We we have ended up back in the Lakes again so why not take the bikes lol. Weather was fantastic so headed upto Whinlatter for a blast, first route was Altura Red North Loop. Every section was open this time but was still icy on alot of the higher sections but nearly all the snow had melted. Hot on the climbs but chilly on the descents.
When we got back to the carpark we normally do the Altura South Red loop but decided to do the Blue instead. Been a few years since we have done this one and is great fun with plenty climbing and tech sections on the way back in. Its more like a tame Red than a Blue. When we landed back in the carpark for the second time it had clouded over and the wind picked up making it very chilly. Quick look around Cyclewise, Angus got a Altura Tech T Shirt in the sale for less than a tenner, good buy. We normally drive back down to Keswick but this time we decided to have a blast down on the bikes. Chirst i hit nearly 40mph on the fat machine, it was an eye watering experience. We then followed the C2C route into Keswick for late lunch.
That was enough riding for one day, time to chill out and enjoy some time going by.
The weather was great all week so I headed down to Grizedale to have another go at the North Face Red Loop, I was on my own today so found a little carpark/layby just before Moor Top Carpark which is less than 10ft away from the trail and you dont have to cough up the £7 parking fee. I set off in glourious sunshine with alot less wind, the trail was mostly dry apart from a few puddles and icy sections. Didnt see a sole the whole time i was out. Lost my water bottle within two miles so was alittle thristy when i got back to the layby. Did the loop in a steady 1hr 10mins. Really enjoyed it but not as good as other trail centres and is a pig to get to.
On the way back i wanted to ride a section of old Railway line which is on the C2C that i havent ridden for many years, so i parked up at Threlkeld and cycled towards Keswick. Its very easy going with only a couple of gentle climbs but great views when you cross over the river several times and the elevated timber walkway section. Stopped at keswick market place for a quick break then back along the line to Threlkeld for late Lunch. Sun was still shining and was lovely in sheltered places. Sorry no pics and they had the camera today
The Floaters have been fitted with no problems. Its great fun using Fairy washing up liquid to crack the tyre beads ! They have only done one ride but can report back they clear well of mud and have plenty grip if you dont get too deep in the sticky stuff. They roll well compaired to the Nates. More feedback when we get more miles on them. They will be tested on some Lakeland wet slate soon. 
Talking of tyres, well inner tube inflation really. I have decided to go up market & more modern and invested in a Co2 system. The real reason is you get a bloody sore arm using a mini pump on 4" tyre ! I have gone for Innovation Elite Air Chuck - very light & small, not much for your money but hopefully works perfect. I have also bought an Innovations Cartridge Cross to store upto 4no Co2 canisters ready for use. At the mo I have 16g, see how they go. When i replace them probably go upto 20g ones or have a mix of both. They have been fitted and ready for use. Finger crossed not too soon ;-} 
The E thirteen Chainset has been giving me hassle again. Near the end of the ride at Hamsterley a couple of weeks ago i was getting chain suck but the chain was totally covered in wet thick mud so thought it was that. Checked the chain for wear and it was gone so fitted a new KMC X9 SL Silver chain and the chain suck was even worse so time to strip the rings off. Chirst the big ring must be made out of cheese, never had a ring wear so much in such a short period of time. Not a happy bunny so i ordered up a Middleburn 36t slickshift hardcoat, just waiting for it to land then the beargrease will be back out again. Im using the Middleburn Hardcoat rings on a few of my other bikes and there are no signs of wear after many years use. I will report back on the Middleburn ring & KMC chain. Its the first time i have tried KMC as i have always used Sedis (well sram own them now). 
Onto some happier news Angus has finished building my old Mukluk and is out training on the beast. The original Nate tyres are beasts and heavy going in normal conditions so was on the look out for some cheaper more general condition tyres but not at normal fat tyre prices. BINGO someone at On One had listed their Floater 4" tyres at the wrong price so ordered a pair and they were here the next day. 
