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Lakes run
Posted by : Bogger (92.234.206.222) 
Inappropriate or SPAM?
On Tuesday 06/11/12 at 01:29:59
I've posted this on tother site, just thought I'd share it with you guys
What a great ride out. Cold, wet and wintery, but somehow all the better for it. Speed Donkey had arranged the run out and seven of us turned out. Speed Donkey, Amie, Boo, Alan, Jazz, VK-Vic and me, Bogger. The collective meeting point was Settle in North Yorkshire. I’d set off at about 9.00 am and soon encountered driving rain, not good. It was still raining when I got to Settle and I was praying for better weather. I was the first to get there followed by Boo, then Amie then Vic. Amies bike is now christened the Torrey Canyon due to the amount of oil leaking from the bottom of the engine. Two old dears from Settle are putting in a compo claim for going flying on said oil slick.
Amies bike, I wonder if there was any oil left at the end of the day
Settle town square, houses perched on top of the shops
Breakfast for Donkey, Alan and Jazz was obviously a leisurely affair as it was about 11.35 when they finally put in an appearance . Mind you the weather had bucked up a bit by then. The plan was to get to Windermere, catch the Hawkshead ferry and stop of in Hawkshead itself to see what the time was and what the weather was doing. We fuelled up then bowled along the A65, passing through the village of Ingleton and the bikers meeting point of Devils Bridge at Kirkby Longdale. We crossed the M6 then onto the A591. Settle to Winderemere is about 40 miles so we were at the slipway to the ferry in about an hour. The side roads were strewn with leaves so we kept our pace down a bit just to be on the safe side. The weather had alternated between all four seasons on the way and the roads on numerous occasions was flooded.The ferry cost £1.60 for bikes. Somehow me and Vic ended up not paying .
Just setting off across Windermere
On wards to Hawkshead slipway
Now we were in the Lake District itself, we found the tops of the mountains were covered in snow. Is this really such a good idea? It was just a short 4 mile hop from the ferry to Hawkeshead where we had a breather got our bearings and agreed to tackle the passes.
I led out of Hawkshead towards the Wrynose and Hardknott passes. The higher we climbed the colder it got. The mountains and valleys were breathtaking. It almost made you forget you were cold and wet. Take a look at the images and see what I mean. Proper breathtaking.
Of course it was raining, that's why there's a rainbow
You can't say they didn't warn us
Alan and Speed Donkey catch up ready for the Hardknott climb
As usual the two climbs and descents needed everyones attention, more so due to the snow and slush on the road surfaces. We took a few snaps on the way up and down.
Truly awesome vistas
[IMG]http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u203/steadman_photo/DSCI0075.jpg[/IMG
The secret seven ride again
It's as challenging coming down as it is going up
Group meeting with the Eskdale valley stretching out beyond us
After the passes we carried onto Eskdale and took a left at the King George 1V pubto start our way back. It was about 3.15pm and the sun was getting low in the sky and we all know what Cub headlights are like. The road back over Birker fell must be one of the best biking roads in England, I kid you not. It should be renamed Biker fell . Uninterrupted views of the road ahead as it climbs up and down and weaves its way over the fell.
Views across Birker fell, what a nice bike 
Some 18 miles later we hit the A595, take a left and head back towards Newby Bridge and the A590. We stop for fuel and a natter say our goodbyes and make our way home.
Final fuel stop before the long trek home
It’s now getting dark and we all have 100miles plus still to do. I opted for the A6 then M6 all the way home and got back at 6.15 pm frozen, but well happy a great day out with new and old friends alike. To sum it up, awesome, cold, but awesome. I'm really glad I made the effort . Hope everyone got back ok?
Bogger
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