This week Triple D team members Tom & Dom took on the green lanes of the Lake District like total pros… or at least they tried!
Two (not so) skilled riders facing wet rocks, questionable decisions, and gates that might as well be gym equipment. Brakes? Well they're overrated of course.
From surprise wheelies to near-wipeouts, it was a wild day of chaos and laughs on two wheels. In fact, they had so much fun (and chaos) they even managed to put together an 18-minute short film!
Catch all the ‘How did we survive that?’ moments in this unintentional comedy show at the bottom of the page.
Grab some popcorn and settle in to watch the action!
Well not strictly true. Our chaps know all about the range of KTM models and accessories, being familiar faces on our KTM parts counter in Kendal.
But out and about on their bikes? Well that could be a different story - we'll leave you to decide once you've watched the film!
Dom was riding a new 2024 KTM 150 EXC (the blue one) while Tom was riding a 2021 KTM 300 EXC Six Days (the white one) which marked a change from their usual steeds.
Having had a love for road bikes (Tom rides a Honda Goldwing and Dom rides a Honda CB 1000R) they fancied a bit of experimental trail riding about 6 months ago.
With Dom getting started on a KTM 390 Adventure he was eventually lured into buying a proper KTM Enduro bike. As for Tom, well he decided to borrow the gaffer's bike for a day and literally the next day he stepped up and bought his bike that you see in the video. Trail riding was an instant hit with neither having been brought up on off road bikes.
Tom and Dom's little trip across the Lakes took them on the green lanes around Ambleside, Langdale and Coniston, as well as a circuit on the fire roads through Grizedale Forest.
Leaving Triple D HQ at 9am, the duo headed towards the ferry to take a short cut across Windermere. Exploring a few warm up trails along the way, they got to Ferry Nab only to find the ferry wasn't running. What to do in this situation? Well a brew at Dan's Shack was the only option while they considered plan B.
Settling for the long way round the Lake, they set off towards Ambleside and tackled the more challenging trails around the Drunken Duck.
The cold spell made for the ideal opportunity to test the latest Brisker gloves from 100% to keep hands not only warm, but dry as well.
Following their nose they rode on towards Elterwater, riding up to Little Langdale and the incredible Hodge Close Quarry. Hodge Close is just one of many slate workings in the Tilberthwaite Valley that opened in the 19th century and closed in the early 1960s. Views from the top of the 150 foot rock face are absolutely incredible; but don't stand too close to the edge as it's not for the feint hearted!
Tom and Dom's bikes with the stunning Hodge Close Quarry in the background.
For those who want to explore Hodge Close further, there’s actually a hidden scramble a short walk from the car park that leads through the surrounding woodland taking you all the way down to the caverns at the bottom.
From here they enjoyed the lanes and amazing views around Tilberthwaite then feeling peckish, rode on to Coniston stopping at the Herdwick Café for a timely bite to eat. Feeling refreshed, next up was Oxen Park and across to the village of Bouth.
Another photo opportunity presented itself outside Old Hall Farm, a historic family farm worked using 19th century methods to grow its crops and harvest the land with a combination of horse power (yes, actual horses) alongside steam and early vintage tractors.
Turning north towards Grizedale Forest the pair took in a few laps before circling back towards Hawkshead through Arnside Intake and making their way back to Ambleside and homeward bound.
People often ask about where they can find green lanes in the Lakes District to ride offroad legally. The easiest way is to join your local Trail Riders Fellowship Group, which as well as being a friendly bunch of like minded riders, you get access to a lot of people with incredible local knowledge. You also get a copy of the green lane map which is amazing.
We always take plenty of fluids and human fuel in the form of Kendal Mint Cake. Decent knee guards are an absolute necessity round here. With lots of exposed rock and slate which gets slippy after a bit of rain, you could easily ruin your day (and much more besides!) if you come off without protection. Both Dom and Triple D Team Rider Burts swear by the 100% Surpass knee guards which are comfy and ideal for a full days riding without any rubbing.
As many will know the Lake District is prone a bit of rain from time to time, so goggles are another must. Dom and Burts both wear Scott Prospects which probably our most popular goggle, although they're at the upper end price wise depending on your preferred colour and lens. Tom rides with 100% Accuri 2 Goggles which also happen to be on offer at the time of writing.
As for ability, you can make a trail ride in the Lakes as easy or as difficult as you like, from the flowy tracks around Coniston to more tricky trails, like those around the Drunken Duck (the first lane in the video).
Pit stop on the fire roads of Grizedale Forest.
Tom filmed the duo's escapades with an Insta 360 Ace Pro. It's a cracking little camera although as you'll see if you watch to the end of the video, a little more battery life would have been nice!
The pair are planning more rides out on local trails and are hoping to add a second camera to capture some different points of view and angles. Look out for more films coming soon!
Riding past Old Hall Farm in Bouth
If you're thinking of a similar green lane adventure in the Lakes, make sure you include a trip to Kendal-based KTM dealership Triple D Motosport. We're open Monday - Saturday with a full range of parts, gear and merch with a friendly, knowledgable team happy to answer your questions on anything KTM.
Heading this way and need some gear? Order in advance and it'll be here ready to collect before you head off on your ride for the day.
While there are many rideable routes across the Lake District, for the benefit of our sport, please always stick to authorised bridleways that allow motorised bikes to legally ride.
This helps to keep active routes open and avoids and unnecessary confrontation with landowners, walkers and animals to ensure these routes remain open for other riders to enjoy in the future.
Enjoy the film and let us know on our socials what you think!