Lake District Activity Week - Road Cycling in the Lakes
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Join us on this long but rewarding ride in the Western Lakes, taking in some breathtaking vistas, and bagging a couple of great climbs.
This event is intended for intermediate/experienced cyclists, as we will be cycling for approximately 70 miles (130 km) at a steady pace. The route is hilly (approx. 2500 m of ascent), but we will have plenty of pit stops and we do not leave anyone behind. This will be a long but rewarding day in the saddle. Due to the local geography, the opportunities for shorter alternative routes are limited, so please come prepared.
Route Information
Ever heard of Wrynose and Hardknott? Ever heard someone brag about climbing them, and thought "that sounds tough, but beautiful"? Here is your chance to experience these two great passes, together with quiet roads, amazing views and the shores of Wast Water and Derwent Water (amongst others).
The route is a 70 miles loop, taking us West from Great Langdale, and straight up Hardknott. This approach means we will tackle this long but steady ascent at the beginning of the ride. We then enjoy some rolling terrain through the quiet roads of Eskdale, and loop back to the shores of WastWater, with stunning view of the looming Scaffel Pike.
We dip our toes back into civilisation at Calder Bridge, before heading to Keswick, passing Ennerdale and Crummock Waters, and through the popular village of Buttermere. We will then head to Keswick, bypassing Honnister pass (unless we all feel super fresh, but I doubt it). It gets easier after Keswick, as we stick to relatively flat roads all the way back to the campsite.
Note: I have a personal strong dislike for cycling on busy roads when there are quieter alternatives. This route has less than 10 miles on A roads (unavoidable), and every effort has been made to stick to quiet, often more scenic roads.
Pace and Terrain
We'll aim to maintain a moving pace of 12-15 mph, but as always we'll stick to the pace of the slowest rider, no one will get left behind.
The route is exclusively on tarmac (often narrow, including pot holes), so you can bring your best road bike for the trip. Due to the combined difficulty of distance and ascent, I would recommend a road bike, but if your legs can accomodate a hybrid, then feel free.
Ascent means descent, and some of the downhills are extremely steep. I've cycled the passes we are going to tackle, and you need to feel relatively confident on this type of road (although again, I don't expect anyone to be 100 % confident, I have a little nervous twitch everytime I go down those two).
What this means, however, is that i WILL carry out a M check on everyone's bike before setting off. Sustrans has a good description of what it entails. So make sure your brakes are in good working order.
Helmets are mandatory, no exception: I have no desire to spoon your brains off the road at the bottom of a descent.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
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What to bring
Bike: road, touring, gravel or hybrid bike.
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one.
Clothing: lightweight and layered, colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users (do as I say, not as I do: I usually go full stealth). Please bring your best summer cycling kit... and your best waterproof. It's the Lakes, so we don't know what weather to expect.
Footwear: suitable for your bike and pedals.
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold. They also allow you to go back to cycling quicker if you take a tumble.
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and/or CO2 canisters, puncture repair kit and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs.
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars plus a more substantial savoury snack. We will stop for lunch at a cafe, but best come prepared.
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder. Hydration tablets can be useful to replenish salts lost in sweat.
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes (appropriate shade etc.) are recommended.
Sun cream: take care, even on overcast days
Bike lights: be seen and safe. I don't expect that we will be riding during the night, but better safe than sorry if we are delayed by mechanicals etc.
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike (e.g. saddle bag).
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Food & drink
Bring plenty to drink, a packed lunch if you want one and snacks to keep your energy levels topped up.
We will start looking for a lunch stop after Calder Bridge, but I'm anticipating that we will stop in Buttermere or Keswick for lunch. We will keep it flexible, depending on troops morale and legs.