Ride to Bashal Eaves via Dunsop Bridge, Thursday 19th April, 2018

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Eleven riders turned up for my sojourn to Bashall Barn via Dunsop Bridge, on a day so nice that I thought I had actually got the date wrong & picked someone else’s!  Indeed so good was the forecast that instead of as usual packing all the wet & thermal gear I possess I actually had arm & knee warmers on with a cut off bidon in the bottle cage to deposit them when it got TOO WARM for me to continue wearing them, bizarre!  We set off through the Uni’ & along the usual lanes to Marshaw & thus through the Trough to Puddleducks, which as I remarked upon arrival was “full of bloody cyclists”, do these people have no gainful occupation to occupy them on a Thursday other than filling up cafes throughout the county?  Then upon leaving we selected low gears to turn right over the steep canal bridge, which was a complete waste of time as we weren’t going that way, so instead we selected higher gears & then turned right towards Newton, this subsequently required considerable concentration as we negotiated numerous pot holes on the way, some so capacious that they might swallow an entire bike & rider should one fail to negotiate them.  Once in Newton we turned to climb the mighty Waddington Fell, you always know a big hill is big when they stick a communications mast on top which you have climb to in order to reach the other side.  At the summit, so called as it is summit you have to climb to to get to the top, I warned my group of  the dangers they would face on the plummit from the summit, the descent being long, fast & resembling crazy paving in parts, I being leader went first, the spirit of Brits in the trenches continues on!  After the downhill slalom I waited for the others at the church who appeared in various states of distress but much time elapsed & no sign was there of Norman on his electric bike, this caused some anxiety for this leader as if he had crashed on the descent I might have to climb back up the bloody thing to retrieve his bike & it probably weighed more than I do!  Anyway, thankfully he finally appeared, explaining that like we who had to pedal up the Fell road & were drained by the top, he was all right but it had drained his battery, hence the time required to change the thing before he too joined us at base camp.  All together again we made our way to Bashall Barn & refreshed & refuelled prior to climbing yet another sodding hill in the form of Chaigley, then home via Chipping, Garstang, Scorton & Lancaster, by which time I had to put the arm warmers back on, still I enjoyed summer while it lasted!

Ken Roberts

Ride to Clapham via Ingleton, Sunday 15th April 2018

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Was it the weather forecast? Was it the thought of that steep climb out of Inglelton on Oddie’s Lane? Was the idea of a 60 miler round the back of Ingleborough too much? Whatever, only six of us set off from The Boot, winding our way up to Newlands Road to descend down Quernmore Road into Caton. We passed a continuous stream of cyclists going the other way on a sportive around the Trough but on we went through Brookhouse and Caton Green to minimise riding on the A683 and then off to Wray and Wennington. A turn up Spout Lane brought us round eventually into Raven’s Close Brow via some gentle hills. And then on to Dumb Tom’s Lane for a quiet descent into Ingleton.

As we drank teas and coffees and enjoyed Inglesport cakes, it became clear that only three of us were wanting to continue riding out and we re-checked the weather forecast. Heavy rain scheduled for 3 o’clock. So, we decided to miss out the Horton-in-Ribblesdale route that was planned and cut across directly to Clapham. The wind, which had been easterly and against us all the way to Ingleton, seemed to have veered round to the south to blow in our faces as we climbed up Clapham Old Road and with the wind, the clouds began to gather. There weren’t many cyclists on the ride to take photographs of but there were flowers (primroses, celandines and lots of daffodils) and there were enchanting lambs. We called in at the Reading Room café and made our apologies – it was too early for lunch and we wanted to get closer to Lancaster before the rain hit. Then we set off towards Clapham station with mist and poor visibility. But then we whizzed along Mewith Lane with the wind behind us, whistling up and down the switchback route with ease. At the junction with Thickrash Brow we watched some of the sportive riders zoom down the hill and Ken met some Luney vet riders.

We all got to Wray without a drop of rain falling on us but Ken and Neil were nearly wiped out by a honking van that insisted on overtaking them as they turned off for the Bridge Café. As we ate soup and drank tea the rain poured down – we dallied and wondered how long it would take to eat our way through the dessert menu… People came in dripping; other riders braved the wet, pulling up zips and hunching against the rain. Eventually, we felt we should join them and Ken put on all the waterproof clothing he didn’t have on already. Which is what saved us; although the bikes were wet, the rain was lessening, and by the time we had ridden through Claughton, it had stopped. The ride was shorter than planned but we’d ducked the drenching that was forecast.

Tim Dant

Ride to Staveley via Milnthorpe, Thursday 12th April 2018

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Brian Greenwood led a 60 mile ride to Staveley, via Milnthorpe with a loop over Fell Plain and Borwick Fold that was new to many of us. His route home round the base of Potter Fell, through Bowston and Burneside also took us through some great Cumbrian countryside. Daffodils and young lambs were a feature of the ride.

Wednesday Taster Session - Mountain Biking in Grizedale - 11th April 2018

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9 cyclists met at the Grizedale Visitor Centre in glorious sunshine.  Some brought their own bikes and some hired mountain bikes – Patience on a standard hard-tail, Len on a “gravel bike” (drop bars and fat tyres) and Nick, fancied a power-assisted bike.  Linda was trying out Gordon’s daughter’s mountain bike and Gordon, Myles and Nigel rode their own mountain steeds.  Ruth and Pete preferred their usual road bikes.


We started with most of us having a brew in the sunshine outside the café, having already endured close on an hour in the car to get to the start.  We set off to ride the Green Trail which keeps to well-surfaced forest roads.  Although conditions under-wheel were good there was quite a lot of ascent soon after the start as we climbed over the ridge to cycle with occasional glimpses of beautiful Coniston Water and village.  The “Old Man” and his cronies were coyly hiding in the mist to start off, but as the day warmed up the summits came into view, making all that climbing well worth it.  

Some of the more adventurous in the group diverted off at several points to try the Red Mountain Bike trail, which conveniently shares part of the Green route.  The Red route was single track and included some boulders, steps, lots of puddles and exposed slopes.  The roller coaster sections were greatly enjoyed but nobody was keen to ride on top of the boulders, but kept to the gravel at the side.

Six of the nine stopped for a picnic at lunchtime, with the other 3 patronising the café at the centre.  This was the first time this year that it felt warm enough to enjoy an outdoor picnic.  After meeting together again at the Visitor Centre everyone agreed that they had really enjoyed the route and there was enthusiasm for another mountain biking session, maybe at Gisburn Forest at some point.

Len, Patience and Nigel were game for a bit more in the afternoon, so cycled the Purple and Blue trails.  We paused to watch some people on the high level zip wires, part of the “Go Ape” adrenaline-boosting activities and wondered if this might be another possible activity for the Wednesday Tasters?

There was a bit of chaos at the car park at the end as the “super-efficient Park with Ease” car number plate recognition system for paying to park was not working and dozens of people were milling around the machines trying to make them work.  We were able to pay online once we got home, but it certainly wasn’t “pay with ease”!!


Look out for our next Wednesday Taster, which will be tennis and bowls at the Tennis Club on Lune Street, Lancaster, just off the Quay, on Wednesday 25th April from 2pm.  Contact Patience if interested.

Patience Cooper
 

Ride to Grizedale via Haverthwaite, Sunday 8th April 2018

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Ian Wood led a ride from Lindale to Grizedale visitor centre with a coffee stop on the station at Haverthwaite. Some beautiful country that Lancaster CTC seldom ride through... but it was rather damp most of the time!

Ride to Sedbergh via Kirkby Lonsdale - Thursday 5th April 2018

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The signs were good, a confident weather forecast of fine weather, and so it proved to be.  Perhaps the best day of the year so far with cloudless skies until mid-afternoon, and virtually no wind.

The group of 12 riders assembled at 9.15 at the Crook o’ Lune and with fresh legs climbed up past Halton Park to the top road.  Beautiful views all around, then a detour on the Aughton Road eventually joining the B6254 Kirkby road.  But not for long, as we turned left at the pub in Arkholme for a quieter loop, re-joining the B road at Newton.  Again, not for long as at Whittington we turned up the Hutton Roof road, turning right to go into Kirkby Lonsdale via Low Biggins.

At a café, we joined those who had decided to make their own way, making a total of some 18 riders. 14 of us then continued via Kearstwick and the Cumbria Cycle Way along the Lune valley to Sedbergh.  Some had a cafe lunch, others enjoyed sandwiches in the warm sunshine overlooking Sedbergh School cricket pitch.  The return route was via the back roads past Holme Farm, then onto the A683 for a short distance before turning off onto the minor road at Middleton and down to the Devil’s Bridge for a welcome brew.  Riders then took their own way home, with 10 deciding to go over Hutton Roof and onward.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable day’s ride, in glorious weather, enjoying the best of the English countryside; what more could one ask for?

Tony Parsons, leader

Ride to Settle via Ingleton, Sunday 1st April 2018

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Patience and Len welcomed Norman Gardner (making a rare appearance on a Sunday ride) and five ‘regulars’ at the start of their ride to Settle.  A fine but cloudy day, with the remnant of the Beast from the East  making for a challenging morning but an easy return.  What memories did we bring back from the our day “awheel” ?

·       hills from the start, through Halton, up to Aughton, down to Gressingham, along to Melling and across to Wennington.

·       the electronic whirring of Norman’s bike as he shot past us climbing up Raven’s Close.

·       a leisurely coffee in an eerily quiet Inglesport and meeting up with Ray and Linda as we were leaving. Six of us continued to Settle.

·       more hills on the old road to Clapham, swoop down to the village, looping around Austwick, the impressive façade of Lawkland Hall, tales of country-dwelling rogues and vagabonds.

·       an unusual  roller-coaster approach to Settle; fast downhill past Giggleswick School Chapel.

·       savouring the excellent value fare at the ever-busy Singing Kettle Café in Settle.

·       the wind at our backs along Mewith Lane. Regroup at Bentham crossroad and further tales, this time of robotic camel jockeys (which, despite the date, were claimed to be true)

·       a final extended coffee stop at Wray.  Dash down the valley to Caton, and home.  62 miles and 5,000 feet of ascent.

Len Howard

Ride to Kirkby Lonsdale via Cafe Ambio

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John Law led a ride in cold but bright weather to Kirkby Londsdale. I had left the battery out of my camera so here are few shots from the tail light camera.

Ride to Clapham via Bentham Thursday 22/03/18

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Dave Hugill's ride was through great countryside with no rain and little wind. But both riders and the vegetation could have done

with some more warmth!

Ride to Chipping via Dunsop Bridge, Thursday 15th March 2018

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Today’s ride  was a good test of the application of Chaos Theory to the organisation of a bike ride.  Initially flagged as having Beacon Fell as the destination (via Chipping, from Halton Station), it passed through a number of re-incarnations and only attracted a small cadre of hardy individuals (nice to see Phil again after a temporary lay-off), who presumably thrive on uncertainty.  Some of the usual crowd may have been deterred by the forecast, as it is difficult to believe they would have been put off by the prospect of riding into a moisture-laden headwind up to Jubilee Tower!  In an attempt to mitigate the damage caused by the initial plan, our gallant Rides Secretary offered to head a ride to the new coffee stop at Dunsop Bridge from a more sensible start at Boot and Shoe (as it transpired no-one joined him).

After pausing at Jubilee Tower to shelter from the South-Easterly wind and admire the mist-shrouded fell, the main group continued through the Trough in rapidly deteriorating conditions; we almost lost two of our party who unaccountably thought that it may have been easier to turn around and get blown home.  As we rolled into Dunsop Bridge we admired a thin band of brightness on the southern horizon.  We cheered up even more as we sat around a table for 7 in Puddleducks (Mike having beaten the Halton starters by 30 minutes).

The first of two revolts from those disenchanted with the hills occasioned yet another change of plan; it was decided to get to Chipping via the Whitewell Inn (sorry, the Inn at Whitewell!) and Doeford Bridge, instead of via the hillier Wild Boar Park route.  By this time we were in more ebullient mood, sensing that with the rain abating, the wind was getting up and would soon be at our backs.

The second “insurgency” occurred at Chipping, which was deemed too soon to stop after Puddleducks.  We were also getting the hang of the following wind, and so it was decided to make a dash for Cobble Hey via Bleasdale.  Just before Bleasdale Mike C punctured, but was soon mobile again.

A late-ish lunch was consumed in the usual convivial fashion in front of a blast-furnace of a wood-burning stove, occasioning even Patience to move to the other side of the table.

We eventually headed down the hillside and on to Lancaster via Scorton (we didn’t stop – another change of plan).  Those riders who wisely opted to stay at home missed a 55 miles Spring excursion which proved that Chaos Theory can indeed be applied to leading a bike ride. Hopefully we will be better organised next time!

Patience & Len.

Ride to Staveley via Sizergh Castle, Sunday 11th March

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A large group of cyclists met outside Beaumont College for Neil’s ride to Sizergh Castle and Staveley.

On a fine, dry day with a forecast of higher temperatures than of late, we set off enthusiastically along Green Lane crossing the Canal and turning towards Halton. We took the Kellet Lane turn and the long, steady climb to Nether Kellet. We followed Back Lane towards Carnforth and took the road through Carnforth and Warton towards the ‘Yealands’. Unfortunately, between Yealand Conyers and Yealand Redmayne the leader managed to puncture a front tyre. The rest of the riders carried on a short distance while Tim and Adrian helped Neil change his inner tube. Thanks to Tim and Adrian for your help, ‘Ace pump you’ve got, Adrian!’

We regrouped a little further on, just past Yealand Storrs. We made our way through Slack Head and Beetham , through the Deer Park and across the Mosses to Levens. We subsequently arrived at Sizergh Castle, somewhat later than anticipated after the puncture, and met up with several other fellow club members. With the delay causing us to arrive slightly later, somewhere between coffee time and lunch time, the anticipated Mother’s Day queues didn’t materialise and we were served promptly, sitting outside to enjoy our refreshments.

Several members now took their leave, some having made other Mother’s Day arrangements, but we still comprised a good number.

Passing through Levens, Brigsteer and Underbarrow, although a testing route, the scenery certainly compensated for the effort required. Onto Crook and into Staveley where picnic sandwiches or great ‘Wilfs’ hospitality were enjoyed. A quick look round ‘Wheelbase’ before departure couldn’t be missed, and all the ‘nice, new shiny things’ were much admired.

The return route took in Burneside, Kendal, Milnthorpe, Holme and Burton, finally riding through the Kellet’s and home.

A ride of 58 miles and lots of testing hills, but more importantly, lots of descents as well.

Neil Westwell

Ride to Sizergh Castle via Barbon, Thursday 8th March 2018

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A good number of enthusiastic riders met at Halton Station for Neil’s ride to coffee at the Church Mouse café in Barbon and lunch at Sizergh Castle.

Crossing the River Lune by the Denny Beck bridge the we took the long, steady climb out of Halton via high Road and Kirkby Lonsdale Road to Redwell, through Arkholme and onto Kirkby Lonsdale. Although an uneventful ride to Kirkby Lonsdale in excellent cycling conditions, events took an unexpected turn when one rider’s bike had a mechanical fault which meant he could not continue the ride. It was lucky this happened in Kirkby Lonsdale since buses were available to take him back to Lancaster. The rest of the group, after trying unsuccessfully to help repair the bike, carried on over Devil’s Bridge and onto the old Roman Road all the way to Barbon.

We were given a warm welcome at the café and met up with several other riders who had made their way independently. In fact, we took up most of the tables in the café.

After partaking of excellent tea, coffee and cakes we rode out of Barbon and joined the main road towards Sedbergh. Taking the turn towards Rigmaden we were surprised to find the bridge across the river was closed and completely fenced off making impassable even for bikes and pedestrians.

We decided to carry on towards Sedbergh and finally crossed the River Lune via the B6256 where we headed back in the direction we had just ridden, albeit the other side of the river. We finally joined up with the road we should have been on from Rigmaden having covered several more miles and a great deal of extra ascent. Phew!!

We continued to Old Hutton and took the right turn in Gatebeck and subsequent route through Halfpenny. Finally, after passing through Sedgwick we arrived at Sizergh Castle for lunch just after 2 o’clock. There was a notice to say that food was served until 2 o’clock but luckily there was plenty of food left and we ate our fill.

The ride back via Hincaster and Ackenthwaite was uneventful and our tired group arrived back in Lancaster having covered 60 miles and 4000 feet of ascent.

Neil Westwell

Ride to Applestore.... but not Goosnargh, Sunday 4th March, 2018

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Seven riders set off from Scotforth into a bitter East wind to climb out of Lancaster heading towards Caton. Turning left and taking the road through Quernmore and on to five lane ends, a little light rain helped to freshen things up a bit more. Onwards to wards Scorton and taking the route past Syke’s Farm and the water splash, (braved only by Andy), we encountered the thawing vestiges of snowdrifts but fortunately only one road-wide stretch of ice that was walked through with care.

After refreshments and warming up in the Applestore Café a decision was taken, in view of the wind and less than ideal weather, to abandon the original destination of Goosnargh and return to Lancaster. Taking a route through Garstang and crossing the A6 through the somewhat confusing 3way crossroads led to a welcome return to quiet lanes and the somewhat more pleasant experience of a following wind. Potholes were the main hazard now.

Heading Northwards past Winmarleigh and via Killcrash lane to Cockerham and finally along Jeremy Lane to arrive at the “Lac de Lune” as the estuary was full with a 7.2mtr high tide. Two riders who opted to take the main road found the tide over the access road to the car park. However we were pleased to find the Café de Lune was not crowded, so passed a very pleasant lunch stop to conclude the ride, the pie and peas being especially recommended.

Not the best weather but a considerable improvement on the “Beast from the East” suffered earlier in the week and a very enjoyable and social ride of 30miles resulted. We rounded off by returning north through Stodday to Aldcliffe

Nigel

Ride to Beacon Fell via Cobble Hey - Sunday, 25th February 2018

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Twelve riders gathered at Boot and Shoe with the prospect of a fine but chilly 55 mile excursion “awheel”. The strong SE breeze introduced a wind-chill element, especially in the morning, but gifted the group a wind-assisted return.

It had gone 11.00 by the time we thankfully piled into the coffee stop at Cobble Hey, greeting another four members from south of Lancaster.  A leisurely elevenses was partaken, knowing that Beacon Fell was now well within our sights. There was a decided reluctance to emerge into the biting wind strafing the exposed hillside.

Eventually, sixteen riders set off down the farm access road, some returning home and leaving nine to continue via the steep-sided wooded valley at Brockmill. The realisation that the lunch stop was now within a couple of miles encouraged three  to take the direct route, whilst the rest continued in a loop to the south, visiting Inglewhite and the Ye Horns crossroads, before lunch finally beckoned via Barns Clough Reservoir and Carwags. Sheltered by the trees, it was warm enough to sit chatting around a large picnic table by the busy cafe and to take in the somewhat hazy view across the central Lancashire plain.

Descending warily off the fell, avoiding the numerous icy patches, it was a contented group which thankfully accepted the help of the following wind to freewheel (mostly!) back to Lancaster via the well-worn cyclists’ route through Bleasdale and along the edge of Harris End Fell. The panoramic view from the high point, of the M6 corridor and the ‘ivory towers’ of the University, encouraged the customary pause to regroup.

Everyone made it home by 4.00, to happily reflect upon a stimulating winter ride.

Patience & Len.

Ride to Goosnargh via Garstang, Thursday 22nd February 2018

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"Well here we are outside Booths, the weather promises to be fine, reasonable temperature and dry roads, can it last, can it heck.

Anyway about 15 cyclists set off on a route taking us through the University into Galgate then up past the Fleece to Harris End cross roads. Is he going to take us over Harris End???? Give over, it's Jim so we turned right headed down towards Scorton but turned left at the first junction to go over Ron's water splash. After dropping down, instead of turning right towards The Apple Store and the rutted road we went straight ahead to the Roberts loop through Barnacre (well I did live in Barnacre Close) to Gubberford Bridge and then on to Garstang Arts for a welcome cup of coffee served by the pleasant ladies.

Finally about 10 of us decided to leave the comfort and warmth of the centre to go through Garstang, shopper dodging!! We turned left at Ray Lane to go past the Kenilworth Arms (too early for a pint Mike) cycling along past Sandholme Mill into Inglewhite (speed up there is yet another open pub and through the country lanes finally dropping down into Goosnargh (they obviously were expecting us because just before we got to Goosnargh there was a sign saying elderly persons)!!!

A good refreshing lunch was eventually had after leaving one crowded pub, because of 'ladies who lunch' and going to the other one. We decided to go out of Goosnargh via Goosnargh Lane, Langley Lane to Broughton Cross Roads (right of way changed here).

The route then took us down Woodplumpton Lane to Hollowford Lane on to Eaves Lane, Benson's Lane to bring us out onto the A6. Crossing over the A6 the route took us up Bilsborrow Lane and then turning left down Lydiate Lane to go through the lanes to The Barn/Daisy Clough.All in all a good 53 miles (for me) which could have been more knowing my navigational capabilities (got it in before the rest of you)!

If any of you leaders want to know how to organise the weather, I will be running training courses at a reasonable cost!

Jim Gardner

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Ride to Wray via Daisy Clough, Scorton - Sunday, 18th February 2018

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With the weather forecast surprisingly failing to mention rain in any quantity, a good number of riders met at Millennium Bridge for Neil’s ride to Wray on Sunday 18 February. A group of 14 followed the road along the quay and joined the cycle track towards Aldcliffe. Unfortunately, just before the turning onto Aldcliffe Hall Lane there was a flood in the fields which spread right across the tarmacked track. The majority of the riders took the alternative track which although quite muddy was passable. Two riders risked riding through the flood, whilst two others took an alternative route to the coffee stop.

After regrouping, the ride continued through Aldcliffe and Stodday and onto Condor Green, turning left towards Galgate. Through Galgate after passing the Mushroom Farm along Chipping Road, the riders took the right turn down Long Lane and subsequent left turn towards the second water obstacle of the day, a ford running across the road. Luckily, this obstacle was accompanied by an adjacent footbridge which the majority of the riders took.

Onto Scorton and into the very busy café at Daisy Clough Garden Centre, we were greeted with a cheery welcome and a wonderful display of excellent cakes, consumption of  which we deemed necessary to replace the calories lost on the ride so far!

Meeting up with several other riders who had ridden independently to Scorton we spent a relaxing half hour or so before reassembling for the continuation of the ride to Wray. 16 riders continued whilst the rest made their own way home.

We made our way to Five Lane Ends and onto Caton with the weather remaining ideal for an enjoyable cycle ride. Crossing the Lune by the Crook of Lune bridge, we continued to Green Lane and made the climb to the top. We followed the road to Redwell and onto the Arkholme road, taking the right turn down Rabbit Lane and onto Gressingham, Hornby and Wray where we enjoyed a very pleasant lunch break at Bridge House Café.

So, the group headed for home via Hornby, Gressingham and down Sunnybank to Capernwray, Over Kellet and Nether Kellet where riders split to take different routes home.

An excellent dry, still day was enjoyed by all the participants and Spring was mentioned by more than one person, a bit premature perhaps, but let’s be optimistic! 53 miles and 3700 feet of ascent, a good workout!

Neil Westwell

Ride to Ingleton via Wray: Thursday, 15th February

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The weather forecast for Thursday included gale force winds, showers – snow on high ground and sunny periods later. The 13 riders who left Kellet Crossroads were to experience it all. En-route to the cafe stop at Wray, the group rode through Nether Kellet and Addington to follow the long lane above Aughton. The strong tail wind helped the compact group maintain a quick pace. Beyond Gressingham the route continued through Hornby and onto Wray.

After coffee, only 8 riders continued, still benefitting from the wind on their backs, and progressed to Low Bentham via Russells and Oxenforth Green. Beyond High Bentham the group turned North East to Tatterthorn and Nutgill Farm before making their way to the A65. Crossing the busy road they continued again North East to climb up to join the Clapham/Ingleton road. With the strong wind now on their side a fast, if slightly cautious, descent led down to lunch at Ingleton.

Fortified, the group headed through Thornton-in-Lonsdale and Lower Westhouse to Burton-in-Lonsdale. Zig zagging through the village, the group dropped down to the bridge over the River Greta. Here they turned sharp right and climbed up the sheltered lane near Clifford Hall to gain the standard road over to Ravens Close. This was the windiest part of the journey home but was mainly downhill.

The riders, giving each other what shelter they could, continued via Wennington and Wray to Hornby. The group split, with those heading for Lancaster riding down the Lune Valley while the Warton and Bolton-le-Sands contingent climbed up through Gressingham to make their various ways home. A route of 40/50 miles, depending on starting point, with a flying start and a head wind return.

Brian Greenwood

Ride to Arnside and Kirby Lonsdale, Sunday 11th February

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 There was a severe weather warning so I wondered how many takers I would find at the start at Halton Station. Sure enough I was greeted by Mike Codd and Ken and Len and Patience soon arrived.  Mike Bridges turned up in his car but, well one has to make allowances since he lives in Preston.

The six of us made our way up Green Lane and Laverick Lane en route for Nether Kellet. The climbing warmed us up effectively in the cold and blustery conditions – but at least there was no sign of ice.

From Nether Kellet we went through Carnforth and Silverdale to take the road over the shoulder of the Knott for Arnside. Little time was wasted in getting into the ever-welcoming Heron Cafe, where we found Brian Greenwood and Miles. They looked very cosy. As we lingered over brews and teacakes we turned a blind eye to the rain lashing at the window.

Fortunately when it came time to leave the rain had abated and there was sunshine sparkling on the puddles. We made our way round to Yealand Redmayne to cross the A6 at Cinderbarrow. Four people peeled off to head home leaving Len, Patience, Mike B and myself to continue. Conditions remained better than expected as we wove our way to Clawthorpe and then up over the fell to Hutton Roof. The climb went on a bit but the other three kindly waited for me as I was the leader. There was a bulk delivery of fresh air at the top.

On down the little lanes to Biggins and across the A65 led us into Kirkby Lonsdale but we decided to continue a little further to Casterton Golf Club. No we weren't planning on a quick round of the course; we just fancied their special pie and peas.

As we were approaching it began to rain again but we avoided the worst of it through our adroit cafe timing. When I arrived I found Len and Patience had ordered the last two pies. This is what you get these days.

By the time we left the cafe it had stopped raining again. We made a bee line for home along the top road through Arkholme and Redwell. This was enlivened by a pleasantly atmospheric snow storm borne by a refreshing headwind.

When I got back to Morecambe I was pleased to see over 50miles on the clock.

Andy Gordon

Ride to Barbon, Sunday 4th February 2018

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Six riders set off along icy roads to the Kellets on Sunday 4 on Mike Bridges’ ride to Barbon, with another taking the direct route to coffee. The ice, although looking bad, was not as bad as was experienced the day of the Christmas meal. Taking care, the group took the much-used route to Burton-in-Kendal, before crossing the A6 and heading for Yealand and the coffee stop at RSPB Leighton Moss.

Here, another 10 or so members had already arrived and were relaxing. After refreshments, various members headed off in their own directions or returned home after a good chat, leaving 7 or 8 to continue the main excursion. Rather than follow shaded, potentially icy, routes via Beetham, Farleton and Tarnhouse Tarn, the leader decided to follow a less icy route back to Burton then onwards to Hutton Roof and Kirkby Lonsdale.

No troublesome ice was encountered on the way and the group enjoyed wonderful clear and sunny views of snow-laden peaks. Continuing the route via Rigmaden Park, the group reached the Church Mouse at Barbon for a warming lunch. The afternoon session, still scenic, took the group to Kirkby Lonsdale then along the road via Arkholme to the Red Well, turning here for Halton and Lancaster, with the group fragmenting as it approached home.

It was a most enjoyable run of approximately 50 miles.

Mike Bridges

Ride Report, Sunday 28th January 2018

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………and the wind blew !

A goodly crowd of CTC members for the time of year gathered outside Beaumont College on Sunday for a 50 mile ride to Kendal via Arnside, led by Patience and Len.

An easy wind-assisted start took us to Carnforth , followed by a more tranquil leg through the sheltered woodlands of Warton and the Yealands, past RSPB Leighton Moss and around the coast to Arnside. At the Heron Café , Ray, Linda and Bob from Carnforth were already enjoying coffee, having tried their luck and got through the road closure at the level crossing.

Continuing with nine riders, another wind–assisted stretch was gratefully taken advantage of, going via Sandside and Levens village to Brigsteer. The huge pull up Helsington Hill was rewarded by a fast ‘swoop’ into Kendal, and a welcome lunch and natter at Booths Café.

Eventually the time came to face into the strong southerly, which had up to now endowed us with a false sense of ‘speediness’. A direct return route, at times sheltered and at others not, was chosen as the best option, taking us through Natland, Sedgewick, Ackenthwaite, Holme and Burton. A final scenic diversion was taken to examine the bridge closure at Capernwray before once more heading into the wind back to Lancaster via the Kellets.

A memorable ride in blustery conditions, with a demanding return leg against the wind.

Len Howard

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