Millennium Bridge to Brickhouse Bistro on 16 November 2023

On an overcast day we met at Millennium Bridge for Neil’s ride to Brickhouse Bistro in Hambleton. Although overcast, the forecast was for a dry day, but unlikely to be be sunny. It proved correct, so we stayed dry. There were 10 of us starting off on the cycle track towards the railway station, onto Dallas Road and Aldcliffe Lane. On through Stodday, we briefly joined Ashton Road before taking the Tarnwater Lane turnoff. Following the lane for a couple of hundred yards we arrived at what turned out to be the most ‘testing’ ascent of the day. Although quite a short hill it was quite steep and bottom gear and strong legs were required, albeit briefly. At the T-junction, after ascending the second, but less steep, hill of the day we turned right towards and then through Galgate. We followed the road for several miles, reaching 4 Lane Ends where we took the right turn along Long Lane, taking us all the way into Scorton. Our morning coffee stop was Daisy Clough where we were provided with the usual excellent tea, coffee and cakes.

Reluctantly leaving the comfort of our surroundings, we were soon back into our stride as we headed towards Winmarleigh. Unfortunately, Winmarleigh was where we had a couple of desertions as both John’s left us to fulfil previously arranged appointments. Now ‘Johnless’, we followed the road to Stake Pool, turning right on the main road then left through Pilling village. Although there was no wind, there was no sunshine either, so we kept up a reasonable pace to keep warm.

We soon reached Knott End where we turned left on the outskirts and followed the road to Preesall, turning right  to follow Back Lane onto Gate Lane then Brickhouse Lane to our luncheon destination. Normally Brickhouse Bistro is where we sit outside next to the lake and are helped to eat our lunch by an assortment of very bold ducks! 16 November, however, is probably not the best time of the year for sitting out, so the poor ducks had to manage without our company and titbits.

We found a table inside big enough to accommodate the eight of us. Lunch was served pretty quickly and ŵe enjoyed our time around the dining table.

We left the warm, comfortable surroundings and, once again, hit the road. We crossed the main road and finding Union Lane, followed it all the way to Lancaster Road, where we turned left and continued back to Pilling, joining the A road, also known as Lancaster Road. We took the turn onto the minor road, passing the brewery which provided no temptation as it was closed for visitors. Back on the A road we arrived in Cockerham where the group splintered, 3 riders deciding on an afternoon stop at Wallings, the rest heading for home.

It was a nice, dry, predominantly flat ride of approximately 52 miles and 1500 ft of ascent. Being a flatter, longer ride than of late and the average speed was a little higher, so home was reached long before darkness.

You too can join our twice weekly rides, see www.ctclancaster.org.uk for our rides diary! What’s stopping you?

Neil Westwell