23rd August 2017 - Lowick for Grizedale

Charlie, Andrew, Jamie B and CT met up near the Red Lion in Lowick. JB has his spare bike but with curvy handlebars transplanted, Andrew had a new freehub body but in steel (heavy!), CT has gone all modern 20th century...yes 10 speed!!! and Charlie had washed her bike;) so off we went towards Nibthwaite, but which way, yes the normal steep hill to start the warm up route, the hill is on 'Bletherbarrow Lane' a great name but still steep. Then over to Ickenthwaite and round to Satterthwaite, on to Bogle Crag and up into the forest the scenic way, there was hardy a breath of wind it was very still and quiet. We went anti-clockwise around 'New South Wales plantation', back to the Fox and down to the visitor centre, then NF up and around to Parkamoor, dusky view of Coniston and down the descent, hear it was heard JB mention to Andrew that the tricky technical descent was starting, so Andrew paid attention and dropped his seatpost way down and then followed JB down, but taking a different line to Jamie;) It's a sweet descent, a few rocks have changed due to the 4x4 traffic and there were some deep puddles to soak us with, then down past Ian's and road ride back. Just about 20 miles.
Next ride to be Ribblehead (see WhatsApp for updates)

New! 

You can see the sea from here, yes really

resting after climb

nothing to see here;)

10th August 2017 - Keswick for Borrowdale Bash (ride of attrition)

A few turned out for the evening ride, Charlie, Andrew, Jamie M and B, Joel and CT, apparently Neil had been out and done the ride but got caught up in the Ambleside traffic (broken down lorry/coach and rush hour/tourists not helping!) I suggested he could turn round and ride with us, but a cuppa tea was calling. So just the 6 of us, 6.45pm we eased out of town and headed up and over Rakefoot, the usual RADs warm up being straight up! Then head to Ashness bridge, here some trail maintenance to Charlies brakes, don't forget the split-pin:) and hurry up the midges were biting then ease along to Watendlath for the next challenge, being both the climb and descent, although the descent is very nice, just watch for the one drain ditch which seems a bit too large, note the lower section is being worked out, so care required. JP and Charlie had opted to head down slowly and meet us at Grange. So 4 of us descended to the bridge at Rosthwaite, but JB had some trouble with his frame...it had broken and I mean clean through, so he had to head home. So 3 of us for the castle crag section, a bit of a climb at Seatoller, then along to castle crag for the descent, it was getting dark now so lights on and seats down, a bit technical but more uncomfortable than tricky, a full sus' would have been good! Down into Grange and meet up with the others, so now 5 of us, we opted to miss the first climb section along catbells and pick up the second one, still a stiff climb but very nice downhill, then back via the lanes to Keswick, back for 10.45pm, 18.5 odd miles about 5-6 mph! basically climbing going up and tricky coming down, so slow but a good ride in any case, unless you broke your bike!
Next ride Lowick, park near Red Lion

First real hill, bit of a lung buster! 

Nice views over Keswick

Landscape

Portrait, Jamie Mac'

Spot the rider(s)

Andrew riding

JP fatty!

Nice evening

Clouds around

Ashness bridge, with midges!!!

Surprise view

Watendlath tarn

Re-group before the downhill for Charlie cake testing;)

After the downhill......Not so good:(

27th July 2017 - Clappersgate

Jamie B, Grant and Jamie M met up for a ride round Outgate and surrounding areas. Don't know the exact route but only that some brake maintenance was undertaken and also testing of what to do with puncture in tubeless tyres and the mushroom screw in device did last to the end of the ride:)
Next ride Keswick for Borrowdale bash