Proper Lake District mountain riding

[MikeW-71]

After getting myself an MTB, I began looking for where I could go out and get it mucky There's not a lot near my house, so I need to travel into the Lakes. I have tried the Whinlatter blue trail, and that was good fun, but I wanted to have a go at some real mountain riding. I've been a road rider since I started cycling again, and going off-road really surprised me with how demanding it is.

Then I discovered PedalNorth.com and decided to have a go at one of their "easy" routes. (Easy is a relative term in the Lakes, there isn't really any such thing). I went for the Windermere Lakeshore and took the camera with me. Really enjoyed it, though the 1 mile + of off-road climb was bloody hard work, so I thought I'd put together a little guide video of the route. I'll do some more of these as I get round the different routes, who knows I may even go for the Helvelyn route eventually


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTR2pO42LEo

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Strangely enough that is the first route I rode the first time I took my own bike to the lakes. The only difference being that I was staying in Windermere town at the time so added the ride through town and across the ferry and back.

(Didn't get it off a website though - just looked at the map and thought it would be a good way to go round.)

 

[Pat "5mph"]

What a great video: feel like I've done the ride myself

 

[lukesdad]

I enjoyed that, the instructions were clear and concise. Please post up anymore you make perhaps in this thread so i can keep an eye out for them. Someone should tag the commuters to let them see what a headcam should be used for. First class work well done.

 

[Spinney]

I've done some walking in that area - lovely spot. Great vid!

 

[MikeW-71]

Thanks everyone. I'll do some more as I ride these routes. If it helps some people find their way or get a preview of what a route is like, then I'm happy to do it.

 

[MikeW-71]

Second route is done.

This time I went for the Loughrigg Loop. 14 miles of mostly off-road loveliness. And it's very hard work! The first climb you get to sets the tone, 15% zigzagging up on tarmac, then 15%+ climbing on the loose. Some bits I had to walk the bike as I could not either get grip, work out a rideable line, get enough speed, or have enough bottle

Once you're up high, it's awesome, and then you go back down and do it all again... and again before arriving at the Terrace. After that there's only one hard bit, a rocky descent that I lost too much bottle on and fell, knocking my sensitive bits with the top tube as I went . After a pause, the rest was easy.

Great route, recommended!


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTlwafv_1Ao&feature=youtu.be

 

[lukesdad]

Lovely route Mike, the Lakes Tourist Board should be paying you and commisioning more of the same

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Very good. Nice and informative too - after that I reckon I could follow the route fairly easily.

 

[pedalnorth.com]

Hi guys

We're chuffed to bits that you're enjoying our routes. We get too busy putting them together to video them - so thanks.

The Loughrigg Loop is a cracker. Remember: speed is your friend!

 

[lukesdad]

Hi guys

We're chuffed to bits that you're enjoying our routes. We get too busy putting them together to video them - so thanks.

The Loughrigg Loop is a cracker. Remember: speed is your friend!

perhaps you can provide a link to some maps ?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Totes jealous! Nothing like that over here

 

[Spinney]

perhaps you can provide a link to some maps ?

Here

 

[lukesdad]

that link isn't working
I ll google it

 

[Globalti]

Just remember, mountain biking isn't about taking silly risks; it's about getting safely up and down the mountain and coming home to your loved ones. Today is the funeral of John Graham, who I introduced to mountain biking. He went over the bars and broken his neck as he hit the ground:

http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/20...ountain-biker-john-graham-who-died-on-skiddaw