Local weekend

A trip to IKEA in Leeds on Friday night paved the way for furniture construction on Saturday to (almost) finish off the lounge.

We were lucky to be able to squeeze everything into the camper. It was tight! 

A road ride via the DBC in the afternoon was possibly a little underestimated but we managed ok with the lights we had arriving back at home at 16.45. The irony was that actually I'd been discussing, at length, with Stu at Fremington about lights! Just more proof that they're worth the investment.

En route to Bainbridge I was faced with an unexpected issue in the camper. A certain smell. Considering the possibility it could be from another vehicle, I then saw smoke coming from one of the speakers. Fortunately I could pull into a farm at Bellerby. Following a phone call to Tim, we figured it was probably the radio so I removed the fuse and carried on my merry way. Quite a daunting experience which initially left my heart in my mouth!

Riding on new territory proved to be a success with some great descents near Semer Water on Sunday. Tough going riding up wet grass over moorland and on muddy tracks with slippery rocks but I enjoyed some of the best downhill sections on byways I've ridden so it all evens out. My encounter with a number of 4x4s really annoyed me at first but it spurred me on to do a superb section again (extra loop!) as they got in the way the first time. They did let me pass, very politely, and the second time I caught them up. I dutifully let them pass before a hill on a road, leaving me with 2 lungs full of fumes, leading me back to contemplation of my thoughts on this one.

Looking across to Raydale

Semer Water

Sociable cycling

A pleasant and sociable weekend involving lots of pedal rotations in Swaledale.

Also great to catch up with the Becca, Dan and the girls and we had a lovely meal with Nicky & Rob on Saturday night.

Ennerdale

A fab weekend to celebrate Kath's birthday at Low Gillerthwaite in Ennerdale. Fantastic location with a great crowd of people. Well done and thanks to Ben for organising it. 

On Saturday I went for a romp around the hills at the head of Ennerdale starting off up Red Pike, across High Stile to Haystacks, over the Gables, Kirk Fell before finishing over Pillar and Scoat Fells. A grand route but, despite a very optimistic forecast, very few views were to be had from the ridge. It was nice to stop and chat with Tim and James who had come up over Pillar and were heading off to descend via Black Sail pass back into the valley.

My one photo of the day, looking towards Yewbarrow and Wastwater

Lovely to see the whole Beck family

Flat calm Ennerdale Water on Sunday morning

Whinlatter playtime on Sunday before heading home and going to the Station cinema to get inspired by Won't Back Down - Steve Peat's story. Superb event organised by Dales Bike Centre

Remembrance on Gable

Charlie joined Richard on a trip up Great Gable for the remembrance event at 11 am on Sunday. Set off from the ODG at about 8.30 and made it to the summit just in time for the speech and silence. Perfect timing. Very well attended and a pleasant atmosphere. Would guess there were over 1000 people on the summit. An impressive sight.

Mixed weather meant waterproofs were needed for some of the day but the mist lifted occasionally to allow for some lovely lakeland views. Bagged a 'synge' on the return!

Meanwhile Tim and John rode some of the South lakeland roads, fortunately in somewhat drier conditions.

Back at no 7 it was premature birthday present opening ahead of Clara's 1st birthday on Monday.

A fine way to round off a lovely weekend. My favourite whisky and planning a route for ennerdale.

Bikes for all

We collected Tim's new bike from Westbrooks in Stokesley on Friday night. 

Took it out for a debut spin round the streets of Richmond on Saturday morning, giving us both chance to try out our newly purchased road cleats and shoes.

Headed to Kendal via the scenic dales route for late morning. Grizedale provided us all with an opportunity to do some biking in the rain. The north face route for Charlie and John and the green trail for Tim (on Naomi's vintage Saracen) and Naomi. Clara seemed to enjoy her trip in the bike trailer! Fortunately there were no bike issues and the duckboards were conquered without injury - hurrah! 

October in Wales

After an intense weekend of lounge DIY, we headed to Wales to hook up with Thomas Mouse at the Wood cottage.

Biking, running, ambling, frequenting of some of Wales' best coffee shops and an amount of relaxing all contributed towards a lovely half term break.

Maesglase 

Veggie Haggis construction Wood Style!

Pumpkin Competition

Aran Fawddwy

Keeping warm...(and setting trends?!)