Thursday ride: Kellet Crossroads to Staveley on July 18

11 riders set off from Kellet Crossroads under lowering skies but with the assurance of fair weather courtesy of the met Office. Another picked up at Kellet motorway Bridge meant 2 groups of 6 made their way via Capernwray, Borwick, Burton and Holme to coffee and cake at Beetham garden centre where several other riders were already waiting. Plenty of chat of course, but Wilfs cafe at Stavely beckoned. 40 minutes later 8 of us headed on from the coffee stop with one breaking away at Sedgewick soloing to Grange for the train home. After Ackenthwaite, Haverthwaite and Natland we skirted The Helm enjoying fantastic views across Kendal to The Lakes. Most of the lanes north of Matland were new to the leader, who was happy to delegate navigating duties to more experienced riders. 

The great thing about club riding is that if you have a problem there's always someone on hand to lend a hand, be it practical help or moral support. Sure enough, about a mile out from Staveley one of the riders suffered a serious mechanical resulting in a broken chain and bent rear mech hanger. The silver lining was that it was mainly downhill to Staveley so a combination of walking and scooting got us to the cafe and Wheelbase bike shop - who fixed the hanger and chain while we scoffed more tea and coffee, soup and burgers various. 

Of course it wouldn't be summer 2024 without a bit of rain - a light shower as we set off - but it was warm and it soon dried up. Jackets off again as we headed back via Crook, Underbarrow, Levens, Storth and so to various points south. 

A great day out, 60-70 miles covered depending on start points, some nice climbs and fast descents. Good cycling, good company, good food and pretty good weather: even the met Office almost delivered. 

Lancaster and South Lakes CTC has regular rides on Sunday and Thursday! Check out www.lancasterctc.org.uk for more information, new riders very welcome.