TRAC Lakes trip - report by Marc Rainford and Nick Lawson

Day 1 – Saturday 4^th March

After heavy snow on the Friday, and a freezing night we met up at Tebay truck stop. The 4 groups set off in cold conditions but blazing sunshine on the Saturday. Our start was slightly delayed by Kierons lack of ability to retrieve his bike from the icy igloo of his garage!!

Our group was led by Marc Rainford and the compardries of Nick Lawson, Matt Mason, Tim Parkinson, Mark Whittle (alias Max and Paddy) and Kelvin Dobson.

Slightly shaky start by Marc who in his eagerness missed the turn for Bretherdale head but was promptly corrected by his competent team members.

All got stuck into the first trail of the day and Matt decided to have an early bath whilst crossing the ford at the bottom of Bretherdale head. Onto Breasthigh road and struggled with the icy accent to the gate (no points for technical ability from Torville and Dean). Down to the bottom of Breasthigh to water crossing No. 2 keen scout ice basher Mark decided with significant grace to skate across the river bike and all only to be followed by heavier Marc who immanently sunk through the ice.

We then proceeded to Kendal via Mart close and Thorn Cottage. Through Bell hill, Crook hall and Mithchel land and onto Bowness for lunch and fuel. Plans slightly re-arranged due to ferry been out of action.

Fully fuelled bike and body we all felt ready for the challenge of Walna Scar. The road from Coniston to Walna was a challenge in itself with packed ice glassed over from the morning sunshine. I (Nick) struggled in a couple of places, firstly at a big rock step and I did quite well until I got stuck on the last track wide rocky bit. After a bit of help I finally made it to the top. Down the back side of the old man of Conison, and up a sheep’s pen!!

Next onto Grizedale which we all found immense fun and the snowy fire roads made life interesting. Mindful of the amount of daylight left we pressed on through Grizedale and managed to clear all trails un-scathed.

We headed off back to the digs in the dark, and we were the last group back. As we arrived many other were leaving for the pub!

After a cracking first day, we were all Knackered and left for the Grey Walls pub for a well deserved beer and hearty meal.

Day 2 – Sunday 5^th March

All rose relatively early to a fine breakfast? served by mine host David! We all slowly heaved our aching bodies into our gear and after one more coffee and a last minute map marking session by Anton, Kieron, Marc and Ed we were ready for off.

Onto Hodge close – MEGA!!! Photo session at the quarry half way through. Threaded our way back through Ambleside, Troutbeck bridge and on to Garburn pass. An icy accent up the “Garburn glacier”, then a brief stop to take in the view at the top. Rocky decent down the other side, towered Kentmore where Marc in his eagerness tried to demolish a stone wall on an icy turn (not realising he had punctured his clutch cover, more on this later)

Onto Stilend, through Long Sleddale and back onto the A6. On route to Shap we stopped to chat to Vinnie and Ayrton who were sat in the support van at a layby near the exit of Breasthigh road. At this point Vinnie noticed oil dripping from Marc’s bike – game over for Marc’s bike. It appears the previous wall incident has won against the CRF clutch cover!. Due to this Nick was democratically sworn in as group commander. The Shap trail was abandoned. We then proceeded back to Tebay via Breasthigh and Breatherdale head.

Special thanks to everyone who took part especially all those involved with all the organisation and logistics. Everyone we spoke to thourghly enjoyed the weekend and in our minds events like this are what the club is all about.

Marc & Nick.