Bikmo Cycle Insurance’s Head of Partnerships, Rob Grisdale, combined his love of cycling, Brompton bicycles and his Cumbrian roots over the Christmas period on a stunning 25km ride taking in some truly awesome views along the way – the ride was so good we asked him to share it with you.

Here’s his account:

I was lucky enough to grow up with the Lake District on my doorstep – surely one of the best playgrounds for anyone who loves bikes. I spent most weekends riding with mates in local forests, stomping up mountains, or as I got older pedalling out the narrow Lakeland roads. Never on a Brompton though…

I live on the Wirral now so North Wales is my closest big escape, but I always look forward to Christmas when I pack my car and head up the M6 back to the family home where my Mum and Dad still live.

In between catching up with mates and guzzling pints of Jennings (or preferably my favourite Loweswater Gold) I always find some time for riding, walking or running.

My car was too packed this year to fit a road or mountain bike, so I decided to slot one of Bikmo’s courtesy Bromptons into the boot instead. These are reserved for Bikmo customers when they are waiting for a repair or replacement of their own Brompton during a claim.

Our courtesy Bromptons are a nice spec – white S3 with decent Shwalbe Marathon’s. I find them surprisingly capable on Lakeland roads or even mildly rough trails – as previously tested on the Brompton Microadventure in Wales last year.

I managed to get out a few times over Christmas, but the outing I wanted to share with you was this 25km loop out and around Loweswater – one of the lesser known lakes but without doubt one of the most spectacular.

The route out took me over a very bumpy fell road with awesome views. It then drops into the Loweswater valley. Although the track was bumpy and icy in places, my folding 16er held on pretty well.

The weather was cold and crisp with clear blue skies and winter sunshine lighting up the peaks – the higher ones with a dusting of snow which is quite normal for this time of year.

This is the route I ride. It won’t get your adrenaline going but it’s a nice quiet part of the lakes and plenty of other trails around to explore, including the Corpse Road which is popular with locals. Below are some photos and videos of the ride too…

Winter is a great time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. There’s hardly anyone out, and even in the Lake District I often feel like I’ve got the whole lake or hill to myself which rarely happens in Summer.

I hope you managed to find time to ride over the festive period. If not, why not make 2018 the year for exploring? Your Brompton is a surprisingly great machine for adventures and being so easy to transport you have more opportunities to create your own micro adventures when you’re travelling for work or play.

If you do start to put your Brompton through its paces, it might be wise to consider taking out a decent insurance policy. Bikmo bicycle insurance for Brompton bicycles covers you for accidental damage and theft 365 days of the year worldwide. Your kit and accessories are also included as standard and if you do need to make a claim you benefit from a courtesy bike like the one pictured whilst you wait for your bike to be sorted. Plus, a Bikmo insurance policy can cover multiple bikes and we offer up to 50% discount on the bike value you leave at home while riding the others.

Click here to find out more about Brompton insurance by Bikmo – the official insurance provider for Brompton.

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Purchase your new Brompton bike online before 29th February 2020 and unlock your 12-months free insurance! Find out exactly how it works and what’s included in the cover here.