Ride to Garstang via Wray, Thursday 15th November 2018

Bright sunshine was the order of the day as a shower of cyclists met at Millennium Bridge for Neil’s ride to Garstang, with a coffee stop at Bridge House cafe in Wray.

As there were 14 riders at the start it was decided to split into two groups, and after a route briefing, Brian offered to lead the second group as far as coffee. Encouraged by the wonderful sunshine and mild temperatures, the riders set off towards Halton, taking the turn up Kellet Lane to Nether Kellet. As it was such a clear day the views were extensive and the higher we climbed, the more expansive they became. Onto Nether Kellet and Capernwray, the group re-assembled before beginning the climb up Sunnybank. Onto the main road, we continued to Rabbit Lane, where we turned down towards Gressingham, onto Hornby, and arriving at Wray to find several other riders waiting for us.

After a well earned break, accompanied by an even more earned coffee and cakes, the group, now consisting of slightly different, but similarly numbered cyclists continued with John now leading the second group. The route, with the sun still shining brightly, in fact, quite dazzling at times (is this really mid November?) continued through Brookhouse, Caton Green and Quernmore, taking the turn towards Abbeystead. Dolphinholme and Scorton followed before taking a bit of a wiggly (as it became known) route to Garstang. Lunch at Booths was taken and advantage of their excellent value food taken. A Booths card is essential here if you’re looking for an even better lunch bargain!

The riders left, still in a good number, around 12, I think and made their way home via Forton, Bay Horse, Garstang as riders took their leave to follow their quickest route home.

Home before dark, with the sun shining strongly all day. 3877 ft of ascent, 59 miles, fantastic!

Neil Westwell