12th August 2010 - Ullswater from Hartsop

Even in mid-summer holiday season 5 turned up, with another en route, Charlie, Ian, Neil, Grant, CT with Jamie planning to catch up and rendezvous later. The plan went something like this...there were a few phone calls going around saying folk maybe late, but in the end it was only Jamie and he said he would catchup if we went clockwise (as he could speed along the road and make up time), now we did joke about going in opposite directions then at least we would meet at some point! Group 5 set off circa 6.36pm head north on bridleway towards the lake, as there is no bridleway directly to the lake shore we went part way up the Hause and then took the turn towards Rooking, this probably took more time than we thought, but hey it was a nice evening, with only the threat of rain in the air, it was really short sleeve weather, honest. Now somewhere around Devils Chimney we passed two walkers and I spotted 29er tyre tracks, upon enquiry the walkers said yes they had passed a solo MTBer a while ago, so the chase was on.....to find mobile signal and phone JB! The shore route is testing in both directions, so we carried on enjoying the evening ride. Once you get around to Sandwick head south along the Boredale valley road and watch out for cars (as they will not be expecting a bunch of MTBers coming round the corner), as the road turns into the bridleway track Grant noticed a herd of deer on Martindale common near the aptly named Deer forest. Now just keep going and climb the last section up and over the Hause, it's bit rocky but worth it for the next downhill. For those who have not worked it our yet Jamie was way out in front and headed back to the cars before it got dark, some of us had lights and Ian always downhills better in twilight and he said the descent was 'Great' , Charlie had other ideas due to brake issues but did ride it all the way down, now back to the cars in the last light of dusk, ready to see the shooting stars later. No pub so coffee from a flask, some nibbles and general post ride chat/analysis.....PS; on the drive home after going over the top of Kirkstone and starting the descent, just watch out for sheep lying on the tarmac at night, luckily the one on Thursday night was on the over side of the road, but it's a warning, sheep like the warm tarmac! Next ride is Tebay, park at Borrowdale head near to M6!