After some easier riding in the last issue, we decided to balance things up with three technical routes that’ll have you champing at the bit to get out there and test your skills on these arse-kicking rides. Russell and I decided to head to the Lake District for the Big Ride itself, and to ignore the ‘usual suspects’ in Wales and Scotland for our bonus destinations, in favour of the equally tech-strewn Cadair Idris and Kinlochleven.
YOU’LL BE CHAMPING AT THE BIT TO GET OUT THERE AND TEST YOUR SKILLS ON THESE THREE ARSE-KICKING RIDES
Up and at them
We drive around to the quieter, western side of Helvellyn, knowing that we’ll be able to get some refreshments halfway around the ride in Glenridding. (You could also start from there, but it gets busy, and you’ll have to leave the route to get food.) After having to pump a handful of pound coins into the parking meter, we head off along the road, spinning our legs to rid them of the stiffness from a few hours of driving. A little way along, we turn across the main road and join a well-surfaced, undulating cycle/footpath, which offers a break from
