Saturday 26th January 2013 - Staveley SNOW ride with pics

Charlie setting off into the snow

Up towards Staveley Head

Recognise this bike?

Charlie attempting the HP drop!    ;)

Frozen beck

So after the snowfall on Friday Charlie and I ventured out to see what the riding would be like and decided on Staveley; to set the scene in Warton there was no snow, Milnthorpe 2", Kendal seemed to be about 4", Staveley 4-6" and out on the fells around Staveley Head 9". So it was an interesting drive (but safe on winter tyres, cheers CSC) but I did have to push a couple of cars out of the way in Staveley and there were many abandoned cars along the main road A591. We parked at Staveley Mill Yard and started out heading for Mill Lane, the first road was tricky due to partial thaw and loose snow, even studded tyres move around in slush, Mill lane was better as it was firmer, but you had to ride smoothly. At the top we met a skier checking out conditions, then we headed up to Staveley head, but once we left some tractor tyre tracks behind and rode on virgin snow it was very hard work, i.e. walking up any slopes. We had a play going up and down the single track and down using gravity seems to be OK until you hit a soft snow filled hollow then you end up making a snow bike angel of sorts, we both had out fair share of these :). Back via HP woods again testing, by this time the snow was thawing, then back home. Worth a play to get the feel of wet snow, fun with the sun out but hard work. See photos for an idea of the day.