23rd February 2006 - Hawshead & Claife

Here we go again, 5 turned up at the car park... but only 4 set off cycling! a little disappointing especially as someone in the group was hoping to celebrate a 'significant event' with a few friends, in the end said person had to settle with us.
Why you ask were there only 4 bikers, one person forgot their SPD's, was it Paul hear you all shout... actually no, Paul did not risk forgetting anything and stayed at home, it was Jamie, that's 2 weeks in a row he has turned up and not come riding, reputations are made this way!!
So 4 of us set off down the road to near Sawrey and took a left up past Moss Eccles Tarn, through the wood, where we stopped for refreshment (check out http://rads-pics.blogspot.com/ for a photo competition) and down the rocky descent, a quick left then right turn and we ended up near base camp for the up-hill ride back to the marker posts and the greeeeeat downhill back to Hawshead.
Back to the pub for a beer & crisps to warm up.
Next ride Thursday 2 March, 6.45pm Pelter Bridge, (between Rydal & Ambleside).

16th February 2005 - Tewitfield

7 turned out, 6 with bikes, 5 with lights....shall I go on? or let someone else say a few words...

"Somehow George knew the week before...Jamie knew the moment he arrived...Grant and Joel quickly realised after the first 30 mins...So why did the other four persevere?... Stupidity? Stubbornness? Neither sense nor feeling? Or did they appreciate it's impossible to feel warmth without cold, to taste sweetness without sour, to feel joy without pain, to wizz downhill without climbing!!....So now for those four, every other ride from now on, however mediocre, however nondescript, however chaotic, will always be a joy, because they did the last ever RADS night ride from Tewitfield"

If you want details ask the fab four, it involved getting a tad wet, spotting a fox & deer, eating flatjack (cheers Ed), someone mentioned Burmuda, when 2 went missing without trace, not even a text! we ploughed on, literally through muddy fields - cows still can't read. We survived and returned to the pub to find Joel waiting with a story of woe, only one pint and it was karoake night! The rest of us were too wet and just wanted home and a hot bath.

Next week Hawkshead car park for the real MTB experience.

9th February 2006 - Grisedale

8 for eight, 8 riders eventually turned up and we nearly set off at 8pm!! mainly due to someone (no names, who else Paul) forgetting their bike, some story about a garage and courtesy car... and then while we waited in sub-zero temperatures (except those sheltering in Jim's heated motor home!) he even tried his last excuse 'my quick release skewer has broken', so a quick delve into the boot of a car and out comes a spare quick release to save the day....no more excuses and we set off...a slight pause while Ed realised he had left his van door wide open and keys in the ignition!!!
The usual questions on route choice but as 3 members of the group had not done the North Face, we set off up the trail to sample the delights of north shore-style timber trail in freezing cold weather, so not too much mud and it was a clear star twinkling night to enjoy the ride.
The North Face trail takes under 2 hours and we did stop for George's hesitant freezing freewheel and a puncture! So all in all a good ride and everyone was happy! A few of us ended up at Satterthwaite for drinks at the local pub.
Next week ride is from Tewitfield canel, park by The Longlands

2nd February 2006 - Whitbarrow Scar

9 riders set off from the Gilpin Bridge Inn on a cold but still evening, George has his old Proflex and Simon had his only Proflex! Head off down the Lyth Valley for 150 yds then left turn down a lane towards the old road, past Raven's Lodge and up the wooded bridleway, down to the village and right past Beck Head continuing to the road and Witherslack Hall, take the left for 20 yds and then we discussed routes....we headed down Lawns Wood to Low Low Wood, stopped at the gate, turned round and headed back up the track the way we had come...thus missing all the road bits and heading to the reward, Yewbarrow to Witherslack bridleway down the side of the wood ending at Church Road, a great downhill.. if your brakes are working.
We headed past Town End back to Buckhouse Wood for the return descent under White Scar, only George has jockey wheel trouble and for the second time on this route started to walk back along the old road. The remainder enjoyed the downhill and head back to the cars, where we waited for George, as we had no luck phoning him, 'cause his battery had run out while chatting to this wife!
Beers and chips in the Gilpin at 9pm well done them.
Next ride, 9th February in Grisedale and we plan to meet at the visitors centre car park and incorporate some of the North Face ride, depending on weather?

26th January 2006 - Cartmel

Jim says "Another excellent turnout with nine there for the ride. If Chris and Jamie had been there as usual, I think it would have been a winter record.
We are clearly in the 'Pre Club Annual Awards Silly Season' with the usual suspects making a concerted effort to walk away with the prizes. Paul obviously has his heart set on the 'What will I be like when I'm old?' award by forgetting his light battery. When added to his other efforts in forgetting parts of his brakes and his mtb shoes, it all makes for a very strong challenge. But will it be enough to snatch victory away from Grant who showed up at Elterwater a few months ago without his whole bike? Only the judges can decide.
As for the riding, well, the Cartmel area is definitely 'agricultural'. Why they alllow cows to use bridleways I have no idea. It was also good to see the locals taking an interest in what we were doing from time to time. Perhaps they will get a bike and come out and join us instead of just curtain twitching. Thank goodness George had organised for it to be dry fora week before hand and partially frozen on the night, but I still have plenty of 'spin-off's from the rural economy all over my frame."
Cheers Jim and I believe the score is: punctures 1 Jim 0, role on the next ride, Thursday 2 February at Gilpin Bridge Inn for 6.45pm.

19th January 2006 - Elterwater

9 riders turned up at the Britannia Inn for a ride round Little Langdale, including a new face, welcome to Ed', for his first time with lights. We set off 7-ish and rode up the lane to the slate quarry and took the bridleway past Yew Crags and on up through Sawreys Woods, then right along the rough track, past Dale End. Taking the right turn at the road heading for Fell Foot Bridge - where Ian had some trouble with gears, apparently the gear cable had broken and so Ian only had a 3 speed bike (should slow him down on the downhills!) then towards the climbing hut, bear left at the fork (or was it left at the Bear?) along to the ford, keep right but take the left fork (or was if fork left?) Refer to Jim for exact route.
At Stang End take the right turn up the hill. Ian decided enough of 3 gears and so headed back....to the pub! 8 riders continued up and over to Hodge Close and the quarry, there were plenty of slippy tree roots and rocks, Jim fell on some roots, (Mr Hardtail managed to clear them, just!) then Jim warned of slippy boulders at the quarry, (and Mr Hardtail fell off, 'no pain, no gain!') Back down the bridleway of Moss Rigg Wood to the ford, up the lane and a quick left and right to tackle the rocky decent to the road and back to the pub. 4 stayed in and were served chips at 9.15pm, 'Well Done' the Brittania Inn say all.
Next week it's planned for Cartmel.

12th January 2006 - Bouth

"A wet day and the excuses were pouring in: Joel was just leaving Manchester, Chris was still in Carlisle and Jim had gone all the way to Norfolk (via the Boat Show) to get his note from his Mum. George sent the email saying to meet at Bouth. Jamie looked at the list on his Kitchen wall and went to Oxen Park. So that left George, Grant, Simon, Ian and a TG. We met Jamie on the first road section, who by that point had re-arranged his evening.
Through Oxen Park, up the road to Bandrake Head and Abbot Park, then out onto the fell. George tries to take an alternative route but we gather at the top of the hill ready for the down hill to Ickenthwaite. Unlike previous weeks Simon was in my sights the whole way down which he explained was because he had replaced his brake blocks and slowing down was once more an option.
Ian suggested a different route from the normal summer ride and we headed south west on the track back towards Oxen Park. Simon’s front wheel found a big hole in the track, stopping it dead and catapulted him down the track, fortunately without injury. We branched right off the main track along the bridleway that goes past Lord Ling. At this point Ians lights had given up and got out the back up “blue glowing” head torch. We decided that this route was best taken when the bracken is down and on a dry evening – it follows a stream.
Down the road to Colton and up the bridleway past the church. We had meant to find the track that went down the Old Hall farm to the west of Bouth, but instead we ended up going through Moss Wood. Ian all the while relying on the lights of those around. Back to the pub all without a drop of rain."
Cheers Charlie, traveling correspondent & tg.
Next week Elterwater, meet Britannia Inn.

5th January 2006 - Ings

7 riders turned out to start the New Years season at Ings, we headed off for the usual route, stopped for cake at the first ford, turned right downhill for 2 more water splashes and made our way back via the tricky rocky descent and back to the pub for a beer. All very civilised!
Next week meet at White Hart, Bouth.

2nd January 2006 - Ferry to Hawkshead

Welcome to the 2nd annual New Year ride. 7 riders turned out to meet at Nab ferry car park and to skid on the ice (no gritting on the car park!) we caught the 10.20am ferry and headed up the road to Far Sawrey, then we took the right hand lane after the post office leading to the bridleway up to Moss Eccles Tarn, a bit icy at the start! We carried on to Hollin Band plantation and took the downhill technical towards Scab Moss before turning left back up to the guide posts. We then enjoyed the downhill heading to Hawkshead for lunch at the Sun Inn, after a warm by the fire, soup, sandwich and chips and a little banter with the chief we headed back for the ride to snake bite alley....the name says it all and we warned everyone.... but we still had 2 punctures and it took Rod a couple of minutes to realise he had one, he then commenced to repair the inner tube with a patch!
At High Wray a few of the group took the low route back along the Windermere shore and 3 of us headed up the track to base camp for the ride over the top to enjoy the rewarding downhill from Far Sawrey. In the end Tim took a different route down and met up with the other group and Simon and myself took the downhill and then raced back for the ferry. All in all a very good ride to start the New Year.
Next week the first Thursday night ride from Ings in 2006.

22nd December 2005 - Ings

Just for the record, Joel and myself did the usual lane to Grassgarth, bridleway to the ford, turn right down the hill and 2 water splashes, left along the lane to Long Houses and up to Staveley Head for a right turn and down HP plantation for the rocky test! Along Browfoot, up the steep lane and left to head to the rocky bridleway, where my lights decided to turn off after nearly 2 hours, but I made the rocky route down in one, just!
Back to the pub to celebrate the festive cheer. See you all in 2006.

15th December 2005 - Dubbs to Ambleside (shuttle)

8 riders turned out to meet at Moor Howe, on the lane from Ings to Troutbeck and headed up the track to Dubbs Reservoir off up Dubbs road to Garburn, but turning left for the rocky downhill (great fun!) to Church Bridge, south of Troutbeck. Then take the bridleway north of the church to the main village road and then the right hand lane at Town End before finding the bridleway on the left called Wain Lane, enjoy this "hardtail heaven" to the main road, no one fell off, as such, but maybe someone jumped off a bike, quickly!!
Go along the main road for a few yards then take the lane and bridleway, Mirk Lane, past Merewood, now enjoy the climbing! head right at the lane just past the farm and take the next left hand bridleway UP to Robin Lane, rest and enjoy choc' mint orange, thanks Jim.
Now enjoy the westerly route along Robins Lane to Jenkin Crag and the rocky test of a downhill! All back to 'The Van' for the shuttle ride back to the cars, leaving Jim to guard the hardware! A good ride all round, mostly downhill according to some, but maybe we were doing the uphill route!
Next week a casual ride from Ings, Boxing day option (contact Chris) then Thursday 29 to be advised, another casual ride. Bank Holiday Monday 2 January 2006, we aim to ride from Bowness ferry car park to Hawkshead for lunch and back! See you there and have a good festive time.

8th December 2005 - Lowick Bridge

6 riders, wearing thermals, met in the lane by the Red Lion at Lowick Bridge and set out west along the lane, taking the first right hand turn until the bridgeway sign pointing to Kiln Bank, taking the right hand gates just past the farm buildings. Then take the route up and over the hill and finally reach the tarmac lane, where we paused for breath, while Ian decided which route to take. We chatted a while and noticed a single light emitting from the distance, roughly the direction we had come, some said it was a car or motorbike, but very quiet, what ..... could it be a mountain biker? it was heard to say 'it could never be Joel 'cause it was moving too fast'......low & behold but it was Joel and as a finalee he turned on his new red Christmas tree lights stuck to his helmet, what a sight!!
We then turned right and went down the lane and basically circumnavigated Blawith Knott, for exact details ask Ian ('cause my map does not cover this area!), but we returned via the same lane, mostly in the dark for Ian as his lights had given up, again!!
It was a good ride if a tad cold, the wind chill on the way back was bloody freezing, but at least the pub had a real fire going, as we all discussed the merits of e-bay!
Next week Dubbs Lane (park at Moor Howe) to Ambleside, all downhill according to Jim and heaven for hardtails!

1st December 2005 - Ings, around Acretarn plantation

Well no excuses from Grant, as he turned up in the first 3 cars!........OK so there were ONLY 3 cars! The regulars, myself, Grant & Joel, turned out for the usual Ings Kentmere Hall ride, although we think Grant would have preferred to sleep in the car, what with a new born baby at home and getting up all though the nite. So we said the fresh air & exercise would do him good, he lasted up the first hill to the ford at Park Beck, we stopped for flapjacks (Joel bought 12 just in case, thanks Sue!) then decided to head back the shorter route, something about the clouds looking very black....well it was nite-time!!!
We went through the two fords managed to survive the rocky descent, then I came off on the grassy tracks at the bottom, all legs no peddles! We attempted the little rock test at Browfoot (too wet & slippy) cycled up the lane and around the farm to the narrow downhill bridleway, which normally is OK but the wet rocks are becoming a nightmare, roughly translated meaning we all fell off!
Back to the pub, Grant declined a drink, obviously wanting to sneak off to a lay-by and sleep some more, Joel & I put the world to rights, discussed loft conversions and youth hostel experiences (I think Joel could write a book, ask Grant).
Next week we are at Red Lion at Lowick for more fun in the dark.

24th November 2005 - Haverthwaite round Newby Bridge

7 Riders braved the winter weather, wrapped up warm and set our navigation radar to autopilot and off we went. Head south down the hill from the Anglers Arms pub, take the first left along the B5278 for a few yards then tee off left to the glass works and onto the bridleway running north east parallel with the river Leven.
Then turn right and climb UP the tarmac section, past a 'S' bend and take a left turn on to a bridleway across to Canny Hill, down Crook Hill and over the road and up somewhere around Chapel House Plantation, we stopped for J&C's excellent choco' biscuits and continued down into Newby Bridge.
We then crossed the road and headed over and past the hotel and along the road past Lakeside taking a left turn to Finsthwaite and on up the hill to a bridleway near Finsthwaite House. Then enjoy a downhill section through woods at Wintering Park, I enjoyed so much that I got a puncture, well at least Joel wasn't there to shout 'tyre pressure' and luckily I was warmed up so at least my fingers could change the tyre and pump in some air! We then took a little used route running somewhat parallel to the railway line, or so it seemed in the dark and made it back to the cars in one piece. Well done to Grant for excuse of the year (so far), "I can't make it, my son is being born", Congratulations to all the family.
Next week we're at Ings for a blast round Staveley area.

17th November 2005 - Gilpin Bridge Inn round Witherslack

It was sub-zero in the night air as we met up at the Gilpin Bridge Inn car park, 9 riders started out and Jamie had riden out from Kendal, (keen or what!). We set off north on the A5074 Lyth Valley road, but only for a few yards then turn left down a farm track, left at the gate and on to the old road and the start of the first hill climb below White Scar.
Now this all sounds reasonably easy, but Jamie had an initial problem with a freewheel (it's a rear wheel hub drive thingie) so he set off a few seconds after everyone else and shot off down the A5074 but missed the first turn, Jim & I waited at the first gate and I eventually phoned him, even though Jim said he was old enough and *$"! enough to look after himself. Anyway we re-directed Jamie and I waited, while Jim set off to tell the others and to continue up the first hill, where we planned to catch up...... Jamie turns up, we shut the gate and set off, but Jamies freewheel thingie is not playing ball, basically a ratchet part gets damp from previous wet rides and in freezing weather it stops working, (one trick is to piss on the hub so it warms up, but this did not work) so Jamie went back to the pub.
I then raced on to catch the others up, by which time they had completed the first climb, and gone through Beck Head and up to Witherslack Hall Farm where the remaining 8 met up. We then took the right hand bridgeway and went down the frozen muddy trail to the botton of Knot Wood, where the option was a mile or so road ride or go back UP the track. At this point Georges freewheel decided to play up and so we all went back up the track, it's a bit of a tester especially when gears get frozen and you try the up in middle ring!
We then headed south over Yewbarrow to enjoy the downhill to Church Road, down into Town End and left around the lanes to Beck Head to start back up Buckhouse Wood to enjoy another downhill where we started. At this point we were missing Andy, so I cycled back down to the phone box but there was NO sign, we presumed he had taken another route, we continued on and after the downhill noticed some lights coming down the fell, apparently he had punctured and we did not hear his shouts!
All back to the pub for a warm up, beer & crisps. Later on I texted Jamie (no bloody mobile reception in the pub!) Jamie had gone to the pub for a drink, warmed up the freewheel and cycled home and got himself a puncture, what a night!!!
Next week meet at Haverthwaite, near the Anglers Arms for another RADS adventure.

10th November 2005 - Ings round Kentmere

8 riders met up at Ings for a figure of 8 route around Kentmere. Setting off from Ings north up the lane and on to Grassgarth keep heading north taking the first left turn and then the right turn through the gate. Continue north up Mickle Moss through the stream to the sheepfold, do not go through the gate but take the right turn and head south east along Meadowplatts plantation and enjoy the downhill and 2 stream crossings, refreshingly cold!
Cross Ullthwaite bridge and turn left on the road and head to Long Houses, take the bridgeway UP, while listening to Jim & Joel discussing the virtues of using rubbers to protect your headset! at least it takes the mind off the uphill! Then continue through 2 smaller streams and at the (level)crossing take the right hand turn to enjoy the HP plantation down the rocky descent to the lane. Then continue back down the lane to Ullthwaite bridge and along the bridgeway to the rocky up hill test (well done Jamie, George & Paul for cleaning it) then up the tarmac hill, left at the top and down past Hugill Hall farm to enjoy the last section of bridgeway before the lane back to the cars.
Another successfull evening out enjoyed by all. See you next week at Gilpin Bridge Inn for the Lyth Valley ride.

3rd November 2005 - Loughrigg Fell

6 riders turned out dressed in Goretex, just a little rain! Starting from Pelter Bridge car park, just south of Rydal, cycle clockwise, along the lane next to the River Rothay, head up the steep lane near Rothay Park and up to the bridgeway onto Loughrigg Fell. Ride Up and over, enjoying the downhill through the water running down the fell side and over the tree roots (dabbing a foot occasionally) down to Tarn Foot.
Cycle along the lane by Loughrigg Tarn and take the lane towards Red Bank, but tee off to the right onto the bridgeway of Loughrigg Terrace, enjoy the downhill then at the botton corner we took the new permissive path at higher level, to avoid getting our feet wet by dipping into the Rydal Water, and visited the caves before dropping down to the gate and back to the cars.
Due to the continuous wet weather, next week Thursday 10 November will be at Ings, Carmel will be re-arranged. CU then.

27th October 2005 - Elterwater, Hodge Close area

7 Riders turned up for a warm ride following a blue sky day. Set off just after 7pm going in a clockwise direction of the usual route with some Jim style variations, variety being the spice of life!
Set off south on the youth hostel road past Fletcher's wood and take the right hand turn onto the bridgeway through the wood, uphill to High Park farm, along to Stang End, now turn left heading to Hodge Close, left (now east for a short climb) and Joels puncture stop, green inners and all = more bl**dy air! Then a few yards up the technical test and turn off to a quarry and down some slates paths, sounding like riding over broken china, heading to high Tilberthwaite and up the Knotts for a flap-jack stop. On up the track and a little de-tour to visit some caves (an old hunting ground of Jim's apparently) carry on down to slatter bridge and along to the ford, up the lane to Little Langdale and along to Dale End and the tricky rocky descent back to the road and Elterwater for a drink outside the Britannia Inn, eating toffee apples!!
Sorry No route plan this week, watch this space.
Next week a trip to Loughrigg, park at Pelter Bridge car park.

20th October 2005 - Newbiggin-on-Lune, Crossby Garrett Fell 'somewhere'

6 turned out for Paul's ride, weather classed as slightly intermediate damp. First point to note is that Paul had no shoes, no problem he says, his house is but a small detour...so he reprogrammed his GPS ...We set off from Newbiggin taking an anti-clockwise circuit, heading along disused railway all level and civilized, then a bit of tarmac and we end up at Paul's gaff for tea and cake, no wait a minute a RADs ride with an intermission, all extremely civilized. Cake + diet, no issue just call them buscuits and eat another one, thank you kindly.
Off for the second half up a lane, along a lane, up more lanes, and a big UP onto the bridgeway into that headwind so it ALL felt like uphill, although there must have been some downhill there someplace!
Back to the cars after 11.8 miles and an elapsed time of 2 hrs 27 minutes, max altitude of 1370ft, (small print: all data supplied by Paul's GPS, after the pub stop!)
check out http://rads.philmeades.co.uk/docs/20051020RavFell1.pdf
or an alternative view http://rads.philmeades.co.uk/docs/20051020RavFell2.pdf
Next week: Britannia Inn, Elterwater (Iron Keld & Tilberthwaite)

13th October 2005 - Hawkshead - Claife route

9 riders set off from Hawkshead car park (after a short delay deciding wot to wear!) The route goes something like this: head out of Hawkshead in an anti-clockwise direction taking the off road route called 'Scar House Lane', then after a little discussion head left and right heading through Outgate on the road, then take a right into 'Snake Bite Alley' (yes one puncture) past the tarn and out to the road heading to High Wray.
Then instead of going up to Base Camp, take the lane a little further on and look for a right turn up a track to a stack of logs then up a route through the forrest, around Scab Moss another route discussion took place, something along the lines of when are we heading back, any hills left and my lights are running low....so the extra route to the lake shore for a romantic stroll was cut out... and we headed up to the guide posts, took a left turn down the rocky descent a quick right turn at the bottom and up again, a quick dab at the rock cliffe and up to the fire road. Back round to the guide posts and head west for the downhill into Hawkshead and the quick sprint into the car park, avoiding 4x4's! All in under 2 hours and Ian's lights were still glowing, or was it the moonlight shinning down on us?
A quick 'alf in the pub afterwards and the topic of the week was border crossings!
Next week a ride round Newbigin on Lune, Yes Paul's tour, see you there.