Ride to Waddington via Dunsop Bridge, Thursday 9th August 2018

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This was going to be Jim’s ride, and before that Tony’s and before that… someone else’s. When I took it over ‘cos Jim was busy I imagined the drag up Waddington Fell and the zoom down the other side dodging potholes… But I decided to follow Jim’s planned route which after a visit to Puddleducks via the Trough, went along the Hodder valley and through Whitewell. We didn’t go up Hall Hill to Cow Ark but kept on up the Dunsop Road to even out the climb. Rabbit Lane which led from Cow Ark towards Waddington was delightful with views, framed by trees, across the countryside to Beacon Fell with Longridge behind. Then there was a great if rather bumpy descent down Cross Lane. But at a very steep point we met a tractor coming slowly up with a load that was as wide as the lane and we all had to lean into the high verge. Having crossed Bashall Brook we had to stop again at the bottom losing all downhill impetus, to make way for a couple of large horses with riders coming down the hill in front of us. But we made good time to Waddington where the sandwich eaters found a spot in the sun on a bench in pretty the river garden. The rest of us gorged on eggs and beans and tea in the Country Kitchen, where Tim and his team were very welcoming.

The route home missed out Chipping, instead following the foot of Longridge to Hesketh Lane and then Whitechapel and across the River Brock. Walmsley Bridge Lane was not muddy as it usually is, but the road is still pretty rough. The bridge and river are pretty though… We then wound our way on pretty level route past Crabtree Nook over the Calder and past Carr Wood onto Sandholme Lane. All a bit too easy, so my Garmin took us along Eidsforth Lane and then onto Higher Lane with some short sharp hills and bumpy descents. It made sure we deserved a tea stop at Scorton where Neil got to enjoy a sundae on a Thursday in Daisy Clough. Great weather and a good route to a part of Lancashire we don’t often go. Thanks Jim!

Tim Dant

Ride to Fox's Pulpit via Beetham, Sunday 5th August 2018

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The outlook was fine with a hot afternoon in prospect , as ten CTC members set off on a ride to Fox’s Pulpit on Firbank Fell between Sedbergh and the M6.

The cyclists met up with five fellow members at Beetham Garden Centre café, before continuing with a slightly depleted group of eight to Ackenthwaite and Millness.  The route from here made for the foothills to the west of the M6, via Gatebeck and Ewebank, before climbing steeply to a fine vantage point high above the motorway, looking down onto Killington Lake.

From here, our minor roads shadowed the M6. First to the west and then to the east, before leaving behind the hum of the traffic and turning right onto Firbank Fell. It was on the top of the Fell in 1652 that George Fox ministered to about 1,000 believers (thereafter known as Quakers ). The group enjoyed a picnic lunch from this elevated historic spiritual monument, with views south down the Lune Valley. Two visiting Quaker couples, from Connecticut and Limerick, brought the heritage of the Pulpit to life by telling of their recent visits to local Quaker Meeting Houses, on their ‘pilgrimage ‘ vacation.

Turning our wheels towards home, we gingerly descended the steep and winding fell road to the junction with the Sedbergh- Kendal highway, then followed familiar by-ways down the valley to Casterton, where another convivial break was taken at the Golf Club café.  Reinvigorated by the teas and cakes, the final leg was completed via Whittington, Docker Park, Capernwray, and the Kellets.

A total of  56 reasonably hilly miles, with a destination highly appropriate for a Sunday ‘ awheel’.

Len Howard & Patience Cooper

Photographs by Ian Wood

100 Miles Challenge Ride – Tuesday 31st July 2018

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A new initiative was discussed at our last Committee Meeting and it was agreed to trial a 100 miles challenge ride, with a view to making it an annual event, if popular.  The object was just to complete the 100 miles in a non-competitive and leisurely style; and so a relatively flat route was chosen, mostly to the south of Lancaster, apart from a warm-up climb from Caton over “Happy Valley” via Quernmore to 5-Lane Ends.

Early rain at 7am did not deter us as the forecast said it would be dry with sunny intervals for the rest of the day, and so it proved to be.  16 brave souls met at Millennium Bridge for an earlier than usual start at 8am.  Gillie was planning to ride only as far as coffee, but was nursing a long-standing knee injury, so the left the group soon after Caton, not wanting to delay the pace.  She later reported a successful loop back to her car at Halton via Galgate and the University.

15 of us continued to The Barn at Scorton for our first refreshment stop.  Len and I, in good Hobbit style, had 2nd breakfasts of tasty bacon butties.  We carried on in increasingly sunny weather with a delightfully cool breeze, as we skimmed the edge of Garstang before passing through Nateby on our way to Hambleton which was the crux of our “figure of eight” route.  We briefly joined the main road over Shard Bridge, soon turning right into Wyre Country Park and a scenic off-road ride along the river’s edge through Skippool.  We passed the atmospheric boat moorings with their decaying wooden piers on stilts that resemble Malaysian riverside villages. 

Advantage was taken of the public loos at the Visitor Centre at Stannah, before we regained the tarmac roads, making a bee-line through Thornton to Cleveleys, where we joined the promenaders as we made our way southwards into a stiff breeze.  Soon after passing Blackpool Tower we were led by former local lad Roy to “the finest ice cream in Blackpool” at Notarianni’s who have been serving the tourists and locals since 1928.  Some of our group fancied a more beery lunch and went ahead of the main group to the Station Pub at St Anne’s, where we re-united for a leisurely lunch break, some having brought sandwiches, and others dining out.

Jim and Ian suggested a slight deviation from the planned route, heading initially north, then east, through Westby and Wray Green on our way to Kirkham.  Our route then took us further east to Woodplumpton on the outskirts of Preston, then past Myerscough College and White Ash to St Michael’s on Wyre.  We crossed the river here and stayed close to it as we briefly revisited Hambleton. 

At this point Roy and Brian decided to head directly for home, having calculated that they would complete their hundred miles by taking the more direct route.  The rest of us still needed to notch up a few more miles, so carried on via Staynall, Stalmine and Preesall to Knott End for a late afternoon tea break.  It was now 5.30pm and the cafes were closed, but the Squash Club was happy to serve hot and cold drinks and some of us stocked up at the Co-op on edible fuel for the final push.

Suitably refreshed and with a welcome following wind we picked up the pace for the final leg back home, via Pilling and Cockerham.  At Conder Green we split up, with some taking the cycle path and others taking Ashton Road back towards Lancaster, via Stodday and Aldcliffe.

Len and I arrived back in Bolton le Sands at 7.30pm, tired but elated at clocking up 106 miles.  The pace-pushing at the end of the ride upped our average speed for the whole day to a very respectable 12.5 mph.  All 15 of us achieved our goal of the “ton-up” and agreed that this should become an annual event.

Patience Cooper

Cycling UK's Celebration of Women's Cycling, Friday 27th July 2018

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On Friday 27th July a women-only ride was arranged as part of Cycling UK’s Womens’ Festival of Cycling, which saw events being organised throughout the month of July all over the country.  Unfortunately, as Social Secretary, I didn’t try hard enough to advertise the event, so only 4 of us turned up.  However we were very pleased to meet Angela Singleton for the first time, who is on our mailing list and was tempted to try this event.

We enjoyed a leisurely ride along the Lune Cycleway to Conder Green, then on to Ashton Hall Garden Centre for morning coffee.  Anne and Jan both had to be home for the afternoon, so just Angela and I extended the ride and looped around via Galgate to Scorton and a second pleasant refreshment stop at Daisy Clough, before making our way back to Conder Green via Cockerham and Glasson.  We took the cycle track as far as Aldcliffe, then went up into the village, and down to the canal-side before returning through the town centre to Millennium Bridge.  We posed for a couple of photos before taking the cycle track to Bare where we parted our ways for the return home. 

35 miles was a rewarding distance for our new recruit and we hope it will inspire her to ride with us again soon.

Ride to Cleveleys via Garstang, Thursday 2nd August 2018

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Arrived in plenty of time at the Boot and Shoe to be met by Sandy and Debbie sheltering from the rain how many will have struggled to shake off Tuesday's leg aches??
Finally Norman turned with John, Ian, and Mike C, just as we were leaving Nick appeared so off we went into the rain.

Usual route through the Uni then up to Five Lane ends to turn right down Whams Lane going left at the bottom passing through Forton to arrive on the A6.
Instead on crossing the A6 which meant we would have meandered or crossed back we decided to travel down the A6 to turn left to pass Daisy Clough( get behind me Satan) into and through Scorton to arrive truly wetted at the art centre in Garstang. We were welcomed with open arms!!!!!

After a much needed break, and with the weather improving, waterproofs were stashed away and we crossed the A6 at the lights to go through Nateby then Out Rawcliffe and finally over Shard bridge (does this sound familiar to some of you????).
We then went through Poulton (and no I didn't get lost) and on via a new road to reach the A584 at Little Bispham and finally the dinner time stop at the regular fish and chip plaice (ha ha) in Cleveleys.

After dinner we went on to the promenade and headed north to Fleetwood and to our amazement the work on the prom has been finished and it is open all the way to Fleetwood. On the way to Fleetwood we fell in behind a Wyre Borough lorry who helped by clearing pedestrians out of the way so we caught the 14.45 ferry and with a nice following wind made the Pudding House in plenty of time.

All in all a great day out smashing company and for me another 50+ miles in this week with no sign of tiredness in the legs.

Jim Gardner
 

Ride to Dent via Ireby Green, Thursday 26th July 2018

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Meeting at Kellet Crossroad we split into 3 groups. Taking the Committee’s advice, each group leader was provided with a route description sheet. There was no need to keep each group in sight and the groups were more able to pace themselves. Tim led the more agile group, I followed with a slightly more sedate party and Nick led the more leisurely group.  (my thesaurus wasn’t much help).

We proceeded via Nether Kellet towards the Redwell before dropping down to Gressingham for a general regrouping. More concerned with the self imposed ease of producing a route description, we then followed the A road via Melling and Greta Bridge to Burton in Lonsdale. (Future editions of this ride will go via Wray and Ravens Close.) From Burton we followed the pleasant lane to the cafe. I’d told the cafe to expect between 12 and 20 cyclists for coffee but when the 24 starters and a couple more arrived they easily coped and most of us enjoyed the outdoor seating.
After coffee some returned home and we split into two groups. Tim, again leading the charge and me, the calmer group, (thesaurus – dignified, sober?). However the road works on the A65 or the M6 motorway closure led to some very undignified crossing of the main road, as we scrambled between the linear car park of stopped vehicles. This had to happen 3 times as we zig- zaged between Ireby, Leck, Overtown and onto the Roman road. Clear of this mayhem we followed pleasantly into Barbondale. Over the Barbon climb and down to Dent we were ready for what the cafe, picnic or pub had to offer.

Sustained we pedalled into Sedbergh, as one group and were soon on the quiet lanes to the west of the depleted River Lune. With the sun blazing down the climb up to the T junction above Egholme Farm was always going to be tough. This however didn’t allow for the driver of an inflated SUV who forced her way alongside the stream of toiling cyclists. I saw a looming wing mirror, made an involuntary move to the left and running into the grass had to climb off. Another rider suffered in the same way and we walked the next section before we could remount. Where was Matt, with is camera, when you need him?

The descent to Rigmaden is always a pleasure and on to Kirkby Lonsdale. Here we split, with a group going to Wray for afternoon tea and the rest of us heading for Arkholme and our own homes. It was an eventful 60 miles, on one of the hottest days of the year.

Brian Greenwood

Ride to Arnside via Barbon, Sunday 15th July 2018

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Once more sunshine was the order of the day as 11 riders met at Beaumont for Neil’s ride to Arnside with a coffee stop in Barbon.

Given the number of riders, it was decided to split into 2 groups with safety in mind. Len kindly offered to lead the second group, so after a short briefing we headed towards Halton, and took the turn up Kellet Lane. At this point the roads were pretty quiet and it made for relaxing cycling as the panorama opened up before us. Passing through the Kellet’s and onto Capernwray where we paused to re-assemble, the group took the turn off towards Docker Farm. We took the turn off along Keer Holme and the turning past Wash Dub Wood, the intention was, of course, to include a few extra hills, and this was serving the purpose admirably! We came out on the Burton to Kirkby Road and continued as far as the Hutton Roof turn off where we, once again, re-grouped.

Through Hutton Roof and taking the right turn to arrive at Kirkby Lonsdale after riding through High and Low Biggins, we headed for Devil’s Bridge, encountering dozens of motor bike riders, some young, some old, some even older than us! We then took the narrow track past the caravan site and onto the old Roman road, along Barbondale to the Church Mouse at Barbon, where the first group were surprised to find the second group had already arrived. We also met up with several other riders who had arrived independently. A very leisurely break was taken as we all sat outside sheltering from the hot sunshine.

A couple of riders had planned to return home after coffee and an extra rider joined us for the second leg to Arnside. Again in two groups we went back through Kirkby Lonsdale, the Biggins’s and onto Burton in Kendal.

Heading through Yealand Redmayne and Yealand Storrs we passed RSPB at Leighton Moss, Silverdale Railway Station and Waterslack before arriving at Arnside The majority of the group had sandwiches and enjoyed them on the jetty on the bay. The remaining three had their lunch in the Heron, where, once again, we were given a warm welcome. The rest of the party made their way ti the Heron for coffee and cakes, before we took our leave and headed for home via the Knot and Silverdale.

A wonderful ride on a typical (?) hot British Summer’s day in excellent company and a few marvellous quiet, hilly roads in the area which suits cycling so well! 54 miles and 4500 feet of ascent.

Neil Westwell

Ride to Bowland Knotts via Goat Gap, Sunday 8th July 2018

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Leaving Halton Station on yet another glorious summers day we headed out through Wray, Wennington, and the Benthams to get up on to Newby Moor and enjoy the panorama of fells all around us. Coffee Stop was at the Goat Gap Café and set us up for stage two to Tosside. Straight back over the A65 we followed the usual southerly route to Giggleswick via Clapham Station and Eldroth but turned sharp right before reaching the A65 to take the small lanes to Wham and around Giggleswick Common through gates and farms up and down across moors and through forested valleys we finally made it to Tosside for Lunch.

The clouds were building and the bouts of shade together with a cooling Westerly breeze were a welcome help on the climbs! After sandwiches at the bedecked Village Hall and refreshments in the excellent Old Vicarage Café we set off once again for the serious climb up over Bowland Knotts.

Taking the right turn into the Gisburn Forest park we had a pleasant descent and cruise along the shore of the somewhat depleted Stocks Reservoir before the long climb out. The views from the top and the exhilarating downhill back to Keasden and Mewith Lane made it all worthwhile.
Rolling home along the familiar Mewith lane there was time for a final refreshment stop at Bridge Farm Wray before returning home, having ridden around 65miles climbed 4,800ft and got as high as 1,390ft at the summit.

Nigel

Ride to Feizor via Ingleton, Thursday 5th July, 2018

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Ride to Feizor via Ingleton

Thursday 5 July

Generally the opening of the Duke’s walkabout play production in Williamson Park signals the start of the monsoon season, but not this year.  That is why 15 cyclists were able to meet at the Crook of Lune in bright sunshine and with the promise of a fine day for a ride to Ingleton and Feizor.  The leader, having eschewed a direct route in favour of a few climbs, took the party via Caton Green, Agnes Ings Lane and Russells before joining Long Lane and dropping down to Low Bentham.  There a further climb awaited, heading towards Burton in Lonsdale before turning off for Ingleton where Inglesport Café proved as accommodating as always.

The whole party opted to continue onwards along the undulating Old Road to Clapham and thence across the A65 to Clapham Station.  Taking the first left brought us to Eldroth Road and eventually to a crossroads where we turned left for Lawkland  Just after Lawkland a small lane took us down to the A65 and a nervous decent to a sharp left hand bend where the lane to Feizor goes off to the right. Safely negotiated lunch was in sight.

Surprisingly, Elaine’s Café was not very busy but that meant we could sit under shade outdoors and with quick service.  Feizor must be one of the most pleasant lunch stops and with the addition of convivial conversation it was hard to get the motivation to leave.  However, leave we did to face a rather longer trip down the A65 before turning off along Orcaber Lane to join the familiar route to Lancaster along Mewith Lane.  Wray provided a final stopping point before returning home.  Distance travelled 56 miles with 3000 feet of accent.  Altogether a fine day in beautiful countryside with lovely weather and great company - what more could you want?

Dave Butterfield

Ride to Casterton via Beetham, Sunday 1st July 2018

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Dant’s inferno part two didn’t seem quite so hot but still it was hot at the start and then it got hotter. From Beaumont we rode up out of Halton on the Kirkby road just to get properly warm. The descents, like Sunny Bank, were fast and cool but with the extra thrill of melting tarmac; it looked like a slick on the road in some places, in others the little bubbles popped under our wheels. We did a short country lane detour to miss Borwick and enjoyed views across the fields before dropping into Priest Hutton. A bit of ‘A’ road to get to Cinderbarrow Lane but at least the ‘mucky farm’ was dry and the bikes didn’t get spattered as they usually do. Then around to ride beside the railway up to Holme, along the main road for half a mile until the left turn to Beetham.

We were a little depleted (from 11 to 7 riders) as well as repleted (with scones) as we left the coffee stop and took the rough lane through to Wasset and then on the B road to Ackenthwaite. Patience showed an early streak of impatience by setting off for Crooklands while I diddled with the Garmin. But the route the Garmin knew went north for a bit – so that’s what we did. And eventually we got to Crooklands and the swoosh down under the railway, past Farleton View, then up over the motorway. A few hundred metres on the A6070 before we turned onto the little roads again to wind our way up to the bottom edge of Farleton Fell. Both gates were open on Puddlethwaite Lane and we enjoyed the views back across the valley towards the Middleton fells. A bit of up and down to get towards Hutton Roof and then a glorious down towards Kirkby Lonsdale. Now most people had sarnies and found a bench overlooking a running track with no runners but Neil and I went to the Casterton Golf club to get a real nosh. When the sarnie eaters had rejoined us we went up the hill to the roman road and down along it to the A65. A few hundred yards on its cobbley surface and then we turned east at Cowan Bridge to join a delightful lane through Leck and Ireby with Gragareth rising on our left and views across the plain and our route home on our right. We whizzed down from Burton and turned right to take the quiet zig-zag up the hill to Ravens Close Brow. There was talk of diverting to Bentham and Len wanted to do another hill. But ice-creams at the Bridge Café in Wray won out. And then we set off for home, Patience towing us down the A683 at a cracking pace (we kept up, just, but only by staying close behind) until we got onto the multi-use path and were mixing it with dogs and children. A haze and a breeze had kept the heat a little lower than on recent days – can this glorious weather continue?

Ride to Staveley via Levens, Thursday 29th June 2018

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It was very warm at a quarter past nine and it was going to get hotter. But the clear blue sky and bright sunshine is such a pleasure for bike riding that in three groups we set off on the first hill of the day, up over Foundry Lane. As we swooshed down Ancliffe Lane three sheep, dozing in the shade under the bushes were spooked. Some of us got by quickly but others had to ride at a sheep’s pace behind them. A consensus, initiated by the Secretary, took us along the A6 instead of the canal… but the third group got seriously delayed with an HGV learner. Across Shore Lane and then up through Warton and past Hyning Monastry (Ken whispered that they were Cistercians…) the leader began to remember about the hills on his planned route. The first two groups stopped a couple of times on the Yealands hoping to keep contact with the third… we thought they must have taken a less bumpy route (they hadn’t). After a couple of good descents (Slack Head and Dalham Park) we went across the marsh and enjoyed the expansive view of South Lakeland across the estuary and the fragrance of the meadow sweet (late summer has come early this year and most of the wayside flowers have gone – but cranesbill and meadowsweet are still a break in the rich greens). From coffee at Levens there was another bump to get to Sizergh and over to Sedgewick before heading north to Natland. Yet another uphill over the Helm (at least we didn’t do the east side…) and on to Paddy Lane, a pretty, if bumpy, ride with great views across Kendal to the west. The bumps added up to a glorious descent down to the A685 along the dappled lane.

The road down to Garnet Bridge was ‘closed’ because of works on the bridge in Burneside. Unfortunately the second group (we’d lost quite a few at Levens) took this seriously and went up to Garth Fell and along the Potter Fell road – quite a detour! It was the leader’s bad; we should have waited at the junction… Sorry John, Phil and Mike. Anyway, everyone got to Staveley and some of us had a long lunch break before setting off for Crook, Underbarrow and Brigsteer. The full heat of the day was building to an inferno but tree shade and a good pace kept us from boiling over. Nonetheless on the approach to Levens, there was revolt! The leader, having dawdled to make sure no one went off the back, wasn’t there to turn the ride up the hill and over to Sizergh. The main group had got to the end of Brigsteer Rad and were reluctant to return… just Neil and Ken came back to take the gentler climb with the leader over to Sedgewick once again, to pick up a familiar route southwards. The heat was telling and the energy was flagging so the remaining three cooled with iced drinks in the shade of Greenlands. Where were the others? What happened to the refuseniks of Dant’s inferno? (Thanks Ken…)

Tim Dant

Ride to Sizergh via Leighton Moss, Sunday 24th June 2018

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Ride Report - Sunday 24 June – Sizergh

It was a glorious sunny summer’s day. The group set off from Beaumont and went briefly along theA6 to Bolton le Sands to get to the quieter lanes to Nether Kellet, down to Carnforth and round the shore to RSPB Leighton Moss for a coffee stop.
Here others joined, some for a chat some to carry on the ride. After a relaxed pause we carried on North avoiding major inclines via Hazelslack to Storth across the moss to Levens Hall and along the “old” stretch of A6 to nip under the A590 along the river Kent then up to Sizergh Castle for Lunch outside on the picnic tables.
A fairly direct return was taken – Hincaster, Ackenthwaite, round by Cinderbarrow to Tewitfield, allowing for a final stop for teas and ice creams on the terrace at the Clearwater Café overlooking the sparkling fishing lake.
Finally heading back up to the Kellets and homewards, there was an extra treat for the few who ventured back over to Morcambe to see the end of The “Catch the Wind” kite festival giving Morecambe the bustling happy air of a real seaside town in summer.
This was a “moderate paced” ride of forty miles designed to allow the riders to enjoy the company and the scenery and not be “left behind”. The intention is to hold similar rides in future. So look out for these if it suits your style of riding.

Nigel

Ride to Bowland Bridge via Levens Hall, Thursday 21st June 2018

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Seventeen riders assembled at Kellet Crossroads for a 52 mile ride to Bowland Bridge in perfect Summer Solstice  weather, with the bonus of a strengthening tail wind to assist the return.

The outward leg traced a sinuous line through the Kellets, Borwick and Priest Hutton. A road closure at Whasset necessitated use of the A6 from Holme Moss, through Milnthorpe, to the coffee stop at Levens Hall. This gained time for an extended social gathering in the garden of the Hall, before continuing  across Sampool to Gilpin Bridge and along the old A590 at the foot of Whitbarrow to Witherslack.

The ride then headed up the Winster Valley on the gated road past Strickland Hill, and to Bowland Bridge where some enjoyed the offerings of the village pub whilst others  admired the view up the valley whilst eating their sandwiches.

The return was via Crossthwaite and Brigsteer Park woodland to Levens Village. The well-worn route was chosen to the west of the A6, crossing Heversham Marsh,  along the estuary by Sandside, then through Storth to Leighton Moss RSPB  for another tea stop before dispersing to various abodes.

Patience & Len.

Ride to Salter Fell via Dunsop Bridge, Sunday 17th June 2018

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Ride leaders Patience and Len met four others at Boot & Shoe for  an off-road  experience, the traverse of the ‘Salt Road’ from Slaidburn to Wray.

An uneventful ride to Dolphinholme, Abbeystead and The Trough brought us to Dunsop Bridge Village Hall for a very good value morning coffee. Continuing towards Slaidburn, three off-roaders peeled off just before Newton, whilst the rest chose the tarmac alternative.

Patience, Nigel and Len headed into the Bowland foothills, Len on his narrow wheeled Mercian and the others on larger tyred steeds. A picnic lunch was enjoyed at the shooting hut  with its fine view south towards Pendle Hill. Once over the watershed the track improved, and for the first time in many years we survived the trip without punctures. The bright orange blobs on the horizon turned out to be a large group of D of E youngsters, as they courteously moved aside to let us pass.

Afternoon tea was savoured at Wray, before riding home down the valley. Off road rides such as this offer an added dimension to cycle touring but regrettably are not very popular these days,

Len.

Ride to ... Garstang (and Catforth), Thursday 14th June 2018

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This could be a case of being Hectored.

Standing around at Boot and Shoe like Billy's no mates wondering if anyone was daft enough to turn out, then all of a sudden Dave Butterfield then Keith turned up and in spite of my attempts at trying for a cancellation we set off for Garstang via the Fleece at Dolphinholme and then J. C. Farms. 

We amazed the ladies at Garstang who didn't expect us in the windy condition but as normal welcomed us with open arms( not literally).

Eventually Matt turned up then Ian.

During the conversation Matt and Ian decided they wanted a full days ride so they went on to Roots whilst me Keith and Dave returned home.

Reasonable ride in view of the conditions...

Jim Gardner

Ride to Dent via Casterton, Sunday 10th June 2018

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A perfect late spring outing beckoned as 10 members of the CTC gathered at Beaumont College for a 55 mile ride to Dentdale.  With so many members absent at the annual Club holiday in Northumberland the leaders were anticipating a low turnout, but numbers were swelled by riders we hadn’t seen for a while on Sundays. The leaders had promised a steady pace, so we gained a little time by taking the A6 to Carnforth . Even at 9.30am the heat of the sun could be felt on our bare legs and arms.  A slightly unusual route to Kirkby Lonsdale took us via Borwick and the scenic Keer valley to Newton.  Coffee was enjoyed sitting in the sun outside the golf club house at Casterton. 

Then the time came to negotiate the balcony byways on the fellside above Barbon village, and to tackle the long gradual ascent to the top of Barbondale, where we re-grouped to drink in one of the Dales’ finest views up to Denthead.

A quick and precipitous descent found us in Gawthrop and an amble up the valley brought us to Dent village and lunch.

Re-tracing our wheel tracks we climbed back to Gawthrop and continued along lower Dentdale, resplendent in its luscious spring finery.   A brief climb on a gated lane took us onto Holme Fell , followed by a regrouping at the main road junction. The tortuous and narrow back road at the foot of Middleton Fell brought us to the Church Mouse café in Barbon for another sundrenched break, seeking shade under the parasols.

A splendid day awheel drew to to a close as we chose the main high level route down the west side of the Lune Valley and back home through the Kellets.

Ride to Feizor via Ingleton, Sunday 3rd June 2018

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The sunshine brought twelve cyclists to Beaumont for Nigel’s ride to Feizor. With a convivial start heading to Halton and then gently along the cycle track enjoying the weather and the company. A few left at Wray, but the main group headed on to a coffee stop at Ingleton via quiet lanes from Milhouses to Low Bentham and up to Four Lane Ends.

After coffee, joined by Ian, seven continued to Clapham and Austwick , Neil departing en route not wishing to take the bridlepath over to Feizor. The remaining six successfully negotiated the rougher surface and paused for a picnic lunch at the top, where Ruth popped up to say hello. After a break in glorious sunshine with stunning views of the limestone scenery around us we descended to have an ice cream at Elaine’s Café. 

Unfortunately on this stage Frank took a fall and grazed his elbow, but fortunately the first aider at Elaine’s provided an excellent service and patched up the damage so we were all able to take the return route back to Lancaster.

Getting over the busy A65 as soon as we could we cycled on past Lawkland Hall to double back through Eldroth and connecting with the familiar Mewith Lane at Keasden . Rolling home and taking a final stop at Wray, for a coffee in the tearooms, on the deck by the river, and meeting up once again with Ruth. 

About 55 miles in all and a nice day out in the sunshine that truly showed off our local countryside at its best

Nigel

Ride to Wrea Green via Light Ash Farm, Sunday 27th May, 2018

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Bank Holidays are not noted for good weather but this weekend has proved an exception. Club members met near the Boot & Shoe, Scotforth for Sunday’s ride into the Fylde.  There were fewer riders than on the previous Sunday but this probably reflected other commitments over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Led by Mike Hutchinson the group took the shortest route to Garstang via Conder Green and Cockerham before heading towards Lydiate Lane and Bilsborough. It was a lovely warm morning but the easterly wind was the cause of some concern. From Bilsborough this wind was behind the riders and, after crossing the A6, Myerscough and Light Ash Farm were reached in some style.

At coffee the numbers were increased although several opted to return homewards for lunch. The prospect of battling into that easterly was uppermost in our minds.

It was agreed amongst those remaining to shorten the scheduled ride and opt for main Cockerham Road in favour of Crimbles Lane – far less traffic. After reaching lunch at Roots in Catforth, a favourite amongst the cycling fraternity the route back took the riders past the villages of Wharles and Roseacre with their many placards opposing fracking – the proposed site being close by. The Wyre was crossed at Cartford Toll Bridge after which they headed northwards towards Pilling. Into the strong easterly at Pilling, Mike chose to deviate from Cockerham and it was agreed that a brew at Café de Lune, Conder Green was welcome. By the end of the ride they had covered just over 50 miles on a very pleasant spring day.

Next week’s  ride will start from Beaumont College at 09:15 and will be going to Ingleton for coffee and Feizor for a picnic lunch. It will be led by Nigel Cole.

Mike Hutchinson

Ride to Casterton via Bay View, Thursday 24th May 2018

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In wonderful May sunshine, 8 riders left Millenium bridge for Neil’s more ambitious ride to Casterton Golf Club with a coffee stop at Bay View Garden Centre in Bolton-Le-Sands. Heading through Halton and the Kellets, we made our way to Borwick and Priest Hutton. Crossing carefully the two major A roads we rode through the Yealands and Warton and took the wooden bridge crossing towards Crag Bank and onto Bolton-Le-Sands. Arriving at Bay View, after 19.5 miles of stunning Spring scenery we settled down to take our much deserved refreshments. We met up with the riders who had taken the ‘gentle ride’ and also others who had arrived independently.

After a pleasant, relaxing half hour or so, and supplementing our numbers by an extra rider we rode through Bolton-Le-Sands village and back through the Kellets, through Capernwray and took the Docker turn. We took the minor road along Keer Holme and then the turn to Keer Side past Wash Dub Wood and onto the main Burton to Kirkby Lonsdale road. As the spring sunshine was now unrelenting the party were in need of more refreshment, so it was decided to take the quickest route to Casterton Golf Club through Kirkby Lonsdale and over Devil’s Bridge.

We sat outside under blue skies overlooking the last green and enjoyed our second stop of the day whilst absorbing even more sunshine.

Eight riders set off on the next leg of the ride along the old Roman Road through Overtown, Leck and Ireby, as the ninth rider set off for home via the ‘quickest route’ for a previous appointment.

Through Burton in Lonsdale, Low Bentham, and onto Wray over the hills the ‘back way’ where we made our third refreshment stop of the day, and the leader consumed his second scone of the day! Well, I was convinced I’d earned it!

Again we met up with the gentle ride group, and after taking our fill we all left in smaller groups for home.

A fantastic ride in unbroken, hot sunshine and a light breeze was enjoyed by all, 60 miles and 4300ft of ascent. How lucky are we to live in such wonderful cycling countryside?

Neil Westwell 24 May 2018