Oopnarth, Day 3 - the Lake District

We bid farewell to Martin and Danny this morning as they head back home. Long journeys south and west for these guys. Danny's going to try the dreaded M6, while Martin will use the M56.

Our coffee stop this morning is Devil's Bridge. A popular stop off point for bikers and I enjoy a few minutes chatting to other riders about bikes and places. The bridge itself offers tempting drops into the clear water below, but local bylaws prohibit such antisocial behaviour - but that doesn't stop those brave few that do it. I'd love to join them. Alas, that's for another day.

Ray and Mick split off from the group just after we leave the Devil's Bridge and we perform our usual man hugs saying goodbye. They join the M6 southbound, onto Wales and thence to Ireland by ferry. We later hear their jaunt and detour through North Wales almost made them miss the ferry.
A last minute indication by Steve to turn-off for a fuel stop sees me quickly dart through a gap from the fast lane, while Mark misses the entrance and has to back into the forecourt. Steve apologises profusely and his guilt buys our fuel.

Into the Lake District and quickly onto the Hawkshead ferry, being directed to bypass the queuing cars, we're soon afloat. Pictures and a quick Facebook post and before you know it we're off at the other side. This really is a beautiful place, made all the more beautiful by the perfect weather and first shades of autumnal colours.

We head to the Wrynose and Hardknot passes and, after clearing the traffic restricted roadworks, take no prisoners as we make progress along the winding roads. Soon we in the heart of the hills and the scenery is spectacular: why have I not been here before?

Entering the pass approach, we see signs warning of steep slopes and sharp turns; this only encourages people like us. In the distance you can see the road snaking up the hill through the greenery. Steve points out the dark Herdwick sheep, which produce special wool for thick, warm woollen clothing.

We climb through Wrynose at 25% which is challenging, but this becomes 30% for the Hardknott. No problem for us seasoned enduro riders: Steve, Mark and myself. We relish the opportunity to test our skills. The views become even more wondrous at the top with views looking into both valleys. From here it's all downhill, we've reached the pinnacle of our viewing pleasure. But what views. This is the site of our Road Kill photo.

Winding our way down we come across a broken down Rover P6 V8 on a corner and we stop to ask if we can help. The driver thanks us for stopping but thinks the engine's head gasket has blown, yet happily informs us that the man from the AA is on his way. From the car's position, I think the man from the AA will not reciprocate his happiness.

Lunch is at the Woolpack Inn. I enjoy some very tasty trout on flat bread, which Steve says he did not enjoy on a previous visit. He's still not impressed by the flat bread, but the filling is good.

Onwards and we end up in Gisburn Forest after a quick blast along some bigger A-roads. There's no forest, but at the highest point the moors stretch in all directions. We stop for a rest and to catch up on some phone calls. When leaving, Steve decides to test himself and his bike on a small knoll; the knoll wins. But despite all our enduro trip training, neither Mark nor myself rush for our cameras to capture the moment. Instead, our nurturing instinct urges us to help him up. Shame on us! Sorry readers, we'll try harder next time!

And then, we're home. An end to our quick weekend tour. It's been a great three days, all down to our super host Steve, who's planned and led the whole thing. He's really the best tour guide ever.

Tomorrow will be a long day. Ride to Nottingham, see Duff Man, ride to London, meet up with Mrs Biker Dom and another biker buddy, then onto Eurotunnel (via a tyre fitter if possible) and Brussels by the evening. The following day I have a red-eye flight to Geneva. Ouch, Biker Dom is always on the go!

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