Jim's March Rides - Billy No Mates!

27th March ride
I decided to stir myself and do a ‘billy no mates’ ride but where shall I go?
I decided I would rerun the ride I led to Knott End on 6th February and get a few albeit flat miles in.
Of from home through a deserted uni(where have all the students gone or do they have to come back?). Into Galgate then up Stoney Lane to go down Whams Lane and in to Forton were a left turn took me over by the fishing ponds and on to the Trough road to Harris End cross road to drop down and through Scorton. After Gubberford Bridge left on to the single track road to Garstang and crossed the A6 at the lights to go via Croston Barn road the on and through Nateby. After Nateby a right turn took me up and over Eagland Hill to Scronkey where I did a u turn heading back south towards Cartforth Bridge but instead took the first right then first right again to finally arrive in Stalmine.
After a few yards(or metres to you Europhiles) a left to lead me to Back Lane then on into Preesall which left me an easy run to Knott End.
After buying Teresa a present in Knott End(a loaf of Rye bread, I know how to build up my brownie points!) and consuming a pastie from the bakery set off back via the zoo spotting the giraffe and the zebra on the way into Pilling then part way along the moss turned onto Gulf Lane and finally ended up in Cockerham.
Decided in Cockerham to aim for Ratcliffe Wharfe Road and Bay Horse. Eventually after going through Galgate arrived at the back entrance to the uni campus but realising I wouldn’t have my 50 miles in stupid me decided to ride up behind the uni and get Teresa another present in the form of 6 eggs!!
THE hill nearly killed me but I did get the eggs and a rapid descent and a few extra wiggles just managed the 50 miles.
All in all a good days ride and spotted other members, the Hutchinson’s, Hayden and Nick but none were going in my direction.

30th March ride
Setting off from home heading on usual route to Galgate through Uni. Up Stoney Lane to and down Whams Lane to cross A6 at Potters Brook then weaved my way to Ratcliffe Wharfe Road and on to Park Road enabling me to cross the A6 at Garstang traffic lights.
Dodging walkers on the narrow lane which takes us to Gubberford Bridge at which I turned right heading up Hazelhead Road to Delph Lane then on to Keepers Lane and High Lane finally to arrive at the water splash.
Just a word of caution doing the Barnacre Loop from this direction is not to be taken lightly the gradients are steep and the roads very narrow.
Turning left at Harris End cross roads dropping down passing Street(and his lordship!!!)then making a right turn at five lane ends to go to Postern Gate via unhappy valley(well there was a stinky head wind)
Taking first left onto Little Fell Lane to collect eggs at the Happy Egg stall, unfortunately the hens were on strike and there were no eggs(union dispute or something!!)
Quick descent down Bowerham Road then Barton Road to arrive at Booths aiming to get a loaf but saw the queue and thought ‘b***** it’; we can do without!
All in all a chilly 32 miles
Jim