Sunday 26th October saw nineteen members of CTC Lancaster and South Lakes turn out at The Boot and Shoe for Anne’s ride to Pilling and Great Eccleston. None of them had been deterred by the thought of strong headwinds on at least some of their route!

Setting off through the university they made their way to Ellel and Galgate before crossing the A6 at Potter’s Brook after which they took a lanes route through Killcrash and Goose Green to Forton Hall Farm. A short stretch on the B5272 took the riders to the turn for Winmarleigh, arriving at Stake Pool and Pilling for a well earned and leisurely coffee stop at the pottery. At this point they were joined by riders from Preston and Scorton. 

After coffee some of the group decided to return back to Lancaster, whilst the intrepid dozen or so ploughed on for Great Eccleston, forsaking the longer route the leader had planned in favour of the more direct route across Pilling Moss, to Cartford Bridge and a warming lunch in the cafe at Great Eccleston. 

Another split occurred at this point as some riders returned home by the shortest route, whilst the hardy few travelled on minor roads to St Michael’s. After only half a mile on the busy A586 they turned along the northern side of the River Wyre to rejoin the Pilling Moss road for a mile or so, before turning on to Skitham Lane and from there to a final refreshment stop at The Pudding House. For those who had completed the whole ride fifty miles were covered on what turned out to be a mild, but windy, autumnal day.