10th April 2014 - Elterwater

Joel, George, Grant, Jamie and CT met up on the common, we had a short wait and so had a test ride up the scar to the north east where a couple of folk were flying remote controlled gliders in the wind, they are very quiet. So we set off up the road west past the holiday place, then left over the bridge and up past the quarry, onwards and upwards for the early testing climb, never really warmed up, someone said why don't we ever come down this bit...then over towards the ford, we passed a few MTBers going the other way enjoying the day as we were, including Ewen (of www.Trailhum) who had assisting Joel, Neil and CT on a coaching session last year. Over the ford, past the play ground, up the quarry climb, over the lane and up to get to the main road and head over High Oxen Fell to High Arnside. We paused and thought we could take in the golden mile ride if we tee'd off to the right, so we did:) The bottom half of the G'mile has been surfaced and so can be fast so take care, we found some other routes;) now right onto the road and head along the new-ish cycle path alongside the road and then out onto the road and turn right in 50 yds up a bridleway, this crosses over to the main A593, but you cross over that and onto another cycle path, take the second lane and ride up the lane, keep going until Hodge Close, have a look at the edge of the quarry lake, but not too close, not lights on and back the way we came to the playground, Jamie hung back as we rattled down the slate path and we waited at the playground, no sign so we headed back and Jamie had a puncture and he said he was only going slowly on his CX (slowly for JB!). So having had a slight mechanical rest, we decided to go left and up past Tilberthwaite and back to little Langdale, nice steady climb 99% do-able;) Back via the ford and then retrace our steps to do the first climb as a descent, which was a tester, Grant and CT slipped whilst walking!! hint stay on the bikes, then Grant fell off his bike, but was OK. Back to the cars nearly 10 dreaming of chips....Next ride is Lowick to the common.