Lakeland Delights - Sunday 31 January,2010

Izzy's booking of a demo ride on an Orange 5 from Biketreks in Ambleside - was all the excuse needed for arranging another Lakeland ride. And we couldn't have been more blessed by the weather gods. They created a day of the brightest, bluest skies together with a deep frost and almost windless conditions . It would have been a real pity though if Izzy hadn't made it - which she nearly didn't due to Ian A confusing Keswick for Ambleside.

But by 10.15 the 7 Muddy Bums were ready for the off. Willie, Julie, Izzy, Ian A, Ian S, Kev and Mark sprang from the starting blocks eagerly anticipating a classic Lakeland ride. The route started with a "testing" climb straight up onto Loughrigg - which quickly saw red faces and warm extremities across the whole group. But the going was excellent and Izzy, astride a bright Orange 5, was clearly loving it and leaving us mere mortals lagging in her wake.

As height was gained the views washed over us all with ever increasing splendour. And then the fast descent off Loughrigg towards Skelwith Bridge - with much swooping & a whooping all the way. Here we took the rather gentle path across the valley floor to Elterwater, letting Langdale gradually envelop us in its silvian beauty. Then climbing again up through the Quarries and across into Little Langdale. Here the sun seemed even brighter and the snow clad Coniston Hills were making a great imitation of Swiss Alps. Dropping down and crossing the River Brathay - we took a rather interesting detour into Cathedral Quarry. Mark in his eagernes to get there, left the back end a bit too far behind so Willie and Ian S (delayed by a mechanical - ie Ian's back wheel fell off !) had a rather unecessary extra mile or so before rejoining the group (sorry).

Cathedral Quarry consists of 3 distinct sections. A large chamber with a very impressive pillar holding up the roof, an open bowl with a sheer rock face stretching up to the sky, then a long tunnel through to the other side of the hill. Everyone successful traversed these 3 sections with hardly a complaint or anguished word. Popping out of the tunnel and into the Tilberthwaite valley, we headed South then crossed over to Hodge Close. A short detour to peer into the massive void of this quarry then gaining the high ground for a welcome lunch break. The 360 degree vistas of loveliness kept us all transfixed over lunch.

And then the crossing of High Oxen Fell and the long climb to the summit of Iron Keld. A few tired legs were starting to feel this climb - but all who had come this way before knew well how richly rewarded this effort would be. And indeed Iron Keld did not disappoint. Quite simply the best downhill trail on planet earth - period ! And on a day like this - I find it hard to imagine that there is better in the whole Universe. Reaching the road in a state of high elation - we turned South West for a mile before joining the permissive bridle through Tongue Intake Planation. Another sublime downhill trail, but this time through woods rather than open fellside. We then spun along the lane to Elterwater - where we refuled on Jellybabies (thanks Julie) before tackling the long climb up to the start of Loughrigg Terrace. Once again we were richly rewarded for our efforts - with a sweeping downhill trail across the fellside and joining the shores of Rydal Water. Everyone almost overdosed on the beauty of it all and needed to cool off by riding through the lake itself at one point. A final up and down brought us to Pelter Bridge where we picked up the main road straight back to Ambleside and into the Aladdins Cave that is Biketreks. Izzy went straight down to business and negotiated the purchase of a new Orange 5 - of the exact same spec she had been riding all day. We then all indulged in tea, coffee and Marks birthday cake (thanks again W&J).

Thanks to everyone who made the drive over to Ambleside - I am sure you would all agree that we were very richly rewarded today.

There are so many great photos of today's ride, they are on this page. And just a couple of taster pictures here.

THE MUDDY BUMS  (aka "the Clarty Ars#ses")

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND BEYOND

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