Ride to Applestore.... but not Goosnargh, Sunday 4th March, 2018
/Seven riders set off from Scotforth into a bitter East wind to climb out of Lancaster heading towards Caton. Turning left and taking the road through Quernmore and on to five lane ends, a little light rain helped to freshen things up a bit more. Onwards to wards Scorton and taking the route past Syke’s Farm and the water splash, (braved only by Andy), we encountered the thawing vestiges of snowdrifts but fortunately only one road-wide stretch of ice that was walked through with care.
After refreshments and warming up in the Applestore Café a decision was taken, in view of the wind and less than ideal weather, to abandon the original destination of Goosnargh and return to Lancaster. Taking a route through Garstang and crossing the A6 through the somewhat confusing 3way crossroads led to a welcome return to quiet lanes and the somewhat more pleasant experience of a following wind. Potholes were the main hazard now.
Heading Northwards past Winmarleigh and via Killcrash lane to Cockerham and finally along Jeremy Lane to arrive at the “Lac de Lune” as the estuary was full with a 7.2mtr high tide. Two riders who opted to take the main road found the tide over the access road to the car park. However we were pleased to find the Café de Lune was not crowded, so passed a very pleasant lunch stop to conclude the ride, the pie and peas being especially recommended.
Not the best weather but a considerable improvement on the “Beast from the East” suffered earlier in the week and a very enjoyable and social ride of 30miles resulted. We rounded off by returning north through Stodday to Aldcliffe
Nigel
