I’ve been working up in the Lake District guiding groups of young people as part of the Youth Hostel Association’s ‘Do It 4 Real’ outdoor activities summer camp. Based in Hawkshead we’ve been riding in Grizedale Forest, Claife Heights and along the shore of Lake Windermere.

It’s good to get the youth out on bikes. Most of them don’t regularly ride and this is an opportunity for them to get a taste of proper mountain biking on good quality modern mountain bikes.

I’ve been lucky enough to be working alongside Nichola and Craig (they’re the un-bearded ones above) all under the Dales Mountain Biking banner. After leading the groups during the day we hit the trails every night. Lots of new riding all over the Lakes for me, both local to Hawkshead and away over Ambleside way with the Biketreks shop night ride.

New friends, new trails and some new Lakeland beers for me. My favorite so far has been Lakeland Gold from the Hawkshead Brewery. I’ve got more visits up to the Lakes for this job during August and am really enjoying getting out on the big hills.

Did a skills day around Hebden Bridge today with Matt R. Here is is riding down “The Fast Bit”. We started by developing a stable and balanced body position on the bike and then put this into practice riding down and over rocks. He made good progress in developing more stability by adjusting his position on the bike and letting it move around under him.

We also had sunshine, good views and lunch at the Stubbing Wharf Inn. All in all a great day to be working outdoors.

Here’s a view of Hebden Bridge from the top part of “The Blue Pig”.

And here’s Matt riding the middle section.

I took Steve and Sam from Singular Cylcles (along with Dom the Singletrack work experience lad) for a tour of some Calderdale trails earlier in the week. They had been racing at the Singletrack Classic Weekender and wanted to try some of the renowned Hebden Bridge riding while they were in the area. Good company, good riding and as you can see good Timothy Taylors Landlord & Golden Best ale was enjoyed.

Four UK designed bikes outside The Cross Inn in Heptonstall, where we had a fine pub stop  –  Two Ragley Ti’s, Sam’s Singular Swift and Steve’s prototype titanium Singular Pegasus. Check out http://www.singularcycles.com for more details of the big wheeled bikes.

I only took 2 photos all weekend and they were of the bonfires. Loads better than a dodgy DJ or an old hat band the good old campfire with good company and lashings of beer is the best entertainment. Above is Friday’s fire and below is Saturday’s.

Oh and the riding was just right too with the downhill, trials and cross country racing. See you there next year on 3rd & 4th July 2010. Great Rock will again be leading skills days and pre-rides of the course leading up to the event.