coniston bike & Camp social
Sat 22 - Sun 23 June 2024
Hoathwaite Campsite - Coniston
Bikes are good for the soul, so are BBQs, lake-side beaches and camping out! So come and join other biking, camping, sausage-burning outdoor types for an out and back ride on mainly traffic free trails, followed by a lake dip, chilled evening, wholesome conversation and an overnight camp.
saturday 22nd june
shortish day ride + Fire pit + bikepacking workshop
Meet on Saturday morning at Hoathwaite Campsite and enjoy a slow, scenic day ride, in smallish groups (14 max). We'll aim to leave at 10 am. They'll be a few route options to choose from, all heading out towards Elterwater for lunch by the river. Groups will make their way back to the campsite, mid-late afternoon, to fire up the BBQs and pizza ovens for a chilled evening refuelling by the lake.
sunday 23rd june
rise and shine + quick dip + farewells
An early lake dip for the adventurous. A slow, relaxed start for everyone else. Breakfast on the beach before we pack up and head home, glad we made the effort to take to the saddle and reunite with friends, old and new.
Q&A
Is the Coniston Bike & Camp Weekend free?
There's no charge for the weekend, apart from your campsite fees, which are roughly £10 per adult and £4 per child (up to and including 15 years old). Once you indicate your interest and your place is confirmed, you pay Sam or Angela at Hoathwaite directly, on arrival. This is a low key, not-for-profit, event aimed at bringing like-minded people together to ride bikes and camp out.
What do I need to bring?
You'll need your own bike suitable for forest trails and non-technical singletrack. There's a bit of road too, so lights and high vis clothing is recommended. Please bring and wear a helmet. You'll also need all of your own camping gear to include: tent, sleeping bag, mattress, food for the weekend and cooking equipment.
Where do we meet?
We'll meet at Hoathwaite Campsite on the edge of Coniston Water. Directions are shown below. If you aim to get to the campsite as close to 9 am as possible, this will allow you time to faff, sort bikes and gives us time sort out groups and make sure everyone's ready to go. We'll try to leave at 10 am prompt.
​
​
Do we set up our tents / vans before we ride on Saturday?
If you arrive in good time and your bikes are ready to go, sure, select a spot in the area that we've been allocated and feel free to put up your tent. Campervans are fine too. If you think you're going to be pushed for time, leave setting up until we return after the ride. And please be reasonable with your tent selection / van footprint. We're keen to be as efficient as we can with space since we're only staying overnight. Van users, please note, we're unlikely to get hookup.
Will someone lead each of the groups?
Yes, someone will take the lead of each group but leaders are local cyclists who have offered their time kindly and freely. Group leaders will be experienced riders but they are not necessarily qualified guides, bike mechanics, or first aid trained. If you decide to join a group, you do so entirley at your own risk and you are expected to be able to make every reasonable effort to look after yourself, your bike and your equipment.
Can I bring children?
Yes, of course, but young enthusiastic riders can be even more so when they meet up with other enthusiastic riders. Parents must take responsibility of their children and ensure they are riding safely, in control and under direct supervision at all times. Children must be in the same group as an adult who is responsible for them.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately not. The nature of the routes we'll be following and the fact that we'll be travelling in groups, often along narrow paths and tracks, means that dogs could impact on safety.
How does the Bikepacking workshop work?
The Coniston Bike & Camp Social is about like-minded people coming together to enjoy riding bikes and camping out. It's less about Bikepacking but it's a great opportunity to seek guidance and support if you're new to this brilliant aspect of adventure cycling. So, for anyone interested, they'll be a Bikepacking 101 workshop on Saturday evening for anyone keen to learn the basics. We'll cover: kit and equipment, choosing a route, free resources and more. They'll be kit to view and experienced Bikepackers ready to answer any questions you have.
What happens if the weather is rubbish and I decide not to join?
Yes, the great British weather; it can be fickle! The reality is that we're all used to having one eye on the weather and moving to plan B. Since the weekend does rely on reasonable weather, we'll be checking the forecast leading up to the weekend and if it looks like the weather will challenge enjoyment, we'll contact you and share our thoughts. If you decide not to take part, because the weather is bad, that's fine. You don't have to pay until you arrive, so you won't be out of pocket. If the conditions are autumnal, we'll still likely push ahead.
