Hardknott Pass, 2 Up, Am I Biting Off More Than I Can Chew?

Discussion in 'Triumph General Discussion' started by brown mouse, Aug 11, 2020.

  1. brown mouse

    brown mouse Elite Member

    Sep 15, 2018
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    #1 brown mouse, Aug 11, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2020
    Tomorrow, me and Mrs Mouse are heading to Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. In trying to find a route with great views I stumbled across Hardknott pass, and thought, hang on, I've heard of that, isn't that famous for being rather steep? So, at maximum gradient of 30% is it something that riding 2 up on the latest Speedmaster I am mad for thinking to do? I know a lot of this is subjective. I did Bealach ne Bar last year solo without issue, but that seems less steep as maximum gradient of 20%.

    Edit: And is there a direction in which it's easier? Thinking steepest gradient better coming down if I have lots of weight on the rear. Front wheel could get very light going up if we can't get weight forward.
     
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  2. Thripster

    Thripster Elite Member

    Feb 21, 2020
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    Can't see any problems with you riding and your missus pushing
     
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  3. Thripster

    Thripster Elite Member

    Feb 21, 2020
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    No experience of it Brown Mouse but sounds great........hope you get to complete the ride through the pass. Don't think there will be a problem.
     
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  4. MadMrB

    MadMrB Elite Member

    Dec 24, 2018
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    Yeah, down! :p
     
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  5. Don the Don

    Don the Don Bigger Than The Average Bear

    Nov 5, 2019
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    It's a great ride and yes it's steep
     
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  6. dilligaf

    dilligaf Guest

    I did Sutton Bank 25% two up and pulling a trailer a few times with NUDGER :cool: no problem mate :)
    It’ll do it :)
     
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  7. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
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    You can find videos on YouTube but the only awkward bits are tight uphill hairpins. You just want to avoid oncoming traffic in them.
     
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  8. Gladtobebackontwowheels

    Nov 23, 2019
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    TBH it's just one of those things to tick off the list. It's not an enjoyable ride, in my opinion, being too tight and too bumpy to get any sort of rhythm.
     
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  9. dilligaf

    dilligaf Guest


    its a horrible shitty road :poop:
    I did it years ago on a CBR1000F:)
    I just wouldn’t want to do it again :(
     
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  10. brown mouse

    brown mouse Elite Member

    Sep 15, 2018
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    Hmm. Well I'm doing it for the scenery not the ride as such or as a chalenge. And had alteady decided that if it looks like the roads are wet I'll abort. May just start along that road, take a look at the aceneey and turn around when the road ahead looks tough.
     
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  11. Gyp

    Gyp Well-Known Member

    May 13, 2020
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    Done it several times, 2 up on my R80RT towing a trailer.

    It's not a problem as long as you look where you're going and keep a positive steady throttle on the tight uphill hairpins.if you go West to East.
     
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  12. Vulpes

    Vulpes Confused Member

    Mar 14, 2018
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    Done it a few times, absolutely doable two up, just take it easy. there's a nice Roman fort to look at half way.
     
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  13. DCS222

    DCS222 Guest

    Yeah it’s doable two up, either direction, have fun... but it’s pretty rough in places and falling off is seemingly common. As has been mentioned before, getting the traffic timed right helps, if cars or other knobheads get in your way, it affects your line choice and preferred speed. Watch the inside of the hairpins, they are steeper than the outside line.
    If you are not confident at slow speeds two up... be cautious

    Point of interest, my grandad was one of the team that tarmac’d it... It feels like it’s only ever been patched up since then! The Roman fort is interesting and some great views of the high fells
     
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  14. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
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    Built by the 2nd Dalmatian Cohort...... I read the inscription on returning from operations in Yugoslavia in 1993. The irony was something else!
     
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  15. Thripster

    Thripster Elite Member

    Feb 21, 2020
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    Have you tried the Nothard Pass? Nowhere near as difficult. You need to book a restaurant, unbutton the top button of your best shirt and then, with a rose clasped between your teeth, in an erotically intense way, ask Patsy Kensit whether she knows of the Kawasaki Ninja range. Works every time.
     
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  16. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
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    I would say it was easier from the Eskdale side travelling back East. Plenty of scope to regulate downhill speed on tight bends with rear brake as much as engine braking. It’s also easier to look down on approaching traffic and pick your passing spots.
     
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  17. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
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    Tripping on little blue pills are we?!
     
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  18. DCS222

    DCS222 Guest

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  19. Gyp

    Gyp Well-Known Member

    May 13, 2020
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    Do we need to send out a search party yet?
     
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  20. Tallpaul

    Tallpaul Noble Member

    Apr 7, 2019
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    Kidderminster
    Hello? Brown Mouse? Anybody there?.....................
     
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