As usual, we've a list of rides that we are planning on doing this year and the Jenn Ride 100 was one of them. I had to miss out on our previous big ride a couple of weeks ago due to an injury.
Easily done, a slip off a path, and a badly sprained ankle. Bruising that covered most of my foot, and extended a good way up my shin. Very painful for the first few days to walk on.
Still, with some bruising two weeks later I didn't know how my ankle would fare over 100 Lakeland off-road miles. Though I did need to know, as we fly out to ride the 2745 mile Tour Divide in just under three weeks.
Friday evening we arrived at Staveley in time to catch up with lots of friends, and to hear some talks on other backpacking exploits.
A leisurely start on the Saturday morning, and we were away. A warm-up spin took us to the Windemere ferry.
Then followed miles of trails, some that we knew, and some that we didn't.
As you can see, we could not have asked for better weather.
We stopped at most of the resupply points as we only carried an emergency bag of haribo each. That gave us a nice excuse to stop and chat and catch up with friends.
At Seathwaite we decided that we'd continue towards Wastwater on the 100 mile route, rather than opt for the 70. Our aim being to get to Nether Wasdale for supper before riding a few miles further.
This descent down Miterdale was a real belter though I may have fallen off once, Tom nailed it without stopping on his
Sonder Broken Road (much steeper than it looks).
After supper, at The Screes, we headed up Wasdale in search of a bed for the night.
The valley was rampant with bitey things so we headed up high to pitch our tents near Burnmoor Tarn.
Up at 7:30, and away for 8:00 the following morning. An uneventful descent down to Eskdale to find breakfast, except eagle eyed Tom spotting this adder.
Out of Eskdale there was an up and over which took us back to Seathwaite.
Next came the big climb of the route, the Walna Scar road. Lots of pushing with not much riding sums it up.
Then came, a hoot of a descent down to Coniston to grab a toasted sandwich for lunch.
We got a bit lost, but not really lost on the next section, taking a wrong turn, but on to trails we knew hence our mistake. No worries though, we knew our way to Ambleside.
The guys at
Alpkit at Ambleside had put on a great feed station outside their shop. Thanks, Sam, Lucy and Viri.
Then it was just a matter of a few lumpy bits to take us back to Staveley where we had started the ride.
A big thanks to Rich Munro for once again putting on a great event.
