Ride to Wray via Daisy Clough, Scorton - Sunday, 18th February 2018
/With the weather forecast surprisingly failing to mention rain in any quantity, a good number of riders met at Millennium Bridge for Neil’s ride to Wray on Sunday 18 February. A group of 14 followed the road along the quay and joined the cycle track towards Aldcliffe. Unfortunately, just before the turning onto Aldcliffe Hall Lane there was a flood in the fields which spread right across the tarmacked track. The majority of the riders took the alternative track which although quite muddy was passable. Two riders risked riding through the flood, whilst two others took an alternative route to the coffee stop.
After regrouping, the ride continued through Aldcliffe and Stodday and onto Condor Green, turning left towards Galgate. Through Galgate after passing the Mushroom Farm along Chipping Road, the riders took the right turn down Long Lane and subsequent left turn towards the second water obstacle of the day, a ford running across the road. Luckily, this obstacle was accompanied by an adjacent footbridge which the majority of the riders took.
Onto Scorton and into the very busy café at Daisy Clough Garden Centre, we were greeted with a cheery welcome and a wonderful display of excellent cakes, consumption of which we deemed necessary to replace the calories lost on the ride so far!
Meeting up with several other riders who had ridden independently to Scorton we spent a relaxing half hour or so before reassembling for the continuation of the ride to Wray. 16 riders continued whilst the rest made their own way home.
We made our way to Five Lane Ends and onto Caton with the weather remaining ideal for an enjoyable cycle ride. Crossing the Lune by the Crook of Lune bridge, we continued to Green Lane and made the climb to the top. We followed the road to Redwell and onto the Arkholme road, taking the right turn down Rabbit Lane and onto Gressingham, Hornby and Wray where we enjoyed a very pleasant lunch break at Bridge House Café.
So, the group headed for home via Hornby, Gressingham and down Sunnybank to Capernwray, Over Kellet and Nether Kellet where riders split to take different routes home.
An excellent dry, still day was enjoyed by all the participants and Spring was mentioned by more than one person, a bit premature perhaps, but let’s be optimistic! 53 miles and 3700 feet of ascent, a good workout!
Neil Westwell
