26th May 2011 - Satterthwaite, Grizedale

Some folk were put off by the rain, some were recovering from the weekend before, but 3 met up, Neil, George and CT; at the lay-by there were other cars, so other riders were out as well. There was some drizzle so water-proofs to start. We started with 'Breasty Haw' a good climb to warm up and then take goretex off! Usual route up and over to Moor Top, then down the NF section to the visitors centre, note that there have been some changes along the way (see photo, this rock garden can take you by surprise, but big fun!) and along the last part just before you drop into the centre there are some jumps! Along the way near to one footpath crossing we saw a chap dressed head to toe in camo gear, I say we saw him as George nearly missed him, thought he was a tree! From the visitor centre take the steady climb up the hill, a brief rest at the top but the midges were biting so no delay, carry on up NF, straight over at next junction, left at tank tracks and enjoy the downhill section, albeit a little slippy in the wet but always a challenge. No need for lights, just midge repellent! No pub stop, next ride is from Elterwater, with extra loop.

19th May 2011 - Keswick for Borrowdale Bash...

5 turned up for a lap of Derwent water, locally known as the 'Borrowdale Bash', Neil, Charlie, George, CT and Max met up at the town centre car park, handy for chips later. After a few days of showers the weather looked promising and we set off for the clockwise route. Basically head towards Ashness Bridge, on the way picking up our first blood damage (1 nil to Max) Charlie supplied a plaster to stop the blood flying around...!, still a very scenic spot (see photos, excuse the phone camera), great views (heard someone say they could nearly see the sea..... great imagination others said!), some cloud cover and patchy blue sky meant a great evening for a ride out. Up and over to Watendlath, up a testing climb, but worth a go, a quick pit stop for snacks now descend met up with 3 other MTBers doing the anticlockwise route and sessioning on the rock area known as Birkett Leap. Still a challenging rocky descent but worth it, then we took the right hand turn for the route through the trees, more challenging but doable if you keep going and pick your lines, unless you have your 6" play bike for the direct descents, hey Max! Normally you would now head up the Honister road, but time was pressing and so we tracked through Borrowdale to Grange and the climb up the side of Cat Bells and worked our way north and back to Keswick for chips. A great night for a circuit for Derwent water, Thanks Max for the company, we must do this again! Next ride Satterthwaite.

12th May 2011 - Sedburgh for Dent

5 turned out on this showery day, wondering what the weather may bring, Neil, Paul, George, Grant and CT. Route recorded by Neil check out http://www.sportstracklive.com/track/map#NeilH/Mountain-Biking/Sedbergh/RADS/191528/full ; 15 miles, back 9.45pm, no chips in Dent too cold and getting dark. Usual route, a little cold to start, warm up on the climb, keep jackets on for the lanes and take off for the climb up Gawthrop hill (and yes it can be done in middle ring!), stop and re-group at the gate, look at dark clouds, don rain coats, rain arrives, head up track, cold in wind but steady away, rain eases by top, keep going for second bridleway descent, it's another miles along the top. There were muddy puddles and rocks slippy when damp, a few times rear wheel slipped down a rock and pirouetted you across the track to much amusement of others. We arrived at the start of the descent, last time it was dark now in the evening light you could see how steep it was, Grant not looking forward and trying to see the place he fell off last time?! So onward, it's always tricky to start when on the brakes, down the grassy side or take the rocky path, as it was damp neither was an easy choice you just have to keep some momentum, not too much braking and keep an eye on the hollows. Much merriment was had and we made it to the gate, next section is as tricky and I warned to look out for the holly tree, if you could keep riding past it you were doing OK, I think George and Neil were first, then Paul hesitated as he saw holly, so a little dabbing was occurring, but the rocks are a real test, just keep going with momentum for balance, Neil made it all the way down nice and steady is the way. Now down the lanes and through Dent and back the way we came, Grant and Paul stopped at the farm gate and chatted with the farmer, we could hear laughter, not sure who's jokes were being told, surely not Grants...? Back to the cars and 3 folk went off in search of a pub, the others went home for food. Next ride Keswick

5th May 2011 - Hawkshead for Claiffe

7 turned out, Paul, Grant, George, Neil, Ian, Chris M & CT, it was fine rain to start with so Goretex applied, head to Colthouse, but not the snake bite alley route, instead up Colthouse plantation, daunting climb? not really it's steady but do-able. A bit sweaty on a warm damp evening so off with the jackets, up to the guide posts, straight over down the hill, re-group eats snacks, head up the tester climb, where Chris M took the right hand line and made it over the rock step, well done! Up over high moss and down past the tarns, keep left for Far Sawrey, on the way hammering down the track Neil took a little rock step, I saw this and thought Paul had taken it also and so went for the step...it was actually a jump and me on the only hardtail...still made it with a smile on my face, nice! Down the road past the pub turn left and up the climb to a reward of a descent to the lake, a bit slippy on smooth wet rocks but OK. Now head to base camp and back up to guide posts for the last descent in the darkening night. A really great night, damp yes but warm also, 3 made it to the pub, but they only had ONE packet of plain crisps left! Next ride Sedburgh.