To Ambleside and back
Taking advantage of a reading week accorded to me by University, I’ve nipped back home for the weekend. Despite having quite a lot of work to do still, I couldn’t resist the temptation to nip out for a long mountain bike ride yesterday with my dad. Setting out from Kendal, we cycled in on the back roads to Stavely.
The route
From Staveley, we cycled up micklemoss, a great offroad ride and ended up at the top of Kentmere by the church after some very fast descents (due to a long required adrenaline rush from being confined to a city). After this, our legs and climbing skills were put to the test as we battled up the famous ‘Garburn pass’. I was actually quite impressed that I made it up most of the tricky sections despite not having rode a bike for a month. Gaining traction was very difficult on the loose, damp pebbles. After making it to the top, it was a swift plummet down the other side to Limefitt caravan park. We then took another bridleway that led us via Jenkins Crag into Ambleside.
The Rain
Well… we knew it was coming, but we hadn’t quite realised the extent! However, motivated by the prospects of a warm bowl of soup at Chesters Cafe (Skelwith Bridge), we motored up the hills. Feelilng revived, rather full and now wearing some handsome powerstretch leggings we were yet again ready to face the rain. After weaving around the back roads, we made it to the hawkshead ferry. Despite our gloves and shoes being pooled with water, we were still warm and had not yet despaired. As the night was drawing in, we put on our headlights and with the little energy remaining in my legs (secretly, I don’t think my dad’s were tired in the slightest – although he did push up most of Garburn), we made it back to Kendal along the crook road to be greeted with a nice warm shower.
All in all, it was a great day out. I also hope to be able to get the route up on here for anybody who is interested. Apologies to James from MBC who is probably reading this rather enviously having being cooped up at JPi all day in front of his computer 
Yea’ar, nice to see you around. Garburn is a difficult one to ride up is’nt it! I have mainly been riding to and from work, but there are a few pics on my website of my recent travels! I might take a trip to Sedburgh on of these days!
Hey James
What are you planning to do up sedbergh way?
Well, I think my suspension forks are shot! They were getting rather grungy towards the end of the ride and they don’t sound or feel to hopeful. Looks like I might be getting some new ones for christmas! Any suggestions?
Would love to go for a blast out on the trails with you in December when I get back (8th).
Jonny