mountain bike holidays
Discussion
My brother and i are looking to go for a mountain bike weekend in the lake district and are trying to find a company who organizes them... so far we have found these :-
http://biking.skedaddle.co.uk/holiday/Mountain_Bik...
http://www.cycleactive.co.uk/mountain/uk/lakes.htm...
anyone had any experiance with either of these... or any other company that they would recommend ?
http://biking.skedaddle.co.uk/holiday/Mountain_Bik...
http://www.cycleactive.co.uk/mountain/uk/lakes.htm...
anyone had any experiance with either of these... or any other company that they would recommend ?
Beyond Rational said:
I think this would drive me mad, riding with people of differing abilities. These holidays all tell you where they ride, so why not buy a guide book (or find routes, or even people to show you them over the internet) hire some bikes and accomodation?
NMot a bad idea... but also hoping to be able to pick up some tips along the way, plus me and my brother would just get lost and end up spending all the time in the pub !It says groups are only 5/7 people so not a nightmare surely !?
speak to Rich and Craig at www.cyclewise.co.uk
They are based up in the lakes and while they themselves run more courses/skills/MBL leadership type stuff, they are 2 very nice chaps and will no doubt point you in the direction of someone who can help.
They are based up in the lakes and while they themselves run more courses/skills/MBL leadership type stuff, they are 2 very nice chaps and will no doubt point you in the direction of someone who can help.
Beyond Rational said:
I think this would drive me mad, riding with people of differing abilities. These holidays all tell you where they ride, so why not buy a guide book (or find routes, or even people to show you them over the internet) hire some bikes and accomodation?
A good company will assess the riding and experience of who they have 'on their books' on a given date and allocate the guides accordingly. It can be great fun. The problem arises when they only have a handful of guests at a given time.For me, for UK riding, i'd rather go out with a couple of mates, a guidebook an OS Map and slice of humble pie for when "yeah its DEFINITELY this way....." turns out to be 100% incorrect.
Makes it more of an event and the post ride beer all that sweeter
On the other hand if its a bike skills/coaching type thing you are looking for then i refer the OP to my link above
Edited by theboymoon on Wednesday 6th May 14:57
If you choose the do it yourself option, and not looking for hike-a-bike epics - I'd suggest:
Base yourself at Keswick and do the following:
1) circuit of Skidaw (clockwise.. finishing with the offroad downhill from the skiddaw car park.. southish.. mind for walkers though on this last piece)
2) circuit of Blencathra (clockwise.. entertaining single track around the back of blencathra). There is a reclaimed railway in the valley back to Keswick - easy but avoids the road to finish off.
If you look at an OS route it should be very clear what the route is. Navigation is easy and tracks varied and 100% ridable.. some nice singletrack and a very remote feel in parts. 16 miles or so each, I think, from memory.
Alternatively look at the Kentmere end of things, or grizedale forest.
If you don't mind a bit of pushing and want some DH fun - link Helvelyn into a longer route and come back down via Capel Cove.. also the best and most ridable climb. Skiddaw an entertaining down hill too - linked in with the circuit of Skiddaw above its a satidfying ride. If you do go up onto the tops I recommend a v early start so you have the downhill runs (Hellvelyn etc) to yourself especially at the weekend.. dawn start will be worth it.
Base yourself at Keswick and do the following:
1) circuit of Skidaw (clockwise.. finishing with the offroad downhill from the skiddaw car park.. southish.. mind for walkers though on this last piece)
2) circuit of Blencathra (clockwise.. entertaining single track around the back of blencathra). There is a reclaimed railway in the valley back to Keswick - easy but avoids the road to finish off.
If you look at an OS route it should be very clear what the route is. Navigation is easy and tracks varied and 100% ridable.. some nice singletrack and a very remote feel in parts. 16 miles or so each, I think, from memory.
Alternatively look at the Kentmere end of things, or grizedale forest.
If you don't mind a bit of pushing and want some DH fun - link Helvelyn into a longer route and come back down via Capel Cove.. also the best and most ridable climb. Skiddaw an entertaining down hill too - linked in with the circuit of Skiddaw above its a satidfying ride. If you do go up onto the tops I recommend a v early start so you have the downhill runs (Hellvelyn etc) to yourself especially at the weekend.. dawn start will be worth it.
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