Ride to Leighton Moss via Casterton, Sunday 9th September 2018

We all met up at Millenium Bridge for the 2 choices of rides, Mike leading the ‘gentle’ ride and Neil the ‘traditional’ ride.

Leaving Mike and Nick, who were heading for Wallings Café, Neil, Ken and Adrian set off in the persistent rain through Nether Kellet, Over Kellet and Capernwray, by which point the rain had changed from persistent to frequent showers. Taking the road to Newton via Docker Farm, and onto Wennington, we rode through Kirkby Lonsdale and onto Casterton Golf Club, for a well earned break and a chance to dry out. Relaxing for some time in the club café, we managed to solve all Brexit issues, and agree on a way forward with the social housing issue.

Finally leaving the café with the world now in a far better place, we returned to the task of the day, cycling through the showers for another well earned break, this time in Arnside. Given the weather conditions and the gloomy surroundings, the ride wasn’t particularly memorable as we rode back through Kirkby, Hutton Roof, Burton and onto the Yealand’s. We arrived in Arnside to find that our preferred café was actually full and we would have to wait an hour for a free table. The decision was made to ride a bit further before lunch, and when Ken had tightened his saddle to prevent a quick exit from his bike, we carried on through Silverdale, passing Jenny Brown’s Point and Wolf House Gallery, and arrived at RSPB Leighton Moss for lunch.

It is a smooth operation at the café and we were soon seated with our lunch before us.

After our second relaxing break, where this time we didn’t need to dry out, we set off for home, splitting up as we neared our different destinations.

A good, testing ride of 46 miles and 3300 ft of ascent, we certainly made the best of a less than inspiring day of inclement weather, and were home for 2.30, in time to see the sun breaking through.

Neil Westwell