Last year I had noticed the forestry commission had started building an access road up the side of Birker fell. It looked really steep and windy. There were no keep out signs so I thought I would explore whilst no-one was about.
The first section was very very steep. I was in the 'granny ring', which is the lowest gear on front mech. There was no way anything other than caterpillar track vehicles could access this road. That and mountain bikers. I had to really grind that climb out and my legs and lungs knew about it. The track levelled out after about 500 yards and wound up through the forest. It was lovely and I didn't see a soul.
At the top of the climb
The track went on for about 2 miles deep into Eskdale until it came out at a bridleway. This led me along the banks of the Esk for another 4-5 miles.
The bridges are too narrow for handlebars in Eskdale.
One handed wheelies whilst taking photos can prove tricky....... Honest Indian.
It then started to bucket it down so I headed back 'home'. It was a good 12 mile ride following the 5 hour stomp the previous day.
A couple of days later I rode a climb to the top of Irton Fell through Miterdale woods. I took a timelapse video (see below) It doesn't really show how steep the climb was but it took a good 30mins to get to the top at a reasonable pace. I've included some timelapse footage of a ride I did in Hayfield with my mates Mark and Bob too.
N.B The quality is a bit poor due to upload limit and the music is by The Stray Cats - Runaway Boys and is available on iTunes
N.B The quality is a bit poor due to upload limit and the music is by The Stray Cats - Runaway Boys and is available on iTunes
Important photo disclaimer -
I am rubbish at wheelies at the best of times, so the bridge wheelies were an 'icke fib'
I am rubbish at wheelies at the best of times, so the bridge wheelies were an 'icke fib'
I hope this won't put you off donating at JustGiving
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