I am writing this having just returned from a great three days (2 nights) trip to the Lake District. We stayed in a glamping pod on Waterfoot campsite near Pooley Bridge, Ullswater.
Kirkstone Pass on the way up and on day 2. Also on day 2 we rode Whinlatter Pass, Honister Pass, Hardknott Pass, and Wrynose Pass. I enjoyed them all for very different reasons. The most challenging for me was Hardknott. Not riding it, but thinking about riding it. The pass has been written about and videoed by so many; portrayed as a real technical challenge and it got in my head a little. Yes, it is a technical road and I wouldn’t wish to ride it in pouring rain. As it happened we started the day in sustained rain. Waterproofs on and glasses steaming but for half an hour before the passes proper it stopped and the ambient temperature dried it off 80%. Enough to put my cameras on. So watch this space for an update about YouTube footage.
Kirkstone pass is the smoothest and fastest pass. Evidenced by the signage along the start stating 50% of accidents involved motorcycles. It was enough fun sticking to the NSL or below. No need to go faster. There are also two or three suddenly tightening bends that could easily catch someone out.
It is probably the same everywhere you go as a biker. When you go to a new area you ride rides you have heard of or read about. En route you see so many “ooh that road looks good” turnings. I will definitely be checking google earth and planning some more rides up there.
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