off early, but as we were making some last minute fine tuning adjustments to Grants bike, i.e. fitting some brake pads! Jamie turned up, just in time. Basically it's up the hill to the youth hostel, down the Loughrigg terrace watch out for the dog walkers, enjoy the descent and look out for the right hand turn off for the caves, Grant missed it and carried on along the lake, we all met up at the gate. Climb the little track and head down the lane, past the car park and onto the under Loughrigg road, here Chris M decided to try the jumpy berm into the car park, but.... it was a muddy hole and he came a cropper, all OK in the end, more padding next time! Ride along the road, join the others and start UP the lane which leads onto the track up and over the hill, just over the top we met up with a larger MTB group going the other way, it's not often we bump into larger groups. At the bottom ride round the tarn and onto the road, lights on, ride past the youth hostel and down the bridleway across the common, enjoy the little wooden bridge and technical section, then back to the pub for a glass of refreshment. Next ride is Gilpin and a meal.