400 miles May

Belated May post (it has been very busy here since we're in the throws of buying a house together).

I cracked the monthly mileage in May. 400 miles is a height I've not hit before. As an off road rider, I tend not to do more than 30 miles in one go, but since I've ventured into the world of Audax, my net has been cast out further to reel more miles in. Although every cyclist knows that road miles and off road miles work very differently and it's hours in the saddle that count.


May ended with a scorching bank holiday camping trip with the Family Friendly section of the Rough-Stuff Fellowship.
Brian organised a wonderful trip to Lazonby in the far north of England. Stephen had previously only experienced a wet camping trip before, so it was good to get dry weather and remember what summers used to feel like.

Two short(ish) beautiful rides with great company in idyllic countryside and with some very quiet roads made for wonderful cycling.

 brian & miriam

Day 1 we climbed to Hartside Summit - it was teaming with motorbikes that blasted along the A-road (we used a rough track to reach the top) and then followed part of the C2C route passing plenty of other bikes en route.

Keith leading a descent

Geoff didnt actually fall off

A lovely evening was spent eating & drinking (& watching bats) on the campsite

Sunday morning was so hot that I couldnt lounge in bed. I went for a swim in the outdoor pool, which was brilliant.

Day 2's ride was an easy flatish ride to Langwathby via woods and the Stone Circle, Long Meg & her Daughters. Very enjoyable to be in some shady trees for part of the ride. We followed the road back, which ran parallel to the River Eden.

Mike & Sylvia took an alternative route

We packed the tent up before the rain came & thought of everyone who had stayed for 3 days of cycling whilst we were dry in the cinema watching Star Trek.