Grizedale Grizzly 2016 video and gallery

Tough Cumbrian climbs, rocky singletrack and fast-paced forest trails is what makes the Grizedale Grizzly a great Adventure Cross ride

(Video: Grizedale Grizzly event highlights by Joseph Burn)

This event saw some of the most technical climbing of the Adventure Cross series, but thankfully it was only in short sections. Both the Strada Sterrate and Claife Clatter tested the riders’ concentration and skills. Riders had to pick their line over rocks and put down a constant application of power to cope with the gradient.

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Although not a technical climb the Corker La proved to be physically the toughest on the route as it was both steep and long, nearly a mile of continuous uphill effort and one that made folks’ legs and lungs burn.

Most of the descents were on fast and flowing forest roads, a fun reward for the climbing. The final run-in to Cartmel included a long section of disused railway. Flat and relatively smooth, it was an all too tempting spot for a burn-up for some as they neared the end.

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The aptly named ‘Final Fandango’ final stage dragged riders up gradually before the rapid descent and the final very steep but short climb – which really put the hurt into some tired legs.

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Needles to say, after that final section there were plenty of riders quickly hurrying off to take advantage of Cartmel’s culinary pedigree – the village’s world famous sticky toffee pudding!

Well, nobody could say they hadn’t earned it.