Ride to Staveley via Sizergh Castle, Thursday, 3rd January 2019.

The ride to Staveley, ‘marketed’ as the immoderate ride choice of the day was well supported with 6 participants meeting at Millenium Bridge. It was a cold, cloudy welcome for the first ride of the new year, but no rain was forecast so the riders enthusiastically set off towards Kellet Lane and Nether Kellet, with Brian joining us on the way.

The route continued through Over Kellet, Capernwray, Borwick  and Priest Hutton. Joining the A road to Burton we were joined by Len and Patience, so our numbers now stood at 9. Through Home, Wassett and onto Hincaster, we chose the alternate (described as devious by one participant) route through Viver and Sedgwick to Sizergh Castle where we met up with John and Sandra. After 25 miles in less than 2 hours our refreshments were extremely well earned.

Back out into the cold we were lucky to have the steep climb away from Sizergh towards Levens to keep us nicely warmed. Our riders still numbered 9, although Phil had now been replaced by John. Taking the turn to Brigsteer and passing through Underbarrow and Crook we soon arrived at Staveley after a journey of little more than 10 miles, although with the continually undulating road, it seemed longer and the second stop of the day was very welcome.

Wilf’s was the obvious choice for lunch and we were quickly served and presented with our meals.

After a good refresh and an even better ‘warm up’ we headed out of Staveley through Bowston , Burneside and into Kendal. We took the road to Natland and back through Sedgwick, we carried on to Hincaster and took the turn to Heversham, crossing the A6 at the old Blue Bell inn, now a plush hotel. We crossed the ‘Moss’ and went through Dallam Park, Storth, Waterslack and onto Silverdale where our numbers began to reduce as we neared home.

Arriving home at 4pm, before darkness, we certainly made the most of a cold, but dry and clear day. 64 miles and 4400 ft of ascent, who said immoderate, testing rides couldn’t be enjoyed in the middle of Winter?

Look out for next week’s alternative immoderate ride!

Neil Westwell