Wed 10th – Day 1 After a later than hoped for start Steve and I set out from the west coast of the Lake district at St Bee’s beachfront and headed into the hills of the lake district in search of big mountains to ascend and descend.
The day was an absolute cracker. Blue sky, sun but very cool crisp temperatures meant it was actually quite pleasant riding conditions.
We proceeded past famous Ennerdale water and began the ascent of black sail pass. This ended being less than enjoyable as it was to steep to ride up and at one stage we had to negotiate a rockband with bikes and packs. With ice everywhere it became risky putting your foot onto any damp rocks.
However we reached the top of the pass and descended down unfortunately having to walk a number of bits due to the snow and ice.
Steve came off half way down but mercifully no damage was done.
We reached the valley floor at around 4pm which was rather too late and began to go up the next mountain to get over the next pass.
We were stopped by a hiker who advised us conditions were treacherous, with snow up to our knees now frozen solid at the top. With no light left in the day and dropping temperatures we decided to not risk it and turned around and went back down to the B&B which was back in the tiny village at the bottom of the valley.
So still a mountain range away from where we should have been and rising winds forcast around exposed areas tomorrow we would have to make a change of plan to avoid the pass.
Daily Stats
Distance : 52km
Elevation gain : 920m
Elevation loss : 810m
Max Elevation : 580m
Min Elevation : 0m
Start Time : 10:10 AM
End Time : 5:30 PM
Total Time : 07:20
Riding Time : 04:10
Average speed : 12.5km/ph
Notes : 5k extra. Hiked over black sail pass.
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