21 riders out were: Roger, Clone, Chairman Spud, Spesh, Al, Chunk, Scarey Carey, Sidge, Julian, Tyre Kicker, Ste B, Pieman, Turnerkid, Si, Jonny P, Muddyryder, Pabs, Wellsy, 2 new guys that I didn’t get a chance to talk too, and myself.
The day started with a mixed bag of weather, as the rain was chucking it down but patches of blue sky could be seen, that remained the theme for the day with dizzy waterproofs being taken on and off as the conditions altered.
The ride set off with a gentle meandering start across gentle Lakeland paths around the edge of fields. The start of the first gain of height was a stiff road climb that soon got extra layers shed as the temperature rose. The climb gained a fair amount of height and then ended with a wooded section of rooted and muddy single-track descent through tight tree lines.
Following on from this great section another stiff but steady climb along one side of a river valley with the single-track we would shortly ride down visible on the opposite side. The climb dispatched we crossed the bridge and headed down the very rocky and wet descent. The recent wet weather had left the trail mainly as a stream with deep water obscuring the dangers hidden beneath. About half way down we were confronted by Scarey Carey coming up the trail after realising he had put down his camelback at the top and not put it back on!!
Following the ace but wet descent after a quick food stop at the halfway point and on the group plodded. The 3rd of 4 major up hills was a grassy wet and boggy in places climb that seemed to drain the energy out of legs and got feet colder and wetter as slow progress was made, at the summit and ace fast and very loose and rocky descent ensued. About half way down the first of the days puncture victims fell foul with Roger flatting and a tubeless Ed and Chunk both having problems. Towards the bottom of the descent the line got less and less obviously with me and some others having to walk down!
Following a short sheep based wait the group reconvened and was rolling again to the final sections of the day, the formidable climb up Walna Scar. As we turned off the main road onto a minor road the true scale of the problems from the recent flooding emerged, as we passed through a gate the tarmac road and bridge had literally been ripped from the ground and it made for quite a spectacular sight for the power of nature. Thin ribbons of tarmac remained with deep rocky drops either side. Once off the former road and onto the bridleway the grind up began, due to the damaged ground pretty much instantly the climb became a hike-a-bike as slow progress was made plodding to the top. It was like climbing mount doom, but eventually it levelled out slightly and became a touch more rideable for those with any energy left.
The wind picked up which meant the top must be close and extra layers and hats were donned to keep in the heat. The summit gave an amazing view on a relatively clear day, and the view alone was worth the toil to the top, it has to be said though that the final long decent down is in my opinion one of the best I’ve ever done with the club and beaten only by the Black Craggs descent in Kirroughtree, it had everything rocks, the drop of death (well done Eric!) the gulley of doom, and numerous tricky sections, but it also had flow, and a line that could be followed and conquered by the brave. It was fast but manageable and didn’t loose all it’s height too quickly so you really felt like you got your moneys worth from the gravity tokens. A few stacks but nothing major, and a few more punctures followed. At the regrouping point smiles all around and a desire to whoop out loud and punch the air had we not have been reserved Englishmen!
The final bottom part of the descent was another muddy but rocky affair, and before we new it we rolled back into Coniston ride complete. Whilst 20 miles might not seem massive, the route packed a mighty punch and is certainly a club classic. 4 major climbs and 4 mega descents. Well done to Al for a great route and lead and to all for enjoying a great day in real mountains. A nice pint and some thick chips in a cosy pub with a painfully low beam!
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