Nick's Rides to Bilsborrow and Arnside 24th & 25th March

Having gained a few waist inches in my new sedentary situation I decided to get some proper exercise before yet more enforcements were made on my liberty. 

 I set off on Tuesday afternoon into a strong southerly breeze, unaccustomed to pedalling solo but on a familiar route towards Scotforth and Lancaster University. 

Heading towards Wyresdale there was a notable absence of the frequent buzz of passing cars, heaven to a cyclist. Ron's lane across the M6 to Millers Brow and Cleveley Bank led to Scorton which was quickly passed through and then Barnacre and Garstang to reach Delph Lane and Bilsborrow. Only the occasional one man and his bike were passed instead of groups of club riders. Passing Myerscough College I didn't stop as the cafe was inevitably closed but pushed on to St Michaels On Wyre, turning there towards Cartford.

The road surfaces along this stretch were in appalling condition resembling the surface of the moon more than tarmac at times and I feared being catapulted over my handlebars but managed to dodge some of the ruts. Things improved after starting to head north to Pilling and I stopped briefly for a snack and drink. 

The following wind now accelerated me across the Moss to Cockerham and home. I had seen only a few couples walking dogs and the occasional farm worker and it felt at times like an imagined bygone era. 

The next day the sun was shining again and this was a further chance to make the most of the warm and dry weather. Going north this time and into a gentle northwesterly wind I rode to Nether Kellet before descending to Carnforth and towards Silverdale. The roads were again peaceful with just the occasional commercial van or lone cyclist. I ascended the long hill after Far Arnside past the Knott and into the village then down to the Promenade which was ghostly quiet without its visitors and vehicles. The shop door signs all told the sorry tale of Closed till Further Notice so I pressed on and headed back. Making good time past Silverdale golf course I was soon on the A6 and although it was now rush hour there was little rush. I was back at my house well before 6pm. 

The absence of ride companions over the two days had been partly made up for by a new peace in the countryside and a sense that the world had changed considerably in a short time. An early 20th Century idyll or a JG Ballard novel? - I wasn't sure.