Ride from Beaumont to Grange via Beetham, Sunday 1st March 2020

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Another Sunday ride, another storm; this time  Jorge. The forecast was for leg-sapping 48mph  WSW gales, tempered by spring sunshine.  Five CTC riders considered the prospect too good to miss.

Beetham arrived in record time via the Kellets and Holme, the wind at our backs. Two more riders had bagged a ‘sharing’ table for us. Still a long way to go to fell Foot Country Park, so a residue of five riders took to the A6 open road to hasten with the gale to Levens.

A block headwind hit us from here to Witherslack: no escape, but teamwork resulted in reasonable progress. Then a retreat onto sheltered debris-strewn lanes to Lindale and a change of plan. Lunch at Grange was the consensus !  Bay View café , living up to it’s name with elevated views of the shimmering sands, supplied filling fare for the return trip. No choice here ( Meathop three feet under water), so a retrace of the outward route. This time enhanced with a prospect of snow- blanketed peaks reflected in the huge ephemeral lakes in the valley bottom.

Into the teeth of the wind again from Levens, but shelter sought via Heversham village and Dallam Park. Just time for a coffee at Leighton Moss, and home for 5.00 in the late afternoon sun, with 58 miles on the clock.

Join us sometime for sociable rides        Details at  www.ctclancaster.org.uk

Ride to Beacon Fell via Coble Hey, Sunday, 23rd February 2020

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Six members of CTC Lancaster and South Lakes met at Boot and Shoe on a blustery, damp morning for the ride to Cobble Hey for coffee and Beacon Fell for lunch.  After the torrential rain and stormy winds, it was the first opportunity for some time to get out on the bikes.

 A brisk north westerly wind blew us towards our morning destination, but with low clouds and frisky winds the leader decided to avoid the high route over Harris End Fell and kept to the valley roads over to Scorton.  The recent heavy rains were very evident with frequent patches of standing water on the roads, and a lot of muck and gravel washed onto the tarmac by the run-off.  Fortunately the roads were not too busy as those cars we did pass, generally anointed us with further spray, thrown up by their tyres.

As we approached Cobble Hey tea rooms the forecast 11am shower duly arrived and we were glad to sit in the warmth and refuel with hot drinks, scones and tea-cakes whilst it passed over.  At this point we had an exchange of Mikes, with Mike C heading back home after coffee and Mike B joining us from Preston.

We circled part way round Beacon Fell, to approach it from the East and felt our first taste of the head winds that were to be our companion for the rest of the ride.  Fortunately the café on Beacon Fell was fairly quiet when we arrived, and we were able to get an indoor table.  Even on top of the hill the café had endured overnight floods and half of the seating area was closed, with de-humidifiers humming away.

The day now brightened up considerably and we were blessed with gorgeous sunshine for the afternoon.  After lunch we headed towards Garstang, saying farewell to Mike B at the turn to Inglewhite, where he turned southwards and home-bound.  At the turning for Walmsley Bridge we passed the remains of a road barrier which had presumably been blown away in the wind.  We proceeded cautiously and found that just before the stream crossing part of the road had collapsed towards the stream.  There was plenty of room for cycles to get through, but as we began the climb out of the valley we encountered a more substantial road barrier for traffic approaching from the north and we had to walk through ankle-deep slurry to get around it.

Further puddles on the road surface helped to sluice some of the worst of the muck off our feet and bikes as we pushed our way against the wind through Garstang and Cockerham.  Continuing northwards to Conder Green we paused to look at the fire-damaged Stork Inn before continuing to Lancaster via Stodday and Aldcliffe.  The ride from Bolton le Sands was only 53 miles, but in the weather conditions it felt like a strenuous day-out and a hot shower was very welcome.

CTC Lancaster and South Lakes welcomes new riders.  Please see our website for further details and rides lists:  ctclancaster.org.uk

Ride from Millennium Bridge to Knott End, Thursday 6th February 2020

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Lancaster and South Lakes Cycle Touring Club’s ride on 6th February 2020

My turn to lead again so as it was winter and the days were short I decided an easier ride heading for Knott End was on the cards and it had been quite a bit since we savoured the delights of the squash club.
Having organised good weather we set off trundling through the Uni onto Galgate then down Whams Lane into Bay Horse to go to Daisy Clough via the fishing lakes.
As usual a very warm welcome was received at Daisy Clough so a coffee and scones stop was called for.
Leaving Scorton we headed for Garstang down the narrow lane and crossed the A6 at the traffic lights. Here a mishap occurred a rider split his tyre so there was no way that could be mended.
Once over the lights we headed out through Nateby then took a right turn to go up and over Eagland Hill!! and into Skronkey.

Instead of going straight on to Knott End we did a U turn and headed back south through Skronkey then a right turn aiming for Stamine Moss. After another right turn we arrived in Stamine. After a very brief spell on the A588 we turned left onto the quiet roads over the moss thus missing out the slushy road at Staynall. Once in Preesall a simple left turn took us into Knott End. Those of us who wanted a well earned ‘pint’ went into the squash club the rest did their own thing.

After a suitable break we left Knott End via Pilling Lane and the “zoo”(okay it may be made up animals but they are impressive). Into Pilling and the on to the moss road aiming for another break at the Pudding House (some people survive on tea and scones).

Arrived home feeling happy after having done a full day ride.

Anyone interested in joining us can find information about our Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday rides on our web site at www CTCLancaster.org.uk

Jim Garnder

Ride from Millennium Bridge to ... Beetham Garden Centre, Sunday 26th January 2020

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Well, the forecast was dreadful. And only four of us turned up for the Lancaster CTC ride that was due to go to Kirkby Lonsdale. And all of us were wearing full waterproof clothing (its the only time I’ve ever started a ride with plastic trousers on…). But we set off on the Kirby Lonsdale Road up through Halton in reasonable spirits because it wasn’t actually raining. That didn’t last long and soon we were riding through a chilly mizzle that was part of the cloud system. As we rode along the hill towards Sunny Bank Farm, we had no view across the Lune Valley other than dense grey cloud. The descent towards Capenwray was on wet, greasy roads wasn’t the usual delightful woosh. Through Borwick and Priest Hutton we went, then off along Cinderbarrow Lane and through the mucky farm. We were all a bit soggy and looking forward to coffee and one rider narrowly missed being wiped out by a reversing tractor. Hilderstone Lane is always quiet and has good views across the fields to the east… but today it felt cold and soggy. With just four of us it wasn’t difficult to keep together so we didn’t stop in Holme but pushed on to the turn down Hangbridge Lane. Even though it is a narrow lane with grass in the middle we had cars come at us from behind and in front. It was good to get to the Garden Centre where we found a couple of other Lancaster CTC riders, one of whom was keen for us all to carry on to Kirkby.

However, after much deliberation with glances at the black clouds building to the South, we decided to retreat to warm sofas and telly sports. The ride back was against a strengthening wind with stinging rain… Of course once we were all safely indoors, the rain abated and the wind died. Not one of the most enjoyable rides but thank you to those stalwarts who came along and whose company made the outing worth it.

Tim Dant

Ride from Beaumont to Clapham, Sunday 20th January 2020

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Cyclists Touring Club ride to Ingleton and Clapham High pressure arrived after weeks of dismal rain, causing jack frost to whiten the landscape and attack cyclists fingers and toes. CTC members willing to suffer the early cold were rewarded with sunshine and pin-sharp views of the Three Peaks. Six riders turned their wheels towards Clapham, with morning coffee intervening at Ingleton; two more members were picked up at Crook o’ Lune bridge. Highways had been busy salting the main roads, but patches of sheet ice lay in wait on the by-ways, so brakes had to be applied sparingly and with caution. Good progress was made through Wray and Bentham, and Ingleton was approached along Tatterthorn Lane. Unusually, no-one was waiting at the café to boost numbers. The hilly road to Clapham yielded the finest views of the day, the valley sun-bathed, long shadows were cast on the glistening fields, and Ingleborough was clear and silent. The climbs caused the blood to flow, and injected a welcome warmth to our bodies. Maybe we hadn’t really earned it, with only five miles since coffee and cake, but the hot soup was consumed with gusto in the Clapham café. It only remained for us to head homewards via Mewith Lane, with now only fleeting glimpses of the sun lighting up the valley below , and Ingleborough enveloped in cloud. Back home by just after three o’clock, and with fifty miles under our wheels.

Ride from Millennium Bridge to Casterton, Thursday 16th January 2020

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Meeting at Millennium Bridge few, if any, of the participants wished to continue the ride after coffee, given the impending doom, or weather forecast as it is better known. Rain and extra strong wind gusts were forecast to arrive in the early afternoon, so the original plan of Arnside for coffee and Casterton for lunch now seemed not such a good idea after all. Perhaps a plan B was needed. Having previously spoken to our friends at Casterton, warning of our plan to lunch there, I thought it may be a good idea to go for a one stop ride to Casterton for coffee instead of lunch, enabling us to return home before the bad weather arrived. This suggestion was met with unanimous agreement, so plan B it was! I rang Casterton G.C. to inform them of our change of plan and was told the scones were just going in the oven! Wow!! All falling into place! We set off towards Halton, with the majority of us taking the Kellet Lane turning towards Nether Kellet, 2 participants choosing to go to Casterton via Halton and Arkholme. After half a mile or so, Ken collected a puncture in his rear tyre, and decided to head for home,in spite of the promise of a warm, fresh scone. Carrying on through Nether Kellet and Over Kellet and onto Burton, where John left us so he could keep a previously arranged appointment. We took the Hutton Roof turn from Burton and made the ascent/descent to Kirkby Lonsdale and onto Casterton, where we were greeted warmly. Coffee and cakes were consumed, the fresh scones excellent! It had been quite windy, but dry, on the outward journey, so we were hoping for the same on the journey home. We split into 2 groups for the homeward leg, one each side of the Lune. We arrived home before the forecast high winds and heavy rain, so Plan B was a success. 35 miles and nearly 3000ft of ascent. Neil Westwell 16 January 2020.

Ride from Beaumont to Silverdale, Sunday 8th December 2019

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CTC Lancaster & South Lakes

 

Ride Report  8th December 2019

 

News of storm Atiyah put CTC-ers in a flap

So only three turned up at Beaumont Gates

Silverdale Golf Club was the spot for coffee and cake

And hastily we reached there with helpful gale.

Two more riders joined us for drinks and crumpets

Whilst hailstones bounced against the glass frontage.

Fine again now, and the wind still assisting

We flew through Storth and Sandside, the coastline fermenting.

Sizergh seemed unappealing then, though it was the aim

So sheltered lanes were sought for our return

Only a half day ride, we were back for lunch

Then plenty of time to enjoy mince pies and punch.

If you want to join our jolly band of Cyclists Touring Club riders, please look at our website

www.ctclancaster.org.uk where you will find details of our rides and social events.

Ride from Beaumont to Casterton via Ingleton, Sunday 17th November 2019

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The weather forecast was spot-on; it drizzled all day, in the aftermath of the overnight deluge which put the rivers in angry mood. Nonetheless, it didn’t put off the six riders who gathered in waterproofs at Beaumont for the Cyclists Touring Club Sunday ride to Ingleton and Casterton.  It was mainly church-goers who shared the sodden roads with us through Wray and Bentham, glancing down on the  foaming brown waters of the Wenning. 

Bentham hadn’t yet woken up, so we pushed on out of the village, along Tatterthorn Lane to Ingleton for an extended coffee stop, joined by two more of our “friends awheel”. 

The lightening sky promised some improvement, but it proved a false dawn and puddles were still being topped up as we journeyed on via Burton, Ireby and Cowan Bridge to Casterton Golf Club where we enjoyed another sojourn in the warmth of the clubhouse, before the  homeward- bound leg through Kirkby Lonsdale, over Hutton Roof and muddy lanes through Keerholme and Capernwray. 

A total of 45 miles, and slightly more for our south Lancaster friends. 

It doesn’t rain on all our rides!    Check them out at   www.ctclancaster.org.uk

Len Howard

Ride from Beaumont to Sizergh Castle, via Barbon, Sunday 10th November, 2019

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A veritable crowd of Lancaster and South Lakes Cycling Touring Club members assembled at the Beaumont start for Neil’s ride to Sizergh Castle. Given the number of participants, it was decided to split into 2 groups, and having been briefed with the proposed route, Brian kindly offered to lead the second group. Although fairly cold, there was a clear blue sky apart from a big yellow blob, the like of which we hadn’t seen recently. We took the Halton road from Beaumont and turned into Kellet Lane. We cycled through Nether and Over Kellet and passed the diving quarry onto Capernwray. All the time we were being rewarded with the most outstanding views of our wonderful countryside and Ingleborough became a feature of the scenery as we rode on, even though it was some distance away. Newton and Whittington were ‘conquered’ and we arrived in Kirkby Lonsdale unscathed, although Ken had fallen victim to the dreaded hedge trimming puncture. We took the path over Devil’s Bridge and thence the steep climb past the caravan site and onto the old Roman Road towards Barbondale. We arrived at the Church Mouse cafe in Barbon and promptly took all the remaining chairs in the establishment and partook of well presented and deserved refreshments. With the numbers of riders not diminishing, in fact, we gained a rider, we set off for our lunch stop at Sizergh Castle. We took the main Kirkby Lonsdale to Sedbergh road from Barbon, and then the left turn over the now weight reduced narrow bridge towards Rigmaden. We had eaten well at Barbon, but it was decided that we were still below the 4 ton weight limit, so we carried on undaunted. We were, however tested somewhat by the climb to Rigmaden and onto Old Hutton, but once again we were rewarded by the fantastic scenery as we progressed. We took the right turn in Gatebeck and then the quiet loop round to Halfpenny. A quick 150 yards along the A6070, we took the turn to Sedgwick, and ignoring the ‘Road Ahead Closed’ sign, we saw no reason for the sign, we passed through Sedgwick and arrived for our lunch stop at Sizergh Castle. Although Sizergh was busy, we were served reasonably quickly, and were soon ready for our onward journey. We set off towards Sedgwick, but then took the route through Hincaster and onto Woodhouse. It was then decided that as we had ridden through the Kellet’s in the morning we would go through Heversham, over the ‘mosses’, through the deer park, through Storth and onto Silverdale and Bolton-le-Sands, where the group began to break up as we neared home. 57 miles and 4400 ft of ascent on a wonderfully sunny Autumn day giving spectacular views over our special places, it doesn’t get much better than this. If you want to partake in one of these rewarding rides on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday, visit www.ctclancaster.org.uk.

Neil Westwell 

Ride from Beaumont to Beetham via Casterton and the Freewheel contest, Sunday 27th October 2019

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Eleven Cyclists Touring Club members met at Beaumont, all having remembered to put their clocks back the previous evening, and all anxious to have a go at the annual Freewheel contest.

The long downhill between Aughton and Gressingham again served as the testing ground, and Ray (as usual) officiated, ably assisted by our President. Our elevated position enabled us to track the showers moving along the valley, but luckily we escaped the damp. Team Graeme and Maz demonstrated their prowess at assuming a compact and aerodynamic form to triumph in a convincing manner.

The group continued to Casterton Golf Club via Kirkby Lonsdale for a celebratory morning coffee, and met up with two more members.

A brief shower on setting off again was succeeded by welcome autumnal sunshine, which lit up Casterton and Barbon Fells, as we headed up the Lune Valley and turned off to climb up to Rigmaden Park. The threat of showers had now diminished, so layers were shed in anticipation of further climbs. The first of these manifested itself  in the steep pull out of the valley to Mansergh and Old Town. Further such neglected by-ways with weeds, potholes and rotting hedge clippings were to characterise much of the following seven hilly miles, as we crossed the low fells between Lunesdale and the coastal plain. The route took us past Kitridding Farm and Tarnhouse Reservoir. Between the two one rider had the double misfortune to suffer simultaneous punctures in both wheels, but new tubes were speedily installed.

Having crossed the watershed, the balcony lane between Warth and Whelstone afforded sun-drenched views down to Endmoor and beyond to the Lakes and Morecambe Bay. Once off the hills, faster progress was made via Crooklands and Milnthorpe to Beetham for a late lunch.

The homeward-bound route took us via Slack Head and Gait Barrows to Crag Foot and Carnforth, where we dispersed to our various homes. Riders were satisfied with the 48 miles covered, peppered with some hills. A good test for the legs for the time of year.

If you are interested in joining us on our relatively relaxed rides, you can find details of our Sunday and weekday rides on the website (www.ctclancaster.org.uk).

Photos from Nick Hall of the Freewheel contest last Sunday.

Ride from Boot & Shoe to Lytham, Thursday 17th October 2019

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Lancaster and South Lakes Touring Club
Gathering at the Boot and Shoe for our yearly trip to the flesh pots of Lytham (not St Anne's!!!) the weather looked promising and as if we might have a following breeze up the prom to Fleetwood for the ferry over the Wyre.
As it turned out this was a ride were everything was on the loose!
I hadn't made my mind up which way to go but we were aiming for the Courtyard in Great Eccleston for coffee (and bacon butties). I had phoned them the day before saying there might be 15 of us but at the Boot and Shoe there were about 22 so a quick phone was made.
There was no way round it, we had to go over the Wyre and the nearest bridge to Great Eccleston was Cartford Bridge, which tradition states the leader pays the toll. As luck would have it the third group went astray so I only had to pay for 17 (groups 1&2 plus Mike H)
Suitable refreshed we set off via Elswick, Thistleton and Weeton before turning right just before Wrea Green.
Heading through Westby into the teeth of the wind I became aware that the riders following me were close enough to be drafting!
Into the Station (pub). In Lytham were 8 relieved riders having a much needed break.
Sandra appeared after making her own way there so after she had a cup of tea we set off up the prom to Fleetwood picking up Neil at ST ANNES pier.
Wow what a ride to Fleetwood, a following wind all the way.
On the way to the 15.15 ferry the first loose bit of the ride, a loose dog managing to bring a rider down, however little damage other than a bit of missing skin and offset handlebars!
We expected a coffee break at the ferry cafe but it was shut so we had to press on but another problem arose, Ken had a loose saddle so we spent a bit of time fixing that. In the mean time some none coffee riders had already left us.
Saddle fixed off we set past the zebra and giraffe but the rough road finally finished Ken’s saddle off and he found that the bracket had sheared so cable ties from a local farmer held the saddle in place.
On the main road to Pilling the cable ties gave up the ghost so using the seat pin padded out with gloves Ken rode back home through Pilling and Cockerham(sitting down was a problem though!)
All in all probably one of the better rides of the year, lovely weather great company and interesting incident.
Anyone interested in joining us can find information about our Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday rides on our web site at www CTCLancaster.org.uk
Jim Gardner

Ride from Boot & Shoe to Ireby... and Wray, Sunday 13th October

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I was a bit late (had to help a cyclist who needed a pump…) and found Anne and her dog Vera waiting with Neil in the rain. The forecast was not good. We chatted for another few minutes and then said, since we were there, we’d set off for Wray for a coffee (although Anne and Vera had somewhere else to go…). And then Ian turned up so there were three of us. And by the time we were approaching Wray the rain had stopped. The other two were persuaded that we should carry on to Ireby Green and come back to Wray for lunch. So off we went again, using Agnes Ing Lane and Trinket Lane to avoid the village and get us onto Russells Lane and then to Lower Bentham. We took the hilly road out to make our way to Burton and Ireby Green. Of course it was raining again and getting worse as we approached our coffee stop. There we found Sandra, who having waited some time, reassured me that I wouldn’t be chastised because at least I’d led the ride to the scheduled coffee stop. Warmed and dried we returned to the rain to set off for Wray. Trying to make a ride of it, we took the Bentham Low Road and then the Bentham Road to get to High Bentham. And as I turned towards the station and across the River Wenning, Neil reminded me that it was a steep hill up to Mewith Lane. Thickrash Brow its called and that well describes my expression as we went up it. But from the crossroads to Wray, Mewith Lane is without steep uphill bits (Neil called it ‘undulating’) and even the persistent rain didn’t put us off from wizzing along. It was still raining when we left Bridge House Farm and mixed it with the artics on the A683. We went various ways home - my Garmin (which had caused me much frustration by not knowing where it was much of the time) recorded 42.2 miles from home and back. Short for a summer ride but we’d managed to get 2497 feet of up and down… and survived the rain. It wasn’t all bad.

Tim Dant

Ride from Crook O'Lune to Horton in Ribblesdale, Thursday 19th September 2019.

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Lancaster and South Lakes Cycle Touring Club
Talk about the devil looks after his own( can't be the sun shines on the righteous!). Lovely sunny weather promised and a light breeze, perfect for our ride to Horton in Ribblesdale on 19th September 2019.
Off we set travelling along the cycle track to Caton where we crossed the busy A683 to climb over Caton Green to rejoin the A683. Going through Hornby and Melling then just before Greta Bridge a right turn off the busy road took us through Wrayton where we then weaved our way through quiet lanes to our favourite coffee stop at Inglesport.
Suitable refreshed and now not needing directions(there is only one way to Horton unless you fancy pushing your bike over Ingleborough!!) we climbed past White Scar caves to Ribblehead then took the right turn aiming for Horton and dinner. So into the pub for a well earned dinner(well Pen-y-ghent cafe was closed!!)
After dinner the work still hadn't been done so we headed south to Helwith Bridge and the few little bumps on route. In Helwith Bridge we turned right and made the long descent into Wharfe then Austwick. Instead of riding on the A65 we used the cycle path into Clapham then turned up the slight incline on the old road to take the first left to drop down to Newby and across the A65.
Once across the busy road we cycled across Newby Moor(and its bumps) to join the B6480 which took us through High Bentham, Low Bentham, Wennington and into Wray where another coffee stop was called for.
Straight forward from here down the A683 and the cycle track back to Lancaster.
Great day, great company and a mere 65 miles what more could you want( just imagine we could have been stuck behind a desk in an office ugh).
Anyone who is interested in joining us can find information about our Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday rides on our web site wwwctclancaster.org.uk

Ride from Beaumont to Bowland Bridge, Sunday 8th September 2019

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Perhaps it was the prospect of a fine, windless day ‘awheel’ with crystal- clear views of the Lakes, or possibly the quest for companionship, which enticed  nine riders to converge on Beaumont for a fifty mile jaunt to relatively tourist-free southern Lakeland.

The Lancaster and South Lakes section of the Cyclists Touring Club was heading for Sizergh Castle and Bowland Bridge,  and began by taking the lightly- trafficked A6 to Carnforth. Familiar by-ways were followed through the Arnside and Siverdale AONB to Sandside and Dallam Bridge, exchanging greetings with faster ‘wheelers’ getting in a morning ride before the Sunday roast. Heversham Moss and Levens Village led us to Sizergh Castle café for scones and a natter.

Bowland Bridge for lunch only attracted five riders, who tackled the climb back over to Levens and savoured the scenic downhill to Brigsteer. At the edge of Crosthwaite, hedge lined single track lanes descended to the River Gilpin and continued on the far side of the Windermere  road through Tarnside. A picnic lunch, with fine views up the Winster valley and across to Strawberry Bank was mixed with further convivial natter. After exhausting both our food and discussions we turned south through the unfenced ancient woodlands of the valley side to Witherslack and the old A590. Crossing the new road gave access to the smooth tarmac of the Sampool area, now designated bridleway and a cyclists haven.

As it was still early in the afternnon, another stop at Greenlands café furnished teas and coffees, after taking to the lanes to the east of the A6 through Heversham, Holme and Burton.

Cycle touring is a wonderful route to fitness. Have alook at www.ctclancaster.org.uk to find out which of our range of rides  might suit you.

Ride from Millenium Bridge to Catforth via Elswick, Sunday 1st September 2019

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It was cheering to see that the beginning of Autumn hadn’t dimmed the enthusiasm of club members for a ride on a day which promised to be windy and there were ten or more ready to set off at the start on the Millenium Bridge. Avoiding the possibly muddy or puddly conditions due to overnight rain and high tides on the Lune estuary they took a route through Lancaster and Aldcliffe village to emerge on Ashton Road towards Conder Green and on to Cockerham. Keeping to the main road across the Moss the previously helpful wind became much less helpful and slowed progress in reaching Stakepool where the slower ride leader caught up with the stronger group who had outpaced him by a few minutes. Easier conditions allowed better speed through Scronkey and Moss Edge so it was only late morning by the time they crossed the toll bridge at Cartford. Having taken the risk of not phoning the cafe beforehand it was no complete surprise to find that it was closed in Gt Eccleston so the decision was taken to continue to the village of Elswick where thankfully they were able to refresh on scones, flapjacks and teacakes, washed down with hot drinks.

Some riders departed at this point to get back home while the rest carried on in brighter conditions. The flatness of the Fylde meant that there were no hills to negotiate and the GPS altimeter rarely reached 50 feet as they went through the oddly named Wharles and Treales.

Happily turning east the wind behind them meant even more speed could be gained and turning before Lower Bartle and back across the M55 motorway they were soon parking their bikes outside the cafe in Catforth. The cafe provided the usual speedy service and massively thick slabs of bread to support eggs, beans and other cooked foods with enough calorific value for the return leg.

Leaving Catforth there was a convoluted series of winding roads negotiated through the picturesque area around Cuddy Hill with the backdrop of the Bowland Fells in view. The ever busy A6 was crossed at Bilsborrow and quieter roads towards Garstang and over Barnacre where showers briefly halted progress while waterproofs were put on. They avoided the worst of the heavy rain evidenced by wet roads and carried on to Scorton where the few who hadn’t departed the ride on route would have stopped for a tea break but were thwarted by the already crowded cafe there so continued to Lancaster via the University.

The day had been better than the forecast suggested but strong headwinds at the finish made the going tough, but there was sunshine at the finish of the 56 mile route.

Ride from Crook o'Lune to Nateby, Thursday 22nd August, 2019

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Gathering at Crook O Lune car park in reasonable weather, that equals light rain and a stiff breeze, 6 of us set off into Caton to cross the busy main road and headed up what is laughingly called 'happy valley' into a very stiff breeze. A regrouping at Quernmore crossroads then again at the Fleece, we turned right at Harrisend crossroads heading for Scorton. The original intention was to go over the ford on the 'Roberts loop' but considering the rain over night and the amount of water in the Lune we headed straight down to Daisy Clough
This ride was listed as hilly(which is probably why so few turned up!) so after refreshments we headed off for the mountains of Pilling via the col de Winmarleigh before turning back on ourselves to head for possibly the highest point on the Fylde at Nateby!! finally after all that effort a dinner time stop in the pub was needed in Garstang.
Suitable refreshed we decided, after a consensus of opinion to take a flat route home heading north to the mini roundabout at Green Lane to turn right heading for Gubberford Bridge here we took a right to head back on ourselves aiming to do the 'Roberts loop' in reverse so we could have a coffe/tea at the Apple Store. The ride to the Apple Store was interesting because some of the becks on the loop were so swollen they over ran the road but we managed to ride through them.
After our refreshment stop a sedate ride home through Forton, Galgate and the University.
Not what I had planned but as CyclingUK advises, leaders need to be adaptable and we still managed 50 miles in reasonable weather, true it could have been better but you can't organise the conditions

Ride from Clapham Station to Chatburn via Wigglesworth, Sunday 18th August 2019

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The principal actor in last Sunday’s car assisted stage of the Cyclists Touring Club (CTC) summer programme was the fickle wind. One moment sapping the strength from the legs as we struggled uphill into a headwind, the next chasing us along the lanes and ruffling the backs of the leaves.  At other times making us grip the bars tightly in a strongly gusting side-wind.  The wind had a sidekick in the form of showers which threatened all day but only made a dramatic appearance in the late afternoon.

Nine riders (including one with electric-assist) converged on Clapham Station and made decent progress via Rathmell to the coffee stop at Gardenmakers café near Wigglesworth. The wind favoured our onward journey down to the River Ribble at Paythorne.  A brief encounter with the main Gisburn to Long Preston Road enabled us to gain the quiet lane to Horton.  Across the A59 and on through Bracewell to the outer limits of North East Lancashire at Barnoldswick.  Here the Lancashire Cycleway was joined, leading to Brogden and then steeply up the side of Weets Hill to the main Gisburn to Nelson road.  A fast descent, holding the bars tight in a crosswind, to the Rimington turn and onto the shoulder of Pendle Hill.  Twisting lanes with sharp hills emerged on the edge of Downham.  Then down into the Ribble valley at Chatburn, where the Pavilion Brasserie at the new garden centre provided the fuel for our legs to tackle the return trip.

Already behind time, we took advantage of the now friendly wind to speed us through Grindleton and Sawley to Bolton by Bowland. The Lancashire Cycleway led us north and uphill towards the Bowland fells. At this point discretion was exercised, all agreeing that there was little point in dicing with the gusting 50 mph wind at the 1,500 foot contour on Bowland Knotts.  Reluctantly, we turned east to make haste with the wind to Tosside and the scenic balcony lane to Rathmell, overlooking Ribblesdale.  The gated lane through Rome and Wham by-passed the A65, and threw some sharp showers at us.

Eventually, journey’s end appeared.  A late finish at 5.30, with 53 miles covered and over four thousand feet of climbing.

Ride from Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale to Mallerstang, Thursday 8th August, 2019

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Photo from Dave Hugill of the ‘survivors’ at the Moorcock, Garsdale Head. And one from Rod of a larger group of riders…

Ride from Beaumont to Feizor via Ireby, Sunday 4th August 2019

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Eight members of Lancaster and South Lakes Cyclists Touring Club met at Beaumont for the ride led by Patience to Ireby Green and Feizor.  The forecast was for a fine morning, with showers coming in after 2pm.  This proved to be accurate, although we weren’t expecting the thunder which rumbled intermittently on the ride home.

Ever in search of routes which don’t replicate recent rides, we set off to Halton, staying on the north side of the river, and turned off at Green Lane, meeting another group of cyclists with the same challenge in mind.  A steep climb brought us up to the main road between Halton and Kirkby Lonsdale, where we turned right, then right again after a couple of miles on the Aughton Road.  We took the narrow lane to Eskrigg, by-passing Gressingham, then across the Loyne Bridge to Hornby.  We turned left onto the main road through Melling and Tunstall, before turning off at The Highwayman pub and taking the minor lane to Cowan Bridge.  It took a little while to cross the A65 as there was a lot of traffic, and we thankfully gained the quiet lanes again, taking the Leck and Ireby loop on our way to Ireby Green farm café, where we enjoyed some morning refreshments and met up with club chairman Nick who was nursing a sore knee.

After a welcome break we carried on down to Burton in Lonsdale, then along undulating lanes to Ingleton, where we girded our loins for the long climb over the fell to Clapham, where Neil and Ken left us in a bid to beat the predicted rain.  We carried on via the cyclists’ link alongside the A65 to Austwick.  The original plan had been to carry on up the Helwith Bridge road, then drop down to Feizor on a bridleway, but the sky was darkening and some of us had tired legs, so the remaining six opted to take the quicker route to lunch at Feizor which involved half a mile of cycling on the A65.  Fortunately most of the traffic was going in the other direction, and a cautious camper van driver stayed behind the group, providing some unintended protection for us.

Four of us enjoyed the cyclists’ staple of beans (and eggs for some) on toast at the café, with 2 others leaving us briefly to consume their sandwiches.  As we gathered back together to leave the first few drops of rain fell, but did not amount to much, so we did not have to put waterproofs on yet.  We turned back towards the A65, but turned left before reaching it and took the high level route which took us to the top of Buckhaw Brow.  An exhilarating 40+ mph swoop downhill to Giggleswick was followed by a steep haul up over the fell to (you guessed it!) the A65 which we crossed for the final time and carried on to Eldroth and Keasdon and the ever-popular cyclists’ route back to Wray on Mewith Lane. 

An afternoon tea stop at Wray gave time for the rain to finally catch us and give us a thorough, but rather welcome, drenching on our way back to the cycle track through Caton and Halton to Lancaster.  The rain had ceased by the time we reached the cycle track and the sun came back out, causing rising clouds of condensation as the roads quickly dried out.  After 60 miles and some 3500 feet of ascent we patted ourselves on the back for a great ride in excellent company.

Patience Cooper