Best Downhill in the North-West....
Don't you just hate it when someone describes something as 'the best'?
I know I do, but it has to be done. This is the best round here - excluding Calderdale Martin, haven't had a chance to ride yours yet!
What it is:
It's 1.7km long, with no breaks.
It drops 175m, not bad for round here.
What it's not:
Technical
Steep
So what's so good about it?
Well it draws you in, makes you go faster, lures you into speeds that would normally scare you and then raises the ante with a rocky surprise! Easy at a slower speed but you're going too fast! Too late to brake you just hang on, keep the front wheel up and don't touch that front brake! You recover, drop your speed and then the track eases back and lures you in again. This happens over and over - fantastic! You reach the bottom and your thighs are burning and your heart pumping!
Might not be your idea of the best descent round here but it's certainly mine!
That's at the back of Rivington by the way!
Comments
Not my backside in the picture for a change!!!
I've found a new model!!!
Posted by: Shaman | August 21, 2006 10:11 PM
You should try climbing it on a SS!
Posted by: Mr Sparkle | August 22, 2006 10:39 AM
Thats a shame, I was growing rather fond of your mint sauce backside :)
Is that the bit with the bunny hop storm breaks in the path and the slog of a ride back up tarmac to rivi.
I've yet to be convinced of the pleasures of Winterhill...
Posted by: prd | August 22, 2006 05:57 PM
The backside will be back in shot tomorrow somewhere around here
http://www.mtbbritain.co.uk/lake_district_mountain_biking_helvellyn.html
Posted by: Shamna | August 22, 2006 09:09 PM
mmm... Now that looks tasty... apart from the forecast
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=1386
Posted by: prd | August 22, 2006 09:42 PM
or for an alternative forecast:
http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/weatherline/home/index.php
now that doesn't look too bad?
Posted by: Nopies | August 22, 2006 09:55 PM
http://www.awesomestories.com/movies/stories/perfect_storm/images/perfect.storm.jpg
You'll be fine!
Posted by: terrahawk | August 22, 2006 10:14 PM
I'd beg to differ
http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/today.asp?zipcode=Kendal
Posted by: Andy C | August 23, 2006 12:05 AM
As the great Howard Devoto once said...
'The weather is variable and so are you... but I cant do a thing about the weather'
Posted by: prd | August 23, 2006 09:32 AM
Just noticed this... I reckon its the best downhill this side of the Lakes... a cracker... and as for the tarmac climb back to rivi, just take the footpath to the north of the road (see it on the pic above) got some fine technical pitches on it and is much better than the road.
Posted by: Lowey | September 7, 2006 10:05 AM
Thanks for that hint Lowey, must give it a go next time. Personally, I think the tarmac is no big deal - not when you consider the payback. Unlike certain other rides.....!
Posted by: NoPies | September 7, 2006 07:38 PM
nopies... best description ever... it does draw you in.. the first shoulder is long, straight and at an even gradient... but with loads of jumps, the second section is rocky with some big drops and a water splash, then when you think you are safe, more rocks and drops... and then the final FAST loose run to the forest stile...
But even then its not over... throught the kissing gate and if you hammer the forest then this will make you laugh insanly.
I have allways said on STW that this is a classic.. but perhaps I should have shut up!... this needs to be kept to the converted few.
Best DH in the NW.... Nah.. best DH in the UK for my money!!
Posted by: lowey | September 9, 2006 12:18 AM
I concur.
Now stay off my land.
dick hallorann
Posted by: mrhallorann | October 10, 2006 07:29 AM