28th March 2013 - Far Sawrey

It was a nice day and I decided to cycle over the ferry, sadly I ran out of time to cycle from home ;) so I had to park somewhere east of the ferry and ended up on the Crook road, so it's a quick blast down to the ferry, of course it would mean a little climb back up later....So over the ferry, then along the shore and up the first climb at the bottom of Belt Ash Coppice, this is a steady climb but was dry and grippy and would act as a warm up, some ice near the top and then some snow, before the drop into Far Sawrey, it was just after 6pm so I sat on a bench near the church and soaked up the last rays of the sunshine whilst waiting for the others. Charlie, Jamie and Stephen turned up, Stephen is a friend of Neil's, who had encouraged him to come out on a Thursday, but then Neil had  taken a duvet day:) (it's a joke!). We set of for a fairly traditional route back down the climb to enjoy the descent down to the lake, along the shore line and keep going to High Wray Bay and up to Wray, watch out as the shore route is now surfaced but there are bollards in the centre to stop vehicles. Here go along the road a little and tee of left to pick up the bridleway past Blelham Tarn and up snakebite alley to Outgate, along to Hawkshead but take the cut through to Colthouse and head up Colthouse plantation, not sure but this route felt uphill, but them don't all MTB route feel that way! Steady away up the climb, now it was dark so lights were on, good start keep moving up, until Charlie's free-hub body froze and spun round, so a walk for her until someone could wee on the hub to warm it up and fee the ice! Yes it was cold with the sun gone, say about -2 and further up the climb ice and snow appeared. Part way up Charlie was peddling again so keep going, right at the guide posts blast down the fire road to meet a pile of snow at the corner, sloooow down! Now usual route back over Claiffe to the cars, 8.50pm last ferry at 9 so I just kept peddling and shouted goodbyes, half-way down the hill my headlamp went off, not a good sign, keep going....make it with a couple of minutes to go, last ferry and only me on it. Headlamp was only the cable so plugged it back in and then a steady hill climb back to the car. A good ride, great conditions if a little icy with wind chill. Next ride is Staveley, at Barely Bridge.

View of snow capped hills from ferry

View from west shoreline

Last ferry, empty!

Sunday 24th March 2013 - Garburn in snow

So a few of us ventured out into the cold weather to see where the snow line was and it was up Garburn :), due to the partial blue sky, many folk were out and many on bikes. We started from Staveley and went along Fellfoot and Browfoot and up the tarmac climb which was icy, easy for Neil as he had the foresight to put ice tyres on where we just had 29er tyres, doh! see photos, then we went over Mickle moss and down to Kentmere testing snow drifts along the way and meeting a load of bikers all saying many snow drifts around, so we thought it worth a trip onto Garburn to see what it was like, it could be tooo bad could it....? on the way up we passed three walkers and they pretty much stayed with us until the top of Garburn. At the top gate the snow drift meant that you could easily walk over the gate without climbing and we met a load of fell runners here and found a snow drift that had formed a corrie, snow overhang (see photo with dogs on top!). The descent was fun, many snow drifts too soft to ride over just to slow us down, thanks to Neil for the photos, enjoy. oh and we ended up having a coffee and bun at More bakery, well earned something like 14 miles over snow in 3-4 hours! Thursday ride is Far Sawrey.

21st March 2013 - Gilpin Bridge

Two turned out, Grant and Jamie (who had ridden out), there appear to be new signs asking for patron only parking....so park in the lay-by down the road if not going to partake. Apparently it was cold so a quick blast of the usual circuit and watch out for the mud on the nice descent, you know the one with a drop off on one side, just don't look down....! 
Next ride is from far Sawrey, park near pub or in church car park for small £, last chance before Easter Eggstravaganza to work off some calories, you know you want to!

14th March 2013 - Ambleside, Pelter Bridge

It had rained earlier in the day but it was not really wet at 6.30, but some mizzle later on, this may have put some folk off as well as holidays, so basically no need for a name count this evening.....I ventured out for the coffin route, technical in places and tree rooting in others, never best on a damp day! but nice and quiet. There were a few places where the rain has eroded some ground, especially the drop into White Moss, I may have taken a wrong turning here, but ended up heading to the caves, again the section after the caves is now very rocky :) More rain now so early bath. Next ride Gilpin Bridge.

7th March 2013 - Ings

The dry spell we had been having had come to an end but only light rain during the morning, in the evening there was some threatening drizzle-sleet but nowt to worry about. Two turned out JB and CT, one to test his re-built bike and the other to test knees! Well really nice to get out on a bike in nice conditions dry underfoot but a cold wind, so head along the road to Dubbs, but we decided to come back down the track and so continued along the road to the next bridleway and then join Garburn down to the road, here CT had a fight with a flying rock, rock 1 shin 0 (blood down sock interface!). Down at road right turn and along to Limefitt and up Garburn to come back down Dubbs, nice easy ride all working, back for an early bath and food. Next ride from Ambleside, park Pelter Bridge car park.

28th February 2013 - Elterwater

Paul and CT turned up for a beautiful evening and enjoyed a gentle ride around Little Langdale, Tilberthwaite farm, Hodge Close and finished with the descent down NT plantation. Fairly dry (no rain for the last few days) but the odd mud puddle, warm evening about 10 deg C, so nice grippy climbs just to keep the legs going.

Here is some GPS data (take with a pinch of salt ;)

Stats

Ave Speed	3.58mph
Ave Pace	16m 46s
Moving Time	1h 24m 52s
Ave Moving Speed	6.02mph
Ave Moving Pace	9m 58s
Max Speed	26.41mph

Calories

Total

904 Cal

Elevation

Min / Max	371ft / 879ft
Ascent	+2,713ft
Descent	-2,730ft
Max Ascent 500m	+223ft
Max Descent 500m	-230ft

Not sure what it all means,max speed can't be right;)

Next ride Ings.

21st February – Ings 3 x 3 rivers.

OK it was cold, but it was a fine night with frozen puddles, and the plan was a short ride from Ings to cross 3 rivers. Grant, George and Neil turned up so 3 set off up the road to Grassgarth for 3 rivers, the ground was frozen and hard so the main uncertainty was how deep the puddles were across Mickle Moss when the ice was broken. It was not really the best of nights to hang around chatting at gates, so it was a brisk crossing of the 3 rivers, and down towards Ullthwaite Bridge and through Browfoot and the last climb up the road. The final challenge was the last decent after Hugill Hall, and the rocky section before joining the road back to Ings, and as Grant said that left him with some unfinished business – but that would be seen to by Grant and Neil early on Saturday morning.

Next ride is Elterwater.

14th February 2013 - Sedbergh or not?

So Sedbergh was the scheduled ride but due to various forces some folk had other plans... now it was February 14th what could it be...but it is a Thursday night ride so the show must go on, after all we may get to see belly dancing, who, what, why...more news later ;) Charlie nabbed some cake from work (enough for 6!) and sped off to the rendezvous spot, but it was particularly quiet (she had unfortunately missed the text update from CT), following a game of text tennis we re-grouped south of the county and cycled out of Milnthorpe for a tour of South Lakes beauty spots. Down the lanes to Holme and onto a towing path ;) this was a tad slippery on wet grass with a camber either to the water of the canal or the other side is a steep embankment with big drop, so don't slide off! tee off near Cinderbarrow and down A6 then left onto a bridleway down to the M6 and use the underpass then along to Tewitfield, around various lanes and muddy tracks until pine lake, the mud was sticky as ..#! and once back on the tarmac CT had a puncture, it's a pain changing a tube covered in mud! Next head across A6 and into Warton by bridleway (option of a Warton hose-down mid-ride, but no (leave jim in peace) so we carried on, the extra mud weight means more training!) Now up the coach road and onto the bridleway over Warton Crag, the first part of the hill is steep and you need to keep momentum, once you stop you are walking...over the top and enjoy the descent, down the bottom and head towards Silverdale (coffee at Grants perhaps...?) time ticking by 9pm+ at this point, keep going, Waterslack, Hazelslack, Storth, Sandside where we found a new lane for Charlie and back to Milnthorpe. Passing by an old stone house with scaffold outside and Charlie wondered what was going on, it was Joels house and the lights were on so she tapped on the window to find a surprised JP (hard working student!) and he came out for a chat, explaining about his recent hospital operation and that he had 3 scars, hence the belly dance show!!!!! Back to the cars, nearly 20 miles so I ate half the cake! We hosed down the bikes and called it a night, "happy valentines everyone". Next ride is Ings

7th February 2013 - Winster

Warning sign on gate (after we had come through field!)

After ride food, choco cake with cream from Merry Berry recipe!

6 folk turned out on this cold winters eve; George, Neil (after his day training ride!), Grant, Jamie, Charlie and CT, fairly normal route clockwise, down the hill right over ford (bridge) UP hill *to warm up* then along a bit and down off-road, through some mud, up track, through puddles, across lane, up track, down to road, cue change of brake pads! snack, down more road (to bed in brakes pads) up slippery slope watch that ice and just keep riding steady and enjoy those new tyres....anyone? down slippery slope over road onto mud track slow down! back to cars, chat. Various discussions on driving safety on unlit country roads, holiday travel and pitfalls of! where to ride on a Saturday in the Lakes. Next week it is February 14th and apparently some folk have prior engagements (if their other half's are reading this, no they don't:)) Next Thursday ride is Sedbergh if you are free.

31st January 2013 - Hawkshead

Jamie, Neil, Grant and CT met up in the school car park, there were a few cars arriving as they had a school meeting but plenty of space for all, when speaking with the head teacher she could not quite fathom why we were there at night, until I explained about night riding:).So which direction? Off up the hill onto the NF route and down towards the visitor centre, then we thought about up to the Fox but the track was closed for drainage works so we headed off down to Boggle for the fire road route into the forest, here the route becomes interesting...Jamie was not feeling his best, apparently he had not had his usual porridge! where as Grant had had sushi, very healthy until you factor in the addition of a sub! CT had had bacon and egg bun, carbo! Anyway we worked our way back to Hawkshead via fire roads until we came out at the Fox then did the 'Fox' descent and met a few other bikers sessioning the same route but now heading back up! Then back to the cars via the road. No pub, next ride Winster park by church.   

Saturday 26th January 2013 - Staveley SNOW ride with pics

Charlie setting off into the snow

Up towards Staveley Head

Recognise this bike?

Charlie attempting the HP drop!    ;)

Frozen beck

So after the snowfall on Friday Charlie and I ventured out to see what the riding would be like and decided on Staveley; to set the scene in Warton there was no snow, Milnthorpe 2", Kendal seemed to be about 4", Staveley 4-6" and out on the fells around Staveley Head 9". So it was an interesting drive (but safe on winter tyres, cheers CSC) but I did have to push a couple of cars out of the way in Staveley and there were many abandoned cars along the main road A591. We parked at Staveley Mill Yard and started out heading for Mill Lane, the first road was tricky due to partial thaw and loose snow, even studded tyres move around in slush, Mill lane was better as it was firmer, but you had to ride smoothly. At the top we met a skier checking out conditions, then we headed up to Staveley head, but once we left some tractor tyre tracks behind and rode on virgin snow it was very hard work, i.e. walking up any slopes. We had a play going up and down the single track and down using gravity seems to be OK until you hit a soft snow filled hollow then you end up making a snow bike angel of sorts, we both had out fair share of these :). Back via HP woods again testing, by this time the snow was thawing, then back home. Worth a play to get the feel of wet snow, fun with the sun out but hard work. See photos for an idea of the day.

24th January 2013 - Lowick

3 Of us met up near the Red Lion, Lowick; Charlie, Jamie and CT. We headed west for a circuit of Tottlebank, although we kept to the southern bridleway for a change and headed out past Birch Bank, there was about 2-4" of snow and it was not all frozen, so some mud in places, over Long rig and re-join the bridleway near Giants Grabe over the fell road and down the fell to Fell Gate, this is normally a quick descent but a little different in snow and there were a few wipe-outs, luckily soft landings and apparently very funny for the person watching behind! Turn right at the lane and enjoy the cold downhill ride (plenty of wind-chill factor).
Now up past Spunham wood, past Green Moor and up the climb back up to High Kep then back to the fords and back via Tottlebank, past the farm trying not to disturb the sheep and back to the cars for a warm up. Hard work in places but rewarding finding the grip. No pub stop, next Thursday ride is from Hawkshead (park by school).

Sunday 20th January 2013 - Farleton - Lupton

View from Farleton

So a few of us set out on a bit of an explore, initially Neil, Jamie and CT set off from Milnthorpe with a view to check out some bridleways north west of Lupton and any others on the way. Grant was to join us later after rugby training. So we went via Farleton bridleway and enjoyed the route over to the Plough Inn, whilst waiting to meet Grant we headed north past Crabtree wood and then east through some snow and back to Lupton. Now with Grant we went back north and picked up the bridleway on the west side of Scout Hill and on past Cragmire plantation, here the route is straight and over snowy ground, tricky but entertaining as long as you keep eating food for fuel, it was cold and windy. At the end we continued along the lanes to get to the B6254 LK road and head up to Barkin House and onto the next bridleway, these are less used and not all easily signposted, also you need the OL7 and OL2 OS maps as the route goes over two maps. Anyway we headed further north east until mid-late afternoon when light was fading then we headed back via Lowther plantation (it's a bit muddy along the wood edge and we were even warned by a sign but still managed to follow the bridleway), go past Barden Energy at Fleet farm (it's on the bridleway) and back to the A65 where we dropped Grant back for his car and then we headed back over to Farleton via the bridleway up past Hollin Hall and onto Seaford Lane and then up a small hill to Farleton where we paused to eat the last of our food and then could enjoy our descent back down and homeward, we also pasted a gritter on the lanes and now know what it is like to be sandblasted! 

GPS data as follows:
Distance: 28.66 mi (Neils bike trip computer said 30+)
Time: 4:19:05 (riding time, we were out nearly 6 hours)
Avg Speed: 6.6 mph (interesting as the GPS stops if you are not riding fast enough and up hill in snow it cuts out!)
Elevation Gain: 3,842 ft
Calories: 1,756 C (not as much as last week! felt a lot more!!)
Avg Temperature: 31.5 °F (i.e. cold and very cold in the wind)

East of Farleton Fell

Checking just before descent

Above Old Town looking east

17th January 2013 - Barbon NOT ridden?

Apparently no one showed up, folk were either working, away, busy, too tired or injured....... tumble weed! So this week it's Lowick, park near the Red Lion.

Sunday 13th January 2013 - Windermere to Grizedale

So a few of us met up for a Sunday afternoon tootle into Grizedale, Jamie, Neil and CT (note that any weekend rides are not on the schedule but arranged ad-hoc). At around 1pm it started to sleet (it didn't look like it would settle). We managed to catch the 1.30pm ferry and headed south to Cunsey bridge then west along the permitted trail, left onto the road and south to Hazelseat and the timber joinery yard to start the bridleway climb just after the buildings keep right. 
At this point the snow was sticking on the ground and the climb was a real tester, mud, snow and trees. At the Low Dale Park Plantation there was a section being felled and the trail was cordoned off, but no sign of any alternative so we bashed through the felled trees which was tricky at times, but the odd ridable section helped then over the fire road and take a right turn, now it got interesting, i.e. mud, snow, rocks and tree roots so another interesting section with the odd dab;). At the road section a few yards then turn off the road and over the stream and more testing climbing, but worth the challenge to make you feel good when it works. Now heading to Satterthwaite and the last section has some rocks and we met 2 folk dog walking.
Down to Satterthwaite and a quick bite to eat, noting that our spds were getting clogged up with ice/snow and so sometimes difficult to clip into, hence many times bashing feet against anything to try and engage the pedals (just ask Jamie!). 
Now up Moor Lane and into Grizedale for some fire roads and then onto the North Face trail, here the fire roads were covered in snow and it was sticking well to the bikes, wheels, frames and the drizzle continued on. When we joined the NF trail we found that the board-walk had been replaced by rock garden, but as these were covered in snow they were slippery, will be interesting in dryer times to see how they compare. We battled on through the snow, saw a glimpse of a deer and some other tracks but it was very quiet and NO other MTBers. 
Now it was getting dark and turning into a night ride, this was OK for Neil and CT as we had lights, but someone else had forgotten theirs! So the descent into Hawkshead was interesting. Then we headed back by the road to catch the ferry, the roads being covered in snow the descent was not so fun. Back to Neils for a coffee and cake, cheers Sue :) Oh about 21.62 miles and back about 6pm (photos to follow....) 
Actual data from GPS: 
Distance:21.62 mi
Time:5:10:57, Moving time 3:19:25
Avg Speed:4.2 mph!!!! Avg Moving Speed:6.5 mph (must be those ferry times;) 
Max Speed:26.6 mph
Elevation Gain:2,657 ft
Calories:1,988 C
Avg Temperature:30.5 °F

Ferry ride home in the dark, (2 out of 3 lights ain't bad:)

Yes it's snowing and getting dark!

Light snow to start

Nice front wheel sticking with snow

10th January 2013 - Troutbeck

It was a little foggy on the way over, down to 20mph (car speed), so helmet mounted lights could be fun, Charlie, Neil, Grant, George, Jamie and CT met up in the lay-by near the church. So there were 6 of us, 3 on 29er and 3 on full sus'; the symmetry continued as 3 were wearing red tops and the others blue, so teamwork by default. Route was up Limefitt then on up Garburn, down to Dubbs, along the road, watch out for ice, right and down the last section of Garburn down to the road; on the last technical section JB tried to overtake CT (red top) but unfortunately it was Charlie who was caught in the jet-wash and knocked off course! (also in red top), no harm done must look out for colour blind MTBers ;) Down the foggy road in colour formation (not) down the grassy hill, watch out for the bomb hole (it's getting bigger) over the wooden bridges - very slippery - and up into Troubeck, then Robin lane and rest at the seat looking at the starry night sky. Tried to take a red/blue team photo on a phone camera in the dark = rubbish! Down the track and back to the cars, it was a tad cold. Next ride Barbon

3rd January 2013 - Staveley

Anybody have any New Years resolutions.....well 2 made it out, Grant and CT, it was misty more than rainy and foggy in places, but we did not actually need any Goretex:) Keeping to the west side of the valley, up Browfoot lane, in the mist this seemed a long way when I thought we were mostly there, we still had half way to go! Steady climb up then right along to 3 rivers, but then down to Kentmere Hall, back via Long houses. The tops were very foggy, the climb up past long houses was a test, the navigation to Staveley head area where we went right to HP was tricky in the fog and we know the way! Remember maps and compass when in doubt. HP was manageable still can't get the drop in right, at the bottom a few riders went past on the road, I am sure it was Heathers crew, I could hear her taking! back to the cars all before 9pm, the warm weather helped. Next ride Troutbeck

1st January 2013 - Nibthwaite

A nice little solo ride to celebrate the New Year, apparently other folk were either holidaying, hung over or looking for milk (we took ours out of the freezer). Nice weather for the start of the year, I headed up the east side of Coniston on the road (note the lake was very high, i.e. the water was up to the jetties with no beaches for kayaks) and the once past Brantwood turned right onto a bridleway at Bank Ground heading for Lawson Park, then up the climb to the fire road (cleaned it:)) a little rain here and along the fire road to head off for Parkamoor and down great hill to enjoy the descent to Ian's gaff where I enjoyed my first real coffee of the year, cheers Ian. During the ride I saw 3 roadies on the first stretch, one horse and rider in the forest, 2 guys on hardtails doing the descent and 3 motocross riders coming up the descent. Drove home for a cuppa tea and found that defrosted milk still has ice cubes in it and so tea gets very cold very quickly :( , hint pre-heat milk first, first lesson for 2013!
Enjoy 2013 and see you Thursday at Barley Bridge, Staveley.

20th December 2012 - Ings

3 riders made it out in the wet, Ian, Paul and Charlie, a few other nearly made it out...but landed in the pub for the after ride meal! Apparently the ride was a bit of a swim and included a little circuit around High House, but did include fairly lights! In the pub Joel, Neil, George, Jamie and CT joined the others for a meal and a few even managed a pudding. Thanks to Paul for donating to air ambulance this year in lieu of sending cards. Next ride will be Thursday 3rd January 2013 let's say Barley Bridge.

13th December 2012 - Elterwater

5 turned out on this icy cold evening, Charlie, Jamie, Grant, George and CT; on the drive over it was hovering around -2 deg C with the gritters doing sterling work, Charlie forgot a wind proof so borrowed one off the team. CT was looking for Orion's belt as shooting stars were due to make a show, but the belt was not viable yet, maybe later. Set off down the lane past Britannia Inn to start with the steep climb as a warm up, a little bit of ice but generally very grippy and a good climb if a little testing so early in the warm up! Down the lanes, over the ford (bridge) and on to the playground, up the slate and onto Iron Keld, just watch out for ice patches all around and do NOT follow Charlie as she had ice tyres and was looking for ice, we kept forgetting not to follow her lead, as she was generally faster! Up iron Keld and at the top pause for snacks, cheers Charlie, and also we can now sight Orion's Belt and so stood around for a few minutes looking for shooting stars and yes they did make a show, all very poetic, but tooo cold so we continued on, down the ice track, but not too bad, back to Elterwater via a little bit more off-road. Not too long a ride but very cold, the cars said between -4 and -7 deg C, the drive home was cold and at Bretaholt roundabout my car did a 45 deg spin, not quite 180 but enough! Next ride is from Ings, early start 6pm for a ride and 8pm for a meal.

Friday 7th December 2012 - Whinlatter

OK so this is not strictly a Thursday night ride, but as the rain was very bad, a couple of us took Friday off, due to the better forecast and set off for Whinlatter. Grant set off early to get a ride in before his lunchtime appointment and Jamie and CT arrived mid-morning due to child responsibilities. The roads were a bit icy and traffic slow in places but we got to Thornthwaite  and parked at the bottom of the hill, apparently Jamie wanted to ride his newly built rear wheel in by riding up on tarmac; there was snow on the tops and an icy feel so layers were put on and we headed up, nice and steady. At least they had re-built the road so it was open, albeit lots of water running off it. Half way up the road the phone went off, it was Grant saying he's finished his ride and was off for breakfast! Head up to the visitor centre, chat to the cycle shop staff and head onto the red route after seeing all the Christmas trees for sale and some real live reindeer!! A few puddles on the route, then into the snow line fairly quickly, a couple of youths passed me, but I passed one at the hairpin bends as he could not take the turn in a clean line with his mega fork set-up; gradually work the way up, keeping an eye out for snow graffiti, good riding as not too icy, just some icy! Grippy enough with normal tyres, would be better with fresh rubber ;) enjoy the last swoopy descent before a coffee break at the cafe, then onto the south circuit, icy at the start then snowy, some great photo opportunity. Then to finish back down the road then tee off left for a mega descent straight back to the car, so that's why you park at the bottom! No rain and a great day. Next ride is Elterwater

29th November 2012 - Barbon

Sandside by day

Frozen mud by night

It was a cold and frosty eve' when 4 bikers met up at Barbon; George, Grant, Jamie and CT, apparently it had been sunny during the day and some folk had made use of daylight for a ride. The moon was out along with a friendly planet keeping it company, Jupiter I think, making a brighter evening ride. It was around freezing so a few layers and big gloves were required, although we did warm up nicely during the climbs. Whilst starting out it did occur to me that we should one day try this route in reverse just because we can and you never know what it may show up, worth doing more when it is frosty. Never the less we did the normal anti-clockwise route and along the road after the first cattle grid there was some ice, Grant found it whilst falling off! but he was OK, apparently it was good practice for later...;). Take a left and that tricky little first climb, but with the frozen rocks I actually cleaned the whole lot:) first time in ages, then along the bridleway we met 2 other riders, from Kirkby Lonsdale and I knew one of them so we had a chat, they had cycled over from KL and it was mud-fest. Onwards and upwards, road, then off-road, gears starting to freeze, so climbed up in third. Not too windy, ground firm but mud in places, keep going to the top gate, more ice, watch the ice along the track needs careful riding all the way along, down to road keep going, watch that wind-chill, now down to the common, more testing technical skills to keep out of the mud and off the ice, great fun! Down safely back to cars for flask coffee and cake. Some photos show earlier in the day and frozen mud on wheel. Next ride is Lowick. Oh no it isn't; a bit of a weather issue, Shap A6 closed, Kirkby Lonsdale A65 flooded, so perhaps stay in tonight we will re-schedule. Next week it's Elterwater.

22nd November 2012 - Farleton

Due to the weather we postponed the planned ride to Grizedale, but as I felt like a ride I went out later for a lap of Farleton. Not too wet, very little rain actually falling, but as I cycled from home the lanes were flooded in places as some tyre spray ;( at the end of the ride coming off the fell I met 5 other riders enjoying the mud after doing the old downhill section! On the way home it was god to have a head light as I could see the river at Wasset was overflowing onto the fields. Still nice to get out for a wee ride. Next ride is Barbon

15th November 2012 - Pelter Bridge, Rydal

4 turned up - Charlie, Jamie, Grant and CT - and parked at Pelter Bridge car park (NB; very dark no lights, so watch the pot-holes et al), we were heading for the coffin route, so cross the main road and head up Rydal Hall, left at the top, this route is steady to start with some technical challenges, tree roots, wall gaps and rocks, good stuff perhaps a tad tricky in the damp but warm conditions, virtually tropical for mid-November so no need to holiday abroad:). The route ends up at White Moss and you can get through to Red bank via a bridleway and one river bridge crossing, it looks like this route may have been and old route up red bank as it seems easier than the road, at least by bike. Then over to Elterwater and a quick lap of the quarry then back via the river route and back up and around Loughrigg by red bank, enjoy the descent back to the cars. Next ride is Satterthwaite for a route in Grizedale. Edited due to flood issues so Grizedale postponed to another date. Enjoy the Kendal Mountain Festival if you are going.

8th November 2012 - Staveley for Garburn

4 turned out for the start, George, Jamie, Joel and CT; Joel showing us his updated near wheel improvements to stop his sliding drop-outs from ...sliding! All down to Jim's extra bolts (subsidiary company to Jim's boat design, Jim's workshop, Jim's cafe...available at a store near you!), what could possibly go wrong...so it was a nice night with a few stars out, approx 8-9 deg C at the cars. So head up Browfoot lane to go over Mickle Moss and one river to Kentmere then on and over Garburn, after the tarmac climb JP had some problem which turned out to be a broken rear derailleur pulley plates guide section, so we started to look at bodging up a repair, whilst looking at this we found a twisted link in the chain, so pliers out and straighten this first (notice when I say 'we' I mean JB ;)) now with chain straight Joel gives it another go and makes it a few hundred meters before throwing in the towel so to speak, so now we are down to 3, what is it with RADs these days folks 'n bikes not making the whole ride or was it 'cause JP did not fancy Garburn? 
Anyhow we continued on, down Kentmere where we passed 3 other mtbers (maybe they started as a four?) and then onto Garburn with a little walking. There was some wind in places but it did not seem cold, some water on the ground but generally a great night to be out, the first section of bridleway out of Kentmere heading up Crabtree Brow was actually rideable even with a 4x4 taking most of the track up! So upwards steady away, stop at the top gate and again no real wind (around 5 deg C but felt fine) so time for Jamie's real flapjack muesli bar thingie with treacle, very good grub, top marks! 
Over the top and now for the descent just WATCH OUT for the gullies formed by the rain, as sometimes with the bike lights these appear as shadows and you may think they are just pools of dark water where as in some case they are ravines, but on the plus side these changing environments make for interesting riding to hone your skills;). So back down Dubbs blast and the back via High Borrans and 3 rivers just to try and get some mud off, back to cars for 10pm, so 3 off hours out very good ride, so good Jamie's head light had decided to 'rest' but then he had ridden out from Kendal. Next ride is from Rydal, park at Pelter Bridge car park

Sunday 4th November 2012 - Coniston-Grizedale

Not really a RADs group ride but a ride along the east shore of Consiton and then back up and over Lawson park and Parkamoor for descent down to Nibthwaite on a crisp cold but sunny morning and photos of the snow covering on Consiton old man. Start from the south east side of the lake and ride steady up the shore road and take the bridleway towards Lawson park opposite low bank ground for a steady climb and eventually come out onto the park for the views of Coniston, before heading south west back to the lake, for the great descent, note there was more water than normal on the tracks and pooling in the ruts and if you remember near the bottom there is a slow left hand bend at the bottom of a bit of track and this collects water, this time it was a foot deep and caught me out in top gear! but I managed to change gear while cycling IN the water :). Only saw 2 mountain bikers on the tops and a load more road bikes along the shore road on the way back and some divers doing some cold water safety training at kayak beach. See photos for snow.

1st November 2012 - Troutbeck

Charlie, George, Grant and CT met up at the lay-by near the church, when we set off 3 other mtber's turned up, but for a different ride. We did the usual up Garburn (half way) via Limefitt, turn right and enjoy descent down Dubbs, there was some confusion on route choice but all sorted by democratic discussion, "this way, no that way, this way......" then back up for the last section down Garburn, a tad slippy but rideable just watch those water bars. Then along the road, down the field and watch out for the gullies forming in the middle of the track and also the big bomb-hole which Grant thought I was heading into whilst following Georges tyre tracks, but managed to steer past it in one piece (better than last time!). Up hill and left along lanes to Mirk and Wain, here George had a couple of malfunctions, first mudguard interfering with tyre, second chain broke! Charlie was just ahead leading off and we shouted to stop (but she didn't), anyway bent chain was tricky to fix i.e. it wouldn't easily and eventually George opted to roll back to the cars, as it was raining and we wos only getting wetter; Grant gallantly decided to help him back, so they took an early bath at half time! I continued on and enjoyed the descent and eventually found Charlie near the bottom of the track and we continued up Mirk, the first section was actually rideable, until a branch had to be moved from the track, the big test was too loose after the recent rains, so we walked that bit, then rode the rest. No a bad short-ish ride, wet but not cold, if you kept moving. No pub off home for hot bath/shr. Next ride Staveley, Barley Bridge.

25th October 2012 - Ribblehead for Newby Head and Cam High Road

Well 5 turned up at Ribblehead junction just as the weather/wind chill turned cold... the starry sky may have been a clue! George, Charlie, Grant, Jamie and CT set off with lots of wind proof layers with a view perhaps that a top layer may come off once warmed up, but the head wind saw that this did not happen and shorts (or short finger gloves!) were pretty cold. Head north along the road for a few km warm up, or at least try and chain gang together and make progress into the head wind, then tee off left onto part of the dale way and Black Rake Road (which is a track) battle with the wind and tussocks up to the road, turn right down to Newby Head Gate and over the main road to head up the Ribble way onto the Cam High Road, now it was sleet/rain/mist, my bloody glasses were useless visibility was suffering. Now it is steady climb up, just watch the off rocky bit and the wind factor, at one point Charlie followed the 29er gang and I followed Charlie and then caught her as she fell off due to wind rock interference! Eventually re-group at the top gate and stop for one of Charlie excellent ginger cookies, well done! Now zip up all the clothes and start the descent, which is about 3 miles in total and mostly downhill, just watch out for gullies and cobbles which are interesting at any speed. Charlie also had to deal with a dying rear mech which had lost it's spring, as she really had to keep peddling to keep tension. Gayle beck at the bottom was dry and so we could ride through, then onto the road for a little wind assisted ride back to the cars. It was an introduction to winter but a great ride, Grant even wanted to do it again....another day, I think last time we did it was at the end of a long summer ride and this short route kept you fresh. No pub but home for a warm up. Next ride Troutbeck, park in lay-by near church.

18th October 2012 - Hawkshead for Claiffe

It was a warm evening (for October anyway, although Charlie had her winter boots on!) and 4 met up at the school car park, Neil, CT, Charlie and her nephew, Graham, who was up for a few days from Norfolk; so Charlie dragged him out for a few hills, kindly lending him her old training Santa Cruz (the heavy one) whilst she gallantly rode her race bike (weighing nothing but a feather apparently ;)). So Claiffe it was, along the lanes and up the downhill, it is actually not bad at all and virtually all rideable in a oner, obviously we stayed together as a group to support Charlie in case her feather bike blew away. On the ride up CT mentioned that the international space station, ISS, may be visible in the south west at 7.05pm for 4 minutes, but alas the clouds were in the way, maybe next time. check out web site here http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/cities/view.cgi?country=United_Kingdom&region=England&city=Kendal

Grizedale in daylight (Saturday October 20th!) blue sky:)

Basically we did the guide posts, extra loop bit, up and over past the tarns, Far Sawrey down to the lake shore, and here the track along the lake is virtually tarmac like, so we shall see what the weather will do, but it looks like they have installed good water pipes for drainage, then up past base camp and back to the guide posts for the downhill finish. Neil was slowing at this point but he had already ridden a 20 mile warm up earlier in the day, bravo, we added about another 10 miles. Charlie was heading off to Ambleside in search of chips, curry or anything to eat. Next ride Ribblehead for a bit of the Cam high road.

11th October 2012 - Troutbeck - Jenkins - Loughrigg

It was a tad damp, but still 3 folk turned out, Jamie, George and CT, we started off by climbing up the road and headed up Robin Lane and continued onto Jenkins Crag, the rocks were damp but we were soon in Ambleside and as it was still early we headed off for a lap of Loughrigg, at least we were warmed up for that climb. Descent was fine, round tarn, down the Terrace note that at the S bends the surface has been flattened and there are no burms to rail, so watch your speed, (route here http://m.gpsies.com/mapOnly.do?fileId=vksqbnbmxahpczud with assistance from Bike-Treks) rest of route is back along coffin route into Ambleside (avoiding main road as much as possible) but them we had to resort to going along main road, until we headded left to go up Wain Lane and roll back to cars. PS Jamie had some GREAT flapjack stuff...next ride from Hawkshead park at school.

4th October 2012 - Ings

So a quick lap of Kentmere, OK just 3 rivers in the end then hot foot to Watermill for grub, Charlie, Jamie, Grant, Neil and CT turned out, as did a load of other folk...who just wanted a meal, the front half of the pub was booked out for a function so table space was in short supply, thankfully making the right noises and folk left us some space. It was a tad damp under foot but otherwise a nice ride following some blue sky weather, apparently if was sunny in Kent and Devon as well. The 29er crew (2x) went for starters and main course whilst the rest were restrained but civilised:) If we'd have been sat by the fire we would have been asleep! Winter ride list to be confirmed, watch this space. Next ride Jenkins Crag from Troutbeck.

27th September 2012 - Lowick for Grizedale

George, Grant, Jamie and CT met up near the Red Lion, there was threat of damp-ness but in the end no need for Goretex. Head east into the forest, the first decent is great but some wet rock reduces hero moves! Into the forest via Moor Lane, Satterthwaite, actually not a bad climb, keep going steady and it is all rideable, we met some MTBers coming down, muttering it's a busy night, at least you can see lights now it's getting darker early. Once into Grizedale we headed up and over to Parkamoor to avoid the wet tank tracks and get onto Ian's home descent, along the way we toured a few fire roads to get to the best spot, but the descent is one of the best. No frogs this time but we did see a toad! No pub this time, but next week we'll have a meal at Ings after a ride, end of summer no less.