26th July 2-14 - Farleton Knott

Last minute change after a few folk were unable to make a big summer ride, so George and I cycled over to Farleton Knott for some hill sessions. A good evening for a ride out, George rode along the canals and I rode the lanes from home. We also met up with 2 other groups, 3 lads near the high point and 2 guys further down The Plough Inn side, they asked us if we were local we said yes, we asked him and he said yes he lived in Farleton village! We then cycled back round to the cutting and tried to do the climb up to the cairn, it took me 3 goes then George did it in one! Back down to the farm and home. Next ride is Walna Scar, park on Hummer lane at entrance to the forrest.

19th June 2014 - Keswick for Borrowdale Bash

A beautiful summers evening saw Charlie, Neil, Jamie, Joel and CT meet up near the swimming pool, setting off before 7pm for a clockwise tour. We set off out of town, then along and under Walna Crag, then up to Ashness bridge for the view point, then along to Watendlath, along the way Charlie entertained us with the storey of how the name came about, I'll not re-peat it here just ask her next time you meet. We took a little de-tour along Watendlath Beck for a bit of interest, then onto the climb up out of Watendlath, this is the fairly classic route, nice and technical in places, but being dry conditions made grip excellent:) two thirds of the way down and there is an option, JB and CT went right while the other stayed left and we all met up at the road. Head along the road to Seatoller, then take a right turn to join the bridleway along to Castle Crag,a little hard climb, but then some rewarding sections and the staircase descent, just watch out for the rock drops, Joel took a tumble, fortunately not too much blood :) now here under the trees the midges decided it was time for a snack, we were getting eaten, so keep riding. Back onto the road and along until the bridleway goes under Black Crag, a stiff climb gets you onto the last main bridleway under Cat Bells, then past Hawses End and into the dark wood (maybe we needed lights for this bit...) navigate through the woods and out at Portinscale and take the cycle way back into Keswick. Back at the cars about 11pm, 17 miles apparently, all dry and a great ride. Eat some food, drive home and sleep. Next ride aiming for Horton-in-Ribblesdale to visit Yorkshire TdF region:) to be re-arranged. Local ride TBA.

Ashness Bridge climb

Ashness Bridge climb

View point (look beyond the bike:)

Honest it was steeper...!

A gathering of bikers is called......

Heading for the photographer.....

It's heading downhill now:)

First the climb out of Watendlath

Rocks no problem

Down into the valley

Over the hill and far away....

12th June 2014 - Troubeck local ride

3 made it out on this grand summer evening, Neil (2nd ride of the day AND he was riding the SAM on Saturday!), Grant and CT. Grant arrived already with a front puncture, so first fix that, then ride the usual route, up past Lime Fitt, up Garburn to head right down Dubbs. We saw a buzzard being mobbed in a tree by crows or some such bird. Steady climb up to start, then blast down Dubbs, near the end in the lane past the water works, we were passed by a motocross rider going in the opposite direction (on a KTM orange coloured bike), but he was not for stopping and just beeped his horn and blasted pasted us, too dangerous and too close for comfort, he was riding on his RHS, but luckily Neil and CT were quick enough to get out of his way:(.
We continued on and headed down Garburn, it's fairly washed out at the bottom, then along the road and right down through the field, note the hole is getting bigger, over the two timber bridges and up the testing climb. Into Troutbeck on the lanes and up Robin Lane by the first short cut up by the brook, this gets steep and involves a little walk. Then pause at the seat for a breather, before blasting down Wain and up Mirk, a tester of a climb but just about doable (OK with a dab!) Then back via the lanes and past the church. Back to the cars and a few midges were about to get us, now back for the football!
Next ride is for Joel;) and anyone else who loves this ride: Keswick for Borrowdale Bash, park at Brundholme Road, behind swimming pool and along near Fitz Park.

View of Garburn

Windermere from 'The Seat'

5th June 2014 - Lowick for Grizedale and coffee;)

The three musketeers made it out, George, Grant and CT, whilst waiting for the third musket...we saw many bikers driving past, it seems the Biketreks ride started  just down the road, but they were heading west, we were heading east into Grizedale, we will save the western route for another day;). Usual route over road, along lane and then UP the tarmac climb, Grant just launched off and my legs decided to slow down! anyway the new descent off the top is great and fast, just watch as the one short-cut has been taken out, oh and also watch out for the sheep! Now down the lane and watch out for Landrovers coming round the corner, luckily Grant was awake and shouted a warning, tee off left for the little short cut, now it seems quite ride-able, all cleaned. Now up Moor lane and into Grizedale up and over towards Parkmoor, yes it's a testing climb and the big step is a challenge, easy for the two motocross bikes that passed us chugging up the lane! Now head across by the tank tracks through some puddles and enjoy the track down to Nibthwaite, we were half expecting hoping to see Ian, but no, so enjoy the technical steppy rock gardens, they have been washed out so beware, they are tricky:) then down to Ians and knock on his door for a coffee and chat. Then a quick road ride back to the cars in daylight. 

1st the discussion

Then ride

Check the weather

A great evening overlooking Coniston

Next ride is from Troutbeck, park in lay-by down from the church.

29th May 2014 - Ings for Garburn

George, Charlie, Neil, Joel, Jamie and CT made it out and met up near the Watermill at Ings, a nice evening so let's head out for Garburn, off up the road towards Dubbs, nice and easy, just past the turn off to High Borrans and Joel thinks aloud what route tonight, at the same time Jamie realises he is on his Cross bike and does not want to go Down rocky Garburn! and suggests we do the route anti-clockwise, so off up Borrans and across the fell to Kentmere, whilst riding and spying young lambs running around likes it's a summer evening! at one point between gates a small group of young thugs lambs run away from us bikers, realise as they reach the gate there is no where to run and so turn around and run straight back at us, aaaaarrhh! Collision avoided and onwards. Down to Kentmere and only one puncture, no guesses, admittedly CX tyres are about a 1/4 of the volume of a MTB tyre. So now for the climb up Garburn, nice attempt by Joel at the zig-zags, steady walk up, wondering how we ride down! Re-group at the top for some ginger pieces from Charlie and jelly babies from George. Then head downhill, it is fairly fast now as it's been 'done'. Back via Dubbs lane. Next ride is at Lowick for a trip into Grizedale.

Quick photo competition:
Do you recognise this fellow on a bike?

It's Jumping Jez Avery, you remember from 1991 on TV doing "You Bet"....no well he set the British bunny-hop record in 1990 at 37.5 inches, nearly 1m to you! Now he's doing stunts and was at Country Fest this weekend:)