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.