Ride to Staveley via Sizergh Castle, Sunday 11th March

A large group of cyclists met outside Beaumont College for Neil’s ride to Sizergh Castle and Staveley.

On a fine, dry day with a forecast of higher temperatures than of late, we set off enthusiastically along Green Lane crossing the Canal and turning towards Halton. We took the Kellet Lane turn and the long, steady climb to Nether Kellet. We followed Back Lane towards Carnforth and took the road through Carnforth and Warton towards the ‘Yealands’. Unfortunately, between Yealand Conyers and Yealand Redmayne the leader managed to puncture a front tyre. The rest of the riders carried on a short distance while Tim and Adrian helped Neil change his inner tube. Thanks to Tim and Adrian for your help, ‘Ace pump you’ve got, Adrian!’

We regrouped a little further on, just past Yealand Storrs. We made our way through Slack Head and Beetham , through the Deer Park and across the Mosses to Levens. We subsequently arrived at Sizergh Castle, somewhat later than anticipated after the puncture, and met up with several other fellow club members. With the delay causing us to arrive slightly later, somewhere between coffee time and lunch time, the anticipated Mother’s Day queues didn’t materialise and we were served promptly, sitting outside to enjoy our refreshments.

Several members now took their leave, some having made other Mother’s Day arrangements, but we still comprised a good number.

Passing through Levens, Brigsteer and Underbarrow, although a testing route, the scenery certainly compensated for the effort required. Onto Crook and into Staveley where picnic sandwiches or great ‘Wilfs’ hospitality were enjoyed. A quick look round ‘Wheelbase’ before departure couldn’t be missed, and all the ‘nice, new shiny things’ were much admired.

The return route took in Burneside, Kendal, Milnthorpe, Holme and Burton, finally riding through the Kellet’s and home.

A ride of 58 miles and lots of testing hills, but more importantly, lots of descents as well.

Neil Westwell