22nd September 2011 - Gilpin Inn

7 met up for the last official 'summer' ride and a meal at the Inn for afters, Charlie, Chris M, George, Joel, Grant, Jamie and CT rode the usual route around Yewbarrow. At the top of Yewbarrow by the gate, just when it is getting dusky, we met 2 other bikers and asked if they wanted to team up for a little circuit, they were initially keen, but dropped off the pace and retreated. We continued our route and split the group with a de-tour through the trees, at the end there is a descent involving a very steep track with opposite camber and it's a really good test to stay on your bike, so well done to those who did and good luck next time to those who didn't!, back down the old road in peloton style, passing the two guys getting into their car, quick chat then back for a quick change and in for food; apparently the Inn owners are changing on Monday so we'll have to see what the menu is like next time. Next ride is a winter one (so lights!) and we are going to start up the A6 north of Kendal past the old Plough Inn at Selside, park near Bannisdale Bridge, before forest hall on the old road (grid ref: 3545,5013 on Kendal OS explorer 07).

16th September 2011 - Ings for Garburn

6 met up for a little ride out and some supper later; Charlie, Grant, Neil, George, Jamie and CT, usual Garburn route from Ings, nice warm up in the sunshine, views down the valley (see photos), uphill seemed rockier than usual or just playing on the mind. We met one walker on the way up and then 2 bikers just over the top, although they were separated by about 5 minutes! Rocky descent was tricky as CT went over the first rock section he found NH, GA and CSC walking and wondered what was up.....nout, so onward just keep some momentum and watch those BIG rocks. Down to the bottom all survived, turn right past Kentmere and up to 3 rivers, on the way up we pasted half a dozen riders , some with lights and Heather amongst them, then over the top heading to 3 rivers we passed another group with their lights on, M6 tonight! Now head along and down the fast track to Ings, the last bit of bridleway is really fast, enjoy. Back about 8.30 so time for food, savoury bread and butter, potted shrinks, fish and chips or just chips. A grand end to a great Summer blue sky day. Next ride is from Gilpin, food again.

8th September 2011 - Elterwater - Rydal

6 met up on the common, Neil, Chris M, Joel, Grant, Jamie and CT, the weather was holding, but good advice to wear waterproof shorts for all the puddles, left slightly late (oops sorry) head up the hill to Red Bank, down past the waters and back up to the caves, CT nearly missed the right hand track and baulked Chris M, then Neil, then Joel, oops sorry again! Heading towards the caves and halfway up JP had a puncture, quick fix and onward with a little play time near the caves, down to the tarn and along to the under Loughrigg road, BUT this time turn left and onto the main A591 road left again and head along to White Moss, take a right hand track before the car parks upto the coffin road. The track is steep especially after the first gate, just about rideable once you can get your foot on the pedals, turn right at the top and carefully work your way along, this is a little testing in places especialy under the dark trees. At one point there was stone over a ditch, but in the gloom the corner was broken and this sent JP head over heels, luckily no damage done and onward. Back to Ambleside, around the park and onto the steep road leading over Loughrigg. The top and descent was wet and at the bottom we went left towards Skelwith Bridge to take the track alongside the river which was a very nice end to the ride. Next ride is Ings and maybe some food...?

1st September 2011 - Barbon

6 made it out, Grant, Neil, Chris M, Jamie, Joel and CT, most had lights just in case. Usual route round and at the start 3 other MTBers set off, we caught them up at the cattle grid and they passed us again after the first off-road section, which as reasonably dry and rideable, along the level track after the first climb Chris M had 2 punctures, a thorn was eventually found. Now steady up the tarmac and on up the track, not too bad a climb if you go steady, up and over the next bit, through the muddy section of puddles, down the tarmac lane playing free wheel racing with Grant and his Cornish pasties did not help him go faster...! Turn left and enjoy the rocky descent, at the junction 3 went left and the other right, both are rocky technical in places so make your choice and ride. The ford was low but still deep in places, so one wet foot for CT! Lights on for the tree lined avenue and out onto the hill climb tarmac, another game of gravity racing, CT got away well but JB caught up at the corner with a better line choice, basically see who can freewheel fastest and if you can you freewheel all the way to the end of the lane? Back to the pub for beer and crisps. Next ride Elterwater, probably park on the common.