23rd September 2010 - Gilpin Bridge

A bunch of us met at Gilpin Inn; George, Charlie, Ian, John, Paul, Grant, Jamie, Neil, Joel an CT, so a quick lap of the woods and back for some nosh. The usual route along Sustrams bridge, up the woody hill, an ideal test of Ians new chain (and older cogs!). Keep moving, along the lanes, up past the school and around into the woods, short break only to discover that Ian had a flat, so some flew off for some extra route finding while the others talked and waited for it to get darker. Enjoy the decent and then watch an owl sitting on a branch making a racket! Off down the road, direct route back to food meant down the lanes, trying to get a chain gang working. Now back to the Inn for main courses and puddings! Next ride is the first official winter ride, so bring lights, we will be meeting at Whinlatter, park near or at visitor centre for 6.30pm.

16th September 2010 - Ings

8 turned out in the end (Neil (apparently Neil may not have attended...? did we miss anyone else off the ride list??), Jamie, Chris M, John, George, CT and even Joel!), Grant was a tad late having been on a mercy mission to save some guppies, or at least that was his evidence for being late AND forgetting to put his lights on the bike! So off up the Dubbs road (where Grant eventually caught up...he did not even notice the new boy, JP, until Garburn) and onto Garburn, but we headed left down hill to Limefitt, Garburn has been reconditioned so we'll see what happens after winter. We did not go through Limefitt but kept on the 'Sam' route into the top end of Troutbeck, with half a plan to detour down to the church and then up the testing singletrack, only no one else read the script...we eventually met up at the seat on Robin Lane and explained the next section of the ride in words of one syllable! So down from the Pillar and onto the lane turn right for 100 yds then left onto Wain Lane, here Grant was slowing down through the dark tree lined areas (wot no lights!), hit the road turn right and prepare for the climb up Mirk Lane. Ride up to the off-road section, select first gear and ride like mad through the mud, just keep going, the first three made it through, up and down and re-group near the house for the next testing section up the gravel track, much walking it appears, but CT gave it a try and even made it past the third corner and only stopped on the easy bit! At the top of the lane by the farm the moonlight was twinkling off Windermere, very poetic. Now head off right down the bridleway before Town end, cross the river, up the slippy field track and onto the road, back home via Moorhowe road and into the Watermill at Ings for a beer and snacks. Next ride is at Gilpin Bridge and the end of summer meal.

9th September 2010 - Elterwater

8 turned up (eventually) for a trip round Loughrigg Terrace, the usual start straight up a hill and Chris M doing his usual off-road de-tour, but it's a good little tesing climb to start, then off down the side of the terrace overlooking Grasmere and then the water ride thru' Rydal, along to the road past the stepping stones on the Rothay and then right turn up the tarmac hill climb. We had a little play time over a rock garden section, well done to those that did. Now on for the descent and another rock slab option round a right hand corner, Grant sent us back to complete the task! Round past Loughrigg Tarn, under High Close hostel and it was still light for the descent down Walthwaite Bottom, there are a couple of different options here and a few took the steep route and it was very steep, well done to Jamie, Neil and Paul, maybe next time...back to the cars and the pub for a couple of portions of chips and a twix, cheers Charlie! Next ride is from Ings.

2nd September 2010 - Barbon

To understand this blog I will have to give you a short version of Rads 1st amendment as decreed by Charlie prior to the ride. “I am going to the Mintfest fireworks display for 8:30 so the choice is a prompt start at 6:30 or we will have to hurry round”. This enthusiasm was too much for Joel and had others wondering. 4 (Charlie, Grant, Neil and John) set off up the steep hill on the road to Gawthrop as the hands of the church clock moved onto 6:30. At the right turn onto the unfenced road to Casterton, with Charlie’s intentions having been clearly stated, we waited here for the late starters Paul, George and Jamie to catch up. After a short ride down the road take the short but tricky climb up through Tulpot Wood. George’s radar whilst taking to Jamie missed the overhanging concrete nib and he took a tumble whilst still clipped in. Blood was drawn. At the top follow Fell Foot Rd (green lane) then at the road turn left up the hill towards Bull Pot Farm. About 2/3 up take the bridleway that climbs up towards Brownthwaite Pike. This is another climb with a few awkward bits which had George repeating his earlier trick, but no blood drawn this time. Rest at the gate then it’s around Brownthwaite Pike and a fast descent to Gale Garth. At Bull Pot farm turn left and take the bridleway back down to the Gawthrop road. This is a bit of a bone shaker on a hard tail. 3 crossed Barbon beck at the ford. George and John got wet feet whilst Neil took an early bath! Another who couldn’t get his feet unclipped. I suggest a squirt of WD40 on the pedals prior to the ride saves the blushes. Any other suggestions? Then take the bridleway through Barbondale, no lights necessary because of the prompt start and Charlie cracking the whip all the way round. Then down the Hill Climb to the Church arriving at 8:05. On schedule Charlie headed off to join the queue at Mintfest whilst the rest of us took a leisurely stroll down the road to the Pub. No chips because they like to ‘charge you plenty’. JT. This Thursdays ride is from Elterwater