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The Retrobike National Event Series 2012
With support from Bikefood
Round 1: The Lake District ~ Coniston and Grizedale
:: Date: Saturday 25th February 2012
:: Distance/time: 18 - 22 miles / 5-6 hours riding (depending on pace and various route options)
:: Meeting at: The Bluebird Cafe. Car park on Lake Road just to the south of Coniston at 10:00am for 10:30am start.
:: Directions: Grid Ref: SD308970 ~ Postcode: Cumbria LA21 8AN
:: Terrain: Rocky and natural Lake District singletrack and trails with some climbs and great descents. It also uses sections of the North Face Trail in Grizedale Forest.
This route avoids the really big lakeland mountains and, while challenging in places, is very suitable for riding on an a retro machine. Be prepared for the usual changeable Lake District weather. There are some short road sections but the route is mostly off road. A few technical sections and plenty of glorious views and fast descents.
There are also easy to follow short cut options for anyone who is struggling.
:: No Helmet :: No Ride
View from 'The Park'. Part of the optional extended section - Magic bike mirror since removed.
:: Route Description: This route is a variation of the one which drystonepaul gained his Mountain Bike Leader qualification. He knows it well and it's definitely a great route and definitely suitable for retro bikes. HarryCrumb, who will also be guiding the ride, was born in the forest and was raised by a pack of local wolves, so he's obviously also very familiar with the trails too.
There's a map below and the ride starts at the Coniston Ferry landing. The Bluebird Cafe is a great place for a pre-ride coffee and bacon bap should you wish to get there early.
The route begins with some great singletrack and then a narrow lane up to High Tilberthaite. Then it's across past Hodge Close before turning west to Arnside Intake. From Knipe Fold the ride continues on some quiet lanes and to the edge of Grizedale Forest at High Cross. We'll join the North Face Trail and follow it down to the Visitor Centre for some food.
After some food we'll continue up to Lawson Park, before an optional extra section and then a great descent down and out of the forest to Bank Ground. Then it's a short roll back around the northern tip of Coniston Water back to the start point.
:: Accommodation: There are plenty of B&Bs in Coniston and several Youth Hostels nearby. There are also loads of other accommodation options in the Lake District for anyone wishing to make a weekend of it.
Route map and profile. Subject to minor changes of course. (Extra loop extension not shown)
See you there.
With support from Bikefood
Round 1: The Lake District ~ Coniston and Grizedale
:: Date: Saturday 25th February 2012
:: Distance/time: 18 - 22 miles / 5-6 hours riding (depending on pace and various route options)
:: Meeting at: The Bluebird Cafe. Car park on Lake Road just to the south of Coniston at 10:00am for 10:30am start.
:: Directions: Grid Ref: SD308970 ~ Postcode: Cumbria LA21 8AN
:: Terrain: Rocky and natural Lake District singletrack and trails with some climbs and great descents. It also uses sections of the North Face Trail in Grizedale Forest.
This route avoids the really big lakeland mountains and, while challenging in places, is very suitable for riding on an a retro machine. Be prepared for the usual changeable Lake District weather. There are some short road sections but the route is mostly off road. A few technical sections and plenty of glorious views and fast descents.
There are also easy to follow short cut options for anyone who is struggling.
:: No Helmet :: No Ride
View from 'The Park'. Part of the optional extended section - Magic bike mirror since removed.
:: Route Description: This route is a variation of the one which drystonepaul gained his Mountain Bike Leader qualification. He knows it well and it's definitely a great route and definitely suitable for retro bikes. HarryCrumb, who will also be guiding the ride, was born in the forest and was raised by a pack of local wolves, so he's obviously also very familiar with the trails too.
There's a map below and the ride starts at the Coniston Ferry landing. The Bluebird Cafe is a great place for a pre-ride coffee and bacon bap should you wish to get there early.
The route begins with some great singletrack and then a narrow lane up to High Tilberthaite. Then it's across past Hodge Close before turning west to Arnside Intake. From Knipe Fold the ride continues on some quiet lanes and to the edge of Grizedale Forest at High Cross. We'll join the North Face Trail and follow it down to the Visitor Centre for some food.
After some food we'll continue up to Lawson Park, before an optional extra section and then a great descent down and out of the forest to Bank Ground. Then it's a short roll back around the northern tip of Coniston Water back to the start point.
:: Accommodation: There are plenty of B&Bs in Coniston and several Youth Hostels nearby. There are also loads of other accommodation options in the Lake District for anyone wishing to make a weekend of it.
Route map and profile. Subject to minor changes of course. (Extra loop extension not shown)
See you there.
