Sunday 3rd March 2024

Ten riders from CTC Lancaster gathered at Boot and Shoe on the first Sunday in March for an exploration of the Bowland fringe and northern Fylde. The conditions vastly exceeded expectations gleaned from the forecast, and we revelled in warm spring sunshine for the 50 or so miles of the ride.

Heading south from Galgate, we pushed into a lively breeze, but nevertheless arrived early at the Applestore café in Scorton.  Our route was via the ‘water splash’, where Ian almost came to grief on his gravel bike watched by an audience from the footbridge. Undaunted, Ian continued his off-road exploits through Grizedale whilst the others benefited from the sun-drenched vista across the plains to the Lune estuary from the balcony route skirting Nicky Nook.

We spent a profitable 45 minutes at coffee, and most were happy to continue to Knott End for lunch.  Fair progress was made through Winmarleigh, but our lunch was delayed by half an hour due to the Fylde being an unfamiliar habitat for the leader, together with the absence of a road sign at Cogie Hill.  The café at Knott End slipway was busy, but they coped admirably due to good staffing.  We were soon on the return journey through the Pilling village lanes, followed by the remarkably quiet main road to Cockerham, the white mass of Heysham power station glinting away to the north and the University to the north-east. Sandra chose the off-road option at Conder Green, whilst the rest headed directly for home on the tarmac.

As spring seems to have sprung (for now), you might want to consider joining our friendly CTC group for days ‘awheel’ in our scenic north Lancashire countryside.  Electric-assists, tandems and all types of cycle are welcome. Information on rides is in our Rides Diary.