North Lakes Spring Break - 19-20th March

[boxelder]

There was chat before Christmas about early Spring events or sociable meet ups - see here: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=20861

For those who fancy some fairly sociable early season bike packing, the 'North Lakes Spring Break' offers a 77(ish) mile route, starting and finishing in Keswick. Preferred W/E is 19-20th (or the W/E after). It's not aiming to become an event, it's just a response to a request for some sort of organised ride in early Spring.
In a nutshell:
*75-80 miles over two days (lots of short cuts or extra bits to add as desired)
*Start/finish at cafe in Keswick (free parking very near)
*Some fairly isolated trails, but mostly within 30 mins of civilisation.
*Off road where possible (75%?)
*MTB best, though you'll survive on a 'youknowwhat' bike
*No entry fee, but nothing provided beyond a GPX and a basic map annotated with re-supply, dossing locations etc. I'd be riding, so off duty.
*Town with supermarkets/take aways etc a few miles off route at around 50 miles and three hotels around 56-62 miles

If you're interested PM me here, or to commit, add a post below so others can see who's up for it.

Some pics from the route (the weather's always bob on)

[Lazarus]

Yes count me in and thanks for doing this

[ton]

i am a possible. ticker has gone wrong again, but i see the heart team before then.
if not mended, i can potter round at 5mph.

[redefined_cycles]

Yes pls. Am in. Pending fixing the bike (just need to swap the calipers out) and ensuring my off duty doesn't clash. Thanks for organising it

[boxelder]

i am a possible. ticker has gone wrong again, but i see the heart team before then.
if not mended, i can potter round at 5mph.

PM me Tony, there are lots of options for you and it would be bonzer to have you along.

[boxelder]

Yes pls. Am in. Pending fixing the bike (just need to swap the calipers out) and ensuring my off duty doesn't clash. Thanks for organising it

No calipers is fine - just walk the downhills

[Wotsits]

Would like to tag along on this but already committed to a couple of things in March, so would only be able to confirm nearer the time..

[Lazarus]

I can give you a lift if that helps [think you are North west area]

[Dave Barter]

I’d like to do this. Will try and make it.

[thenorthwind]

Thanks for organising! Most probably yes, since I will have finished work by then, but have other things planned that mean I can't disappear off for a longer trip.

If it ended up being the following weekend, I wouldn't be able to make it though.

[rollindoughnut]

Just spotted this. I'm interested.

[Holgateeng]

I'd be up for this

[ledburner]

I'd be up for this, if you can guarantee the weather balmy 22°C n'all that!

[woodsmith]

Definitley interested in this.

[boxelder]

I'd be up for this, if you can guarantee the weather balmy 22°C n'all that!

Absolutely*

I'll sort a map out and share here. 99.5% rideable (unloaded at least)

*reserves the "I was not warned" it can snow in March defence

[thenorthwind]

Of course the weather will be balmy and 22 degrees!

But probably not where we are

[Meg Pugh]

Yes, I'd be in for this, thanks for sorting

[fatbikephil]

Count me in Andy, been an age since I rode a bike in the lakes

[boxelder]

Pic of the proposed route(s) below (excuse the shoddy presentation - time pressed....). Full route approx 100Km, shortcuts approx 65Km.
At the start of March I'll share a link here to download map and GPX, with final details on start location and time - assuming those will be 10am on Saturday 19th March, at Keswick Bikes/Kat's Kitchen. I'll also give ideas for bivi/camp spots at various locations.
Any questions, add them here or DM me. My plan to keep it social (for those who want that) is to stop for optional regroup at Sun Inn Bassenthwaite; Wheatsheaf, Lorton and Kirkstile, Loweswater. I know not everyone wants pubs, but there aren't really suitable cafes in those places and there's outside seating and soft drinks available.

[Lazarus]

I assume clockwise direction

[ton]

anti clockwise from keswick.

[thenorthwind]

Sounds good, thanks again.

Just about the parking... I'm not sure what the situation is at Portinscale Bridge these days. I think there are "No overnight parking" signs now, presumably to deter campervans. Don't know if/how they would be applied to empty cars left overnight. Perhaps someone more local might know. I was about 100 yards away on Saturday, which is coincidental, but no help whatsoever.

[boxelder]

I assume clockwise direction

Anticlockwise, as per arrows (sorry, it's small)

Parking - there are signs there, but still get people sleeping in vans. Parking overnight there will be no bother. I am local.

Biggerer:

[thenorthwind]

Parking - there are signs there, but still get people sleeping in vans. Parking overnight there will be no bother. I am local.

That's good, it's a useful spot. For some reason I thought you lived further east - must be confusing you with someone else, sorry.

[boxelder]

Parking - there are signs there, but still get people sleeping in vans. Parking overnight there will be no bother. I am local.

That's good, it's a useful spot. For some reason I thought you lived further east - must be confusing you with someone else, sorry.

Often work further east and grew up in Brampton (civilised end of Cumberland.......)