Thursday Ride to Milnthorpe on 20 February

Lancaster and South Lakes Cycle Touring Club (CTC) ride Thursday 20th, February 2025

The snow drops are out, as the old joke about the Liverpool docker, who replied “Will that affect us!” Seriously though, living in Northern Europe at this time of year, we can expect our weather to be cold and wet much of the time. This makes the planning of winter cycling rides more challenging to say the least.

Today, we had planned to go to Milnthorpe for elevenses, and Kendal for lunch, a total distance of around forty miles. The weather forecast had been poor, and it was raining and windy, before I even reached the meeting place at Millenium Bridge. In fact, I wondered if anyone would even turn up on such a damp and miserable day. Well, I was soon surprised when ten riders had arrived at the start, (including one tandem) showing a real enthusiasm for today’s ride. I would add here that we do cancel rides, due to weather, for example, when it’s icy.

We were soon heading out through Nether Kellet and Carnforth to Silverdale where our progress was halted by a closed road, due to the removal of fallen branches at the roadside. I must confess, as a cyclist, I would normally try and get through such obstructions, as diversions can be a long way round on a bike. Anyway, the gentleman carrying out some of the work was having none of it, and we reluctantly turned back. Fortunately, one of our experienced riders knew of an alternative route through a pretty wood at the roadside, and we got round the diversion. A positive result. From here, we enjoyed the misty view from Sandside over the estuary, before arriving at Rivers and Roads café, for hot drinks and cakes.

Being a democratic club, I asked each rider if they wished to proceed to Kendal or return from Milnthorpe. Possibly because most of us had wet feet by now, and were generally feeling damp, you can guess the result! We returned by lanes through Holme and Priest Hutton villages to name two.

The total distance was around 30 miles, but quite far enough for this time of year with the weather described.

Anyone who would like wet feet or is interested in joining us can find information about our Sunday and Thursday rides on our website: ctclancaster.org.uk.

Paul Rodman