4th September 2014 - Satterthwaite for Grizedale: Snakes and ladders

Grant, Jamie, Neil and CT turned up for a late summer ride, after a little discussion we headed off towards Bogle Crag, a steady start, we then headed round the lanes, fireroad and singletrack and eded up near the fox, on the way we passed some sort of snake, anaconda or adder perhaps, no a slow worm, not even a snake, a legless lizard! So with the snake out of the way where were the ladders...Now onto Moor top, down the first bit of NF, then off for the singletrack and testing climb back up to the NF and then a little push up the hill, along the fireroad and we found some of the old Grizedale challenge route and gave it a go to get us higher up, note the comment on climb higher, we could have done with some ladders! There were sections taped off for the weekends Gravity Endura, see photos, lights on and we ended up on the track that dropped down to the fireroad near the bottom of the black run, we then climbed up the route adjacent to the black run, which has now been re-graded and is easier, but still steep near the top, then continue on the fireroad and singletrack. We were heading for the top of the descent down the fast track to the cars, near the top Andy from Biketreks and his bunch caught us up on their way down to Nibthwaite and back to Lowick, they were hoping for late chips! A great ride back and down to the cars 9.30 ish.

OK, so not a big snake...

Red mushroom!

An old sculpture

So many blackberries, so little time

Can you read...!

More warning signs!

A Black Warning sign...it was hard enough walking UP!

It all starts here !

Time for a rest

Next ride Lowick, park near Red Lion

28th August 2014 - Troutbeck - up Garburn

Grant, George, Neil, Jamie and CT turned out for a dry evening ride, following heavy showers during the day. There are a couple of ways to go, but we thought (some of us, OK me;) thought we should try Garburn and see what the evening views were like. This also gave anyone the chance to clear the climb if anyone has not already done it, so perhaps Neil on his 'spare' bike might make it up in one? Nice steady climb to start with via Lime Fitt park, just a matter of getting the gates to keep those wheels turning without stopping:) 

Big tyres good:)

Staying together...

Nearly there...

Top view point

We took a little detour for a better view, although it was a tad windy higher up, a quick flapjack and time to descend back down, no one mention punctures and we should be OK.....ooops too much enjoyment, puncture number 1 for CT, tubeless value out spare inner tube in, pump up and back on bike for downhill, guess what happened next, George rear puncture, old tube out new one in, pump up and away, now it was getting darker, but still time to enjoy the downhill. Although the low light may have effected our eyesight, as we thought we saw a spiky thing in the middle of the track as we shot down, was it animal, vegetable or mineral? some say it looked like a small sheep (from a distance maybe), others a clump of tall grass, but most thought a porcupine, so we'll go with that!
Now we headed left for the Dubbs track, more fast fun but with lights one, we nearly made the reservoir, but Jamie's tyre blew out with bang as the side wall split, puncture number 3, tubeless value out, inner tube in add an old toothpaste tube to reinforce the side-wall and pump up, watching with a smile as the old latex fluid was forced out by the new inner tube. Onward once again, with caution we made it to the road, here Jamie headed home and we turned off for the last section down Garburn, quite technical at the bottom and Grant did an endo at the big water bar but he was OK. All back to the cars. Next ride Satterthwaite.

21st August 2014 - Rydal Loughrigg Terrace and beyond

3 of us met up at Pelter Bridge, George, Jamie and CT, whilst we got ready there was a group of youngsters out with Ambleside running club, doing a quick 45 minute session, including warm down stretches! We set off in the light drizzle, but it soon fared up and the Goretex was put back in the bags. see phone pics and there were 2 folk swimming in Grasmere, so it can't be that bad, although they were in full steamer wetsuits! So our route started in reverse i.e we climbed past Rydal water to go and see the new path around the rocks, very nice, then off up the climb to Red Bank and it's not too bad, a few technical steps, then first photos at the top.

A lovely evening :)

Nearly at Red Bank

Onward past the youth hostel and down to Elterwater, more pics;

Now we set off up past the quarry and the technical climb up them woods, George seemed to do best (after I gave my little encouraging pep talk...you CAN do it! ;) Across to the ford, over bridge, then Hodge Close via the playground, then over to Arnside after helping a sheep down the lane! cross the main road and up to Arnside going past 2x Kankku 4x4s, then a little later as we were doing our "2 wheels good" climbing over rock garden, an orange 4x4 came past, nice and slow, one driver, no drama. Now climb up and over Iron Keld descent, which was great just as the daylight was going. Down to the road, lights on, down to Skelwith bridge and up past Loughrigg Tarn (via a 25% climb!!!) then down the Loughrigg descent and back to the cars. A great ride.

A Blue sky ride!

Losing daylight, bring lights

Next ride Troutbeck

14th July 2014 - Holiday week!

Well it seemed almost everyone was on holiday, but George made it out...well on Friday morning when the weather had improved, so well done George:)
Next ride is from Pelter Bridge car park, near Rydal.

7th August 2014 - Clapham for some of the Pennine Way

4 of us met up in Clapham, Charlie, grant, George and CT, plenty of road side parking available. Head north out of village, past a children's play area, then take a right turn up a hill, you will know it's the right way when you have to go under 2 large bridges, the second one makes it quite dark, then you find there are some large gullies to navigate over and it seems 26" wheels are worse off, especially when going up hill. George came a cropper, fell off and broke his rear light:( All OK so keep going up and up, steady away, through some woods and into open fields, this is now the Pennine bridleway, PBW, keep straight on, but you past the bridleway on your left where we shall return to later on homeward leg.

We will ride round this

The first section of PBW

Onward and keep going until you get to the road, this can be very fast, just watch out for other bike riders and a horse rider, very nearly spooked! Keep on the road go past Wharfe, then look for a right turn bridleway heading for Feizor, watch out for the Bull in field with the cows :0), Fiezer is a nice little place, go through past the closes tea room, then tee of right at a farm and get onto some singlet track which has some speed/drainage bumps which are great to jump if you get your timing right! Keep going and head back to Wharfe.

Navigation required

Which way?

Shall we walk over...?

No says George and rides over the stone bridge

It looked like this....and was OK

Now through Wharfe, where there were some great cottages, one looking French (with 2 bicyles propped up outside, sorry no pics), and off onto the Dales High Way to climb up onto Long Scar, up top to enjoy the setting sun, it was a great weather window and flapjack was enjoyed by the cairn. Now for the descent down to Trow Gill and beyond, heading back along Clpham Beck, some parts were rocky and technical others fast, the final bit was very fast just before a bend and a steep climb! Then back on the homeward leg back under the tunnels, watch out George:) and back to the cars before 9pm, over 12 miles and a very nice ride.

Is that a sunset, nearly

and a moon as well, just

Yes a sunset:)

Next ride TBA as a few of us are away, more news by emails. Thursday 21st from Pelter Bridge, Rydal

31st July 2014 - Sawrey for Claife

Charlie, Grant, George, Jamie, Jamie and CT met up in Far Sawrey,  yes it was 6, there were 2 x Jamie's; a colleague from work had a new set of wheels and was coincidently planning a ride in Claife,  so we met up in Sawrey for a group ride,  as it happens Jamie already knew Charlie,  small world. So onward and upwards....yes the usual start up the track next to the phone box,  nice and easy, keep climbing,  through the gates and enjoy the descent,  but no a rear tyre issue slowed down the plan,  so fix inner tube and onward,  good job have spare tubes in bag!  Down to the lake shore turn left and along the track towards base camp,  tee off left and up into the plantation, it was nice and dry so climbing was good. Now up through the testing climb section,  left or right for the best line Charlie and Grant could not decide; ), it's a bit of a walk but gets us to the guide posts then down to Colthouse,  right along the lanes and back to base camp,  now up the testing climb especially for Grant,  who cleaned it. Back up the track, you just have to watch out for rock edges catching rear tyres, puncture no. 2, easy fix thanks to Jamie for the spare tube. Now take the left track as it is a little more rideable,  very dry so CT cleaned it! Regroup at the top,  pass two other mtbers, flapjack stop at the top all good.  Now just ride over the top and enjoy the descent,  just watch out for the rock launch step on the rhs; ) down to the road and back to the . A few of us nipped into the pub to test the chips:) Next ride from Clapham, off A65 Charlie to guide:) .
No pics this week but over 10 miles ride and over 1600 ft climbed.

24th July 2014 - Ravenstonedale for Paul 's route

8 yes 8 folk made it out for this sunny and hot summer evening, Charlie, George, Grant, Joel, Neil, Jamie, Paul and Chris. Basically we headed south, up and down hills, fix Pauls broken chain, good job Charlie had spare links. Get off-road for a good track,  puddles in places and a blast at the end. Then a couple of gates l later enjoy the descent through trees (which we have done on the last Sedbergh ride :) it's a great descent. Then through the old farm yard and head up the hill,  after a little discussion we headed up, nice little hill climb to get the blood pumping; ). Now enjoy a steady climb,  watch out for the odd gully,  try to keep some momentum and enjoy the rock steps. Ride through the farm then just up the big hill, some folk were going for king of the mountains only we didn't know where the Kim points line was;) good fun...Once at the top regroup and get ready for the descent, Jamie, Neil and CT decided to try a little free wheel race once the otg er rs had done ahead, so line up together,  3..2..1..GO fairly even to start, but look what's ahead the S bends, slight mis-calculation, JR got ahead, then we had to pedal up hill. We tried again at in at the top of the next hill, fun fun fun:) back on the fell, down to the lanes and back to the village. It was after 9 pa so no chips crisps and drinks instead,  putting the world to rights until the midges moved us on! 
Data: 19 km, a crisp packet of calories and 495 height.
Next ride tbc. 

There's a chain link here somewhere! 

Blue sky riding

Then it was downhill :)

Is this the route Paul? 

It's a little tricky lads;)

17th July 2014 - Staveley for Garburn

CT couldn't make it, CSC tried to get out for a ride, but someone had sabotaged her pedals, sounds a bit dastardly and muttley or it may have been Murphy's law, if it can go wrong at some point it will go wrong...the long and short of it is that it is not advisable to try and ride Garburn in Time cleats on SPD pedals :0), so Charlie had an early bath, but Jamie, George?, Grant and Neil carried on. Neil was handicapped by some FAT tyres;) but at least he was riding! Anyway they all rode over Garburn and had a great evening. Next ride is from Ravenstonedale with Paul, park/start here http://goo.gl/maps/ZDCtj

10th July 2014 - Hartsop for Ullswater shore

Three made it to Hartsop,  Grant, Jamie and CT,  it was a great summer evening even requiring some jungle spray as midge repellent. On the drive over Kirkstone and down into Hartsop we passed a little lay by which had about 8 suitcases left by the side of the road all on their own,  this appeared a little odd, but apparently there was a group of tourists around who had probably just wondered off to take photos...We had visions of a car jacking and the bodies being dumped!
We headed out and up the Boredale Hause climb/walk up to the first view point, after which we thought to head higher for a better view and so headed over the next coll. This did involve some hike-a-bike action, but worth it on this summer's evening, see photos below. After hitting the top we headed down, some technical bits to ride;) then head down to meet up with the shore route. All nice and dry plenty of grip and great for fun. Back to cars 10pm-ish, clear roads for drive home. Next ride is Gisburn Staveley.

Saturday 5th July 2014 - Tour de France in Yorkshire :)

A few of us went to Yorkshire to watch a cycle event, Le Tour de France 1st stage in Yorkshire. We met up on the Cote de Buttertbubs just outside Hawes. Others went to Reeth, Skipton and Layburn. Ian got up early and drive there, Charlie, Jamie and CT cycled over and met up half way up the hill climb, as it happened Wheelbase had bagged a patch of fellside and set up their van with awning and BBQ, the sun was trying to come out and all was in order, oh and we managed to get the satellite TV working so we had tour on TV:)
Thousands of folk were walking and cycling up the hill and getting ready for the spectacle that is the TdF. Below are a few pictures to give the flavour.
As a bonus Jens Voigt made it into the breakaway and then escaped and was first onto Buttertubs, making for a great atmosphere.
You will see from the photos that there were many fans on the hill, after the riders and vehicles had gone past, about 3pm, folk started to walk down, too many people to cycle down, so we stayed and watched the rest on the TV, we helped pack up and headed down the hill after the finish, unfortunately seeing Cavs incident:(, when we headed down no one was left on the hill, it was unreal how everyone had left, no litter, just an ice cream van, cheers;)

Spot the bike!

Skipton church dressed in Yellow

Skipton cake shop!

More cake

Base camp on Cote de Buttertubs

Spectators arriving

Some folk even dressed up, bravo!

Smile you are on camera, BBC Helo

Many bikes and peoples on the top

French Gendarmerie

Spot the view...?

Yes Yorkshire tea ;)

The wheelbase boys!

The spectators!

Jens Voigt breakaway

Spot Cav?

All over time to pack up and walk off the hill

The End - everyone has gone.

3rd July 2014 - Walna Scar ride

3 of us eventually rode out from Torver, Charlie parked at the bottom and ride up to meet CT who parked at the top (at the forest entrance off Hummer Lane), at around 6.40pm we decided to set off, start down the fire road, then through the forest bit for a great section of singletrack, a little over grown so watch out for the odd bramble! Now onto the track heading up the hill for a steady climb, we were now chasing down 2 other MTBers who had passed us earlier at the gate, we slowly reeled them in and had a chat at the first gate, they rested and we moved on over the narrow bridge, I say narrow as my handlebars would not quite fit! Ahead some of the track has been laid as a path and so this was useful to avoid the bog sections, albeit there was still bog over the flat plateau. Continue up avoiding the sheep on track and keep peddling up the hilly bits, then is eases and head towards the old shanty town, i.e. the old slate buildings, we decided to head up the old quarry and ended up contouring around the hill to meet the Walna Scar road, at this point we also met up with the other 2 riders and continued to ride up the main path, looking back another rider was coming up the hill, who could it be....? The climb is steep and basically a 1st gear climb for over 10 minutes! It's just a small mater of keeping traction and concentration, I made a dab just before the steep section and looked back to see it was Jamie climbing up behind us, so head down and keep going, up the steep climb and round the top corner and re-group at the top We had a chat with the other riders (one chap cleaned the climb) then they shot off for the descent, a quick bit of flapjack and start the downhill. Care is required enjoy the down, NOTE there is a section lower down where there seems to be a water gully and it is very deep and a steep climb out, so watch out. Now just enjoy the rest of the down. Back to Charlie's car where we were offered a lift back to our cars at the top of the hill, we declined so she could get home to her visitors, and so we climbed back up. A great ride, short but steep:) Next ride Hartsop for Ullswater shore.