LAKES ride 2005

[RHINO]

I am gonna arrange a Lakes ride which will consist of 1 stop over, riding a loop and finishing where we set off. The ride will start at Windermere and take in the Wrynose Pass and Hardknotts Pass (which you'll see on the pics). There's a pub to stop at for lunch mid way and then head out towards Ravenglass, Barrow and back round to Windermere. This is not the longest of rides but you'll be blown away by the passes with their technical twists and turns which will require good clutch/throttle control and nerves of steel.
I have done both passes on both bikes, in the Mondeo and in my Pug so its easily possible for any of YOU.
I did the trip on Sunday and from Manchester--Lakes--Manchester it was 285 miles taking in this route but it may be worth going up the night before and heading home straight after the tour. Anyone wishing to come along please leave a post. I will do a poll for dates and attempt to go with the flow.

 

[canary]

Under pants

Sounds good to me, all depends on date etc
done both passes on few occasions with mini
escort & bike, escort would'nt go up?, still it was
great on the bike. Dont forget to tell peeps
to take a change in under pants. :yo: :yo:

 

[bitontheside]

Great fun on the outfit! :bow:

 

[Zoffo]

Wrynose Pass and Hardknotts Pass are good but if you can fit Honister pass (through Buttermere) and Hartside pass (Penrith to Alston) in there you got just about the best route in the whole country. The old A6 from Penrith to Carlisle is awsome for the speed freaks. It's usually empty coz all the traffic uses the newer A66 and there's some lovely fast sweepers and cliff hugging bends. I live here so I'll tag along.

Keep an eye out for the Rossers though

http://www.cumbriasafetycameras.org/schedule.php

 

[Wolfie]

done them john and the other two passes, excellent laugh, stoppies going down hill wheelies going up, change of pants def needed, idea of when, might be able to arrange something so i could attend.

 

[ianrobbo1]

put me down for a definate maybe John, date dependant, as long as it dosnt clash with the "skills day" Bash, or the Welsh run, :dunno:

 

[Fodder]

Oh go on then.....as it's you......a run around my back yard is always fun. BTW, I'm easy on the date.

 

[Stevebrooke]

Sorry John, all those dates are my weekends on. However I did something similar on my birthday in 2003 and it was brilliant. Same as you, almost 300 miles.

May I suggest you consult your map and go down Great Langdale (past Elterwater and through Chapel Stile) and over Blea Tarn to the bottom of Wrynose Pass. At the top of the pass to Blea Tarn pull in by the cattle grid and look behind you. Possibly the best view in the land. (see below). :bow:

Also, the road down Great Langdale is slightly wider than the one down Little Langdale to the foot of Wrynose Pass.

BTW when you decide on your date I'll try and get a days leave.

 

[Sam]

I'd be well up for this - my back yard too. :lick:

Did Wrynose & Hartside last year on my Fazer, but haven't been over on the Bird yet, so will look forward to it.

 

[Fat Bert]

Oi Two Pumps

Count me in mate - subject to whatever dates peeps want - if I'm free I'll be there but might have to stop overnight at yours!!

Will there be a Go Kart Grand Prix en-route?


LOL

 

[RHINO]

The dates so far are very mixed feelings BUT i'm gonna go with the majority on the 1st day out and who knows, may even get another trip for another date if enough interest. An early start and a long days ride would be possible too and just use the circular Lakes run as a group thing that way everyone can make their own way to the start point without going too far out of their way.
These passes are NOT for uneasy riders so please only turn out if you have full confidence in your abilities and also make sure that your machines are in servicable order ( with no loose caliper bolts)

 

[Fodder]

Oi Bert.....don't forget your waterproofs and a decent set of tyres :}

 

[Quiney]

The dates so far are very mixed feelings BUT i'm gonna go with the majority on the 1st day out and who knows, may even get another trip for another date if enough interest. QUOTE]

So which date are you going for John?

The first one on the list OR the majority i.e. the second on the list?

Subject to date and weather, count us in.

 

[RHINO]

John Q, i'm gonna go with the date that wins the poll (hence its a poll), but its looking like the 2nd date so far.

 

[Rolfy Dave]

These passes are NOT for uneasy riders so please only turn out if you have full confidence in your abilities

Hiya john,

I must admit to wanting to come along on this run, but what you have posted has me a little worried... What is it that we are expected to ride on ??? Are we going to be riding at such a quick pace that I wouldnt be able to keep up ??

I have been up to the lakes with Trophychap & Jenny, but didnt find the roads that terrifying (apart from a run in with a range rover on my side of the road )

If I know what to expect, then Jan & I may come along for the ride, but if its going to be over my skills level, then I will leave it alone for you riding godsR#?

Hopefully it wont be too difficult a ride,

Cheers,

Rolfy
:beer:

 

[Fodder]

Yo Rolfy

I think what John is getting at is that some sections of these passes are a bit hairy because they involve 3:1 slopes on a single track road combined with hairpins and very steep off road slopes........it's very tight on a bike especially when you have other traffic around.

 

[Zoffo]

They're not that bad if you have someone in front who knows the roads. Just follow their lines. Luckily your never gonna run out of horses on a Bird in any gear.

 

[RHINO]

Dave, i've ridden with you before (on the bikes) :blush: and i'm damn sure your gonna be fine on the roads i have plotted. My concern was that there may be less confident riders getting into a situation on a slope as 'Fodder' kindly described. I don't honestly know of any BIRD member who is not capable of these passes however i feel it only fair to advise that it IS mostly single track, EXTREMELY steep in places and requires a steady throttle/clutch control I would like to suggest taking a packed lunch or at least having a 20 minute break at the top to admire views and get a good group pic.
I would really like to do the day in 1 hit rather than stay in a B&B but again if people are coming from far and wide it may not be a viable proposition..

 

[Rolfy Dave]

Thanks guys...

... for putting my mind at rest (not that it was moving anyway)...

I just got a little worried about the confidence thing, as I dont think I am a very good rider anyway...Still... If I cant keep up, then I can catch up while the rest are having a "smoke break"...LOL

So jan & I may come along and stay at the little b&b at Bowness we have used before (right next to Tony Knowles pub)

Thanks John, for your vote of support....

See ya soon (maybe for my birthday ??)

Rolfy & Jan
:beer:

 

[Fat Bert]

Fodds

Oi Bert.....don't forget your waterproofs and a decent set of tyres :}

Don't forget ya sense of humour LOL :} :} :f

Suppose I'd better bring the GPS just in case I get mistaken again for Morecombe sea front - which way was it ? - which Hotel was it??? - which ROAD was it?????

Still can't remember the answers!