There’s a place, my homeland, my bike – my soul delights!
The heart leaps with visions of earth, sky and wandering wild air to be soon in my sight.
My bikes on my back, my feet hunt for grip on the slate,
The descent is earned here, quick step don’t be late.
My flickering torch dances, leading the way with its glow,
The summits arrived, cross fingers, hope for the sun to show.
Raucous rivers greet me, storming down their winding path,
With many mossy pebbles and boulders facing their wrath.
The earth is sleeping, all is hushed on the hill,
Alone with my thoughts, join’n Mother Nature, I come to a standstill,
This is my time for inner reflection,
Peacefully considering not just today’s, but, my life’s direction.
The majestic mountains awake robed in mist so white,
A rich reward for a tiresome dawn hike,
It’s pleasure shared only with a local Herdwick sheep,
Who either bids you farewell or shows you the best line down the steep.
The towering mountains guard ancient valleys with all their might.
Sparkling sunshine now burns through dancing so bright,
Enjoy this strange moment with the absence of chattering rain,
Each day is unique, just for you, undergoing continual change.
Let off the brakes, and pick up some speed,
Sapphire lakes burst into view as you direct your wheeled steed,
Down rocky passes, through gullies and glittering streams,
You fly past emerald turf to the cheer of the birds, it feels like a dream.
The heart is now pounding and you’re riding faster than fast,
Drifting round corners, flicking up dust as you race past,
Floating over roots, and dropping off ledges,
Pause for a moment and make return pledges.
It’s over too quick, the pain of the hike long forgotten,
Excitement overflows now you’re safely at the bottom,
You’re buzzing like a bee, this gem needs shared with your friends,
Without this I’m not quite sure what I’d do at weekends!
So, go for an adventure, dig out that map,
Do something different, you’ll never look back,
The world can be intimidating, unforgiving and cruel,
Change that – take a friend, go explore, find your own jewel.
This is the Lake District, it frees my heart, mind and soul,
Unforgettable memories, it makes me feel whole.
You should visit sometime, set a date to come roam,
I’m luckier than lucky to call it my home!
Photos by Mattyy Simpson Photography
Words and photos by Andy Smith - @andycactus
Three of us met at Staveley Mill Yard on a dank, drizzly, grey day. I arrived first and was quick to grab myself a coffee from More Bakery and pick my new favourite trail snack, the mighty Scotch egg. The lads and Sky the trail dog arrived within minutes and after quite a bit of…
Words and photos by Danny O'Callaghan - @itsdannyoc
This weekend Graythwaite and Grizedale hosted the first UK National Enduro Championship, put together by the guys at the PMBA Enduro Series. Not only was this the first UK national event of its kind it was also a 2018 EWS Qualifier Event, making this the most prestigious enduro in the UK this year!