Sunday 30 May, 2010: Tour of Coniston

Our 6:30am start from Warwick meant that the roads were deserted and we made great progress, stopping for a much needed (and ridiculously expensive) breakfast bap and coffee at Lancaster Services, where we bumped into hockey club legend John Slatford!

From there, we continued to make good progress (fuelled by some Wasabi peas!), skirting to the south of Windermere before heading north again to find a car park off the A5084 slightly to the north of Water Yeat.

After Hedd abandoned is latest tubeless attempt and installed an inner tube, we were away by 10:30am, and heading south on tarmac before turning westwards at Blawith and heading over some great singletrack across the Blawith Fells. This section ended with a fun doubletrack blast before we picked up minor roads to Torver.

From Torver we headed skywards on really steep and painful tarmac to get us up to Broughton Moor. From here we found a great section of woodland singletrack before heading upwards again on a fireroad which kept to the right of the River Lickle.

Colgie climbs the Lickle valley, with a view over Duddon Sands and out to sea at his back

When we reached the end of the path, we paused briefly to allow some boys on motor bikes to pass before heading down on the opposite bank of the river towards Stephenson Ground. This was a great little descent, with lots of features to keep us honest and some great switchbacks.

From here I persuaded Colgie that we should do the full extended loop, so we headed around towards Carter Ground and then on some real wilderness singletrack.

Colgie on the wilderness singletrack near Carter Ground

This eventually (after a brief mechanical stop to sort Colgie's jammed chain) led us to Brock Barrow and the awesome rockfest of a descent to Seathwaite.

Colgie embarks on the awesome descent to Seathwaite

This descent was a step-up in technicality for us, and when we reached the bottom we were both suffering from 'armpump' so we headed to the Newfield Inn beer garden for a pint of Ennerdale Blonde and a Lamb Henry with chips! We were knackered.... and roughly halfway!
After a long break, we inevitably had to get going again and we both knew that meant the pain of the Walna Scar Road climb. No matter how much you prepare yourself for this, it's always really tough. the majority is a push, with only a limited number of opportunities to ride and a morale crushing view of the path disappearing skyward ahead.

Colgie struggling with the Walna Scar climb

We only rested once at approaximately the halfway point to eat the flapjacks that Emma (Riley) had kindly made for us.

There's only one reason to suffer a climb like that, and the Walna Scar Road descent did not disappoint. Long, steep in places with rocky drops and switchbacks, views, grassy sections and 100% rideable.... in short.... absolutely everything you could wish for!

Colgie on some of the Walna Scar switchbacks


Colgie flat out on the Walna Scar descent

The last section of the descent to Coniston was not without incident either, with Hedd going over the bars and landing heavily on hands, arm and ribs - a good day to be wearing pads!

We had a brief stop at the garage in Coniston to refill our Camelbacks with water, and then we were off again on minor roads around the north end of Coniston Water. In no time at all we were onto bridleways again but by this time, every climb was a tough climb (particularly for Colgie since his granny ring was unusable and hanging by only one remaining bolt!).

We eventually gained the ridge and headed towards Low Parkamoor with awesome views over Coniston Water towards the Old Man of Coniston (unfotunately I was too tired to get the camera out at this stage!).

The final descent of an epic day did not disappoint. Once again the descent to High Nibthwaite had everything, with some really challenging rocky sections which would have been tough even if we'd been anywhere near fresh, let alone after nearly seven hours in the saddle.

Colgie on the descent to High Nibthwaite

Hedd had managed a full-on day without any sign of a puncture, so it shouldn't have been a surprise to hear a hiss from the rear tyre just 10 yards short of the final gate to the road. It was changed quickly with only minor mutterings and after a gentle spin on some minor roads we were back at the car.

The Bank Holiday Monday meant that the Sunday night roads were quiet and we were back for 10pm.

What a day - an absolute epic - it does not get any better than this!

Here's a selection of headcam footage from the ride....

....and the route (although we started at the southern end of Coniston Water rather than in Coniston itself)....

Sunday 4 April, 2010: Machynlleth

Colgie and I met for a quick blast around the Cli-Machx trail near Machynlleth on Easter Sunday, with a few "off piste" sections (including a couple of new ones) added for good measure.

The weather gods were kind, and we had a good blast. Unfortunately, my helmetcam packed up before the finish, but at least I got a bit of footage, including the clip below which shows Colgie on the first (previously unriden by us) off piste section of the day.

Saturday 6 February, 2010: Coed y Brenin

Ash and I headed to Coed y Brenin to tackle a combination of man-made and natural trails. The weather was not looking good in Warwick, but by the time we crossed the border it was bright sunshine!

Here's a little summary of our day....

Saturday 30 January, 2010: Ambleside

Saturday 30 January was a gloriously crisp winter day in the Lakes, and Hêdd headed there to meet Helen, Kelly, Stephen and Kirsty (who unfortunately couldn't join us for mountain biking).

Their fantastic cottage accommodation was situated just outside Ambleside, and was the perfect base for an attempt at a classic Ambleside route, taking in Loughrigg Fell, Arnside, Hodge Close and Loughrigg Terrace.

It was a chilly start, but the opening climb, first on tarmac and later on a broken trail, soon warmed us up and gave us our first taste of some stunning views.

Kelly looking strong on the opening climb, with a snow covered Fairfield in the background

We were all relieved to reach the top, particularly Stephen as he was struggling with some mechanicals. The drop down the other side was fun, first on a reasonably even path but then later with some technical sections to keep us honest. We reached Skelwith Bridge in no time and were soon climbing again on back roads to the fabulous (if rather posh in the eyes of true northern folk!) Drunken Duck PH where we stopped for a quick drink. Hêdd opted for a pint of Cumberland Gold, which was to prove a questionable decision on the following climb.

Although the climb to the pub was on tarmac, it saw the biggest "off" of the day with Stephen hitting some black ice, wheel spinning for a while before eventually hitting the ground with a thud - thankfully not too badly hurt.

The next climb was good fun and included some more fantastic views. It started easily enough, but there was a real sting in the tail which saw us all off and pushing before the top.

Helen leading the way on the climb to Iron Keld

The descent made it all worthwhile though, with more great views, some tricky little rocky sections, flat out grassy sections and the biggest treat of all - Helen falling sideways into deep mud!

Kelly and Stephen start the Arnside descent

Kelly, Stephen and Helen on the Arnside descent

Kelly, Stephen and Helen near the bottom of the Arnside descent

From the bottom, we climbed along a nasty section of the A593 for a short while before branching off to have some fun through Hodge Close.

Helen finding some speed - Hodge Close

Kelly and Stephen making their way through the trees - Hodge Close

Eventually we reached the ford and bridge near Little Langdale and we were climbing again. We were all starting to tire by this point, and opted not to climb over to the quarry, but continue heading downwards on what proved to be a fun trail to Elterwater.

Kelly, Stephen and a close call with Helen on the descent to Elterwater

From here, we refuelled with some Jelly Babies before the final tough climb on tarmac up to High Close. This was really tough on tired legs, although Kelly powered ahead and reached the top in no time.

It's all downhill from here! Kelly celebrates at High Close

Helen still smiling after the tough climb to High Close

The final descent around Loughrigg Terrace was everyone's favourite, with some fun singletrack and views down the steep banks to Grasmere and Rydal Water below.

Helen rides Loughrigg Terrace

Fine weather and great company - all in all a great day - thanks guys!

Ambleside January 2010 from Hedd Roberts on Vimeo.

Here's the map of our route....

Ambleside January 2010

http://www.bikely.com/

Sunday 13 December, 2009: Nant-yr-Arian

Colgie, Nev and H headed to Nant-yr-Arian to ride the Syfydrin trail at Nant-yr-Arian, a good mix of man-made singletrack and remote natural trails. Suds was also supposed to join, but a night of overindulgence with Uni mates meant a no show!

It was a very cold and foggy drive and things weren't looking good, but just before we arrived, we emerged into the sunshine that would be with us for the rest of the day. After some faffing from Colgie as he donned his new winter gear, we were away and tackling the first singletrack section: "Italian Job".

Colgie rides "Italian Job" at Nant-yr-Arian (No sound)

From here we headed out on some natural trails which have a really remote feel. These trails also include some fantastic doubletrack descents, with a mix of loose rocks and bedrock to keep things interesting!

Nev and Colgie on the doubltrack at Nant-yr-Arian

We paused for some provisions prior to a large natural climb and had a good view of some sights common to Mid-Wales, Red Kites and windfarms!

Red kites and windfarms near Nant-yr-Arian

Picnic time on the natural part of the Syfydrin trail at Nant-yr-Arian

The climb was quite tough, with a bit of a headwind, and seemed to go on and on. We kept going though, and eventually we were back to the civilisation of man-made trails.

Colgie nearing the top of a natural climb at Nant-yr-Arian

The first of these was "Hippity Hop", which was a good blast in the sunshine.

Nev and Colgie ride "Hippity Hop" at Nant-yr-Arian

After another natural section, we moved on to the massive "Mask of Zorro" man-made descent, and the equally massive "Leg Burner" climb. It wasn't steep, but that was part of the problem.... It just went on and on at a steady gradient. We all found it really tough on tired legs, and were ready for a break at the top.

Colgie and Nev reach the top of the unpleasantly long "Leg Burner" climb at Nant-yr-Arian

After a bit more climbing, we were ready for the final two sections of man-made singletrack: "Drunken Druid" and "High as a Kite". Within no time, we were back at the visitor centre enjoying an excellent warm shower and tucking into panini / jacket potatoes prior to the drive home - another good winter ride!

Friday 4 December, 2009: Malvern night ride

On Friday 4 December, Nev, Ed and Hedd headed to the Malverns for the first night ride of the year. Unfortunately, it was foggy with light rain, which meant visability was not good - a point proved by the helmetcam footage below!

Ed rides a Malverns decent in the fog and rain

We all enjoyed it though, especially the detour to a rather posh post ride pub (our muddy faces attracting a few raised eyebrows!).

Sunday 22 November, 2009: Coed-y-Brenin

We (H, Suds, Spud and Colgie) headed to Coed y Brenin on Sunday 22 November to tackle a man-made / natural trail combo. We managed an early start from Warwick/Coventry and were able to stop for an inaginatively priced breakfast bap at Telford services.

Thanks to the genearal lack of pace of Spud's "A-team" van, we eventually arrived at the Coed y Brenin visitor centre at about 10:15am and were riding by 10:30am. After the opening climb, the first man-made section "Cain" warmed us up, and allowed Spud to get his first six or seven crashes of the day out of his system!

Sudders rides "Cain"

The real fun then started with the first natural section. Lots of rain meant an almost frictionless trail with lots of crash potential! The next vid shows Barry and Paul Chuckle giving it max....

The chuckle brothers - there is a great moment from 1 minute onwards....

From here we met with the closure of a man-made section and headed to tackle another natural section instead before breaking new ground with a steep natural section we'd never riden before....

Sudders rides a "steeper than it looks" natural section at Coed y Brenin

From here we faced a horrible hike-a-bike up what had become a stream and completed the "Plunge Pool" steep switchback descent (helmetcam footage ruined by water/mud on the lens), the "Ant Hill" descent and headed to the Dolfrwynog cafe for some refuelling.

We were all tiring by this point, so the next steep road climb was tough. The man-made descent was good fun though, despite the "dumbing down" that has occured over the last few years.

Colgie and Spud ride Morticia at Coed y Brenin

Hedd rides "Lurch" at Coed y Brenin

As we reached the bottom of the descent, the wind picked up and the rain began to fall again, so we quickly hammered up the last climb for some fun on the final descents. The next vid starts well, with Sudders hitting some good jumps and drops. Unfortunaltly we then hit some traffic, and it gets a bit dark. There is a bonus for those that stick with it to the end though!

Sudders rides "Begining of the end" at Coed y Brenin

All in all, a great day. Despite the rain, we rode until it got too dark to continue and whilst the rain made everything really slippy, this just added to our fun! Here's the GPS tracklog of our route....

Coed-y-Brenin Pink Heiffer

http://www.bikely.com/