Lake District Practice Expedition 15/16th July 2010

After much preparation and planning it was finally time for the big trip to the Lakes.  An early morning pick up, a quick load up of our bikes, a stop by the supermarket then we were on our way.

I was travelling with a young person who had never been to the Lakes before and was clearly excited about the prospect.  For weeks I had been building up the trip, talking about the beauty of the area and the great mountain biking available there.  I was nearly as excited as he was, I had the pleasure of working in both the North and South Lakes for two summers as part of activity camps, and I was really looking forward to going back.  Fortunately as part of Michael's practice Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition I had that opportunity.

Our final destination was Grizedale Forest, near Hawkshead, to ride the North Face Trail; England's first purpose built mountain bike trail.  Despite the horrendous and torrential downpours we set off intrepidly and soon found our 'flow', well at least some of us did.

"It was funny when Mark fell over" said Michael, referring to an untimely spill on the special boardwalk sections, "it was rocky and hard work going up but I loved it".

In fact Michael, the rookie biker and youngest member of the group, was the only one not to fall or falter all weekend, putting the more experienced (old and wheezing) bikers to shame.  Just shows what a bit of experience can do.

After a short blast round the trail we quickly got changed out of our now sodden clothes and headed to our accomodation for the evening courtesy of Salford Sailing Group.  'J.A.W.S' (John Armstrong Welsh Ship) is a vessel moored on Coniston Water, and the dramatic drive there let us appreciate the views on the way, even if the weather was trying to make it difficult.

"I'd like to live round here, nice rides and it is peaceful" said Michael on his first visit.

"Yeah but what about the weather?" I asked, as the rain was still relentless, "Well, obviously your going to get wet, it's the Lakes".  Enthusiasm and a can do attitude, always a winning combination in my book.

Chicken curry was on the menu for tea, made from scratch of course which was only the second meal Michael had cooked.  It tasted delicious, although the wind born waves on the lake didn't make chopping onions any easier.  Eventually the storm subsided and we got our heads down for the next days riding.

After a hearty full English in a local cafe we were on our way north to Whinlatter Forest Park and the Altura trail.  A bit more intense than the previous day with more ups and many faster downs, it was a step up and again the riding wasn't made any easier by the rain.  I managed to bail on some slippery slate on a corner which Michael described as "a bit sharp and unexpected", but the views over the valley were "amazing" so it was worth spilling a bit of blood for.

To me that's what the award is about, getting out and appreciating places and having the grit and determination to finish something you've started, be it an expedition in the lakes or a voluntary project in your local area.  I was shown that by a young person who remained unfazed by the horrible weather or the seemingly huge hills we had to ride up, or even a fear of the open water when we were staying on the boat.  Instead he relished the fun parts describing the trail as "the best he's ever ridden" and he "thoroughly enjoyed the experience".  Bring on the expedition!

Jonathan Flynn

Programme Co-ordinator