24th October 2013 - Elterwater

It was looking like another evening with Billy Nomate, I had arrived early, it was a mild, dry evening after all the rain, but there was no-one here! Then the phone rang, Grant was 20 minutes away, then Neil arrived followed by George, so that made 4! 

I was put in charge of the ride so decided it was going to be Iron Keld. Everyone warmed up on the first climb out of Elterwater, up to Howe Banks, and past Dale End Farm. Then left at the junction and over the ford at Little Langdale. From here it was right to Low Hall Garth, and up! There were comments that it was all up, and it was suggested that we were following the Jamie method, where UP is the new down! At High Tilberthwaite we headed to High Oxen Fell and over Iron Keld before descending on the road towards Elterwater, then following the track along the river, avoiding those dangerous puddles (Grant). In the woods we all floodlit an owl that was minding its own business, so that was a hoot!, there were many other jokes! before arriving back at the cars, not too muddy considering the amount of rain this week so one to consider if it’s wet. 

Next ride is Sedburgh (spooky!)

17th October 2013 - Whinlatter

Charlie, Grant, Jamie and CT met up at the lower car park, just as it was getting dark; the international space station had just passed by when I drove up. It was a clear evening with a bright moon assisting the ride. A bit nippy to start but you are soon on a steady climb, so the first layer comes off and short sleeves survived the rest of the ride. I've not been to Whinlatter for a night ride for a while and it does seem different, some of the zig-zag turns are tight but a good challenge, especially for long vehicles;) So we did the north route first and then the south, on the second part we climbed to the top, turned our lights out and admired the view over Keswick as well as seeing a plane flying below us! Onwards and Grant set off first, over a rocky section with drop offs to the next singletrack, we heard some noise and then Grant laughing, he had gone a bit wrong and tumbled over a log barrier and fell into the forest, luckily he was OK, but had to fight his way out of the trees :) Onwards to enjoy the singletrack descent and keep an eye out for the toadstools, especially the bright red ones, poisonous and known as 'fly agaric' I believe; a great ride on a star lit night. Next ride is Elterwater.

10th October 2013 - Satterthwaite into Grizedale

6 met up at the lay-by near Satterthwaite, Neil, Joel, Ian, George, Jamie and CT. Too many options in Grizedale so for a different start lets go up the bridleway into the forest, it's not too bad, a reasonable steady climb; at the first gate a little route discussion as Ian did not want to go past his house as the range was lit and he would not want to cycle back for his car! So up the bridleway and cross the fire road twice (good test at the rock step the right line is doable) then tee off right, apparently the three descents are also known as the three witches. The fire road to find the descent down past the black run, part way down CT shows JP the link to the black route NB: note to self black run=it's quite tricky at night:) Now further along the fire road and take the left hand bridleway nice testing climb! A bit more discussion at the fire road and we head for Parkamoor, via Lawson park part descent and then climb back up a climb described as 'nadgery' Cumbria dialect for tricky but worth a go, just pick a line through the trees and go for it, surprising what you can actually climb, tree roots 'n all, big :). Now along to top of Parkamoor and a look at the stars, what a night, cool to start but great out of the wind. Down and up, past the tank tracks, thru' puddles and enjoy the descent back to the cars, only one puncture early on and a great ride. Next ride Keswick

Details from Neils Garmin thingie...http://connect.garmin.com/activity/388602882

Distance:     8.52 mi
Time:     1:17:03 moving time, total over 2:44 hr
Avg Speed:     6.6 mph
Elevation Gain:     1,621 ft
Avg Temperature:     39.4 °F

3rd October 2013 - Ings

So end of summer for a quick ride to end with a meal at the Watermill. Jamie, Charlie, George, Ian and CT met up and headed off for a quick but damp circuit of 3 rivers, whilst re-grouping at the top river lights were sighted coming our way, one light who could it be....Granto finally turned up!, then down past the bottom river we past Heathers mob going the other way, Thursday night rides are great, then up the tarmac and back to Ings to change out of wet clothes. Neil and Joel turned up for food, so 8 of us battled for a table and enjoyed a great meal, a couple of glutens even had puds, cheers Charlie ;)
Next ride is Satterthwaite.

Sunday 29th September 2013 - Grasmere to Watendlath

On this Indian summer sunny Sunday a couple of us took a look at a bridleway route from Grasmere, via Thirlmere over to Watendlath, then back via Greenup gill over Greenup Edge and back into Grasmere following far Easedale Gill. set off 9.30-ish ,better to do the first section in good weather and we saw no people from Thirlmere to Watendlath, cafe stop at Watendlath (basic food but welcome) up and over to the next valley and start the technical climb which just gets steeper, worth it to see the whole route, which had no tarmac until back in Grasmere! back for 5pm, about 19-20 miles!
Photos below to give a taste, sorry phone quality:)

Harrop tarn 

Blea tarn

View down to Watendlath tarn

Coffee break!

Looking back down Stonethwaite

  

Lining Crag (hike a bike!)

Route back to Grasmere, it's a bit rocky!