Club Ride to Grange Thursday 17th September

Four riders (Mike Codd, Jim Gardner, Nick Hall and myself) met at Lancaster Railway Station forecourt. The weather forecast was good, which was a change for my rides having had to abandon the chosen route twice before, once for torrential rain and secondly for high winds (in March just before lockdown).

We were making good progress through Caton and Nether Kellet when Jim had to abandon with that cyclists dilemma of “bad day with no power in the legs”. We said our goodbyes and hoped that he got back home ok. The three of us then continued through Borwick, Priest Hutton, Cinderbarrow, Holme, Whasset, Ackewthaite, Heversham to Levens Hall.

After a pleasant break sat in the café garden at the Hall, we bid farewell to Nick and rode on to  Levens, Gilpin Bridge and Millside where Mike had a rear wheel puncture (it’s always the rear!!). Mike expertly fitted a new inner tube but having lost time we decided to curtail the intended route up the valley to Cowmire Hall and went via Halecat, Lindale and up School Hill to join the B5271 back road to Grange. It is always a pleasure to roar down the hill into Grange knowing that lunch is awaiting! We lunched at the Coffee Pot fortunately getting a table on the balcony, enjoying the sunshine, with superb views over the Bay.

The return was via Meathop, Derby Arms, Levens, across Moss to Dallam Park entrance, Storth and onto Silverdale. By this time, having rode hard from Grange, we decided to stop for a break and a brew at the Silverdale Golf Club where again we sat out in the sun.

Then home via Carnforth, Bolton le Sands, Ancliffe Lane, Kellet Lane,  Skirton and Millennium Bridge.

It could not have been a better day for cycling with little wind, dry, pleasant temperature and little traffic. It was a pity that only the two of us completed the ride but we managed to stay socially distanced and wear our face masks when required.

A good day and thanks to Jim, Nick and especially Mike for the company.

Mike informs me that we covered 63 miles and 4100 feet of climbing!

Keith Jewsbury