tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27325692476579676422024-03-14T01:59:57.075+00:00EnjoyriderSearching for the perfect trail...Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-41033806739112214112015-12-31T11:39:00.004+00:002015-12-31T11:39:40.335+00:00New Horizons...Time for a change, I've sort of slowed to a drip on Blogger, blog re-launched on Wordpress now instead.<br />
<br /><br />
<a href="https://enjoyriderblog.wordpress.com/">Click here</a><br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Bye Bye, Blogger!Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-74313094531841223212015-11-03T21:27:00.000+00:002015-11-03T21:27:37.525+00:00Still here......It's been a while.<br />
<br />
7 months to be precise....<br />
<br />
And summer has been and gone without as much as a picture or a comment from yours truly. I never made a decision to stop posting, give it up, and I certainly haven't done any less biking, I just haven't really made the effort to be brutally honest.<br />
<br />
But, it's time I started making an effort again, and I'll have more time now that the annual dark to dark work days are once again with us, more time to think, plan and procrastinate about kit, routes and the far away promise of a summer.<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, I've had a cracking biking year, possibly the best yet. We had an amazing week in the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain with Ciclo Montana, meeting up with Adele and Rik and were fortunate enough that the other couple that were there were equally as great people - that's possibly the great legacy of mountain biking for me, I've met and made some fantastic people whom I'll always consider as friends.<br />
<br />
We've also had the usual brilliant weekends in the lakes, the odd Munro or 2 and my absolute favourite event - the 'Ard Rock in swaledale. Spent some really good times riding with Aron and his cronies around Stirling, a wee impromptu trip to Torridon and some other great rides that I can't quite recall at the moment!.<br />
<br />
Possibly the biggest change in my biking this year has been discovering some new local stuff, a long enough distance away to tag it onto my old rides up the river to mean that I can ride 60K from the house with very, very little of it being on the hard black stuff. It's a great ride for getting the miles in, lots of wildlife and even a couple of good pubs happy days.<br />
<br />
Oh, and I bought a van. Well, not just any van, I bought......... Vanny! - christened by Maria, and now firmly ensconced in the enjoyrider family. I'll post some pics soon, got a wee overnighter planned for a few weeks, so that'll give me the perfect opportunity to show y'all!.<br />
<br />
<br />Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-54584603825249304842015-04-06T21:21:00.001+01:002015-04-06T21:21:29.735+01:00Humble beginnings....<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R04zB83DaZQ/VSLqtOGX0tI/AAAAAAAADr0/8LmadclA1LQ/s640/blogger-image-62927983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R04zB83DaZQ/VSLqtOGX0tI/AAAAAAAADr0/8LmadclA1LQ/s640/blogger-image-62927983.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Robin and I met Aron at Comrie croft this morning, planning to do a couple of hours of a familiar loop up to Loch Turret, and then some man made trail fun at Comrie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That was the plan anyway, but once we climbed up toward the reservoir, We decided that it was far, far too nice a day to not venture a bit higher into the hills. It's a fair old climb up to Turret, but s really nice one, in beautiful Perthshire countryside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-STAqHdjxpGc/VSLqw_UurDI/AAAAAAAADsM/cgpd3F7JMGU/s640/blogger-image-713270333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-STAqHdjxpGc/VSLqw_UurDI/AAAAAAAADsM/cgpd3F7JMGU/s640/blogger-image-713270333.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There was a wee bit of hike a bike, but once up on the plateau, some really nice LR track, though there was some serious pockets of snow on occasion. Scotland - where else can you be traipsing through 2 foot of snow in short sleeves?!.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A really enjoyable, fast, fun descent from the summit down to the water again was great reward, then some gorgeous deciduous woodland, red squirrels and red kites to boot. Then coffee and an awfa' lump of carrot cake to finish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Great prep for next week in Spain!.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NiMn5zJA2Dc/VSLqx96rJ0I/AAAAAAAADsU/b77rM144Eyk/s640/blogger-image--505951479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NiMn5zJA2Dc/VSLqx96rJ0I/AAAAAAAADsU/b77rM144Eyk/s640/blogger-image--505951479.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MYCtYRNV1us/VSLquvc9oII/AAAAAAAADr8/Bl8W3kLKJO4/s640/blogger-image-1523688150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MYCtYRNV1us/VSLquvc9oII/AAAAAAAADr8/Bl8W3kLKJO4/s640/blogger-image-1523688150.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P5YN-0oCBKM/VSLqvz14myI/AAAAAAAADsE/8Q-v8ZVeivk/s640/blogger-image-865955614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P5YN-0oCBKM/VSLqvz14myI/AAAAAAAADsE/8Q-v8ZVeivk/s640/blogger-image-865955614.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-60878315151149540812015-03-26T09:54:00.001+00:002015-03-26T09:54:19.660+00:00You can't get any pudding, If you don't eat your meat...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-12kiRghMI/VRPLGBOFN_I/AAAAAAAADow/v1a9IvHzTYw/s1600/IMG_2043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-12kiRghMI/VRPLGBOFN_I/AAAAAAAADow/v1a9IvHzTYw/s1600/IMG_2043.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Is the infamous battlecry from the Scotsman in Pink Floyds' 'The wall', and in terms of the weekend just past, never has a truer word been spoken. The 'meat' in question was definitely tough, 1600 metres of climbing and clambering over four Lakeland passes on the saturday, and another 900 metres on the sunday. Some brave souls never faultered from the task ahead, and enjoyed some of the best 'pudding' that the Lakes, and indeed the country, had to offer. <br />
<br />
Some lesser mortals failed, and fell in battle, never reaching the sweet taste of success, instead, they were left to curse their lack of fortitude, and return north, tail between their legs, hungry and unfulfilled...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZWDLp-MJdQ/VRPQLirwHpI/AAAAAAAADpk/o0JWQ6Jz0SY/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZWDLp-MJdQ/VRPQLirwHpI/AAAAAAAADpk/o0JWQ6Jz0SY/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After an early morning alarm call and a couple of hours on the motorway south, 7 of us arrived at Borrowdale Youth Hostel in glorious, wall to wall sunshine. This was to be a bit of an epic, but as suggested above, some hadn't read the script. The four passes is a long, tough day, hence the early start. The first climb of the day, indeed the only one that is really bikeable at all - Honister pass - was dispatched reasonably quickly, leaving a big techy first descent ahead of us all the way down to Buttermere. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5MbFoLMov0/VRPQFsbeJQI/AAAAAAAADpc/IDOj5Xkt--Y/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5MbFoLMov0/VRPQFsbeJQI/AAAAAAAADpc/IDOj5Xkt--Y/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'd like to ride this again, after a couple of other descents, as a lot more of it was rideable than perhaps we achieved, but that's what always happens on the first descent in the lakes, particularly an unfamiliar one, you need a bit of time to get your eye in.<br />
<br />
There then followed the first hike a bike up and over to Black sail hut - the dissenters were beginning to murmur...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj1YVE0QgTw/VRPPv96HFgI/AAAAAAAADo8/JIQRanH4fUU/s1600/IMG_2075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj1YVE0QgTw/VRPPv96HFgI/AAAAAAAADo8/JIQRanH4fUU/s1600/IMG_2075.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQAIuYTDwN4/VRPPxmqRPCI/AAAAAAAADpE/8H6rBUN_CmY/s1600/IMG_2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bun5rcF483I/VRPP3ctCIII/AAAAAAAADpM/euRQsqEVZFo/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htWnLvUwtEo/VRPP8wShYcI/AAAAAAAADpU/qNXTasf3C9Q/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5MbFoLMov0/VRPQFsbeJQI/AAAAAAAADpc/IDOj5Xkt--Y/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZWDLp-MJdQ/VRPQLirwHpI/AAAAAAAADpk/o0JWQ6Jz0SY/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9b_GBdhaBg/VRPQSUWQ4GI/AAAAAAAADps/one1hA8DkUg/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<br />
The descent down to Black sail hut was really good, and I make no apologies for having no images of the trail, as it was too good to stop!. Not long after, we arrived at Black sail hut, and a welcome bask in the sun, sarnies devoured..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bun5rcF483I/VRPP3ctCIII/AAAAAAAADpM/euRQsqEVZFo/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bun5rcF483I/VRPP3ctCIII/AAAAAAAADpM/euRQsqEVZFo/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" height="97" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next hike a bike was up and over Black Sail pass to Wasdale head, was equally tough and the descent was a cracker, again - no pics!. The climb from there was epic, and the realisation that we would be tight for daylight was looming, but in such situations there is nothing else for it but to knuckle down and get on with it. The Four passes route offers no bail out options, there are no roads linking you to the end destination, once over Black sail, you're on your own. The image below shows how late it was getting when we summited Sty head....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9b_GBdhaBg/VRPQSUWQ4GI/AAAAAAAADps/one1hA8DkUg/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9b_GBdhaBg/VRPQSUWQ4GI/AAAAAAAADps/one1hA8DkUg/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The descent that followed was exceptional. From Sty head Tarn all the way down to Seathwaite in Borrowdale was truly amazing, with the exception of one river bed boulder field, the rocky ribbon was a joy, a fitting end to the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3S_wdnn3Jg/VRPS2vm6mqI/AAAAAAAADqQ/EN0fmCqV9fQ/s1600/IMG_2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3S_wdnn3Jg/VRPS2vm6mqI/AAAAAAAADqQ/EN0fmCqV9fQ/s1600/IMG_2141.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
So late were we, I had to nip ahead and ask the local - The Langstrath Inn - If we could put dinner back an hour!. With full bellies, we retired for another days epic riding ahead...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZmRBQRVeAw/VRPTlpFj7MI/AAAAAAAADqY/Wf3DmHYWqTI/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZmRBQRVeAw/VRPTlpFj7MI/AAAAAAAADqY/Wf3DmHYWqTI/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AP_0qgzQcbM/VRPUgxM0HvI/AAAAAAAADrY/TwcUpJz9TvM/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AP_0qgzQcbM/VRPUgxM0HvI/AAAAAAAADrY/TwcUpJz9TvM/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" height="84" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghU1wtd0tAQ/VRPTu5Z1jxI/AAAAAAAADqg/88N6wwj62fE/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghU1wtd0tAQ/VRPTu5Z1jxI/AAAAAAAADqg/88N6wwj62fE/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVKdPZjG-MM/VRPT12E9v_I/AAAAAAAADqw/63hlgLq5Xis/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
It was a nice enough pedal up the start of the Langstrath, and after a few river crossings back and forward from south to north banks and vice versa, we reached the bottom of the carry up Stake pass. This is where 6 became 3, which worked out well, as I don't think the climb ahead would have been particularly tastefull to some, as we were heading 250 metres above any of the previous days high point...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TWV9Sw_ahSE/VRPUF6Iy9aI/AAAAAAAADrI/teTfCDZl_q0/s1600/IMG_2143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TWV9Sw_ahSE/VRPUF6Iy9aI/AAAAAAAADrI/teTfCDZl_q0/s1600/IMG_2143.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Wew had initially planned to descend Stake, and then back up the ghastly looking Rosset Ghyll, but instead opted to head over a footpath (Oops) which cut out the monster hike a bike up RG, as we reckoned we were short of time to get back north and home.<br />
<br />
Another carry up from Sprinkling Tarn to the crest above and what followed is possibly the best piece of downhill I have experienced in the Lake District. It was the same descent as the last one on the previous day, but from over 800 feet above. Having ridden it the day before too meant we knew there was nothing we couldn't ride either - bonus!!.<br />
<br />
Amazing.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to do it all again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUfN5bX0tWA/VRPT-OjyG6I/AAAAAAAADq4/KqaVKRpKobU/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUfN5bX0tWA/VRPT-OjyG6I/AAAAAAAADq4/KqaVKRpKobU/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ns_ryVbEffo/VRPS1jF5_8I/AAAAAAAADqI/BoRjm3rUf7o/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ns_ryVbEffo/VRPS1jF5_8I/AAAAAAAADqI/BoRjm3rUf7o/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-By3dUc5C0UM/VRPUI-jH_HI/AAAAAAAADrQ/oSdxX7TRVBg/s1600/IMG_2146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-By3dUc5C0UM/VRPUI-jH_HI/AAAAAAAADrQ/oSdxX7TRVBg/s1600/IMG_2146.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzYuuA4VVmM/VRPS0IHuzgI/AAAAAAAADp4/SY5exDmrsHQ/s1600/IMG_2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kzYuuA4VVmM/VRPS0IHuzgI/AAAAAAAADp4/SY5exDmrsHQ/s1600/IMG_2135.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HUfN5bX0tWA/VRPT-OjyG6I/AAAAAAAADq4/KqaVKRpKobU/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_62uPXmohQ/VRPUEXJm3VI/AAAAAAAADrA/G78ntfZljAk/s1600/IMG_2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TWV9Sw_ahSE/VRPUF6Iy9aI/AAAAAAAADrI/teTfCDZl_q0/s1600/IMG_2143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AP_0qgzQcbM/VRPUgxM0HvI/AAAAAAAADrY/TwcUpJz9TvM/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-14804262089970815742015-02-22T10:29:00.001+00:002015-02-22T10:29:43.462+00:00Early bird catches the worm....<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Hf2aIwyeK94/VOmvf-JpIJI/AAAAAAAADlo/FvfMdKratsU/s640/blogger-image--1933957513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Hf2aIwyeK94/VOmvf-JpIJI/AAAAAAAADlo/FvfMdKratsU/s640/blogger-image--1933957513.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Despite Robin's usual protestations regarding him rising from his chariot at an ungodly hour, he and I set off early on Saturday for the lakes, as we were not staying, instead just a down-and-up cross border raid, cherry picking some of Cumbria's finest trails.<div><br></div><div>Weather reports had us expecting intermittent rain, sleet and even the chance of lightning. How wrong they were - wall to wall sunshine and hardly a breath of wind until the last roll back to the car in Glenridding was the order of the day. Weather and scenery like this gives a real sense of privelege.</div><div><br></div><div>After the initial confusion of where we would actually turn our pedals that day, we set off through Glenridding and Patterdale to Hartsop, and the short climb up to Hayeswater reservoir. A wee bit of hike a bike up to the snowline on The Knott, and then it was back on the bikes for the cheeky footpath along to Satura crag. The views across to the Helvellyn massif were astounding, we had thought about climbing the big hill, but the amount of snow and ice visible across the valley vindicated our decision.</div><div><br></div><div>What a fantastic piece of trail, at one point Robin said that 'this is real mountain biking' and rather than wind him up as he would usually expect, I fully agreed. Once off of Satura, the trail along to Angle tarn was superb, a lovely flowing ribbon of singletrack with just enough rocky sections to keep you on your toes, and Angle tarn itself is a glorious spot. </div><div><br></div><div>The descent which followed topped the whole wee loop off, down past Boredale Hause and finishing on a cracking, techy blast back down to the start of the Ullswater lakeside bridleway. Robin and I both agreed that the previous miles were amongst the best we had ever ridden in the Lake District, a mighty accolade.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FIVqRubS5uI/VOmvjCohb6I/AAAAAAAADmA/1ldJ_H6Ojhc/s640/blogger-image--1873892300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FIVqRubS5uI/VOmvjCohb6I/AAAAAAAADmA/1ldJ_H6Ojhc/s640/blogger-image--1873892300.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3y69dY_hOso/VOmviAvp4SI/AAAAAAAADl4/0QVN3Sdk17I/s640/blogger-image--985251820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3y69dY_hOso/VOmviAvp4SI/AAAAAAAADl4/0QVN3Sdk17I/s640/blogger-image--985251820.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a sandwich and some cake, our own stuff as the seasonal cafe was still closed, we headed off along the ullswater bridleway as a simple out and back, as we've now done this a few times and always enjoy it's techy challenges. It's a busy bit of trail, as it's very popular with walkers, but there's room for everyone, even the grumpy ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A brilliant days riding, and one that will be repeated in the future I'm sure. Bravo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H4cv54AN0PE/VOmve0Ktc_I/AAAAAAAADlg/kiSda-s1L0I/s640/blogger-image--1500524176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H4cv54AN0PE/VOmve0Ktc_I/AAAAAAAADlg/kiSda-s1L0I/s640/blogger-image--1500524176.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7dCmTHg9S8s/VOmvkHH1jII/AAAAAAAADmI/YLNk6d45Ico/s640/blogger-image--525729824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7dCmTHg9S8s/VOmvkHH1jII/AAAAAAAADmI/YLNk6d45Ico/s640/blogger-image--525729824.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J9CGu0xAWZE/VOmvhPunlHI/AAAAAAAADlw/U-TeKmAwtao/s640/blogger-image-513398223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J9CGu0xAWZE/VOmvhPunlHI/AAAAAAAADlw/U-TeKmAwtao/s640/blogger-image-513398223.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-73208989264916343942015-02-14T21:44:00.001+00:002015-02-14T21:44:38.456+00:00Cold = good.....Most people don't really like the cold, and the mere mention of winter sets folk into a downward spiral. I think us amounting bikers - and probably most other folks that enjoy the outdoors - are a wee bit different. I enjoy all the seasons, each one has its pros and cons, but all of them have far more of the plus points.<div><br></div><div>Take the last few weeks for instance. It's been pretty uninspiring up until around mid January, bit of wet, lots of wind and dark, dark, dark. Then, all of a sudden a cold snap, and the place changes beyond all recognition, ignoring the BBC and their ridiculous reporting of the weather, as if we're into some sort of modern day ice age, this little cold front from the North has been very welcome.</div><div><br></div><div>Last week, I had 3 night rides on fairlie moor. In the depths of our hottest summers, I don't manage 3 night rides on fairlie moor... But when all of a sudden, trails that have been wet, marshy and generally quite slow become like lightning quick, dry and uber grippy, you better bet I'll be out more than usual. Indeed, I was gutted when I ventured up into the moor last week and found that the thaw was well and truly on. Until 2016.......</div><div><br></div><div>I've had a few really nice local-ish rides recently, including a really good day with some mates from the Glasgow club up in the Kilpatricks above Glasgow, that's an area I've been meaning to ride for a few years, but sort of taken for granted. I'll definitely be back there, some really nice, snaking singletrack and so close to home too.</div><div><br></div><div>Some really great days up on fairlie moor too, as ever. I used to think ayrshire was pretty shit for MTB, but it's only in the last few years that I've appreciated what we have here, not just in the shire, but within a very short drive or train journey, lots of folks down south would love the sheer volume of options we have.</div><div><br></div><div>And, after all that, we come to the point. Spring. Is. Nearly. Here. I spotted a huge patch of snowdrops and a few crocuses last week at St quivox kirk, that made me so happy, it really did. It's not really the seasons that I love per se, it's the transitions from each to the next, the promise of what is to come next, so to speak. But, the best part of this time of year, it's planning. I love to sit with maps and plan where I'm going to go in the year ahead, and this year is no different. A few Enduro races, lots of lakes and cairngorm weekends, a week in Spain with good friends and so, so much more, not to mention the first ever enduro here in ayrshire.</div><div><br></div><div>Roll on 2015 and all you bring for us, I'm in.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S-h2Wpcaywo/VN_BxBsCi9I/AAAAAAAADlI/UQE7a76b9RE/s640/blogger-image-637489607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S-h2Wpcaywo/VN_BxBsCi9I/AAAAAAAADlI/UQE7a76b9RE/s640/blogger-image-637489607.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N9Cnb3QZ83U/VN_BtWbhkdI/AAAAAAAADkw/9eV77FC5_eE/s640/blogger-image-1839956801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N9Cnb3QZ83U/VN_BtWbhkdI/AAAAAAAADkw/9eV77FC5_eE/s640/blogger-image-1839956801.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NaRQToRsjks/VN_BsIbhhoI/AAAAAAAADko/Mx-hsuI063I/s640/blogger-image-1766807747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NaRQToRsjks/VN_BsIbhhoI/AAAAAAAADko/Mx-hsuI063I/s640/blogger-image-1766807747.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c7kfC4djAWg/VN_BusfpbpI/AAAAAAAADk4/5F4tTvoKgzs/s640/blogger-image-1231996862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c7kfC4djAWg/VN_BusfpbpI/AAAAAAAADk4/5F4tTvoKgzs/s640/blogger-image-1231996862.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-49tZUffN25Y/VN_Bv2WQsvI/AAAAAAAADlA/zLX6D5LyXYc/s640/blogger-image--1259472801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-49tZUffN25Y/VN_Bv2WQsvI/AAAAAAAADlA/zLX6D5LyXYc/s640/blogger-image--1259472801.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E8Qq4jzJRfo/VN_BqwiiROI/AAAAAAAADkg/GHQfLi5lxuM/s640/blogger-image--1319083544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E8Qq4jzJRfo/VN_BqwiiROI/AAAAAAAADkg/GHQfLi5lxuM/s640/blogger-image--1319083544.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-De9yYSSUCTU/VN_Bm55Lf8I/AAAAAAAADkA/qPSstfercSA/s640/blogger-image--1382341180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-De9yYSSUCTU/VN_Bm55Lf8I/AAAAAAAADkA/qPSstfercSA/s640/blogger-image--1382341180.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g907aMV2Rqs/VN_Bo6lc7tI/AAAAAAAADkQ/DxA_swoVSHY/s640/blogger-image-786539657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g907aMV2Rqs/VN_Bo6lc7tI/AAAAAAAADkQ/DxA_swoVSHY/s640/blogger-image-786539657.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lXMDtIE2ZtI/VN_Bn2J5rOI/AAAAAAAADkI/2A0RjWZLCpM/s640/blogger-image-649815524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lXMDtIE2ZtI/VN_Bn2J5rOI/AAAAAAAADkI/2A0RjWZLCpM/s640/blogger-image-649815524.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sV7oClFo8qY/VN_Bp3bqc_I/AAAAAAAADkY/sCejM_XlB4o/s640/blogger-image-1842968312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sV7oClFo8qY/VN_Bp3bqc_I/AAAAAAAADkY/sCejM_XlB4o/s640/blogger-image-1842968312.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-29434093924406282042015-01-11T20:19:00.001+00:002015-01-11T20:19:48.156+00:00Bit of building, bit of riding...<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>The festive period seems a long time ago now, I really enjoyed having a nice long extended break, but I'm glad it's finished to be honest. I quite like January, mainly because it's the time of year I start to think toward better weather, weekends biking with friends, and nice night rides up the moor without having to pack lights and waterproofs, not to mention the mass of washing when you get home.<div><br></div><div>Speaking of which, I've not been doing much nightriding this winter at all, probably less than any time in the last 5 years, but my commute is providing me with plenty of miles riding during the week, so I don't feel bad about not going out again when I get home. Also, in the last few months, maybe even longer, we've been aware of the need for some maintenance on our trails above the village of Fairlie, so in between Christmas and new year, Craig and I spent a couple of days digging and hauling rocks in a section that has been getting more and more eroded over the last few years, and had turned into a bog. I think a mixture of the popularity of cycling, and strava have meant that there's more and more people riding the paths that used to be pretty much only ridden by ourselves and a few lads from west Kilbride. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rsaVShIrj_0/VLLa4qphkMI/AAAAAAAADjE/qU0gubh5Y3M/s640/blogger-image-962268385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rsaVShIrj_0/VLLa4qphkMI/AAAAAAAADjE/qU0gubh5Y3M/s640/blogger-image-962268385.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've only really been out off-roading a few times over the last while, myself, Robin, Julie and Stuart had a nice afternoons ride up over the moor last week, even though the rest of Ayrshire basked in clear blue skies, the moor was a cold, dark, cloudy and damp place. Then today, in what was to be Klaus and Robins final pre-strathpuffer ride up the river trails, we were also joined for an early morning Sunday ride with Stuart, Julie and Gav.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was purgatory. The wettest I've ever been on a ride. The loudest thunder and brightest lightning ever witnessed by thee, hailstones, sleet, monstrous headwinds, rivers where trails used to be.... All is was missing was a plague of locusts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But, and it's a good but, this is when you earn your karma points for summer dusty rides, ye can't get any puddin' if ye don't eat yer meat!.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Best of luck to my two mates in the 'puffer next week, looks like it might be a cold one, I'll be watching their progress on the SI website, curled up in front of the fire with Maria. Best of luck boys!.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iIY21GYlCNw/VLLa3pESqJI/AAAAAAAADi8/36h59NYKZa4/s640/blogger-image--1372724193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iIY21GYlCNw/VLLa3pESqJI/AAAAAAAADi8/36h59NYKZa4/s640/blogger-image--1372724193.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OcDJp3CLl2o/VLLa2qPMeeI/AAAAAAAADi0/7MVjukG06RA/s640/blogger-image--195746059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OcDJp3CLl2o/VLLa2qPMeeI/AAAAAAAADi0/7MVjukG06RA/s640/blogger-image--195746059.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-17775181117804249482014-12-26T20:09:00.001+00:002014-12-26T20:09:52.541+00:00The shortest day and the wettest night....<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--hAJyA2nkK4/VJ3AhLgRR2I/AAAAAAAADiE/cZo83Nc5HFQ/s640/blogger-image--465585763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--hAJyA2nkK4/VJ3AhLgRR2I/AAAAAAAADiE/cZo83Nc5HFQ/s640/blogger-image--465585763.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The best laid plans of mice and men.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A few months back, vague talk emerged of riding on the shortest day, 21st of December, from Dawn until dusk, various plans were discussed - the Leadhills, West highland way... But we decided to just ride locally, on the river Ayr way, as it's possible to ride a long way on a variety of trails without too much climbing and is pretty sheltered for lots of the route.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, with sunrise (aye right) at 8.44, we were off, myself, Robin and Stuart - who hadn't ridden for 3 months (which was good, as it meant robin and I could drop him on the climbs, something that doesn't happen too often!) after a few miles, I had to go back and switch bikes, due to a wee mechanical issue, not the best of starts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyway, onward and upward, we made decent time to get back up to the river trails at Auchincruive, and on through the pyramid wood to stair, failford and then into slightly unchartered territory for me, barskimming estate. Obviously plenty of cash here, and from what I hear, unfriendly owners too, so we boosted up the hill into mauchline, pretty wet and cold by this point as it was about the grimmest morning we'd had this winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C3uFXzkbDXE/VJ3AiomO6nI/AAAAAAAADiM/TeWrW6kPKGI/s640/blogger-image-1591828402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C3uFXzkbDXE/VJ3AiomO6nI/AAAAAAAADiM/TeWrW6kPKGI/s640/blogger-image-1591828402.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How lucky were we, finding a wee greasy spoon that didn't mind 3 manky bikers, so nice were they in fact, that they didn't mind the east coaster eating his own pasta. He was welcome to it though, I had a very welcome haggis and cheese panini instead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back on our way, it was a wet, cold and horrible wee 3 miles straight into a westerly to get back to failford, and into the shelter of the trails beyond. After negotiating the landslip before stair (that's 3 years now south ayrshire council, get yer finger out) we managed a quick coffee in the stair inn before making the break for home and rolling into prestwick at 4pm, in darkness, wet but happy. Stuart headed back up the road in the van, whilst Robins good lady joined us for dinner and a nice Sunday evening. Sweet. Just under 60K in total, at a sociable pace, which was great.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7HBBcwqZPkM/VJ3Ajpp-j4I/AAAAAAAADiU/Jpl1g2Jnjl4/s640/blogger-image-295219964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7HBBcwqZPkM/VJ3Ajpp-j4I/AAAAAAAADiU/Jpl1g2Jnjl4/s640/blogger-image-295219964.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another hatched plan, was a Christmas nightride and a spot of food/beer at the village inn, fairlie. Much talk as usual, but the only hardy souls braving the nightride was yours truly and robin. Can ye see a pattern forming here?!.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was actually a very still, calm night, perfect for nightriding, but the trails were as wet as I've ever seen them, due to the last few weeks deluge. Not a long ride, 19k from Dalry up and over the moor road, and onto the trails, but nice to finish at the inn (there WAS room!) and meet Julie, Stuart and Gavin for a bite to eat and a few beers, before Julie kindly gave me a lift home, avoiding the joys of the Glasgow train at this time of year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Merry Xmas and a happy new year.</div><br></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-39670417235851823722014-12-14T11:33:00.001+00:002014-12-14T11:36:33.076+00:00It's been a while.....Lots of things has happened since my last post really, Mainly starting a new job has been the biggest change, especially as for the first time in over 16 years, I work 'normal' hours as opposed to shifts. When I worked at GE, I was only about a mile from there, and sometimes it seemed more hassle getting the bike out to get there than it was worth. GSK is 8.5 miles away, a far more worthy commute, and a great way to get extra miles in, particularly in the winter months, as when I get home from work, the fire is lit and forcing yourself outside again for a nightride is hard to do.<br />
<br />
I'm also back doing spin classes again, which also supplements the lack of night riding at the moment, and is a far better workout, especially as one class is fast paced and quick changing, whereas the second class is a longer, endurance based affair. It's only 4 months til we go riding in Spain, so all this riding will be worth it!.<br />
<br />
I have been doing some MTBing, just the usual haunts, River trails, Fairlie, Dumyat with Aron and Charlie, nothing too far as I can't be bothered with 2 hour drives to the the likes of the tweed valley at this time of short daylight.<br />
<br />
Robin and I had a nice spin on the fat bikes yesterday too, parking at Balmaha at the SE end of Loch Lomond, and following the WHW as far as Rowardennan YH before turning back and riding the trails in reverse. Was pretty cold, damp and frosty under tyres too, but a good wee ride in decent enough surroundings. The fat bike is brilliant for rides like this, great for covering distance on a variety of trails, Though the lack of a dropper post hold you a bit on techy, steep sections, but that kind of riding is few and far between on rides like this anyway.<br />
<br />
We've got a Winter solstice ride planned next sunday, to ride the shortest day from sunrise to sunset, plan is to ride as far as we dare up the river - River Ayr way is 44 miles long - then turn and come back in time for a nice rewarding tea. Should be good, and good training for Robin in his puffer build up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PSlIwRDuP0/VI10-hCEIXI/AAAAAAAADhg/o09Lyzzp8xI/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PSlIwRDuP0/VI10-hCEIXI/AAAAAAAADhg/o09Lyzzp8xI/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J5SIwogr0W8/VI11GiyYzcI/AAAAAAAADhw/0TuxbktFSTY/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J5SIwogr0W8/VI11GiyYzcI/AAAAAAAADhw/0TuxbktFSTY/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgjnoO7n7ig/VI10_-eoMhI/AAAAAAAADho/YikYNeeIF_w/s1600/IMG_2747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgjnoO7n7ig/VI10_-eoMhI/AAAAAAAADho/YikYNeeIF_w/s1600/IMG_2747.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-7783634036167591312014-10-19T21:00:00.001+01:002014-10-19T21:00:45.668+01:00Perthshire delights...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dUDiwspG7W4/VEQYW6XRLfI/AAAAAAAADfQ/QtSeOPAt04M/s640/blogger-image--2022079506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dUDiwspG7W4/VEQYW6XRLfI/AAAAAAAADfQ/QtSeOPAt04M/s640/blogger-image--2022079506.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Fab Four of Klaus, Robin, Des and yours truly had a rare day out riding today, opting to head north to the short but very sweet man made stuff at Comrie croft near Crieff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A hideous morning meant a wee coffee was required in the cafe at the trail head was required to get both the legs and the mojo going. It's a fantastic wee set up, pretty compact, but also pretty techy, with no shortage of rock features, mud, roots and gravity too. The last blue descent is one of the best man made flowy, swoopy trails anywhere in the country, a real hoot to ride, and they also managed to eke every bit of fun out of the hill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There's also plenty of activity on thd trail building front, which is totally at odds with every other trail centre in Scotland.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Safe to say, we'll be back soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2jHmImEsVMU/VEQYYKna5_I/AAAAAAAADfY/ckFuUJRkPaY/s640/blogger-image-2130189719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2jHmImEsVMU/VEQYYKna5_I/AAAAAAAADfY/ckFuUJRkPaY/s640/blogger-image-2130189719.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m-JGV3yt6h4/VEQYZJ9O7II/AAAAAAAADfg/LZRKIZmG69E/s640/blogger-image-135442402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m-JGV3yt6h4/VEQYZJ9O7II/AAAAAAAADfg/LZRKIZmG69E/s640/blogger-image-135442402.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-53r54fNti1o/VEQYa_DCxGI/AAAAAAAADfw/EGr6L3OP0dY/s640/blogger-image-1932217538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-53r54fNti1o/VEQYa_DCxGI/AAAAAAAADfw/EGr6L3OP0dY/s640/blogger-image-1932217538.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dzDrf80dOaE/VEQYZ28TOLI/AAAAAAAADfo/dWoAzkklhRY/s640/blogger-image-1150478053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dzDrf80dOaE/VEQYZ28TOLI/AAAAAAAADfo/dWoAzkklhRY/s640/blogger-image-1150478053.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-10394041270688153342014-09-25T10:49:00.001+01:002014-09-25T10:55:22.314+01:00Definitely the final scent of summer....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCM6PJTOxBQ/VCPj5-g_81I/AAAAAAAADcg/PwriX4orGHI/s1600/IMG_2721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zCM6PJTOxBQ/VCPj5-g_81I/AAAAAAAADcg/PwriX4orGHI/s1600/IMG_2721.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ullswater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJcw7OU2FoQ/VCPjx0iUKXI/AAAAAAAADcY/Z1dsAWefQJk/s1600/IMG_2728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How lucky are we?. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Promises from weather forecasters of an ‘Indian summer’
every year never materialise, but 2014 has been a fantastic exception, this has
possibly been the best September I can recall.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Even the grim reality of the immediate future in Tory hands
couldn’t dampen my enthusiasm for a wee Lake district adventure the day after
the Referendum, indeed, it helped take my mind off it. So, off I headed to
Ambleside to meet the Sauchie massive – Aron and Charlie, and my mate Graham
from the club. The plan had been to ride Grizedale and Walna scar on the
Saturday, but Klaus had been down with Des the week before and had said that the
descent down into Torver from Walna is still gash due to the resurfacing a
couple of years back. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Plans were changed, and I suggested a ride straight from the
front door of the YH, a familiar one as I’d did most of it twice already this
year, but the guys hadn’t ridden any of it, so were keen. The Kentmere
horseshoe and Nan Bield is a smashing high level route, with quite a bit of
hike-a-bike in the first half, but some fantastic riding from the top of Nan
Bield, and also adding in Staveley head fell and the short, yet grin inducing
joys of Jenkins Crag, made for a cracking day.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was after 5pm by the time we rolled back into Ambleside,
showered, and headed for the best Pizza in the lakes, at Dodds. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Next day, we changed our plans somewhat, from the longer
route that takes in Great Dodd, Helvellyn and down off Dollywaggon Pike,
instead opting for the straight up option of Keppel Cove, well that was the
plan! :-0</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
What
seemed like a nice gesture by some friendly walkers, holding a gate open for us
at the start of the off road climb up past the Helvellyn YH, ended up with us
taking entirely the wrong route up. We never really realised this until the
path levelled just before the scramble up Swirrel edge became visible. Nearly
at the summit anyway, and after I’d got the usual ribbing for my guiding
failure, we despatched lunch, turned round and descended the way we’d came. It
actually turned out to be a really good trail, followed by another wee
diversion along a footpath, and a cracking drop down onto the back of
Glenridding. Real chips and sunshine to follow, brilliant stuff.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">More pics to follow, as they're on my phone. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwU8uZeeTbw/VCPkNsaNXaI/AAAAAAAADco/t3oDiNV_WaI/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwU8uZeeTbw/VCPkNsaNXaI/AAAAAAAADco/t3oDiNV_WaI/s1600/IMG_2722.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain goat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2papy1C3CQ/VCPkXIV6r6I/AAAAAAAADcw/8PtL8bwM19o/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2papy1C3CQ/VCPkXIV6r6I/AAAAAAAADcw/8PtL8bwM19o/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warmer than it looks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxkzvPXgu3I/VCPl8DEY7aI/AAAAAAAADc8/3Llx6aEmNNI/s1600/IMG_2729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxkzvPXgu3I/VCPl8DEY7aI/AAAAAAAADc8/3Llx6aEmNNI/s1600/IMG_2729.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way we should have gone up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtlblQDacY0/VCPmDcwuz8I/AAAAAAAADdE/gu5JYVUqCnQ/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KtlblQDacY0/VCPmDcwuz8I/AAAAAAAADdE/gu5JYVUqCnQ/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way we did...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2papy1C3CQ/VCPkXIV6r6I/AAAAAAAADcw/8PtL8bwM19o/s1600/IMG_2718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJcw7OU2FoQ/VCPjx0iUKXI/AAAAAAAADcY/Z1dsAWefQJk/s1600/IMG_2728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJcw7OU2FoQ/VCPjx0iUKXI/AAAAAAAADcY/Z1dsAWefQJk/s1600/IMG_2728.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forty dollars? Buy Buy!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-66071799259154042952014-08-23T20:11:00.003+01:002014-08-23T20:11:52.728+01:00Last thin sliver of summer....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Eg7JyLrV0/U_jhYb68o0I/AAAAAAAADXo/b-LRfrxTU9k/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Eg7JyLrV0/U_jhYb68o0I/AAAAAAAADXo/b-LRfrxTU9k/s1600/IMG_2690.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As we career toward september, the need to squeeze all that is left out of the summer is almost as pressing as thoughts of lighting the woodburner. However, this time of year, along with the fresh, dry days of march are amongst my favourite times of the year, so a free saturday on such a day is not to be taken for granted.<br />
<br />
My usual riding buddies were all up to other things, So I turned to the Sauchie massive for some more cracking riding in their back yard. We met at Comrie croft, a relatively new trail centre to the west of Perth, and had about 90 minutes of eye opening steep, rocky action. I had this place down as a pretty tame,almost Drumlanrig type place, short and for beginners. How wrong I was. It is short, but it's a rocky tech fest, and an absolute joy. I'll be back, and soon too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kgazte1w-eI/U_jkLQgkCtI/AAAAAAAADX0/pAYmOQ2LqiU/s1600/IMG_2687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kgazte1w-eI/U_jkLQgkCtI/AAAAAAAADX0/pAYmOQ2LqiU/s1600/IMG_2687.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After some really good coffee and Carrot cake from heaven itself, We headed off along the road for a bit, before turning north and climbing for a fair while to Loch Turret. Nothing techy up there, but amazing views and good crack with the boys, and girl!. It was bloody cold at the loch itself, so we never hung about for long, but instead opted for a fast blast back to the road, before tackling a nasty headwind and towing everyone back into Comrie. I felt really fresh today, perhaps down to having a bit of a week off, but quite pleased anyway. I'll need to be stronger for the 'Puffer this year, so this is a good base to start training I reckon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVETHjPi0-Y/U_jmkw6TCKI/AAAAAAAADYA/DEf3SS7U01M/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVETHjPi0-Y/U_jmkw6TCKI/AAAAAAAADYA/DEf3SS7U01M/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1bGoUtyphY/U_jmvepan7I/AAAAAAAADYQ/kDh7XlDFszs/s1600/IMG_2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1bGoUtyphY/U_jmvepan7I/AAAAAAAADYQ/kDh7XlDFszs/s1600/IMG_2692.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOv-CLolwKk/U_jmumoeY5I/AAAAAAAADYI/W4zwBqaKdls/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOv-CLolwKk/U_jmumoeY5I/AAAAAAAADYI/W4zwBqaKdls/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-33423868054917083292014-08-14T21:02:00.001+01:002014-08-14T21:02:35.563+01:00Is there a better post ride reward?Than the village inns' Haggis Nachos and a pint of Schiehallion?<div><br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vFoqDW4dzYA/U-0V2GEvFCI/AAAAAAAADVo/0BOtstwE98o/s640/blogger-image--491221996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vFoqDW4dzYA/U-0V2GEvFCI/AAAAAAAADVo/0BOtstwE98o/s640/blogger-image--491221996.jpg"></a></div></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-67906441909035821712014-07-30T16:45:00.003+01:002014-07-30T16:45:58.275+01:00Dumyat and Mine Woods on a fine evening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7LTld0YcOl4/U9kSd0R5QVI/AAAAAAAADSA/7foc2nHz688/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7LTld0YcOl4/U9kSd0R5QVI/AAAAAAAADSA/7foc2nHz688/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Pretty self explanatory really, Des, his mate Dan and myself headed up to Stirling last night to get Dumyat in the dry, due to the awesome weather that this summer has provided. We met our buddies from just along the road, Aron and Charlie who know all the best bits in the area.<br />
<br />
Awesome nights biking, Well worth the short drive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SsOFk4V3Ro/U9kTCNlayNI/AAAAAAAADSI/6Id8i_X3DJk/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1SsOFk4V3Ro/U9kTCNlayNI/AAAAAAAADSI/6Id8i_X3DJk/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzCAczGjnks/U9kTJqw0GzI/AAAAAAAADSQ/Y6J_zDNqO4w/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzCAczGjnks/U9kTJqw0GzI/AAAAAAAADSQ/Y6J_zDNqO4w/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-67984179781190730842014-07-27T07:47:00.001+01:002014-07-27T07:47:33.435+01:00Basking in summer dust....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTrHVh_4Nt8/U9Sbzx3eqdI/AAAAAAAADPg/q6dKjQ2TPN0/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTrHVh_4Nt8/U9Sbzx3eqdI/AAAAAAAADPg/q6dKjQ2TPN0/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
What a fantastic week to be off work. I had worked my week off a couple of weeks before, and this week was to be payback, and what payback this weather has been!. Enjoyrideress was working the first three days of the week, so little Enjoyriderette and I spent a lovely few days together, with her getting her new bike out every day too. It's amazing to watch her discovering the freedom that cycling gives, and she seems pretty good when a hill comes along too, who knows where she inherited that from.<br />
<br />
Then thursday at the beach avec BBQ and sausages set me up for a day in the hills on friday. Des, Stu, Julie and I met at Killin for a day I had been looking at doing for a while - Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas. We had planned to add in another two munro's to the north west too, but to be honest, it was too hot and I realised early on that these two were better left to a cooler day and an earlier start.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4uv1rTtEYUE/U9Sdb6EHNVI/AAAAAAAADPs/n_oFwIbfoJc/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4uv1rTtEYUE/U9Sdb6EHNVI/AAAAAAAADPs/n_oFwIbfoJc/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The route starts at Ben Lawers Car park, about 5 miles east of Killin, and goes pretty much straight up to the first munro - Beinn Ghlas. A lot of it is actually pedallable, but the temperature played a big part in forcing us off our bikes early on, which has it's own advantages as it allows some idle chat on the way up. Once up onto Ghlas, there is a really nice techy descent for a bit before heading skyward again onto Ben Lawers. Next time I think I'd just head down the bypass path from here, and wouldn't bother with Lawers itself, as it's just borderline too techy in the most part, but it was such a nice day that the views across the country made it well worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9q3TGv_kh8/U9Sew92skZI/AAAAAAAADP4/nO8owMaZNMw/s1600/IMG_2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9q3TGv_kh8/U9Sew92skZI/AAAAAAAADP4/nO8owMaZNMw/s1600/IMG_2569.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FW6Wc4Xbe3I/U9Se338AT6I/AAAAAAAADQA/mlwhKfoL5bs/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FW6Wc4Xbe3I/U9Se338AT6I/AAAAAAAADQA/mlwhKfoL5bs/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The descent down the bypass path starts off a bit stop-start, but soon after becomes an absolute corker, the only thing slowing you down is waterbars, but pretty much every one of these is rideable, all the way down to the gate near the start. I'll definitely do this one again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRiKcTZZwFw/U9SfaoqH2QI/AAAAAAAADQI/hbOhOk0EE_s/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRiKcTZZwFw/U9SfaoqH2QI/AAAAAAAADQI/hbOhOk0EE_s/s1600/IMG_2562.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MwDwuFzAW8k/U9SfpVTNUiI/AAAAAAAADQQ/ictzAx4Y00s/s1600/IMG_2566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MwDwuFzAW8k/U9SfpVTNUiI/AAAAAAAADQQ/ictzAx4Y00s/s1600/IMG_2566.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />I'm now looking forward to getting over to Arran with the family for a week, along with a bike, possibly ;-) although, a wee night ride this coming week around Stirling looks a possibility too.<br />
<br />
Oh, nearly forgot - The aforementioned sausages on the beach!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJKl5JIbqNY/U9SgRaucflI/AAAAAAAADQY/8LzZTc9T34w/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJKl5JIbqNY/U9SgRaucflI/AAAAAAAADQY/8LzZTc9T34w/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88cQ2DQ1eJA/U9SgZ-9bD9I/AAAAAAAADQg/dwhJyvLjSYA/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88cQ2DQ1eJA/U9SgZ-9bD9I/AAAAAAAADQg/dwhJyvLjSYA/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-58154424320613922862014-06-27T20:51:00.000+01:002014-06-27T20:51:39.461+01:00Like riding abroad....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgkRg51Ekvc/U63E90Q0D2I/AAAAAAAADIk/hvw8lUt972s/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgkRg51Ekvc/U63E90Q0D2I/AAAAAAAADIk/hvw8lUt972s/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes, usually during the worst of the winter bog marches that we seem to find ourselves on, the thought 'why?' emerges into your head, and my usual subconscious retort is that we'll get some kind of karma payback in the summer - dusty trails, rocky ribbons of swooping perfection, laughs with riding mates, ice cream, beer.....<br />
<br />
Well, last weekend was it for me.<br />
<br />
Robin and I took the longish drive down to the Peak district, primarily to meet up with old friends that we had met on a foreign sojourn, Rik and Adele, but also to ride trails that we often read about online and in the magazines. Des was coming too, but had an appointment with the postman, or the paperboy or something....<br />
<br />
Arriving on the Lancashire side of the peak, Rik had given us a route to ride as we were going to be there long before our hosts finished work. Setting off from the lovely wee village of Hayfield, we did a 'reet nice figure of 8, with two testy climbs and also two nice descents, one swoopy, the other more peak like - rocky and fast. Nice days riding, and in really great weather too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN_jzZX-HtM/U63HHH_vaLI/AAAAAAAADIw/Ijrca73yFIU/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tN_jzZX-HtM/U63HHH_vaLI/AAAAAAAADIw/Ijrca73yFIU/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awW57Mbl_vI/U63HQfD-QLI/AAAAAAAADI4/73GBJjqU43c/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awW57Mbl_vI/U63HQfD-QLI/AAAAAAAADI4/73GBJjqU43c/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
After a wee refreshing drop in the local beer garden, we drove over snake pass to Sheffield, and on to meet our buddies, and the lure of the local pub and curry house!. Great stuff.<br />
<br />
Next morning, slightly fuzzy headed, Rik sorted us out with a cracking brekkie before we drove off to Hope valley and had another sun drenched corker of a ride. I won't try to describe the route, as being expertly guided, you don't really have to know where you are, all I know is that we took in some cracking peak descents, and we climbed a lot!. If I remember correctly, we did Cavedale, Hollins cross, Potato alley, Hagg farm and then finished on the roman road. My favourite was Hagg farm, although it is pretty short, followed closely by Cavedale, for sheer ballsy rockiness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hn3kGAjLG78/U63Iuh5Q3yI/AAAAAAAADJE/Ixa5oozD6Po/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hn3kGAjLG78/U63Iuh5Q3yI/AAAAAAAADJE/Ixa5oozD6Po/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Fish and chips and a quiet night followed, with legs wearying, and thoughts of another days riding to come....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N36rOea-aJ0/U63JBLBjctI/AAAAAAAADJM/T8S2jSp4Hro/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N36rOea-aJ0/U63JBLBjctI/AAAAAAAADJM/T8S2jSp4Hro/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="115" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Another cracking brekkie, and the best days riding yet!. We parked at Ladybower reservoir, of dambusters fame, and basically rode out the whole length of the famous Cut gate route and back. That doesnt sound much, but it was unbelievably good, I thought the descent out toward Langsett was good, but the descent back just ripped the legs off of it. Even though it was busy, it was an absolute joy of a descent, rocky, rutted, big steppy drop offs.... Tremendous.<br />
<br />
And ice cream to finish. What a great weekend, thanks so much to Rik and Adele, for going out their way for a whole weekend, feeding and guiding us, great company as ever folks!. Not quite as big as the thanks deserved by Mrs Enjoyrider, for being so cool with me disappearing away for a weekend of doing what I love. Xxx.<br />
<br />
Now, the Yeti has taken a bit of a battering, time for some TLC....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0IYTfyffyA/U63KlFH3ndI/AAAAAAAADJY/ukcEnKWw8xI/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0IYTfyffyA/U63KlFH3ndI/AAAAAAAADJY/ukcEnKWw8xI/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWIpRq_M2b8/U63Kt-5WOPI/AAAAAAAADJg/ADUCRe0s4vY/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWIpRq_M2b8/U63Kt-5WOPI/AAAAAAAADJg/ADUCRe0s4vY/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-88689042756382676192014-06-14T16:11:00.001+01:002014-06-14T16:11:27.029+01:00Stolen weekday in the lakes...<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gsTr5H_O-1E/U5xl5H0_fhI/AAAAAAAADDo/YnHj0o1zxBg/s2048/Photo%25252020140614160940.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gsTr5H_O-1E/U5xl5H0_fhI/AAAAAAAADDo/YnHj0o1zxBg/s500/Photo%25252020140614160940.jpg" id="blogsy-1402758685420.0046" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ill bell from froswick, with Windermere glistening to the south </td></tr></tbody></table><p> We had a wee bit of a plan to go and ride Ben Lomond on Friday, but the usual scots weather put the brakes on that, with heavy rain predicted for the Lomond national park, so instead, Robin and I headed south with a few route options in mind. I was quite keen to ride nan bield again, and as Robin likes riding somewhere new, that's where we went.</p><p>Parking at the south end of Dubbs road, we followed almost the exact route I had ridden myself four weeks ago, and I have to say, it was far better riding in company than riding alone. I rode way more than I had whilst on my tod. Fantastic days riding, perfect weather, not a breath of wind to be felt. Then fish and chips to finish.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-srIwFWvRiKQ/U5xmGg1a-3I/AAAAAAAADDw/QoG5Tt4NiI8/s2048/Photo%25252020140614160940.jpg" target="_blank" style=" " title=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-srIwFWvRiKQ/U5xmGg1a-3I/AAAAAAAADDw/QoG5Tt4NiI8/s500/Photo%25252020140614160940.jpg" id="blogsy-1402758685419.7976" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin dropping off of froswick </td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-72875960909019739462014-06-07T20:34:00.001+01:002014-06-07T20:34:41.992+01:00Friday night fever<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q8sBsMuRV6E/U5NpTyZCV_I/AAAAAAAADCQ/T60a65_9zuI/s640/blogger-image-1192421815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q8sBsMuRV6E/U5NpTyZCV_I/AAAAAAAADCQ/T60a65_9zuI/s640/blogger-image-1192421815.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On Friday night I finally got out with Klaus again, the first time in a long time due to shifts and family stuff. The two of us, along with Colin, Klaus' mate headed from chez Schlesiger along the south and north beaches to seamill, portencross, past the hunterston behemoth and onto fairlie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then round the usual trails, in glorious sunshine complete with gorgeous clear views over the firth and beyond. Quick pint of harviestouns finest, then back home for not far short of midnight. It was a tired blogger that was awoken at 6am with the work alarm on Saturday...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Always worth it though, canny beat a summer evening ride.</div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-59271558519755680802014-05-31T18:57:00.001+01:002014-05-31T18:57:59.055+01:00Mmmmmm......<p> No biking this weekend, as Maz is working, but as it's been a gorgeous day, got the BBQ out and tried something I've been thinking of for a while, pizza. A revelation!. I'll be doing this again!.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f227NoOpoZ8/U4oYH00YBEI/AAAAAAAADAQ/e8tjTIRz0WE/s2048/Photo%25252020140531185530.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-f227NoOpoZ8/U4oYH00YBEI/AAAAAAAADAQ/e8tjTIRz0WE/s500/Photo%25252020140531185530.jpg" id="blogsy-1401559077511.9124" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-44239998957547883582014-05-19T22:11:00.001+01:002014-05-20T22:01:25.851+01:00Racing the storm!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PjL-rUvtcdg/U3pYIAf7agI/AAAAAAAAC84/OFMJtUq6oYo/s640/blogger-image-178749075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Gco6f3SSKFQ/U3pzlVz5aSI/AAAAAAAAC9I/VbYJYIPA0Zg/s640/blogger-image-1993084637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PjL-rUvtcdg/U3pYIAf7agI/AAAAAAAAC84/OFMJtUq6oYo/s640/blogger-image-178749075.jpg" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
A wee pre-nightshift spin tonight, with no jacket or anything....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Which was fine until I got to the viewpoint atop carrick hill, and saw the storm moving in from the north, very fast, and complete with biblical thunder and lightning. Crikey.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I never managed to beat it...</div>
Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-15309156388923273112014-05-17T21:56:00.001+01:002014-05-17T21:56:46.211+01:00Midweek Lakeland escape...<div class="separator" style="clear:both; text-align:left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LQnK6C_JhBI/U3fFxwub_WI/AAAAAAAAC4o/X79MMcXhkTE/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212433.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LQnK6C_JhBI/U3fFxwub_WI/AAAAAAAAC4o/X79MMcXhkTE/s500/Photo%25252020140517212433.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205007.592" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> As it has become evident that my shift pattern is changing, after 16 years of having a week off every month, I decided that I'm going to use the last remaining ones to best effect. So a wee plan was hatched, friends were invited, but I knew they were all working, so off on my tod I went to the Lakes.</p><p>After a reasonably early start, and a quiet 3 hour drive south, I pitched up at a lay by just outside of Glenridding, next to the mirror like ullswater. First up was a long farm track which terminated with the rocky climb up toward grisedale tarn, and then on up the steep pitching steps to dollywaggon pike.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-huwRObaWJ4w/U3fGF0NONUI/AAAAAAAAC4w/en-8tdllY9s/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212434.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-huwRObaWJ4w/U3fGF0NONUI/AAAAAAAAC4w/en-8tdllY9s/s500/Photo%25252020140517212434.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360204956.7183" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yqDoo3eBMeI/U3fGY4G7DgI/AAAAAAAAC44/yiPKpBhQVJk/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212434.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yqDoo3eBMeI/U3fGY4G7DgI/AAAAAAAAC44/yiPKpBhQVJk/s500/Photo%25252020140517212434.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205011.6245" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> This part of the trail is pretty busy, as it's part of the coast to coast route through the area, from grasmere over to patterdale, so there were lots of incredulous looks at a big sweaty scot carrying a bike up a mountain, all cheerful though!. Once up on the plateau, and heading over nethermost pike toward helvellyn itself, the views were absolutely astounding all around, from high street in the east, scafell pike in the west, Skiddaw and blencathra to the north, and even Blackpool tower and heysham nuclear power station to the south!.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvKi1otF8CE/U3fGsRdGsYI/AAAAAAAAC5A/ojj2i1NcGsY/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212434.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uvKi1otF8CE/U3fGsRdGsYI/AAAAAAAAC5A/ojj2i1NcGsY/s500/Photo%25252020140517212434.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205036.0396" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking west over the langdale pikes</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EFuv1jIzvuM/U3fHGIYOquI/AAAAAAAAC5I/rgbIR8zdWU0/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212435.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EFuv1jIzvuM/U3fHGIYOquI/AAAAAAAAC5I/rgbIR8zdWU0/s500/Photo%25252020140517212435.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360204949.4365" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path up Ill bell</td></tr></tbody></table><p> As I was on my own, I had made the decision to ride at maybe 70%, to avoid a tumble on what can be very exposed and rocky terrain! but to be honest! I wouldn't do this again. The lakes cannot be ridden at 70%, full concentration! commitment and a bit of speed is required. Lesson learned. Once up onto the summit, the views were even better.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I6FEOx_0_9c/U3fHXy9fY5I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/aV8WJ15op5g/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212435.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I6FEOx_0_9c/U3fHXy9fY5I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/aV8WJ15op5g/s500/Photo%25252020140517212435.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360204966.0955" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ullswater from helvellyn</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m_gjBdUDv4Q/U3fHuMQYfrI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/gsBiAvl9lB8/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212436.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m_gjBdUDv4Q/U3fHuMQYfrI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/gsBiAvl9lB8/s500/Photo%25252020140517212436.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205002.622" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striding edge</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DNudV6ddYHU/U3fICkK2ogI/AAAAAAAAC5g/PmNnsIQvQyM/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212436.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DNudV6ddYHU/U3fICkK2ogI/AAAAAAAAC5g/PmNnsIQvQyM/s500/Photo%25252020140517212436.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360204996.367" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And again...</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eLIx5STk9UA/U3fIZ8HG3FI/AAAAAAAAC5o/ENJojSb2_mY/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212437.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eLIx5STk9UA/U3fIZ8HG3FI/AAAAAAAAC5o/ENJojSb2_mY/s500/Photo%25252020140517212437.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205041.8464" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descent off helvellyn..</td></tr></tbody></table><p> All that was left was the descent down sticks pass, and as I said earlier, I took it too easy going down there too.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iGmZR2FLxnY/U3fI4N--sDI/AAAAAAAAC5w/7-027LLoSao/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212437.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iGmZR2FLxnY/U3fI4N--sDI/AAAAAAAAC5w/7-027LLoSao/s500/Photo%25252020140517212437.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360204989.137" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticks pass</td></tr></tbody></table><p> 20 minutes after getting to the car, I was in Ambleside YHA, for a bath, change and then a well earned bite and beer, before retiring early due to a bigger day the next day.</p><p>A quick bite for brekkie, and I parked the car at the bottom of dubbs road for a wee cheeky assault on some footpaths above kentmere!. The plan was to climb garburn, but instead of descending down the usual route into kentmere, carry on up Yoke, over Ill bell, froswick and thornthwaite crag, before turning west over Mardale Ill bell, and descending the famous Nan Bield bridleway, then taking the high Borrans route back to the car. Cracking day, I'd definitely do that again.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ewQtBWwqbtM/U3fJNmltEXI/AAAAAAAAC54/n3yuaDLgBg4/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212438.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ewQtBWwqbtM/U3fJNmltEXI/AAAAAAAAC54/n3yuaDLgBg4/s500/Photo%25252020140517212438.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360204991.8955" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving garburn pass</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PLtUfX7Loxw/U3fJkmMnYCI/AAAAAAAAC6A/gt8qza6sjjw/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212439.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PLtUfX7Loxw/U3fJkmMnYCI/AAAAAAAAC6A/gt8qza6sjjw/s500/Photo%25252020140517212439.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360204969.8452" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And off up onto Yoke</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iww0s2GRdhY/U3fJ8l1SsxI/AAAAAAAAC6I/z6aMR5YH4jA/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212439.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iww0s2GRdhY/U3fJ8l1SsxI/AAAAAAAAC6I/z6aMR5YH4jA/s500/Photo%25252020140517212439.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205022.2683" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wee pal...</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fi7rhbuUa-U/U3fKRRW2hRI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/-N1QtnAUrKs/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212439.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fi7rhbuUa-U/U3fKRRW2hRI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/-N1QtnAUrKs/s500/Photo%25252020140517212439.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205042.8833" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windermere to the south</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hKdUhBtq2Ng/U3fKtAxC6DI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/Ebc13qTHhvI/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212440.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hKdUhBtq2Ng/U3fKtAxC6DI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/Ebc13qTHhvI/s500/Photo%25252020140517212440.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205018.9336" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path up into ill bell</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZH1qB-xm0EU/U3fLAqDc8rI/AAAAAAAAC6g/61SZkl8oLYs/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212441.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZH1qB-xm0EU/U3fLAqDc8rI/AAAAAAAAC6g/61SZkl8oLYs/s500/Photo%25252020140517212441.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205030.3916" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ill bell summit</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JRJukKBiC7Q/U3fLZl4mLSI/AAAAAAAAC6o/LIzuJgbGBIw/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212441.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JRJukKBiC7Q/U3fLZl4mLSI/AAAAAAAAC6o/LIzuJgbGBIw/s500/Photo%25252020140517212441.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205063.2666" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nan bield switchbacks in the centre of picture</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YWskDbtnyOg/U3fL9bVJOOI/AAAAAAAAC6w/XwOUTDsf5Zw/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212442.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YWskDbtnyOg/U3fL9bVJOOI/AAAAAAAAC6w/XwOUTDsf5Zw/s500/Photo%25252020140517212442.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205032.91" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ill bell from thornthwaite crag</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kI-IDDx8MFY/U3fMP8HBp9I/AAAAAAAAC64/CIpsBAl5Hdc/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212442.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kI-IDDx8MFY/U3fMP8HBp9I/AAAAAAAAC64/CIpsBAl5Hdc/s500/Photo%25252020140517212442.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205061.9885" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western fells</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Kg76MA9gC5E/U3fMpsVDyqI/AAAAAAAAC7A/Vvi7Nw7ywho/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212443.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Kg76MA9gC5E/U3fMpsVDyqI/AAAAAAAAC7A/Vvi7Nw7ywho/s500/Photo%25252020140517212443.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205019.0828" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harter fell down to nan bield</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wlzg0R1OGEY/U3fNCAO-SWI/AAAAAAAAC7I/rUFZB0rHE9U/s2048/Photo%25252020140517212443.jpg" target="_blank" style=" "><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wlzg0R1OGEY/U3fNCAO-SWI/AAAAAAAAC7I/rUFZB0rHE9U/s500/Photo%25252020140517212443.jpg" id="blogsy-1400360205057.8123" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lakes in one picture. Sweet.</td></tr></tbody></table><p> As everyone I know knows by now, I love the Lake District. Haste ye back...</p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-58408478067335777302014-05-03T21:19:00.001+01:002014-05-03T21:19:46.479+01:00Who says there's nae hills in the shire?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n8mdg3gZ_vU/U2VNGnvqUoI/AAAAAAAACyE/fnoKYjhqeEg/s2048/Photo%25252020140503210858.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n8mdg3gZ_vU/U2VNGnvqUoI/AAAAAAAACyE/fnoKYjhqeEg/s500/Photo%25252020140503210858.jpg" id="blogsy-1399148385520.7605" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> I've been trying to get some of my fellow Glasgow MTB club members down to ayrshire for a while now, and the mayday weekend possibly wasn't the best time to ask again. Anyhow, my mate Graham made it today, and joined Robin, Stu, Julie and I for a day of quality pity trails, real ale, and good food.</p><p>Weather was surprisingly good, 13 DegC for most of the day, which made the huge amount if climbing tough. As we were showing Graham around, we wanted to show him as much as we could, which meant a hell of a lot of climbing. A baw hair short of 4000 feet to be precise.</p><p>Great day, great trails, good food and beer. Home for a shower and a curry, and plans for heading up to Yorkhill children's hospital tomorrow to see our wee niece, the wee soul. </p><p>Good weekend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3Yrssxj0vpU/U2VNY8bkY8I/AAAAAAAACyM/ld0bRAySG_4/s2048/Photo%25252020140503210858.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3Yrssxj0vpU/U2VNY8bkY8I/AAAAAAAACyM/ld0bRAySG_4/s500/Photo%25252020140503210858.jpg" id="blogsy-1399148385499.5078" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="739"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-li0N6sESnRw/U2VOJFS799I/AAAAAAAACyU/tWqgybNEhmk/s2048/Photo%25252020140503210859.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-li0N6sESnRw/U2VOJFS799I/AAAAAAAACyU/tWqgybNEhmk/s500/Photo%25252020140503210859.jpg" id="blogsy-1399148385510.3596" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zj_QNLP8wlY/U2VOnVNiHvI/AAAAAAAACyc/4X-FQ77lzXM/s2048/Photo%25252020140503210859.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zj_QNLP8wlY/U2VOnVNiHvI/AAAAAAAACyc/4X-FQ77lzXM/s500/Photo%25252020140503210859.jpg" id="blogsy-1399148385565.3772" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kWvlhc2PcNI/U2VO_1NoFII/AAAAAAAACyk/sNpKK_bTgUU/s2048/Photo%25252020140503210859.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kWvlhc2PcNI/U2VO_1NoFII/AAAAAAAACyk/sNpKK_bTgUU/s500/Photo%25252020140503210859.jpg" id="blogsy-1399148385517.1746" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4Mi903RrqrA/U2VPXY5WykI/AAAAAAAACys/PkgA8uq10Nc/s2048/Photo%25252020140503210900.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4Mi903RrqrA/U2VPXY5WykI/AAAAAAAACys/PkgA8uq10Nc/s500/Photo%25252020140503210900.jpg" id="blogsy-1399148385521.3538" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="381" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-25095650753338657822014-04-21T20:54:00.001+01:002014-04-21T20:54:27.679+01:00Something a bit different...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V648Gkd5_oY/U1V1VzDjYXI/AAAAAAAACt8/DeBB3Cpmtug/s2048/Photo%25252020140421204425.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V648Gkd5_oY/U1V1VzDjYXI/AAAAAAAACt8/DeBB3Cpmtug/s500/Photo%25252020140421204425.jpg" id="blogsy-1398110067408.1765" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> I've taken a while to get this post written, but to be honest, with the weather being so good of late, sitting down doing this hasn't been top priority.....</p><p>Anyway, last weekend Robin, Klaus, Steve and myself all departed from the ferry terminal at Ardrossan, bound for Arran and a wee jaunt up the west coast to fort William. Captain no-show was supposed to be coming too, but another call off put a stop to that!. Our first priority, before we could even begin to enjoy the trip, was to make the ferry at the north west port of Lochranza to claonaig over on Kintyre. It's not what you'd usually consider tight, time wise, as there's 75 minutes between getting off the Brodick ferry, and making this one, but a toughish headwind and bikes laden down with gear made it tighter than it shoud. 11.59 for the 12.00 sailing is indeed cutting it fine.</p><p>This bought us more time to enjoy the ride on the other side, and time also for a spot of lunch in the wee fishing port of tarbert. Our intention for the next few days was to follow the cycle path, NCN78, all the way to Fort William, via a nights camping in Lochgilphead, and a cheap hotel stay in Oban, and then the train back home.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3vDSmnRN3Ms/U1V1lxEXZDI/AAAAAAAACuE/KVKQNafw0q0/s2048/Photo%25252020140421204426.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3vDSmnRN3Ms/U1V1lxEXZDI/AAAAAAAACuE/KVKQNafw0q0/s500/Photo%25252020140421204426.jpg" id="blogsy-1398110067442.778" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> As we had decided not to carry food (there's plenty stops along the way) we were travelling reasonably light, with around 9kg of packs on my bike, this meant no need for a back pack, which takes a lot of weight off of the body and is far more enjoyable. I'd taken a bit of a gamble on the weather, and only really packed light weight waterproof kit, and no spare clothes, so all the diners around us along the way would just have to put up with the 'fresh air' we were creating.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rHLY_l6nSl0/U1V13poD6DI/AAAAAAAACuM/PIzevtZ5vk4/s2048/Photo%25252020140421204426.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rHLY_l6nSl0/U1V13poD6DI/AAAAAAAACuM/PIzevtZ5vk4/s500/Photo%25252020140421204426.jpg" id="blogsy-1398110067461.7039" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><p>Fortunately, the weather was reasonable pretty much the whole way, except the odd shower on the first day, and a constant drizzle on the last day, which wasn't too bad, as the pub in FW had nice big radiators, and the train home was warm too!.</p><p>Our first day was over 60 miles and took us through North Arran, crossing the Kintyre peninsula to kennacraig, and on to tarbert, before taking the longer route around the whole knapdale peninsula, and eventually up and over the long climb from loch caolisphort and dropping us down into ardrishaig, and finally Lochgilphead a few miles further on. It was a pretty long day, and the food in the marina inn was destroyed in jig time, before retiring to 'camp' for the night. It was a pretty long night, as it rained constantly from about 4am, and the wind battered my wee tarp on and off in loud squalls.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iQZ9Mam_7qg/U1V2S6ioZrI/AAAAAAAACuU/l4S7YnDT9Pc/s2048/Photo%25252020140421204426.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iQZ9Mam_7qg/U1V2S6ioZrI/AAAAAAAACuU/l4S7YnDT9Pc/s500/Photo%25252020140421204426.jpg" id="blogsy-1398110067388.6785" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HOHdFuO773o/U1V2l8fUQfI/AAAAAAAACuc/WqElTM9qsJc/s2048/Photo%25252020140421204427.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HOHdFuO773o/U1V2l8fUQfI/AAAAAAAACuc/WqElTM9qsJc/s500/Photo%25252020140421204427.jpg" id="blogsy-1398110067469.219" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> Next morning, we waited out the rain til around 9am, meaning a late start to the day. This was another long day too, which starts off with a flat 15 miles all the way along the crinan canal and north through the beautiful kilmartin glen, before heading along the hilly northern shore line of loch awe.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oyz0OrAKFZA/U1V22mjzO4I/AAAAAAAACuk/ZefLhKlzIoQ/s2048/Photo%25252020140421204427.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oyz0OrAKFZA/U1V22mjzO4I/AAAAAAAACuk/ZefLhKlzIoQ/s500/Photo%25252020140421204427.jpg" id="blogsy-1398110067404.2163" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bT34wnyHWCo/U1V3KB1sHAI/AAAAAAAACus/nfM2alMKYhA/s2048/Photo%25252020140421204427.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bT34wnyHWCo/U1V3KB1sHAI/AAAAAAAACus/nfM2alMKYhA/s500/Photo%25252020140421204427.jpg" id="blogsy-1398110067470.5505" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div><p> Another nice lunch stop (there's a pattern forming here!) in dalavich, and then on and over the hills into taynuilt, before another undulating road over into Oban, by this time it was nearly 8pm, and another day of just under 60 miles under our belts. I'd booked a cheap hotel, the regent, in Oban, which was perfect for our needs - clean, central and with a decent breakfast in the morning to look forward to.</p><p>Our plan was originally to head back from Oban on the train, but klaus had talked us into headin on to fort William instead, which I'm glad he did. The last day wasn't too long, and was far flatter than the previous two. We were in the town for half past two, so had time to dry out before making the 17.37 connection to Glasgow.</p><p>Great weekend, I can't be bothered typing any more, and the pictures aren't great either, as I had the camera at the wrong setting all weekend!.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WVWlu0UAmOg/U1V3bylvm_I/AAAAAAAACu0/Ay5Di14s3YU/s2048/Photo%25252020140421204428.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WVWlu0UAmOg/U1V3bylvm_I/AAAAAAAACu0/Ay5Di14s3YU/s500/Photo%25252020140421204428.jpg" id="blogsy-1398110067400.7979" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-20360434857236411312014-03-30T21:55:00.001+01:002014-03-30T21:55:56.716+01:00Day of the triffids.<p> Saturday was a day I was looking forward to all week, a days biking and then meeting up in Glasgow for food and a comedy gig. I got on the train early on to meet Graham, a mate of mine from GMBC in the west end, then pedal out to milngavie to meet the others, and Robin who was driving to the start.</p><p>There were only five of us, as the club social was the night before, so hangovers possibly made some folks minds up. Off we went, along the west highland way to carbeth huts, but to be honest, I'm not really sure where we were after that!, as Graham and Chris knew these trails, the rest of us just followed along. Our aim was to get up and over auchineden hill, aka 'the whangie' a wee hill popular with Glaswegian climbers for years as it has a few accessible scrambles and is not far from the city. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rrQT8Rj-m1c/UziElSj7gFI/AAAAAAAACo8/soKV74Ldhvk/s2048/Photo%25252020140330215349.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rrQT8Rj-m1c/UziElSj7gFI/AAAAAAAACo8/soKV74Ldhvk/s500/Photo%25252020140330215349.jpg" id="blogsy-1396212956839.3723" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p> The hill itself is a tale of two trails, the climb up being grassy and quite wide, whereas the descent was a hoot of tight, rocky singletrack, I'm sure this won't be the last visit here. After that, we had a wee bit of road work, before heading over the moor to auchengillan, where a scout camp was in progress. Great to see youngsters embracing the outdoors, fires being preferred to iPads for a change.</p><p>Back onto the WHW for a wee bit, and familiar trails such as Rosie's, fire breaker, boardwalk and eventually the riverside back into milngavie. Robin then decided to show us his flora identification skills, whilst pedalling alongside me, pointing out weird looking triffid like plants down by the allander water. So amazed by these triffids was he, that he veered into me (you know I'm right robinho!) and the two of us ended up in a tangled heap on the Tarmac path, much to amusement of a forty something ned. I think we made his day!.</p><p>So 40k later, back on the train home to get scrubbed up for the evening ahead, great day. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-37Mddhxxjjs/UziE2IjDrwI/AAAAAAAACpE/8CyA54zPiQg/s2048/Photo%25252020140330215349.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-37Mddhxxjjs/UziE2IjDrwI/AAAAAAAACpE/8CyA54zPiQg/s500/Photo%25252020140330215349.jpg" id="blogsy-1396212956841.504" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2732569247657967642.post-55620123979268031652014-03-14T19:48:00.001+00:002014-03-14T19:48:32.611+00:00Locally sourced....<p> I've had a really good weeks riding this week, just riding around my local trails. On Monday I headed out for a nightride up to dundonald hill, but got sidetracked in the 'secret woods' trails in the middle of Troon on the way. It's just a little woodland area in the middle of troops most salubrious area, but at night it does feel far more rural. There must be around 2-3 miles of lovely rolling, rooty singletrack, which is perfect for some XC training laps. I'll need to fit some interval training in here this year.</p><p>Tuesday was an even nicer ebpvening than Monday, must have been one of the most spectacular sunsets I've ever seen in the shire, but I forgot my camera. Idiot. I had an hour or two messing about on the jumps at Auchincruive, before meeting Julie and two old riding mates of mine, Craig P and big JC. I've not been out with them for ages, so it was great to show them my local stuff, as they are from Kilmarnock, so anything is better than their local trails.</p><p>Thursday was our usual figure of eight loop at fairlie, accompanied by Robin and my puffer buddy, kaiser klaus. The trails up there are still muddy, but not as slick, so hopefully they'll continue to drain and show us how good they are in time for summer.</p><p>3 nightrides, no rain. Great week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tY1aYsChsFk/UyNdCyao6uI/AAAAAAAAClU/IAr7-NN0OL4/s2048/Photo%25252012%252520Mar%2525202014%25252019%25253A40.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tY1aYsChsFk/UyNdCyao6uI/AAAAAAAAClU/IAr7-NN0OL4/s500/Photo%25252012%252520Mar%2525202014%25252019%25253A40.jpg" id="blogsy-1394826511310.988" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div><p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Nobeerinthefridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09526839506600995878noreply@blogger.com1