Ride to Grange-over-Sands via Sizergh Castle, Sunday 9 December 2018

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Bright early morning sunshine greeted a swarm of riders outside Beaumont College at the start of Neil’s ride to Grange. Considering the time of year, an attendance of 12 riders constituted a good number of participants, and we eagerly set off towards Kellet Lane in 2 smaller groups. As well as being bright and sunny, the views were clear and distant as we made our way through the Kellets, Capernwray and Priest Hutton. There was clear evidence on the roads and in the fields of the recent heavy rain in the form of puddles in varying areas and depths and care was taken to avoid those lying in the roads. Passing through Burton, Holme and round the outside of Milnthorpe, we headed towards Hincaster where we came across the biggest puddle of the day, which had spread across all the road, and made us think we had arrived in the Lake District by mistake. We all came to a halt and considered our options, concluding that we needed a volunteer. Mike B. was our hero and bravely took the lead through the puddle, and seeing it wasn’t as deep as feared, the rest followed. We made our way to Sizergh Castle to be greeted by 5 more riders who had arrived independently. 

As we took our well earned fuel, a survey was quickly taken and it was unanimously decided that we would continue to Grange as originally planned, so the group, now comprising 10 riders, headed for Levens. Up the steep hill away from Sizergh wasn’t the easiest of restarts, but there was no possibility of being cold, especially in the continuing strong sunshine. The long descent through Levens was a nice reward for the climb just completed. Through Witherslack and Lindale, we started the ascent of Lindale Hill but took the steep climb up School Hill, again hard work, but rewarded with the long descent into Grange. Butterfingers cafe was the lunch stop where we were served quickly and cheerfully by the master of the house.

Time was passing quickly, so, as we needed to make the most of the short hours of daylight, we managed to depart Grange around 1.30, although our numbers were depleted when Mick decided to catch the train home. We were unable to take the Meathop turn alongside the golf club owing to the floods, so we followed the main road for about 3 miles and then took the next Meathop turn, just before the roundabout. We followed the usual route through Witherslack, Levens, the Deer Park and onto Silverdale as the sun continued to shine, as it had, in fact, all day. We declined the tea stop at RSPB as the daylight was beginning to deteriorate now and kept a good pace to Crag Bank and onwards, where riders began to break off and make for home.

61 miles, 3300 ft of ascent at a good pace of 12+ mph made the most of a superb Winter’s day. If all December days were like this, we would want more December’s in the year!

Neil Westwell

Photo: The group of riders leaving Sizergh - all men again. There was a woman from the Club at Sizergh but she didn’t follow the ride so it was difficult not to end up with yet another all male photograph… Where are all the women riders? We need more women riders so we can have more photos of women riders.

Tim

Ride to Sizergh Castle via Beetham, Sunday 2nd December 2018

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Four riders set off from Beaumont in the light rain which continued all day. They picked up Patience at Bolton le Sands, and Brian somewhere along the A6.  At least, he was with us when we turned off at Cragg Bank.

We continued drippingly round the estuary to Warton and thence under the early winter woodlands through the Yealands, Only the odd dog walker (with dog) was greeted by us as we turned the cranks over the hill and on to Hale crossroads. The single track road was awash, and some parts submerged, but the drainage improved as we turned onto the main road and thence to Beetham Garden Centre via the back road.

Here we were joined by Miles and Sandra as we proceeded to drip onto their chairs and floor amidst the hordes of sensible car-borne customers. It was decided in the soggy circumstances to go direct to Sizergh, via Hincaster. Surprisingly, by this time we still had 5 recruits, and the café was quiet, not being able to compete with the Christmas shopping Malls.

Aiming for an early conclusion, and realising that the forecast dryness was not going to come to pass, we remounted and pedalled over the hill to Levens, (2 riders opting to dice with death on the A590..). A headwind added to the challenge of the return on the usual route over the Moss at Heversham, onto Storth and Silverdale, eschewing tea at Leighton Moss in favour of shedding wet clothes and the comfort of hot showers and hot chocolate.

Len and Patience.

Ride to Beacon Fell via Applestore Cafe, Sunday 25th November 2018

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A throng of 8 riders met at the Boot & Shoe on a cold Sunday morning to boldly set off for Applestore Café and Beacon Fell

Soon to split into the “High Roaders and the Low Roaders – the ride ascended out of Lancaster towards Caton but on reaching Quernmore Road returned along the less travelled Little Fell Road and Long Lane to arrive at Proctor Moss Road. The low sun shone down on us, when not directly in our eyes, the lanes thankfully dry and free from mud and thorns and excellent views were enjoyed from our elevated path over the fells and the Fylde coast. The “High Roaders” continuing on and down through Lower Dolphinholme, whilst the “Low Roaders” hurried to the warmth of the Café on more direct routes.

All met up for a convivial coffee stop by the welcome log fire at the Applestore Café. 
The four High Roaders then continued back up onto Higher Lane (of course!) to follow a southerly and direct route to the Lunch Stop at Beacon Fell via Inglewhite and Carwags.
A small amount of precipitation on the Beacon Fell summit suggested waterproofs but once lower down all dried up again. We descended to Walmsley Bridge and Claughton, heading back North West. Diverting through Garstang via Dimples Lane then dropped back to Scorton and returned to Lancaster up Cleveley Bank and along Miller’s Brow for last vistas of the fells. Then dropping back down to Galgate and through Lancaster University and the cycle track back to Scotforth, ending a most enjoyable and varied ride of 48 miles.

Nigel Cole

Ride to Casterton Golf Club via Hornby, Sunday 18th November 2018

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There was a strong easterly wind ruffling the largely leafless treetops when 8 members met at Beaumont for an early winter ride up the Lune Valley to Kirkby Lonsdale.

At Halton we were joined by Patience, and continued along the top road up the hill to the Aughton junction. Some people tried to hone their freewheeling skills as we traced the route of the Club downhill competition and on towards  Gressingham, but missing out the village by taking the little frequented lane to Eskrigge.

At Hornby tearoom, we were met by Ray and Linda who had come direct from Carnforth. The staff had laid on some freshly-baked scones for the occasion, which were much appreciated.

A slightly reduced group set off up the valley to Melling, along the surprisingly quiet main road, before turning off over the slight hill to Wennington. By this time the sun was making an appearance and the wind had eased, as we navigated the winding road past prosperous-looking farms and a hillocky wooded landscape to Wrayton. Back on the main road, still eerily quiet, until another right turn at the Highwayman Inn and on to the hamlet of Overtown, where an off-road short cut brought us to the crossing of the A65, and on to High Casterton on the straight Roman Road. A quick downhill took us to an early lunch at Casterton Golf Club

Fortified by home cooked fare and stimulating discussion, we left at 1 o’clock to take advantage of the sunshine and a following wind. Through the throngs of bikers at Devil’s Bridge and more pedestrian tourists in the town centre, we took the Old Town road and turned onto the scenic lanes to Tosca and Lupton Church. A careful crossing of the A65 was followed by the climb to Hutton Roof Church and the neglected track via the Crags to Clawthorpe.

It was too early to go home, so a circuitous route was chosen across Holme Moss, across the A6, and onto Arnside, before the climb over to Silverdale  and dispersing to our separate destinations before nightfall.

Len Howard.

Ride to Garstang via Wray, Thursday 15th November 2018

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Bright sunshine was the order of the day as a shower of cyclists met at Millennium Bridge for Neil’s ride to Garstang, with a coffee stop at Bridge House cafe in Wray.

As there were 14 riders at the start it was decided to split into two groups, and after a route briefing, Brian offered to lead the second group as far as coffee. Encouraged by the wonderful sunshine and mild temperatures, the riders set off towards Halton, taking the turn up Kellet Lane to Nether Kellet. As it was such a clear day the views were extensive and the higher we climbed, the more expansive they became. Onto Nether Kellet and Capernwray, the group re-assembled before beginning the climb up Sunnybank. Onto the main road, we continued to Rabbit Lane, where we turned down towards Gressingham, onto Hornby, and arriving at Wray to find several other riders waiting for us.

After a well earned break, accompanied by an even more earned coffee and cakes, the group, now consisting of slightly different, but similarly numbered cyclists continued with John now leading the second group. The route, with the sun still shining brightly, in fact, quite dazzling at times (is this really mid November?) continued through Brookhouse, Caton Green and Quernmore, taking the turn towards Abbeystead. Dolphinholme and Scorton followed before taking a bit of a wiggly (as it became known) route to Garstang. Lunch at Booths was taken and advantage of their excellent value food taken. A Booths card is essential here if you’re looking for an even better lunch bargain!

The riders left, still in a good number, around 12, I think and made their way home via Forton, Bay Horse, Garstang as riders took their leave to follow their quickest route home.

Home before dark, with the sun shining strongly all day. 3877 ft of ascent, 59 miles, fantastic!

Neil Westwell

Ride to Casterton Golf Club (or maybe not!!) via Silverdale Golf Club, Sunday 11th November 2018

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Will it or won’t it? That was the question. Well, on the way to the start it wasn’t, but arriving at the start it was, raining that is. The longer we talked about it the heavier it got, so we thought we’d better set off! 6 of us, including 2 new welcome participants, Ian for his second ride and Mick for his first ride, set off towards Kellet Lane, but 5 only actually turned up Kellet Lane, Anne deciding to head to The Red Door Café in Halton instead. We persevered up Kellet Lane to Nether Kellet and up to the Carnforth turn where the group were given the opportunity to take a short cut to Carnforth. The option was unanimously declined and we stoically carried on to Over Kellet and down through Carnforth, Warton and the 3 Yealands. Having passed through Yealand Storrs, we paused to decide the way forward. Unanimously, once again, we decided to carry on as intended, so up the hill it was! Thrang End, Gait Burrows and Waterslack led onto Silverdale Golf Club where the first catering disaster of the day befell us! No Scones! We were, however, offered several good choices from the breakfast menu. We joined the other 6 riders waiting for us in the very plush golf club lounge, and enjoyed our food. As we dined, the rain continued to fall, but departure signalled lighter rain. Ken, who was either too wet from his morning ride or over sausaged from his breakfast, was determined to return home and couldn’t be persuaded to change his mind.

So 7 of us left Silverdale and within a couple of miles the rain stopped, and, as it turned out, didn’t rain again for rest of the day, in fact good visibility and a little sunshine now prevailed. We headed past Leighton Moss and back to Yealand Storrs, taking the left turn to Burton in Lonsdale. We climbed the long hill and onto Hutton Roof, where we took the right turn taking us through High and Low Biggins and Kirkby Lonsdale, and over Devil’s Bridge (more about that later!), taking the road to Casterton. We arrived at the Golf Club and the second catering disaster of the day befell us! No chef, off sick, so no lunch at Casterton. We decided to head back to Kirkby Lonsdale, crossing Devil’s Bridge on the way. We found our way to the bakery and were lucky to find 2 adjacent tables free. We were quickly served with excellent fayre and took our time in the welcoming atmosphere.

We said goodbye to Miles and the 6 of us set off back across Devil’s Bridge (again!!) crossing the main road, and up the narrow path past the caravan site and onto the Roman Road towards the A65. We crossed the A65 and took the narrow road to Overtown and Nether Burrow carrying our bikes across the narrow bridge on the way. We passed through Tunstall and took the Wrayton turn bringing us down to Wennington and onto Wray. We all decided to stick together and took the shortest way, picking up the cycle track to take us home.

Writer’s cramp, tired legs, but no wet clothes to dry out and good memories of a day which started badly, got worse, but in the end was extremely entertaining with the majority of the day’s weather excellent and the catering shortcomings being overcome with great success. 50 miles and 3700 feet of ascent.

Neil Westwell

Ride to Kendal via Arnside, Sunday 4th November 2018

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Welcome milder temperatures and a reduced threat of rain saw eight riders set off from Beaumont on Sunday. heading for Arnside and Kendal.
Taking the direct coastal route via Crag Bank and Leighton Moss they followed the Row, around Silverdale ascending the Knot to descend into Arnside for a welcome and convivial coffee break at the Heron Café ahead of schedule. As usual, meeting up with others arriving by diverse routes.

After Coffee, on to Levens , through Brigsteer Park, enjoying the elevated views over the Lythe Valley, they turned right at Brigsteer and commenced the challenging climb up onto Helsington Barrows, to be rewarded with extensive views South over Morecambe Bay and East to the Howgills. Quite warmed up by this effort, they then descended into Kendal, for a lunch stop at Booths where they were joined by Ray, Linda and Miles.

Leaving along the River Walk they headed South, finding the headwind strangely unnoticed on the outward journey! On past Natland and along the lanes through Viver to Ackenthwaite

Finally returning via Holme, Home Mills, Burton In Lonsdale (avoiding the “Mucky Farm”),Tewitfield, the Kellets and down to Lancaster after a very rewarding 50mile ride.

Nigel😃

Ride to Casterton via Beetham, Sunday 28th October 2018

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I arrived at the Millennium Bridge a little late and grumpy with a bad cold; I’d spent a coughy and spluttery night trying to get some sleep. Neil kindly said he would take over the ride if I didn’t feel up to it. We set off in two groups in what was very good weather with blue skies and sun. The air was cold but the pull up through Halton and along the ridge of the Kirkby road with its ups and downs got everyone warmed up. My body of course overheated just as it had felt chilled in the early of the morning air. We slid down a rather greasy looking Sunny Bank and wound our way through Borwick and Priest Hutton to Cinderbarrow where we turned north along the railway towards Holme. The day was warming up as we arrived at Beetham where we found a number of other Lancaster CTC riders drinking coffee at the tables outside. Even after the revival of tea and cake, I felt worn out by my twelve or so miles and gratefully took up Neil’s offer. I left a discussion about the route to be followed to Casterton as I took off straight down the A6 to home where I went back to bed with a hot water bottle.

Tim Dant

Following Tim’s succumbing to his bad cold and deciding to go home after coffee, Neil stepped into the breach and led the second part of the ride from Beetham Garden Centre to Casterton Golf Club. Following Tim’s proposed route at first through Ackenthwaite, we then diverted and headed to Viver and on towards Sedgwick, where instead of riding into Sedgwick we took the Crosscrake direction and onto the A65. Following the A65 for 200 metres we took the Halfpenny Road and enjoyed the loop on the quiet road which avoided more of the A65. Onto Gatebeck and towards Old Hutton was where the wonderful scenery came into its own as we climbed almost continually.

It was an exceptionally clear day and the views were extensive as we crossed the moors, although it remained cold all day. The only ‘fly in the ointment’ came when we took the left turn at Rigmaden where the sign said ‘4 tonne limit over bridge’ and when we arrived at the bridge it was actually blocked and we had to lift the bikes over the concrete barriers. This we managed and joined the A683 which took us to Casterton and a well earned lunch at the Golf Club.

Through Kirkby Lonsdale and Whittington, we took the right turn in Newton and passed Docker Farm where Patience joined us after gaining a short break from ‘Mother sitting’ duties. Capernwray and the Kellet’s was the way home and destination was reached well before the new sunset time following the clock alteration.

A total ride of 55 miles and 4300ft on a super, cold clear day with spectacular views, marvellous!

Neil Westwell

Ride to Knott End via Garstang, Thursday 25th October 2018

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A few of us met at Crook O Lune for the ride to Knott End with the coffee stop at Garstang.
Leaving the car park we went up the cycle track to Caton and crossed the main road at the roundabout. Heading passed Gresgarth Hall we went up Postern Gate and turned left on to Littlefell Lane. At the second cross roads we descended Hazel Rigg Brow to go behind the Uni and turned left on to Chapel Lane. After going over the Conder and passing Silk Mill Cottages we turned left on to the flat lands of Kitt Brow Lane then Langshaw Lane eventually joining the "happy valley" road. I said eventually because Geoff managed the first of his numerous punctures along Langshaw Lane.

The following group led by Mike Codd caught us up and I told then to carry on and we would meet up at Garstang, little did I know.
As time was getting tight when myself, Geoff, Tracey, Ken, Brian and Graham got to Five lane ends we decided to go straight across to Whams Lane then through Bay Horse to Garstang. Whams Lane was too much to Geoff's rear tyre and another puncture was mended. At this point Graham and Ken went on whilst we stayed helping Geoff!
New tube in and set off only for the air to leak out somewhere so Geoff and Brian stayed to sort the bike out whilst Tracey and myself decided the quickest way to Garstang was through Bay Horse to join the A6 the straight down the A6 to Lancaster road and into Garstang.
Arrived to meet all the others so managed a cup of coffee and just got a surviving piece of chocolate cake before we left for Knott End.
Geoff managed to arrive before we set off but he was certainly having a brew before he carried on.
We crossed the A6 at the lights went down Croston Barn Lane to join the road leading to Nateby. After Nateby we turned right to climb up and over Eagland Hill (thanks Ken) into Scronkey then Pilling. Heading along Head Dyke Lane then right which took us into Knott End.
Lovely meal (and a pint) in the squash club then at 13.30 off we set down Grasmere Road to the sea wall at Pilling then over the moss to Gulf Lane, Crimbles Lane and finally The Pudding House.
Five of us decided to return via Proctor Brook to Uni which was unfortunate for Ken because punctures are infectious and he caught the disease. Whilst mending Ken's puncture who should turn up but Ian after suffering the same.
No further incidents after this and I was home for about 16.15 just as it started to rain.
All in all a good ride of 54 for me and a dry one as well.

Jim Gardner

Ride to Kirkby Lonsdale via Farleton View, Sunday 21st October 2018

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I would like to say that the day dawned bright and clear for Anne’s ride to Farleton View and Kirkby Lonsdale, but that would be far from the truth! In fact it was surprising that so many turned up at the Millennium Bridge because right from the off it was drizzling, and all the way to coffee it varied from drizzle to a heavy downpour. As we neared the cafe we were tricked by a short sunny spell, which descended into rain before we even got inside the doors. 

The route taken from the bridge was out towards Halton, turning left near the army camp and then up to the Kellets. The riders descended from Over Kellet and across Kellet Lane Bridge, the lights for once on green aiding a speedy ride over. At Tewitfield they joined the A6070 until Burton in Kendal where they turned down to Holme Mills, and then Holme. The tiny quiet lane - very muddy in places meant the remaining ride on the by now fairly busy A6070 was very short, and the arrival at the cafe - now in the rain again, was very welcome and bacon butties and homemade cake made up in part for the wet journey. The group was enlarged  by another five riders who had made their way by various routes.

The topic of the day, apart from the weather, was the very sad news that one of our club stalwarts, now living in Frinton on Sea, had passed away. Ninety One is a great age, but sad nevertheless. We all had stories of Dennis and Sylvia’s generosity when on many occasions they opened up their home for our coffee stops in Newby. His contribution to cycling cannot be underestimated, and those of us who shared a cottage with Sylvia and Dennis on several club holidays witnessed his wicked sense of humour! 

A heavy downpour confirmed what was in everyone’s mind - a speedy return home was the order of the day, and the riders made their own way back to Lancaster and Carnforth, and the promise of a warm shower or bath!

Maybe the presence of these two ladies on this ride should serve as a pointer to the committee, worried about ‘lapsed’ riders. Some  lapsed riders may have declining speed and climbing abilities partly because of advancing age and medical problems, but despite the atrocious weather all declared it an enjoyable ride, led at a sensible pace, with the leader or another rider waiting at each junction. 


Next Sunday’s ride also starts at Millennium Bridge with coffee at Beetham Garden Centre and a destination of Casterton.


Ride to Grange via Arnside, Thursday 18th October, 2018

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A beautiful autumn day - a great ride. Thanks Tony!

A couple of images from Dave Hugill:

Ride to Arnside via Wray, Sunday 7th October

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The Millenium Bridge was the meeting point for Nick's ride, with the grey morning skies enticing just six people out. Wray might have been only 10 miles away but they set off past the Town Hall, Williamson's Park, the Moor and across the M6 and were soon climbing up in the direction of Caton before descending Stock a Bank and steeply up to Baines Crag. This was no piece of cake!

A drop down into Littledale was followed by the rise up and past the wind turbines of Caton Moor then before the descent into Roeburndale the Three Peaks of the Yorkshire Dales appeared on the horizon. Various gates and a disintegrating road surface slowed progress for a while but the wild scenery more than made up for this. The Roeburn was crossed and various bends negotiated and then a final one in six gradient led to more open views of the Vale of Lune and beyond. It had taken two hours and apparently 2389 feet of ascent by the time they arrived for morning coffee at the Bridge House cafe in Wray. Miles and Ray had got there by a much easier route and unsurprisingly were just leaving as they arrived. 

Richard and Roy felt it was time to go home now, so after replenishing many lost calories only four were left to complete the day out. Hornby and Gressingham were the next villages past through and a few more hills and a slight threat of rain urged them on to Burton in Kendal via Borwick. Thrang Brow Lane was the last climb before easier roads to Arnside and sandwiches on the Quay. Another relaxed cafe break was taken before it was time to head for Crag Bank and the canal towpath. The group gradually went their own ways home and were back by mid afternoon, tired but satisfied by the challenging route and 45 miles completed. 

Nick Hall

Ride to Sebergh via Barbon, Thursday 4th October 2018

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Despite the forecast of rain and my inability to spell ‘Sedbergh’ on the rides diary, I was surprised to count twelve people ready to ride at the start. We split into two groups with Hayden gamely taking my outline map and list of place names to lead the second group (I had a Garmin to tell me where to go…). As the first group were winding their way out of Lancaster we got word that Ken had started off with a puncture. Once sure he wasn’t left on his ownsome, most of us carried on. The route we followed to the Churchmouse was pretty direct (Caton, Caton Green, Wray, Wennington, Wrayton, Leck footbridge, Moorthwaite Lane). It involved quite a bit of on and off A-roads which was not so nice, especially with the mizzle and rising wind. When we got to the Churchmouse, we found there were four other CTC riders already enjoying the scones - we did rather crowd the cafe but the staff were friendly and quick and didn’t point out that we had a third more people than I’d told them on the phone an hour and half before. Leaving the cafe meant a sharp uphill section before the relative tranquility of Barbon Dale. We were riding up into the cloud and could see little other than a shooting party dressed in tweeds, barbours and range rovers, down in the valley. Their dogs were dashing about … I was not sure what they were looking for. Surely not rabbits?

We’d gone up into the dale in three groups and we got a message that a new rider in the last group had got a wheel caught and bent in a cattle grid. The shiny steel of the cattle grid had a slick of wet from the oozing air - anathema to bike wheels. Two riders stayed with him and eventually called in a car who carried two riders and bikes back to civilization. Barbondale is a long way from a bike shop, a station or any other sort of assistance. Thank you Brian and Charlotte!

The descent into Gawthrop needed special care because of the wet roads and then we found that the pretty roads along Dentdale had been recently hedge trimmed. A local farmer cheerfully told me ‘You’ll all get punctures along there, you mark my words’. I did. And we didn’t. But I didn’t retrace my wheel tracks to tell him so.

Lunch in Sedbergh was good and Smatts Duo didn’t mind us dripping all over their cafe. But when we came out, the rain was getting serious. The plan to stop in Greenlands was modified and we hammered down the A683 keen to get home into the dry. Across Devils Bridge and then down the Kirby Lonsdale Road. There was half an inch of water in my goretex boots by the time I made it home. I’ll have to rethink how to dress for the rain.

Ride to Calder Vale via Light Ash Farm, Sunday 30th September 2018

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Report on club run Sunday 30th September 2018

Autumn may bring mixed fortunes but the weather on the final Sunday in September was generally good although a little chilly at the start of the Lancaster CTC ride in Scotforth.

The day’s ride was to Light Ash Farm, near Myerscough and then on to Calder Vale School where the harvest celebrations provided a chance to sample some of the village produce.

The ride out to coffee was via Cockerham, Garstang, Nateby, Moss Edge and Cartford before turning towards St Michaels on Wyre. Apart from a stiff breeze when heading west it was a relatively easy ride out. During the first 16 miles they saw a large number of riders in a sportif event riding with somewhat more urgency on their allotted course. After St Michael’s the ride headed south and then east towards Light Ash Farm for the coffee break.

After a long delay the ride continued, initially past Myerscough College and across the A6 at Bilsborough, before heading down to Duckett’s Farm and Claughton on Brock en route to Sandholme Bridge. The next section took the riders up the long climb of Bell Lane and Strickens Lane after which some riders headed directly into Calder Vale village before walking through the wooded pathway up to the church and school. The rest continued towards Oakenclough and then turned right climbing up Calder Bank and on to the school. Here they had welcome refreshments.

The ride then continued over Harrisend Fell and the Fleece before Galgate and the university cyclepath back into Scotforth. The ride has been just over 40 miles long and had been on distinctly varied terrain from the relatively flat roads of the Fylde and the rather more challenging roads on the edge of the Bowland fells.

The ride next Sunday, October 7th, will be led by the club chairman, and is to Arnside.

Photo: In Caldervale School - Anne Hutchinson

Ride to Lytham via Great Eccleston, Thursday 27th September, 2018

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We all met at the Boot and Shoe for the usual ride to Lytham.
I had originally planned for the coffee stop at Garstang Arts but changed my mind and decided the attraction of a bacon butty at Great Eccleston made me rethink the route.
So the fifteen of us set off on the usual route through the University into Galgate then over the A6 at the lights and went over past Sellerley Farm to Conder Green then on into Cockerham.
Over Pilling Moss we went then into Pilling and took the second left into Bradshaw Lane then right into Lancaster Road which took us to Cartforth Bridge.
Usual system leader pays and as I had arranged an overdraft money was no problem.
Up the hill across the busy road and descended into Great Eccleston where they were waiting for us as usual.
Leaving Great Eccleston after a calorie injection (plus cholesterol) we travelled through Elswick( fracking lovely countryside!!!). Crossed the very busy A585. Into Weeton, Great Plumpton and before Wrea Green turned right on to Ballam Road which took us into Lytham.
Neil left us in Lytham to carry on to St. Anne's with the strict instructions NOT to come back but to wait at St. Annes's pier!!!!!
Some of us were treated by a pleasant young woman in the Station Inn who said if we were over 60 we could have pensioners discount( she should have gone to Specsavers!!!)
The rest was a piece of cake but very hilly. Straight up the prom (hopefully to pick Neil up on the way) to join Clifton Drive then back on to the prom ( try to dodge the GROCKLES!!!!) all the way to Fleetwood.
I had checked the ferry sailings and they were still on the summer time table (every half hour, quarter to and quarter past). 
Over the 15.15 ferry into Knott End where another refreshment stop was called for(or was it the attraction of the loos!!!!)
I had arranged with him upstairs for good weather and a favourable wind and we were satisfied with the conditions.
Jim Gardner

Ride to Sizergh Castle, Sunday 23rd September 2018

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With no ride scheduled for Sunday it was decided to have an ad hoc ride starting from Lancaster’s Millennium Bridge at 09:15. Mike Hutchinson had agreed to lead a ride to coffee at the reserve at Leighton Moss with the lunch venue to be decided on the day according to how the ride was going.  Despite a forecast posted mid week of dreadful weather on the Sunday there was a large turnout at the start. Perhaps the revised forecast had lifted spirits?

Mike’s ride took in the climb up to the Kellet mast, Nether Kellet and the cycleway through to Leighton Moss. Here numbers were further boosted by an additional five riders. After a welcome break the party split into those heading back to Lancaster, some heading for Milnthorpe or Arnside and five remaining with Mike en route to Sizergh Castle. The route taken by Mike followed the cycleway as far as Levens Hall and then continued along the old route of the A6 until the bypass at which point they took a series of minor roads, plus the steps down to the underpass and past the salmon leap to Sizergh.

After lunch the chosen return was via Hincaster, Ackenthwaite, Holme, Holme Mills, Burton in Kendal and Longlands. At Over Kellet the group split once again and the riders made their own ways home. It had been a ‘moderate ride’, in glorious weather, with the top mileage only just over 51 miles.

Next week’s ride starts at The Boot and Shoe, Scotforth and is to Light Ash Farm for coffee, and lunch at Caldervale for their harvest lunch.

 

 

The Manchester 100 Charity Cycle Ride - 2nd September 2018

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On Sunday 2nd September I rode the ‘Manchester 100’ charity cycle ride, a lap round Cheshire starting and finishing in Wythenshawe Park in south Manchester. It is an event I have participated regularly over the last number of years to raise funds for the Christie Hospital where my late wife Christine was a patient.

I opted to do the 100km ride this year as I felt my fitness was not up to doing 100miles following a month’s lay off the bike whilst away visiting my daughter in the States. This was wise decision as I found it very hard riding with my cycling group on the 60m ride to Cartmel on the Thursday before the event having only arrived home the day before.

I had actually entered for the 100m prior to my departure and was given a start time of 7.30 am so initially I was amongst 100 milers and got into a nicely paced group but after the point where the routes split I found I was isolated and for the rest of the ride I was mainly riding solo.

At the finish I did not feel absolutely shattered but I was very tired (I think I still had not recovered from jet lag from returning home) and I seemed to have no power and unable to sustain the effort particularly on the rises and even on the flat although in the last 6m I got behind a group that seemed to be in a hurry to get to the finish and we were bowling along at 23+ mph. Overall I found it the hardest and slowest Manchester 100 I have done in a long time.

The weather on the day was quite warm even at the start and as the day progressed became increasing warmer so much so I had to discard my Christie’s logoed white top partway through the ride – hence I finished wearing a red top. 

According to my Garmin the 100k was 61.2m, the ride time was 4hrs and the average riding speed was 15.3mph.

I have received kind and generous donations for this most worthwhile Charity which currently stands in excess of £250

John Laws

Ride to Staveley via Beetham, Sunday 16th September 2018

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Given the driving rain at the start of the day, it was little wonder that only Matt and Neil appeared at Beaumont for the Secretary’s ride to Staveley via Beetham Garden Centre. It was decided in the circumstances to truncate the ride at Beetham and return home (where most sensible people had stayed)

This plan was blown off course by Ian and Norman turning up at Beetham (making plain their expectation to ride to Staveley) and a marked improvement in the weather (promising blue skies and balmy breezes).

Thus it was that the ‘group of 4’ headed north to Staveley via Sedgewick, The Helm (pausing to take in the stupendous panorama across Kendal to Lakeland), the precipitous descent of Meal Bank (now nicely resurfaced), and Burneside. At Wilf’s Café, lunch was taken outdoors with caps donned to avoid sunstroke.

Wheels turned in the direction of home, over the hill to Crook, along undulating lanes through the woodland to Underbarrow and Brigsteer, and through the National Trust parkland to Levens Village. From Levens, the miles passed quickly, over Heversham Moss, through Dallam Park to Silverdale, where Ian and Norman were tempted to take a mid-afternoon tea stop.

Neil and Len headed home for their afternoon teas, reflecting contentedly on fast-ish 60 miles, completed in the near-perfect conditions of an Indian Summer.

Len

Photos by Ian Wood

Ride from Barrow to Glasson Dock, Thursday 13th September 2018

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Barrow to Glasson Dock ride 13th September 2018

Oh hell is it that time already (06.30) better get a move on who the hell suggested this ride we are setting of in the middle of the night and I will probably be asleep till Barrow.
Bikes loaded into van and waved them goodbye. Hope there isn”t a bike sale on at Burton services (hopefully).
Managed to get a strong cup of coffee on the railway station.
Reunited with the bikes at Barrow station all in good order, thanked Dave (the man with the van) and set off towards Walney for the official start.
Everybody thought I knew Barrow but aiming for the submarine sheds Walney was easy to find even for me.
Once at the start with a promise of reasonable weather and with a slight following wind, 11 Pensioners In Lycra On Cycles (PILOCS) plus Dave from Arnside (who decided to join us) we set off for Glasson Dock 81 miles away.
First we had to negotiate the busy streets of Barrow till we arrived at the quieter part through Morrisons car park!!!!
Once through the car park we were on the quiet and interesting tracks through the dock area to rejoin the road at Rampside then we had a few miles on the coastal road to Roosedeck where we turned inland heading for Leece.
Travelling through Leece, Dendron, Gleaston (where a group stopped at the little cafe and this was the last sight we had of Neil) the rest of us skirted over Birkrigg Common and rejoined the coastal road in Bardsea heading passed the Bhuddist priory at Conishead we got to our coffee stop in Ulverston at 20 miles. 
Leaving Ulverston we headed inland and through Mansriggs we then turned east as we headed for Penny Bridge then Greenodd passing under the A590 to cross the Leven estuary via the foot bridge and the next bit was cursed by the riders on "skinnies" (yours truly).
We headed towards Low Wood and the BEAST of Bigland Hill. At least we knew that once over this it was a nice down hill into Cartmel.
We did contemplate various dinner stops Cartmel (with pub) or Grange (with pub but didn't do meals) so it was a "no brainer" and Cartmel it was for dinner.
Following dinner we headed along the lanes to Cark so we could detour via Flookburgh into Kents Bank and Grange-over-Sands.
We all realised that we were now on familiar ground as we headed over Meathop and into Witherslack to take the old road to Levens.
No stopping us now as we took the moss road to join the B5282 into Arnside and hoped for a  welcomed brew at The Heron but it was shut so The Albion it was and I have to admit it was the first time I have been in a pub and just had a coffee!!!! ( am I turning into a teetotaller???)
Then into Silverdale passing Holgates, then via Wolfhouse Gallery.
Heading towards Warton the route had a nasty sting in its tale because it took us over Warton Crag!!!!! then Crag Bank, Bolton le Sands, Hest Bank where we joined the promenade through to Morrisons.
Knowing we were on the last leg (and our last legs) and knowing that there was no way we were going to finish it before it went dark we continued along the old railway line into Lancaster and continued along the railway line into Glasson Dock where we arrived at about 20.15.
At this point there was just the three of us Mike, Ian and myself we decided as Mike hadn't a front light to reverse our route back along the railway line to the sewerage works then home for about 20.45 with 91 miles under the bum.
A great day out, good weather, good miles and GREAT COMPANY
Is this going to be an annual "do" if so suggest earlier in the year possibly May/June/July for the extended day light hours.
Jim and Co
Photos by Nick Hall