Cycling in the Lake District… Grizedale Forrest and the Keswick Mountain Festival on my Olympus XA2 and Leica M6.
Olympus XA2 - Fujifilm 400 - The North Face Trail Grizedale Forrest
Grizedale Forrest and the North Face Mountain Bike Trail has been something I have done on my mountain bikes for the last 15 years. I can really remember the days before the new visitor centre and expensive car parks and coffee! With a long weekend sorted and a campsite booked, I just had to visit the old classic and give it a go again.
Needless to say it was a great ride and it honestly seemed a little tamer than the last time I rode it. Maybe, old age has made me ride slower and it just seemed that way. And despite the cost, the chance to relax and have some tea and cake at the immaculate visitor centre is something that cannot be missed… riding and cake do go hand in hand!
I have visited Keswick Mountain Festival for as long as I can remember it taking place. It’s one of them events that never fails to bring a smile to my face, packed full of outdoor sports events and a small friendly festival village. It’s always very well organised and everyone is helpful and like minded. This year I entered the cycling event and took at bit of time out taking some photos and generally just chilling watching people complete the triathlon and swimming events. I took my Leica M6 and a roll of Kodak Colour Gold 400 and was really happy with the results. The cycling was not too bad either and the route around the back of Skiddaw was done in glorious sunshine; definitely a first for me in the Lake District and with just enough big hills to really test my fitness levels. Well done to all that helped and marshalled such a great event. Keswick, I am sure I will be back next year for a few days of fun.
As for the cameras, I loved carrying the plastic and lightweight Olympus XA2, whilst on the mountain bike. It takes remarkably good pictures for such a small outfit and its range finder style is easy to use… even for me. It also helps that I can shove it in my bag and it’s pretty robust to the rigours of mountain biking. One I will definitely try again.
The Leica with my 35mm Voigtlander was great, but I felt a bit close at times in a busy festival village and wish I had a wider lens for this set up. I do love the pictures of the swimming though and it brings a timeless style to the frame. I am learning though that my film photography in low light landscape situations is very difficult and my results are not what I want… I will keep trying and I am sure it’s because I am metering in the wrong places. The results always seem muddy and dark, without the clarity I get in normal situations.
My Fujifilm XT5 was relegated as a back up for the weekend! I never thought I would say that. It continues to be a brilliant piece of kit and I still love the shots it can produce and the Fujifilm colours rather than the technology keep me with this camera.
Overall a brilliant few days across the Lake District in great weather and the opportunity to ride my bikes and take some pictures. There is not much more I need in life… ha ha.
The North Face Trail Grizedale Forrest
The North Face Trail Grizedale Forrest - My Olympus XA2…old school
The North Face Trail Grizedale Forrest - Tea and Scones - Cream first!…. And a little visitor!
Olympus XA2 - Fujifilm 400 - The North Face Trail Grizedale Forrest
Olympus XA2 - Fujifilm 400 - The North Face Trail Grizedale Forrest
Olympus XA2 - Fujifilm 400 - The North Face Trail Grizedale Forrest - Views across to the Coniston range
Keswick Mountain Festival - Leica M6 - Kodak Colour Gold 400
Keswick Mountain Festival - Leica M6 - Kodak Colour Gold 400 - Swimmers finishing their race
Keswick Mountain Festival - Leica M6 - Kodak Colour Gold 400
Keswick Saturday Market - Leica M6 - Kodak Colour Gold 400
Keswick trails on route to the festival - Leica M6 - Kodak Colour Gold 400