Forgot to update this I bailed doing the SCD to do a Winter Jennride Recce ! The weather was not looking promising and I messed up my gig day which was a day early and the prospect of doing a lot of riding at night was not very appealing.
The winter jenn was a part failure a late depart and a return to base with a broken Ti bolt on my seat post hindererd a completion and with the ferry being out of action a full loop was not going to happen!
After robbing my singlespeed for a 27.2 post it was 12 pm so a drive to the top of Kirkstone Pass was the choice to try and get a meal at the ODG. Finally got riding with a long road downhill to Hartsop, I regretted my choice of not putting my waterproof jkt on as the first shower hit me,feeling cold the climb up Boredale hause was interesting, part riding and a push for the last third. Great views I decided to change the route after a but of a mud fest over to the next valley so I decided to head down Howtown, a short scrabble soon got me on to the path which was a bit of a hoot down! The bridleway to Pooley Bridge was great riding and it was time for a snack so a soup and sandwich sorted me out for the road climb to the Old Coach rd. The Old coach was super wet with several showers battering me with a head wind to contend with. Progress was slow going but soon enough I was in Keswick 4.45pm for a visit to Alpkit to drop of some leaflets and have a brew! Time was not in my favour I bid fair well after buying a rear light as i forgot to attach one. Road beckoned as I did not fancy the Borrowdale bash in reverse and rode to Borrowdale for some food. The main pub was closed to non guests so had a ride over to the YHA and managed to get a rather tasty Pie and mash and my first beer of the day, seeing that I did not fancy my chances of getting to the ODG in time for 8pm. Set off at 6.45pm and past the Langstrath Inn which was surprisingly open , I popped my head in to see if they where open in Feb but that Saturday was the last opening untill the spring so a no go for the Jennride. I was spoted by some other bike packers who were rather surprised I was not having a beer but Stakes Pass beckoned!!!
Now I have rode this path plenty of times in the day but doing it at night is a bit of a head fcuk! After failing in the river getting the bottom half wet I tried to follow the path which was very indistinct so lots of bog trotting followed by lots of slipping on rocks soon had me cursing plenty of times, as the wind blew down the valley the wind chill was becoming uncomfortable with wet feet and legs, the climb could not come soon enough!!
On wards and upwards, pushing a fully laden bike up was not fun a xc bike no problems, the loose steep track certainly tested my resilience and a few comedy falls had me regretting my route choice and I started planning my new route in my head
. Reached the top and was soon riding the track very carefully to the descent. Now the descent is a rock fest and a challenge on a full suspension bike, riding on my own decided no to take a chances and walk probably all of the route down the icy rocks and wet. slippery grass. Soon I was cycling down Mickledon to the welcoming sight of the ODG , I arrived with only a handful of patrons drinking beer in there at 9pm. With no one to share my heroic gallant efforts with the door burst open and Jason from this parish rocked up with not a bead of sweat or mud on him to share a beer with
A few beers were drunk and we got kicked out of the pub and we quickly decided to recce the NT campsite as the wind was howling!! Jason proceeded to wake the campsite with his air pump and roaring gas cooker much to the dismay of a nearby camper, we had to whisper sipping lemsips after the disgruntled rambler asked us the time
and we should be silent he went back to his tent adorn with those silly prayer flags flapping away.
A chilly night but the rain stayed away ,after booking a brekkie at the pub we slipped away leaving no trace before the campsite wardens came looking for free loaders we did not feel that bad as no services were used!!
The days ride was a cafe and pub ride followed by a hearty Sunday dinner at the Mortal Man in Troutbeck Result!
So Stakes Pass out as it would be pretty dangerous in sub zero temps and downright dangerous
Rout has been rejigged with ethe plan to enjoy and not endure and a slighty smaller ride of 90 miles
Look forward to seeing you all we have 55 on the start line :-
Rich
