23rd October 2014 - Clappersgate

4 riders met up, Charlie, George, Jamie and CT; Charlie was already worrying about gear issues (possibly cable issues), JB had bought the cross bike and George wondered if he needed a waterproof....so from Clappersgate by the river head south and onto the cycle path route which runs mostly alongside the road, as a couple of places you need to cross over the road and also nip along the actual road, but it better than having to cycle along with all the cars. If you keep with it you end up near Low Wray camp-site entrance, then just have to head up the road. At Wray castle entrance we chatted about route choice and decided to head down the lake shore, then up the detour past base camp-ish, at this point it started to rain...so George was right to question the coat, hard enough to stop and put jackets on, then once off-road we took then off again as the rain had eased. Remember this bit the other Jamie had punctured a few weeks ago, but Jamie crosser just forgot to lift his rear tyre over a water bar and ooops puncture #1, quick change and off. Still raining so up the left fork and re-group at the top, now right and up to the guide posts, then left and down to Colthouse, coats on again, more rain and puncture #2. At the bottom decided to head back, first via the lanes (watch that spray from the rear tyres) then back onto the cycle past route and back to the cars, the rain had stopped no not too bad. 11 odd miles, just double figures and bikes still working and JB still had spare tubes in his pack :) Next ride Troutbeck

16th October 2014 - Ings for a local loop

The three amigos being Grant, new Jamie & CT made it out, so hardtail 29ers rule OK! Firstly CT forgot some light cables so was short of a headlamp, if you take cables off, put them somewhere useful like kit bag, lesson learnt #1. 
We crossed over the road and rode up the tarmac warm up climb, passed by an owl, nice, then onto the bridleway. BTW Grant had a new rear brake lever so now was able to pull cool kids rear skids:) Onwards to 3 rivers then down to Kentmere, half way down CTs light flickered off during the descent, so 2nd helmet lights are really useful (if you have them)! CT rigged up a short temp cable from the back pack, but it pulled the helmet over and kinked the neck over! but enough light to get down the hill, at the bottom, Jamie had a spare lamp so CT used this for the rest of the ride, Thanks to Jamie:) lesson learnt #2. 
Now over to Long Houses, here it started to drizzle, but not heavy and it eased, but the ground conditions were now wetter. The climb was a test, as usual, always worth the challenge;), we navigated carefully (dark nights take a little adjustment) then across to Staveley Head,  it was a little marshy and a sign of the winter weather to come, turn right and head down HP, carefully. All down OK.
Now head left on the road then right and left to head up the tarmac climb and onto the last track down to the old farm ginnel. Along the first track it is double track and inviting to go faster...so Grant speeded off, followed by Jamie...CT keeping at the back...then Grant got snagged by a thick bramble and was thrown off course, Jamie braked hard to avoid hitting Grants head (cause as we know it is made of glass), but they both went down heavily, Jamie lay winded but in one piece and Grant was a bit saw having scrapped along the rocks. We paused and slowly assessed that we were all alive and generally in one piece. So dust down and eat some fudge, assess damage, loads of lost skin (don't look too hard) Grants HID light broken off mount, Jamie's helmet did it's job (a bit of a bruise the next day) new helmet time. lesson learnt #3 ride carefully folks...
Back on bikes and carefully roll down to the farmers narrow rock strewn singletrack, always a funny ride, Grant and Jamie took it very carefully...i.e. walking. Back to cars and home for a shower and to feel that tingling skin sensation! Next ride Clappersgate

2nd October 2014 - Staveley for Longsleddale

This time we went the other way round to the normal route...Jamie, Grant, George, Joel, Jamie (2) and CT turned out for the last summer ride, at least in terms of it was not raining, but it would get dark! We had decided on the Longsleddale ride, but perhaps make it different, so do it in reverse...you never know...Ride up to Staveley Head Fell, but keep left for the Green Quarter route down, on the way down it was dark and JP fell off, as in we saw a light go down and stay down, but he got up in the end. Down to Green Quarter then north up the lane and tee off left for the bonus loop, then back up for Stile End, here JP decided enough for his first ride after his holiday so he headed back, which left 5 for the hill climb;), steady as you go, it's not that bad and you soon arrive at the top gate. Now for some well earned downhill, just watch out for the new corner, it's sharp and steep, JB was distracted by a traffic cone and mis-timed his braking into the corner, so guess what...he was off, luckily just a bit of gravel rash ;( now carefully down through the gates and round by Sadgill, back along the lane and into the field to pass the sheep. At Wad's Howe you start the climb, the first bit to the gate is tricky! then the next stretch is a bit of work, just concentrate and keep peddling! A few made it to the top gate, then only a few more gates across the top fell and this does involve a bit of effort and it looks different doing it in reverse and in the dark! Final section across Staveley Head and into HP then back down the lane, back around 9.30pm, over 14 miles and over 2,000 ft climbing! Next ride TBA, we actually missed a Thursday because no one was out! So next ride is Thursday 16th from Ings.

25th September 2014 - Gilpin Bridge

Grant , Neil,on fat bike Jamie and George turned up for the ride around Witherslack.
We set of from the small layby at the entrance to Lyth Valley road and travelled along the cycle path and then up the climb along the side of Whitbarrow before going down the hill to pass the farm we took a right turn through the woods (along the alternative path) to come out alongside Whitherslack Hall.  From here we turned right then left to go down through the woods.  Jamie's intention was to do the high route on our first lap but the path was overgrown so we went down the normal route through the woods which was very dry but seemed more rocky. George noticed on the way down that there was another path going to the high route so we travelled on past the school to do the loop back to the Hall.  This track was very dry no mud from here we looped back to the wooded section and took a left further down the track marked as another path. Here it was less overgrown at first but we battled with brambles for a good section of the track and Jamie used his saw on a couple of fallen branches to clear the path and make it safe. Then down to the steep bit George and Grant got stuck on the corner and Neil and Jamie cleared it.  Back to the cars via the Whitbarrow track down through the woods finishing just before 9pm. Next ride Staveley, meet Barley Bridge.

18th September 2014 - Winster round

4 of us met up near the church,  Jamie,  Neil, Grant and CT, down the lane we headed to start this warm evenings ride, then over the food,  no wet feet,  up the hill,  but then take the left hand bridleway down, tee off right through the fields, a bit of damp bog and out on the road heading to Strawberry Bank, but instead of heading to the pub we headed right and up the hill. This leads back to the usual road then head off to the tarn and round to the usual double track, see photos (yes I need an better camera photographer!). 
Follow the track down and past the wood, through the fields, watch out for the young bullocks prancing about! Then at the road cross straight over and head up the track that goes past Knipe tarn, time for lights on and Grant to session the last jump, only 'cause he missed it first time, as did the rest of us! Back up the road and down to Gilpin Mill, nice testing climb up the field, through the top gate and head along the top track before the decent, here the bracken was up, so no cows left in the field and the pond was full of birds, ducks and life, so maybe the area was being left for habitat. Down to the road and straight across, down to the beck and start climbing, it had been mostly dry so the climb should be doable, but no way, the leaves must have been the wrong kind, 'cause no one could clean the climb, what is happening to us, it was not even a long ride! Past the last pond and more birds making a racket, back to the cars for an early night. Next ride is Gilpin Bridge Inn, park in the lay-by unless you are going into the pub after?

going...

going...

gone:)

11th September 2014 - Lowick - Blawith tour

Charlie, Neil, Grant, Jamie 1 & 2 and CT turned up for a summers evening ride heading west from Lowick, it was warm enough for only one layer cycle top, but Charlie insisted on taking her USA Team top in case it cooled down;) so head west for Kiln Bank, then Tottlebank and keep heading west until the road, here we had an impromptu free wheeling challengue CT took the lead with a sneaky start and the others caught up by slip streaming behind! head north via Spunham and keep left for the singletrack to Green Moor, but no it was full of bracken and slowed us right down :( now left through the woods (now some have been chopped down it looks different) and onward to Yew Bank, that climb up to the view point at the crest of the hill. Here we had a little route discussion about the last time we were here, some folk did not want to repeat it, at least not this time. So we headed south for the bridleway now a little covered in bracken so ride by feel, navigate somewhere near the big rock, down to the stream, up the other side and time for lights, this is Woodland Fell head up and over Cockenskell and back to Tottlebank and then a quick warm down to the cars and no need for that extra layer (obviously you need back up layers in the back pack, but this evening it stayed warm even when the sun went home). The pub even managed chips for a few of us and a band was playing so a very nice end. Next ride Winster park near the church.

Tottlebank,  I think;)

Singletrack nice.

View over to Coniston.

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.