Lancaster and South Lakes CTC- President’s ride 2022

Sunday 25th September, the first Sunday of autumn.  This was the date chosen for this year’s Lancaster CTC President’s club run for the retiring incumbent. The weather was truly autumnal – fine but much colder than what we had become used to. 

It was a good turnout at the start in Scotforth. As there was a large gathering the riders split into smaller groups as they rode straight out to Conder Green, Cockerham and the coffee stop at Canal Bridge 64.  After refreshments ten riders continued on to the toll bridge over the River Wyre at Cartford Bridge en route to Great Eccleston. Turning right in the village they then proceeded through Elswick and the villages of Roseacre and Wharles, both of which  have had a high profile in the debate over fracking. From Wharles the ride headed for Inskip turning south for Catforth. Blackleach Lane and Roots. This was         at the half way stage of the ride and they all enjoyed a grand lunch at the café there.        

The purpose of the ride had been to complete 80 kilometres as a celebration of the President’s octogenarian status. So far so good.  The remaining 50 km were to be ridden on relatively minor roads. This was very definitely a ‘Fylde’ Ride with little upward gradients apart from the humped back bridges over the canal. From Catforth they turned onto School Lane and then Hollowford. Old Nell’s and Bilsborough. After successfully  crossing the A6 at the Roebuck they rode towards Inglewhite but turning earlier northwards to Ducketts Lane and Claughton on Brock. Here, after a brief discussion, they opted for a relatively hilly route through to Scorton which took them over Sandholme Bridge and up to Barnacre Church. 

Most stopped for a brief while at the refreshment van in the centre of the village. The return to Lancaster was via Four Lanes End, the Fleece, Galgate and the university. The total mileage had been just over 50 miles – or 80.5 kilometres. Mission accomplished!

Mike Hutchinson - President.