27th August 2009 - Ings for Kentmere

It was a grey day with dark clouds forming, but it looked OK for biking, 10 riders turned up at the meeting place near the Watermill at Ings, one other joined part way round. There were a few rain drops in the air as we set off up the lane to Grassgarth then onto the bridleway, there were a fair few puddles with more to come. We were headed past Mickle Moss and yes more puddles, the gate was open half way along on the left of this route giving an unofficial detour past the main water-logged patch, we headed on and over to enjoy the descent into Kentmere church where we met another group of MTBers heading in the opposite direction. As this was the last Kentmere route for the summer we headed over Green Quarter towards Staveley Head with a view to do HP. Over Green Quarter it started to rain more and visibility got worse for those with glasses! Still we headed on and made it down to HP, at this point the wet rocks were a real test and there were a few fallers down at the bottom of HP where it is dark under the trees. Back on the lane and we headed to Browfoot and then the tarmac climb up the lane, here we bid bye to our 11th member as he headed home. At the top of the lane we decided that the narrow lane with wet rocks in near darkness was not a good idea and headed back via Grassgarth. All safe back at the cars, get out of the wet gear and headed home for a warm up. Next ride is Barbon (bring lights, just in case!)

20th August 2009 - Tebay for Borrowdale valley

Grant, Chris M, Ian, Jamie, George, Paul and CT turned out on a grey day threatening rain. Meeting up at a small layby just off the A685 Kendal-Tebay road, just south of the M6 junction. From here we set out along the Borrowdale valley to meet up with the A6, then after about 100 yds take a left turn heading south to meet up with a lane skirting Whinfell, after a few miles look out for a bridleway which heads up to the repeater station. At the bottom we wondered how many minutes it would take to the top, 10, 20, 30...? so we had to time it, albeit Jamie took it easy in granny and George tried middle ring (at least 'til the top cattle grid) anyway it takes from just under 20 minutes to 27 minutes or thereabouts. A bit windy at the top, so no long rest, quick chat then onward and downward, just needing to look out for bog and that funny left turn...which Jamie just found in time to save us going the wrong way. All back safely to the cars, all a little mud splattered but NO rain! Next ride is Ings.

13th August 2009 - Hawkshead

4 turned out (it would have been 5, but someone went elsewhere!), Neil may add some words later.

6th August 2009 - Hartsop for Ullswater shore ride

8 met up, John, Jamie, George, Neil, Chris M, Paul, Ian and CT. We set off for a anti-clockwise route with an extra leg, first though we go north and headed over Boredale Hause, this route really needs more warm up! and we met 2 bikers coming down, one riding with brakes on and one walking for safety. Then we took a right turn and headed over to Howe Grain, this involves a little more climbing, but you get a ride along the ridge and a great descent. Now just take the lane towards the shore near Sandwick and head west along the shore bridleway. This can get tricky in places George takes a tumble into the bracken, Neil falls over on the flat and Paul falls on something I'm sure he wants to forget! We make it all back safely, with a little road ride in the dusk. Next ride Hawkshead

30th July 2009 - Sedburgh for Dent

John, Neil, Charlie, Ian and CT met up in Sedburgh car park and this route with RADs was a first for Charlie! ...head south on the Dales Way route over the River Rawthey take the first left turn into Millthrop and then a quick right hand turn. Head out on the bridleway, through Gap Wood and down past Gate Manor, cross over the road and head down to the ford, choose the beck crossing or the bridge (built in 1999, so before that we all got wet feet!) we chose the bridge. Head on up the lane following the Dales Way route east to Gawthrop turn right and head UP a steep road climb for about 1 mile, then take the left hand bridleway, its a green lane along South Lord's Land, after another mile of stony track, turn left for an enjoyable rocky descent down into Dent. We stopped at the Sun Inn for chips and a beer, then set off at a leisurely pace back along the road and then retraced our steps to repeat the first section. Back atthe cars before dark! Next ride is Hartsop for Ullswater shore ride, it's great.

23rd July 2009 - Askham to High Street

Joel, Grant and George ventured out, apparently the open air swimming pool was closed, Joel has more details...watch this space.