Thursday ride - Crook o’ Lune to Settle. 27 July 2023

Four riders set out from outside Woody’s at Crook o’ Lune on a mild morning and in a light drizzle. We set a steady pace, followed by a light tail wind, riding along the riverside path all the way to its end on the A683. Traffic was fairly light, unlike the drizzle, which had turned heavy.

Riding through Claughton, Wray and Wennington, we arrived at The Benthams, turning left at the first chance in High Bentham, where we were joined by more riders, to enjoy coffee and cakes. We’d anticipated a moderation in the rain. But it was not to be, but we were comfortable with the temperature.

We lost two riders from the 6 at the table, so continued with 4 for the rest of the day.

After Bentham we headed for Clapham, across the quiet A65, then through Austwick and Wharf, Finally descending past Knight Staneforth to Settle, where we lunched at the Bike Shop, behind the Shambles.

Leaving Settle we headed for the A65, via Giggleswick, the leader taking the group too far south but then picking up the Eldroth road and under the railway. We started to notice the headwind now. It had picked up since lunch and was to be with us all the way back home. Riders changed positions as the wind and the hills affected the now tired riders (or was it too much lunch?).

One of our riders had queried the name of Mewith Lane as the route kept changing road names all the way to the final T- junction. Even after crossing the Clapham to Slaidburn road, the names on signs seemed to change every couple of miles – Reeby’s Lane, Bloe Beck Lane, Mewith Lane, West Lane Hill then (surprise) Mewith Lane again.

At the crossroads above Bentham we stopped for a breather and our electric bike rider volunteered to lead to keep the headwind off us. I suggested a max speed of 12 m.p.h.  which, with gratitude, served us well all the way back to where we later parted company on the A683.

Nearly home now we turned for Wray. No-one keen for a cup of tea, we continued above Hornby, splitting up for home at Butt Yeats, the riverside path and at the Caton roundabout. A successful day despite the earlier rain and not one to have missed.

Anyone who is interested in joining us can find information about our regular club rides on Thursdays and Sundays on our website:  www.ctclancaster.org.uk.

 Mike Codd