22nd May 2014 - Barbon

*** 500th post ***

Who would have thought, started this blog about 10 years ago, yes 10 years, obviously RADs have been around longer but we shall not look back too far...memories...(for old photos see link --->>>)

So Barbon and the rain may have put some folk off, but no Charlie, George, Grant, Joel and CT made it for the usual route. A little late starting off but Joel was off like a shot, new gears you see :) the first bridleway hill is a tester, just try to get past the old concrete road then you are away, yes cleaned! Then blast along the level-ish section and re-group at the road, climb up hill, 1st engage all gears and keep pedalling;). A wee rest before the next off-road to discuss the favoured Le Tour spectator location for Sat 5th July, we still don't know where's best...onwards and upwards, here the wind was getting interesting, through the gate and up, 2nd gate and rest, now downhill into a funny head wind. The rocky, muddy section has changed but you have to watch where your wheels go! Down to the river, now the rain had gone the views were clear down the valley and also the bluebells, sorry no pics; then over the bridge and blast back via the old hill climb course, all back in daylight and it had stopped raining awhile ago, so all good, a few went to the pub after, then an early bath beckons. Next ride Ings for a local loop, Garburn perhaps...

15th May 2014 - either Staveley (MTB) or Barrow-in-Furness (Road crit)

So the storey went something like this...
A) If you went to Staveley (Grant, George and Neil?) let us know how you got on...and Joel turned out for a nice evening ride.


B) Or a few of us went to Barrow for the Tours Series event; Jamie, James (with camera of course, see pics here), CT and Charlie who rode out on what turned out to be a balmy summers evening.

Basically they close off a few city centre streets and a bunch of bikers race round and around, so you get a good chance to see racers every minute. You can easily walk the course and select your spot or walk on and spot James doing his thing, or speak to race mechanics, managers etc, plus a mad person on the PA and a mascot on stage!

The weather was perfect, chips were available as Charlie wanted some food and no flapjacks available, then Costa coffee to end! Here are a few snaps of mine.

Mascot :)

Photographer in action

Wheelbase rider

Just pipped at the finish line

Charlie with hot chocolate ;)

Next ride is Barbondale, meet at Barbon by the church.

8th May 2014 - Selside A6 north of Kendal for Borrowdale Valley

7 of us met up north of Selside (north of Kendal) off the lane leading to Low Jock Scar: Charlie, George, Grant, Jamie, CT, even Paul made it (1st Rads ride in 2014!) and we also had our official photographer James Kirkby. It was a damp start but not really raining more a think mist! So first up the bridleway on the west side of the A6 which leads out at the Jungle cafe (now Kendal caravans) then up the A6 to turn off right and the bridleway lane down the hill to get past the horses and muddy patch, then along the lanes to get to the mast climb and over Whinfell common. See photos of the mist. After what seemed like a long climb (as the mist was so think you could not see past 30 yds maybe that was a good thing, so just keep plodding up, up, up...)we all re-grouped at the masts, which were barely visible due to the mist for a quick snack and chat. Now down the side of the valley through the bog-ness, past the cows and down to the Borrowdale valley route back to the A6. Now the mist was clearing. Along past the old farmhouse (low borrowdale I think) and continue along the bridleway, there is apparently another bridleway on the other side of the river, maybe next time;). Back to the A6, wait a little while Paul had a brake interface mechanical then down the A6 and back via the first bridleway to the lane by the cars, here some people were outside their cottage with their dog and commented of how good the lights dancing over the field looked whilst we descended the last hill track, albeit it did not feel balletic from our point of view. Back to the cars to dry out.

Descent off the A6, you can just see the track

Young Grant and George:)

George leading Paul out of the mist

Jamie and a cross bike

George chasing Grant!

CT concentrating;)

Le Group

James the photographer captured in action!

Night riding:)

Other news:
*** Jim is raising awareness for Cancer via an event in June, see here, 1weekinjune.org/ ***

Next Thursday is the Tour Series event in Barrow with Wheelbase cycle team riding around the circuits, come along if you wish, so no MTB event next week 
Update: G&G are going from Barley Bridge, Staveley if you fancy a ride.

1st May 2014 - Hodge Close area, over Iron Held and into Grizedale

6 met up just off the Coniston road, A593 south of Yew Tree farm on the Hodge Close road, George, Charlie, Joel, Jamie, Grant and CT, a couple of folk were late having set off up the Torver road, apparently it's quicker via Ambleside :). We set off in the uaual RADs fashion of climbing straight from the car park! Head up the lane to Hodge Close and take the first bridleway on the RHS, it's a little climb but not too bad, keep going and check out the view into the quarry keep going and pick up the high oxen fell track and take in the NT plantation descent, although the mud/water puddles do slow you down, right turn at the bottom, along the trak, Jamie rode over the bridge (narrow bars!) then right at the road and climb up pulling wheelies for some;), right at the next junction and along to take the bridleway on the right, so we did the Iron Keld from the bottom, yes that's right we climbed up, again not tooo bad once the first bit is out of the way and just keep going, don't stop......and breathe.....at least you get a rest at the first gate, then onward to the top gate and a flapjack stop, cheers Charlie excellent nibbles:) we discussed pope cake ingredients (recipe on web page link to RHS). Then we blasted down to the bottom gate, all with smiles on our faces and whoop whoops by some? Now we headed left down the track towards the road, not done this descent for a while so we were racing doing well when Jamie:0 v Puncture:1, all stop quick change, on again, speed up and ooops Jamie:0 v Puncture:2, all stop quick change (still spare inner tubes), onwards and we make it to the bottom, right along the road and out past Hawkshead hill and to high cross, here we sent straight over an into Grizedale. Here we tried a new section and out onto Monk Conistion Moor, along to Lawson Park and a great descent down to the road, along the road and over the bridleway to meet up with the cycle way along side the Coniston road and back to the cars before 10pm, all good. Next ride Borrowdale off A6 north of Kendal, park near Selside.

Look what the girls found!

First gate half way up, nice views.

Charlie with a smile:)

Joel working hard.

24th April 2014 - Sedbergh for Baugh Fell and back via Cautley

Grant, Jamie, Neil, George, Charlie and CT met up in or near Sedbergh ;) and set off north east on the A683, although there are other bridleways going off to the sides, we felt better to keep going and take the lane to bluecaster, here we saw a yellow landrover 4x4 seemingly stuck in the mud (or ran out of fuel?), there was some bog in places, but generally a good ride, then tee off right and run along the river Rawthey valley until a bridge is reached, good singletrack and then a climb out of the valley and onto a road for a bit. Keeping heading north eats for a ways, then go left down a bridleway and cross a ford, a tricky bit here, cross over the road and climb again. pick up the bridleway and start to head back, this turns into some very good singletrack so enjoy. Lights on along here and we kept heading back. No puncture and back before 10pm, result and a good ride out. Next ride meet near Yew tree tarn off Coniston Road, A593, parking after Yew Tree farm on RHS up lane, signed Hodge Close only.

17th April 2014 - Lowick

Evening still young

The Bank Holiday weekend was approaching, but the weather was holding fair and it was a great evening, 5 met up near the Red Lion (maybe back for last orders); Neil, Jamie, Grant, Phil and CT; Neil had even had time for a day ride out Clapham way - nice warm up:) So we set out north west for a tour of the common, pretty usual start, bar for one wrong turn down a farm lane;( then onwards, Kiln Bank first then Tottlebank, here we headed over to Cockenshell, then west to Green Moor, down the grassy fell (we sometimes climb this and it is very fast downhill) and along the bridleway and through the woods to the road, then up the fell to the west of Yew Bank. Here we often head right, but stayed on the trail and descended to the road at Torver, then along the main road and right to take the first bridleway past Moor farm, a nice section through woods, then out onto Torver Low common, good track past the small tarn, but somehow Jamie managed a puncture, so rest stop, jackets on as the wind was around, then off again. Keep south and basically meet up with the usual route back to the cars, but at the next lane junction, it was still a nice evening and so we continued on looking for a route south, somehow we went more west and so had to do a bit of navigation over the fell, at least the stars were out so the 'Plough' was useful to check north/south, even to double check the GPS! A little use of sheep trods, a couple of cairns and we found our way out of the fell moss and back onto a bridleway we knew, then just the matter of about 6 miles home and one steady big climb out. Might be useful to see the route in daylight;) and back at the cars for 11pm, just missed last orders! In summary: useful to have a map and know where you are and have spare food in your backpack. Next ride is Sedbergh, meet at usual car park.

Some data from Neil:
Distance: 19.72 mi
Time: 2:41:10
Avg Speed: 7.3 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,972 ft
Calories: 1,223 C
Avg Temperature: 42.1 °F

Additional info:

Time:	2:41:10
Moving Time:	2:36:30
Elapsed Time:	4:25:24

Avg Speed:	7.3 mph
Avg Moving Speed:	7.6 mph
Max Speed:	28.4 mph

Also off Strava (same Garmin!):

• 31.7km
  Distance
• 906m
  Elevation
• 2:45:03
  Moving Time
• 1,159
  Calories

Heading to Green Moor

10th April 2014 - Elterwater

Joel, George, Grant, Jamie and CT met up on the common, we had a short wait and so had a test ride up the scar to the north east where a couple of folk were flying remote controlled gliders in the wind, they are very quiet. So we set off up the road west past the holiday place, then left over the bridge and up past the quarry, onwards and upwards for the early testing climb, never really warmed up, someone said why don't we ever come down this bit...then over towards the ford, we passed a few MTBers going the other way enjoying the day as we were, including Ewen (of www.Trailhum) who had assisting Joel, Neil and CT on a coaching session last year. Over the ford, past the play ground, up the quarry climb, over the lane and up to get to the main road and head over High Oxen Fell to High Arnside. We paused and thought we could take in the golden mile ride if we tee'd off to the right, so we did:) The bottom half of the G'mile has been surfaced and so can be fast so take care, we found some other routes;) now right onto the road and head along the new-ish cycle path alongside the road and then out onto the road and turn right in 50 yds up a bridleway, this crosses over to the main A593, but you cross over that and onto another cycle path, take the second lane and ride up the lane, keep going until Hodge Close, have a look at the edge of the quarry lake, but not too close, not lights on and back the way we came to the playground, Jamie hung back as we rattled down the slate path and we waited at the playground, no sign so we headed back and Jamie had a puncture and he said he was only going slowly on his CX (slowly for JB!). So having had a slight mechanical rest, we decided to go left and up past Tilberthwaite and back to little Langdale, nice steady climb 99% do-able;) Back via the ford and then retrace our steps to do the first climb as a descent, which was a tester, Grant and CT slipped whilst walking!! hint stay on the bikes, then Grant fell off his bike, but was OK. Back to the cars nearly 10 dreaming of chips....Next ride is Lowick to the common.

3rd April 2014 - Keswick for Blencathra

5 turned out, Grant, George, Jamie, Mike and CT, there was a slight mist in the air but no real rain. We headed east along the road and took the first turn up the lane and headed along to join up with the old railway line, then along to Threlkeld and UP to Blencathra. There is now a Hydro scheme further up the valley and so the track has been used by heavy vehicles, but it is not too bad and the descent down to the beck is great, Jamie managed to get his cross bike across the bridge due to narrower bars! Now a little testing climb up to the top track and back down the other side of the valley, NOTE there are testing slippy rocks along the way, so we stopped for some fortification and set off, we tried without lights for a little way, but then needed lights to check the rocks formation and try not to look down! Now it is mostly downhill and great fun, albeit some stinky mud was found on the way down! All safe even if Jamies brakes went off the boil during the descent. Next ride Elterwater (before Easter crowds!)

27th March 2014 - Troutbeck for Robin Lane...and beyond

4 met up at the layby in Troutbeck George, Grant, Jamie and CT, note Jamie was riding a rigid 700c cx bike, he had rode down to met us, having parked up at the MiLs. So route decision made as we usually go to do a bit o' Graburn, instead thought we'd go towards Ambleside so Robin Lane, should be good on a cx;) check those tyre pressures. OK so there is a little hill climb to start but you can't have everything....nice and steady, up and over Robin Lane. Nice route down towards Ambleside, Grant even made it down the rocky section in one piece, then we decided to carry on towards Ambleside and take the coffin route and up around Rydal via the caves; so off we headed, going up the back lanes to avoid the main road to get to the coffin route, a slight detour towards low Sweden bridge, but we made it down to the right road and cruised along, we were then passed by a group with hardtail mtb, a narrow tyre one-one with niner fork and assorted others, so we rode with these guys for a while along the coffin route until we paused at a gate, whilst CT added some air to a rear tyre adjustment stop. Then onward to those testing bits of the coffin run and safely down to the road and over to climb up to the top of red bank (note a newer section has been prepared, maybe they need some singletrack down by the wood:)), a brief rest for a bit to eat, then race down past the caves and back on the road, we re-grouped at the car park opposite Hayes and discussed a route back, lets stay off the main road so back up Robin lane and back to the cars, down past the church for the last singletrack and oh wait Jamie had ridden all the way down, so he had to ride back up hat hill to his car;( we were at the cars for 10pm! Good ride, no real rain, jobs a good 'un. Next ride will be Keswick, park Brundholme Road, back of Fitz park at bottom of spoonygreen lane.

20th March 2014 - Ings

Charlie, Neil, Joel and CT met up for a quick blast around 3 rivers before a meal at the Watermill, Ings, where Jamie met up later on his road bike. We also passed 2 other small groups of MTB riders although it had rained in the day time it was a fairly nice evening. Charlie's bake pads were in, Neil’s seat-post clamp was fixed, Joel was looking forward to an easy evening ride, so all good, now just to clear the 3 river crossings...all OK; Joel took a tumble over some rocks, but survived. All back safely, now just to make the food choice...nice chat over the grub, new ride list out shortly, but for now Thursday 27th March is at Troutbeck.

Saturday 15th March - FAT demo ride = FUN

Wheelbase Big Demo ride had managed to get 'Genesis bikes' to bring a Caribou FAT bike and I booked onto the 2pm Garburn ride. The only down side was that the demo bike came 1x10 with a 32 teeth front ring, so the climb up Garburn was going to be hard! Big 4" fat tyres roll fine and it is basically a rigid bike, so similar to my hardtail, but with BIG tyres. The idea is that the large tyres run at lower pressure giving both grip and some level of suspension, so getting the air pressure correct is the factor. There were sixteen folk on the ride round Garburn and the FAT caused much amusement! I took it steady up Dubbs and then went for the climb, a little bit of out of the saddle climbing was required and the tyres dug in well and I managed to keep going to clean the climb:) rest at the top and take some air out of the front tyre. I took the downhill carefully as usual for me and it was fine, only lower down and the section down 3 rivers did I fully enjoy the descent, the big tyres run well and the blast down was great. Photos to show the bike and group heading up Garburn.

FAT bike, Genesis Cariou

Group Demo ride up Garburn

13th March 2014 - Gilpin Bridge

Charlie, Neil, Grant, Joel, George and CT met up near Gilpin Bridge, setting off down the Lyth Valley road heading for the bridleway opposite the Lyth Valey Hotel. Here Charlie decided to change brake pads (best have some brake pad material) then we set off up the bridleway, which is a nice testing climb up to the fireroad lane through the trees. Then down to the lanes and on towards the muddy climb,along the way we passed another group of MTBers. The muddy route was actually not too bad and we re-grouped near the school, on to the woods, here we took the higher tree lined section which is real nice, a couple of logs to hop over and one to limbo under, then to end with a steep pitch down which is a great test of slow riding Neil and CT cleaned it, George and Grant needed a dab, everyone down safely. At the bottom after heavy braking my leg touched the rear brake disc and Ouch it burnt! Nice ride back down through the trees and back to the cars, around 11 miles, a bit more for me as I rode home. Next ride is at Ings with a meal after.

6th March 2014 - Clappersgate

7 met up: Ian, Grant, Charlie, George, Jamie, Mike (not been out with RADs for a while!) and CT, parking next to the river. Route involved heading south on the new-ish cycle path, it's gravel and gets you off the road, follow the path until it gets to the bottom of snake bite alley, here we headed to base camp and up to the guide posts for the extra loop of down and back up the climb, then down the descent to Colthouse along the road, onto the lane, out to the road and head back for snake bite alley, on the way Charlie picked up a puncture, so a quick pit stop, then onward to snake bite alley it's a good test but muddy at the bottom; Ian headed off and we chased him down. The cycle path back is quite good and again gets you off the road. A good ride and it only started to rain once back at the cars. Next ride Gilpin Bridge, park in lay-by down Lyth Valley road.

27th February 2014 - Satterthwaite for a bit o' Grizedale

Grant, Neil, Jamie and CT turned up, after dealing with the diversion at Haverthwaite, I diverted via the pig farm and there was a flood, hence I was a tad late, now to start we climbed up the lane then left and west into the forest, see link for Neils route, a few fire roads to start, then just as Grant was mentioning lack of singletrack we headed left towards Lawson Park, initially Neil did not recognise this route, when we do it we normally do it the other way, now it s a tad tricky with tree roots, but god fun, especially as it was not raining but wet under hoof! Now climb back up and round the NF, interesting the forest looked different this evening and it took a while to work it out.....but there have been many trees felled or blown down and so stretches have been cleared and so the land looks different. There are a few rock sections to try out and some variations on timber board walk ( I bailed off the NF climb timber and had to go back to re-ride it), some sections are damaged, but it looks like it will be removed when a new route section is opened. We ended up with the descent down to the cars, just watch out for the drop offs, Grant I said WATCH out... Ooops OTB, luckily no one was hurt. Back to the cars around 10pm and great starry night. 23km in 2 hours!! Next ride is Clappersgate.

20th February 2014 - Haverthwaite

5 met up near the Anglers Arms, Haverthwaite, Jamie, Charlie, Neil, George and CT, there were some stars out, suggesting a cold evening and a shower forecast around 7pm. We set off on the usual route, right past the pub, down and left across the river, here Jamie realised his rear brake was down to the metal so pause for a reload of fresh pads....but no fresh pads, who else has similar brakes, George, so we rode on to meet George further up the bridleway, we stopped half way up and luckily George had some used pads as spares, whilst we stopped for this it started to rain and then turned to hail. During the pad change the retaining pin was dropped, now try to find a small metal pin in mud, leaves and hail....luckily we had numerous head lights giving off 10,000 candle power and it was found eventually. 
Now up the hill climb and then left to the testing single-track along the hill,you need good tyres to bite into the mud and low gears and some lungs! A few dabs later and a re-group and down through more mud to the road. Cross over the road, left and up the fire road, here we climbed up past the mast, right at the top junction and down past the reservoir. Here Neil mentioned to George that it was downhill.....and so best switch on his suspension! down the track watch out for fallen trees and up past Foxfield, then head left through the plantation after some re-routing and flapjack. Now you come back into the forest ad meet the original fire road, go left and take the technical route back (Charlie chose to stick to the fire road) the route has changed with the water flow and was OK to ride. Now over the fire road and down the muddy fell side, this WAS tricky and back to the tarmac, nice easy run back to the cars. A bit muddy but ride-able and a good ride on a cold evening. Next ride Satterthwaite

13th February 2014 - Ambleside, Pelter Bridge

4 of us met up at Pelter Bridge car park, Charlie, Jamie, George and CT, it was raining at the start but soon stopped. Usual-ish route (clockwise) along the road by the river under loughrigg, right and up the hill, steady climb, the rocky test after the top gate was a little toooo much for CT who hit the rocks, more padding required if you ride like that:) then at the top of the hill very windy for a little section, but the downhill was OK, back round the tarn, detour past the hostel, up and over the grassy knoll here it was slippy on the grassy bits, watch out. Climb up to the track above Grasmere, pause for malt loaf (cheers Charlie... don't forget the butter knife next time;) and then head for the caves, a little play time later and back to the cars. Next ride is Haverthwaite.

6th February 2014 - Lowick for Grizedale

4 turned out on Winter Olympic eve, George, Charlie, Jamie and CT, there was a threat of rain so we stuck to the Grizedale side, which meant Ian could always meet us up his lane later? so usual start cross over road and left at Lowick Bridge heading north along the river Crake, then turn right at Nibthwaite Grange for the hill climb, steady as you go, then take the downhill track to Ickenthwaite, this has been re-laid most of the way, fast and soft in places! Now head past Force Mills and onto blind lane and into the forest working our way north to get to the fox, eventually...after some rain-felt navigation, we stopped at the fox for Charlies white choc' cookies, most excellent in the rain:). Now decide to head to Moor Top, then fire road towards Lawson park, but stayed up high and headed to Low Parkamoor for the descent down to Ian's. It was misty at the top making glass wearing and head torches a pain, but it eased further on. Enjoy the rocky section, just watch out for the puddles, they were large! Down to the road at Nibthwaite and drop into Ian's to say hello, "hello" and then head back along the tarmac and change before the drive home. Next ride Ambleside, Pelter Bridge.

30th January 2014 - Elterwater

George, Jamie and CT met up on the common, it was a chill 2 deg C but dry and no rain forecast for the evening. We headed south west past the pub, then right turn up hill, down path and up to quarry, once at the road turn right for 20yds and climb up rocky route, probably more ridable than the other climb we usually try, but it would help to be warmed up! Then along track and left thru' gate to come out at top track, here a large-ish tree had fallen, Jamie managed to ride over it...just;) then along to the ford, right turn along the lane and up the climb, this is a good test of mind over matter, oh and grip! then up and over to high tilberthwaite farm, here we carried on down to the main road. This road has an interesting cliff drop off to the left hand side, do not go too close and then look over with your headlight, it’s scary! ask George. Now we headed to find the car park below tarn hows, which we used to park at many years ago, at the car park take the track up, it's a bit of a climb and so another challenge not to dab. Head past the tarn and pick up the bridleway to Iron Keld and then onto High Arnside, hardly any wind here and chance to try Jamie’s new 'jack recipe, munch, munch, down hill, left along the road to pick up the NT plantation descent, just WATCH out for the muddy bog hole MTB trap, you have been warned! Now back to the cars. Next ride is Lowick.

23rd January 2014 - Ings for Garburn

Neil, Charlie, George, Jamie and CT turned out on this cold night, getting down to freezing and the stars were bright, should be a good ride, just keep moving to keep warm, you can tell its cold 'cause Charlie had her winter boots on! So from Ings cross over the road and up the tarmac section, then upwards to 2 rivers, passing sheep and fell runners on the way down into Kentmere, that's a great descent:) then over to start Garburn and we passed some MTBers, it was a nice night to be out.
Up and over Garburn, nice firm ground, some snow and ice around, Jamie's Pope cake half way round, v'good and we now have a recipe for cheesecake made with condensed milk, or at least Charlie does! Down Garburn, pause at Limefitt, discuss route, carry on down, puncture near bottom, back round Limefit and home via the lanes, which were icy!
Next ride is Elterwater.

Data:
Distance:12.31 miles
Time:1:38:44 (moving time) total time 2:58
Avg Speed:7.5 mph (would sound better in km;)
Max speed: 25.7mp (nice 'n easy)
Elevation Gain:2,113 ft
Calories:779 C (is that all....calories consumed  -->  Pope cake!)
Avg Temperature:31.6 °F

Sunday 19th January 2014 - Orton Fell

3 of us made a plan to look around Orton and the Roman roads, but when we met up on Sunday morning we felt it may be less muddy on Orton scar than the old roman road, were we wrong....? read on ...Jamie, Neil and CT met up at those M6 services before de-camping to Orton for the start. We headed north east out of Orton and climbed to head over Gt Asby Scar, it was a little muddy in many places, over the top there is plenty of limestone pavement, but still loads of mud, good to test bike handling skills, you have to look on the positive side ;) Over the top along the lanes a little then right and back over MuddyGill Plain, I guess this gives you a hint on the mud-fest...we had a few navigation options here and we took them all! but eventually found our way to Sunbiggin...where it rained a bit whilst we ate our supplies, onward to keep ahead of a walking group, but no, missed the gate and went round a field before having to overtake said walkers in muddy fields and a large muddy puddle, up scarside and up and over past the thunder stone (we didn't see it) and back to the road, last road climb and drop back into Orton.

Some info here http://www.strava.com/activities/107709405
and here http://connect.garmin.com/activity/433000685
We were out over 5 hours, nearly 15 miles, but 2000 ft climbing, there does not appear to be a mud stat'!

After the ride Neil and Jamie went to the silveryard cafe in Orton and said it was v.good:)

Neil's NEW shoes!

Checking the map, again

A guide post!

Downhill, but still peddling

Last descent into Orton