22nd August 2013 - Pelter Bridge, Nr Ambleside

7 riders met up at Pelter Bridge car park (see photo of the gang), note it's free after 5pm  :), good turn out maybe something to do with the good weather or was it just new bike fest, Charlie had her new 29er hardtail plastic bike, Jamie had his new XXL long travel machine, Joel had a new frame = colour on trend;)  George, Grant and Neil brought their old bikes and CT turned up after a few months 'resting'! so 5 x 29ers including 4 x hardtails a right old mix. To warm up we went south along the river and then headed UP the climb onto Loughrigg fell, we met another biker on the way and encouraged him to keep going and do the clockwise loop, not sure what route he took but hope he found his way home! At the top there were hordes of flying ants, albeit on the ground, this warm balmy weather bringing then out. Once dropped down to Loughrigg tarn we discussed routes and settled on heading back via red bank to drop Charlie off at the cars then a lap of the coffin road. Then we set off for a slightly confused route but it was great, as well as seeing JB pushing his new bike to the limit of the rear fender! Great views from the top of the terrace (see photos) down and up to the caves for some fun jumps, back to the cars, drop Charlie off and head back into the evening dusk. The coffin route has some testing rocky/rooty steps then drops into white moss, along the water to the beach watch out for the campers dog and the bats flying around the water, Joel got spooked by some strange creature of the night (that will be Grant them:)) onward and back via the lake splash  George had a flat, so slight delay, lights needed at the end. A great summer ride, stats link below:
Next ride is Lowick, near Red lion

Link to Garmin ride data, only 11 miles....

The crazy gang...

Spot the new bike competition...

Just a normal evening ride in the lakes :)

Big wheels good