We we have ended up back in the Lakes again so why not take the bikes lol. Weather was fantastic so headed upto Whinlatter for a blast, first route was Altura Red North Loop. Every section was open this time but was still icy on alot of the higher sections but nearly all the snow had melted. Hot on the climbs but chilly on the descents.
When we got back to the carpark we normally do the Altura South Red loop but decided to do the Blue instead. Been a few years since we have done this one and is great fun with plenty climbing and tech sections on the way back in. Its more like a tame Red than a Blue. When we landed back in the carpark for the second time it had clouded over and the wind picked up making it very chilly. Quick look around Cyclewise, Angus got a Altura Tech T Shirt in the sale for less than a tenner, good buy. We normally drive back down to Keswick but this time we decided to have a blast down on the bikes. Chirst i hit nearly 40mph on the fat machine, it was an eye watering experience. We then followed the C2C route into Keswick for late lunch.
That was enough riding for one day, time to chill out and enjoy some time going by.
The weather was great all week so I headed down to Grizedale to have another go at the North Face Red Loop, I was on my own today so found a little carpark/layby just before Moor Top Carpark which is less than 10ft away from the trail and you dont have to cough up the £7 parking fee. I set off in glourious sunshine with alot less wind, the trail was mostly dry apart from a few puddles and icy sections. Didnt see a sole the whole time i was out. Lost my water bottle within two miles so was alittle thristy when i got back to the layby. Did the loop in a steady 1hr 10mins. Really enjoyed it but not as good as other trail centres and is a pig to get to.
On the way back i wanted to ride a section of old Railway line which is on the C2C that i havent ridden for many years, so i parked up at Threlkeld and cycled towards Keswick. Its very easy going with only a couple of gentle climbs but great views when you cross over the river several times and the elevated timber walkway section. Stopped at keswick market place for a quick break then back along the line to Threlkeld for late Lunch. Sun was still shining and was lovely in sheltered places. Sorry no pics and they had the camera today
Decided to take the kids out for a longish one today for some training. Forecast wasent looking too good and windy so planned a route in one direction with hopefully a tailwind. We headed of upto Park Head Cafe @ Waskerley. Had to put the lights, windscreen wipers and heater on the van on the way up. Got out and it was 2.5 degrees and you could hardly stand up in the wind. Gear on and went for it, not a soul at cafe and only passed five brave riders heading up towards to the cafe. Once we dropped to Hownsgill it was more sheletered but still cold & cloudy but no rain. We turned right to head towards Broompark instead of dropping down to Birtley. Had a quick break at Lanchetser and alook at Diggerland on the way back down the lines. Not many people out today walking dogs / horse riding and the lines were nearly mud free. Once back to Bearpark we headed to Durham for an icecream (hoping the hut was open), thank god it was open but didnt stop around long as it was freezing. 4 miles back home nearly all uphill warmed us back up again. Nearly 27 miles but hardly no climbing. 
