This weekend saw the 2018 edition of the ‘Jennride’, organised by Richard Munro, in memory of our late Deputy Editor, Jenn Hill. There were three routes available: a 50km ‘dipping a toe in bikepacking’, a 100 mile ‘two days with a pub stop or two’, or a 200km ‘proper hard’ option.
Attracted by the promise of great trails, fun and friendly atmosphere, and the excuse to buy things like micro-stoves, all while raising money for The Adventure Syndicate and St Gemma’s Hospice, 200 riders came from all over on a variety of bikes and set ups.
Those that managed to squeeze into a completely packed out Wheelbase on the Friday night were treated to a showing of the Adventure Syndicate’s film ‘Divided’, telling the tale of Lee Craigie and Rickie Cotter’s Tour Divide ride in 2017. Then on Saturday it was time for the pedalling to begin.
A few HT550 riders saw this as a good opportunity to test out kit and set ups for this year’s edition – including Stu Taylor of this parish and Kirby Lonsdale Brewery. He opted for the ‘ride the whole route in a day and add a bit on’ option.
Others took a more leisurely approach, taking in a spot of food along the way.
Whichever route you opted for, there was plenty of scenery to be had – though perhaps those slogging up the hike-a-bike on the 200km route weren’t really taking it in.
Obligatory singlespeed participant.
Alpkit provided riders with free tea and coffee at their store in Ambleside, a welcome treat.
It’s worth putting the sound on for this one (though possibly not if you have children present) – just the right balance of peril and fun.
Those that opted to stay out over night were treated to some spectacular scenery.
This picture by San Kapil makes us want to grab our bivvy bags now.
Of course, not everything went swimmingly all the time, but with the kind weather the odd interruption to the ride wasn’t such a chore.
The Lake District always looks like this when you’re not there. Dammit.
And then it was done.
Everyone we’ve heard from says it was a brilliant atmosphere, with no pressure, and plenty of cake. Another great edition of this event – not just fro the fun, but also for the more than £5,000 raised – definitely one to put in the calendar for future if you weren’t lucky enough to be there this year.
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Well done Rich!
would be nice to see some ex colleagues riding this event next year
Lovely report. Well done postierich and all who did the riding…
Stu Taylor, machine.
Gutted I couldn’t make it- small matter of a infected gland and long drive from Devon getting in my way…
Hoping to get up and do it this weekend though #unfinishedbusiness