Up the Ribble and down the Lune - Mike Bridges

Sunday’s ride was one described by Ian as “up the Ribble and down the Lune” and by me as “Tour de Bowland”.  I am sure readers will make up their own minds!

The weather was bright with some sun and a light north wind when Ian and I met at the north end of Midgery Lane, like last week, and followed the same start to our ride.  This took us through Longridge and on to Chaigley, before joining Route 90 as far as the Copy Nook pub.  Apart from the views of the vale of Chipping, the main highlight was a brief pause near Bashall Barn to watch a hunting barn owl.

We headed on along quiet roads (apart from a few motorbikes) to Wigglesworth and Rathmell to reach Settle.  The town was crowded and we took our first lunch sheltering from the sun on a bench by the church door.  The other guests were dead quiet.

Leaving Settle via Giggleswick we crossed the A65, we followed Route 90 for a while, being diverted through Lawkland by tar laying to reach Austwick and Clapham then passing Clapham Station to reach Keasden.  Mewith Lane took us onwards and downhill to Wray, where we continued onwards to Caton.

We took our second (late) lunch on the Lune cycleway, which we followed towards and through Lancaster.  The route continued by road from Conder Green to Cockerham, where we followed Route 90 again (apart from a minor deviation via Moss Edge), this time via Stake Pool to Cartford Bridge.  South of the Wyre, we took a minor road to reach Elswick, continuing south to Wharles and Treales.

A brief stretch of the A583 from Clifton east brought us to the Guild Wheel bridge and there, Ian and I headed for our respective homes.  Another quality ride for us both, bringing in 101 miles for Ian and 104 for me.  It’s a few years since I have exceeded 100 miles, but we both thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mike Bridges

Scotforth to Settle 23 June

Six thirty is a nice time to start if you’ve woken up at five (but only at the end of June on a dry day!). I’d just fitted 38mm tyres on the black bike, a Specialized Tricross, to give more comfort and the possibility of rough stuff.

From Scotforth I took our normal route past the Boot & Shoe, Postern Gate and along the A683 from Caton, then Wray, Wennington, Clapham. I stopped opposite the New Inn for a banana. A passing pedestrian said,

“Couldn’t you sleep?”

He must have worked out I’d come some way and it was only about 8:15. After Clapham, I arrived at the Austwick turn to find it totally blocked by a white van –  impossible to pass either ahead or behind. Rapping on the passenger window, I awakened a workman. He must have nudged the driver, because they then backed up enough to let me out. Never mind – I’m only an old bloke on a bike.

It was about 8:30 and people were starting to move about, strolling, walking dogs, jogging. As I’d finished off the climb to Wharfe, I took it a bit easy along the stretch below the crags and was suddenly overtaken by a young woman on a bike. I was not out for a race, and she was now 200 yards ahead, but then I thought,

“I might be able to catch her on the uphill going to Knight Stainforth.”

So I put on a spurt to try to catch her. She was still 10 yards ahead of me at the summit, but then she took off. She must have had nerves of steel, because she went downhill without fear. I tried to keep up but I kept using my brakes. I caught her at Knight Stainforth, but only because a load of cows were being driven across the road. I let her disappear into the distance.

Arriving at Settle, I was surprised to find the market apparently in full swing, with loads of motorcyclists in evidence, most holding paper cups of coffee. The Naked Man was doing takeaways. Whoopee! I bought a bacon bun and an Americano and then headed off through the back route to Giggleswick. I’d already decided to take the hilly short cut (local traffic only) to cross the A65.

It starts off at 17% then goes past the school playing field and kicks off again at about 12%. It dips down a bit then finally kicks up again at 16%, which didn’t feel too bad. The view from the top showed rain over the eastern fells, so I kept moving to cross the A65 below and into Eldroth, where I sat outside the village hall eating my Bacon Bun and drinking coffee.

I was now on the route to Mewith Lane and already starting to feel my legs. I shouldn’t chase young women at my age!

Uneventfully, I continued to Wray, where I stopped for an oat bar and more coffee. I decide to go the lowland route home, via Caton and the riverside path. I’d done 57 miles when I got back and it felt like 70 (and I hadn’t done any rough stuff!). I must get out more!

Mike Codd

Local members may be interested in my encounters with other members

 Just past the Hornby turn Nick Hall called to me, going towards Wray. Just before Crook o’ Lune, I caught Sandra Waterhouse and we chatted for a few minutes. Then, fleetingly Ruth Tanner and I greeted each other on Aldcliffe Road and finally Keith Jewsbury passed going the other way as I was going back to Piccadilly.

Mike and Ian's Sunday Run 14/06/20

Sunday’s ride was one described by Ian as “up the Ribble and down the Lune” and by me as “Tour de Bowland”.  I am sure readers will make up their own minds!

The weather was bright with some sun and a light north wind when Ian and I met at the north end of Midgery Lane, like last week, and followed the same start to our ride.  This took us through Longridge and on to Chaigley, before joining Route 90 as far as the Copy Nook pub.  Apart from the views of the vale of Chipping, the main highlight was a brief pause near Bashall Barn to watch a hunting barn owl.

We headed on along quiet roads (apart from a few motorbikes) to Wigglesworth and Rathmell to reach Settle.  The town was crowded and we took our first lunch sheltering from the sun on a bench by the church door.  The other guests were dead quiet.

Leaving Settle via Giggleswick we crossed the A65, we followed Route 90 for a while, being diverted through Lawkland by tar laying to reach Austwick and Clapham then passing Clapham Station to reach Keasden.  Mewith Lane took us onwards and downhill to Wray, where we continued onwards to Caton.

We took our second (late) lunch on the Lune cycleway, which we followed towards and through Lancaster.  The route continued by road from Conder Green to Cockerham, where we followed Route 90 again (apart from a minor deviation via Moss Edge), this time via Stake Pool to Cartford Bridge.  South of the Wyre, we took a minor road to reach Elswick, continuing south to Wharles and Treales.

A brief stretch of the A583 from Clifton east brought us to the Guild Wheel bridge and there, Ian and I headed for our respective homes.  Another quality ride for us both, bringing in 101 miles for Ian and 104 for me.  It’s a few years since I have exceeded 100 miles, but we both thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mike Bridges

Patience and Len’s Sunday Trip to Holker (by mistake!) 14th June.

Having spent the last two months doing half day rides of 30-40 miles, we thought we had better start to get fit for the restart of Club rides (whenever that may be!). Like a lot of members, we have got used to visiting favourite takeaways, in our case the village shop at Levens and Casterton Golf Club.  We have been lucky enough to have met Club members (such as Neil, Keith and Helen, and Nigel) serendipitously and have a welcome natter. In recent weeks we have also been fortunate in being accompanied by some members on our rides. Thanks Bob Cross and Chairman Nick!  Bob even brought along one of his collection of stoves so we could enjoy a cuppa whilst having a picnic on the fell road above Barbon.

Anyway, back to our Sunday trip. Like most people, we have got used to a lower level of activity and can’t seem to get started before 10.30.  So it was that we opted for the A6 to get a head start. It’s surprising how far you can get doing this, as some of our more established members know as they have been doing it for years. The A6 is a lot safer now, or at least a lot quieter. Patience was feeling enthusiastic, so we averaged 16 mph to Levens. But I don’t think the twenty- somethings who flew past us were at all impressed!  I was surprised to see a field with about 100 cars attending a car boot sale near Hale - wonder how they got permission?  We took to the footway to get past the TTLs at Levens, which turned into an off-road adventure as it takes a circuitous and tree-rooted line through woodland between the road and river. Just made it to the shop before closing time at 12.00 and chatted to a Lune rider with a Paris Brest Paris vest on. Very good machine coffee and scrumptious cakes and a chance to cool down in the hot and muggy conditions.

By this time the sun was out and temperatures climbing, and the gentle breeze hastened us to Grange via Meathop, which we hadn’t seen since last autumn due to the floods (followed by storms and now the plague!). We settled onto a shaded bench in the park for phase 1 of our picnic, noting with regret the disappearance of our old foul weather friend the pavilion.  Perhaps it was torched by the young hooligans of Grange.

It was here that we made the strange decision to continue to Cark, thinking that it was largely flat (which it isn’t). At Cark we missed the turn to Cartmel and ended up at Holker, so retraced. Too early for lunch phase 2 at Cartmel, so we eschewed a bench in the Priory and continued up the valley to High Newton, enjoying the crystal-clear views of Lakeland. A small park in the village provided an arborially - shaded setting for our quiche and tomatoes. At this stage we were getting concerned at our hydration levels, so we approached a kind lady who was gardening nearby and who filled our bottles.

Up onto the ridge with panoramic views over the bay and to the Three Peaks, we decided not to wear out our brake blocks and finger muscles on Tow Top, and dropped down to Thorphinsty instead. Down the Winster Valley and on to Witherslack, then taking the scenic hilly route which reappears at the crossroads near the cattle grid. Crossed the A590 at Gilpin Bridge and along the gated bridleway to Levens Hall, over Heversham marsh and stopping at Dallam bridge for lunch phase 3 (an apple).  The usual route back via Leighton Moss.

60 miles as near as damn it, home by 4.30, and Patience disappointed that the average had reverted to our usual 12-13 mph. But we are now a bit more able to cope with full day rides (whenever that will be).

Len Howard

Sunday Ride up the Ribble Valley, 07/06/20 Mike Bridges

The two of us met at the junction of the Guild Wheel and Route 6 at the north end of Midgery Lane at 9.  Since I had led last week’s route to Downham, it was Ian’s to lead today’s ride.  We followed Route 6 via Haighton Green to Longridge, in weather which was bright with a northerly breeze.  The first slight hills were along the north slope of Longridge, looking over Chipping as we continued towards Chaigley Hall and Higher Hodder Bridge.  Joining Route 90, we continued via Waddington, West Bradford and Grindleton, turning left at Sawley.

The well-known course of Route 90 starts some more serious climbing after the Copy Nook pub, near Bolton by Bowland, and so it was from here we resorted to lower gears, ascending into wider ranging views as we headed for the B6478, reaching it between Slaidburn and Tosside, south west of Stephen Moor.

However, instead of descending into Slaidburn, we took the next turn on the left, followed by a right turn through the hamlet, not much more than a few buildings, of Easington.  We were surrounded by the beautiful Bowland Fells here, with next to no traffic.  The lane through the village continues in a south westerly direction, crossing the Newton/Waddington road on its undulating route to Cow Ark (there are three single-arrow sections to climb between the B6478 and Cow Ark).

We turned right here to descend to Whitewell, but just before the descent, took lunch at a bench seat with a fine view over the Hodder Valley and Dunsop Bridge, and enjoyed a socially-distanced chat with another rider before continuing into the valley.  Our route took us over the Burholme Bridge, then left to climb again, passing Lickhurst Farm, the Wild Boar Park and Leagram Hall on our way to Chipping.

The last leg took us through some of Chipping’s “quiet lanes” west and south to reach Little Town, then Halfpenny Lane to reverse our route from Longridge to Preston, separating as we reached the Guild Wheel.  For us both, an excellent ride in the region of 65 miles, taking in some fine scenery.

Mike Bridges

Mike and Ian Easing Lockdown

For various reasons I have spent most of lockdown riding a turbo trainer, apart from a few outings to the local shops.  Two events happened recently allowing some progress in the direction of “normality”.  Firstly came the advice from CUK that cycling with a friend was now ok, social distancing included.  The second was he receipt of an email forwarded by the Secretary Len inviting me to join another member who would be heading through Penwortham, not far from my home.

So it was that Ian Holland and I met at the Fleece pub on Liverpool Road, Penwortham at 9 on 17th May with a view to completing a relatively normal Sunday ride.  It was good to be out again.  It being quiet, we headed via the A59 to Sollom near Rufford.  We turned right here to follow NCN Route 91 in a big loop around Ormskirk as far as Lathom, then via suitable roads north to Rufford and back to Sollom.  From here we headed for Bretherton, Much Hoole and Longton to return to Penwortham.

The roads were fairly quiet with more cyclists and walkers than usual.  The route was flat but rural and peaceful.  By the time I had returned home I had completed about 59 miles (a little more for Ian) and thoroughly enjoyed the day, looking forward to a further ride the following week.

On 24th, we met at the same place, but headed south east on route 55, which runs south from the Tram Bridge in Preston.  This took us through Cuerden Valley Park, before the first hill of the day took us to Whittle le Woods, thence via a few more hills past the Top Lock pub to Wheelton and White Coppice to meet the road from Rivington to Belmont.  Bypassing Rivington village, we took a break on the outskirts of Belmont before heading for Tockholes via the minor road past Darwen Tower.  We bypassed Blackburn using the roads to Feniscowles and Pleasington and continued our undulating route through Revidge to Top o’ Ramsgreave.  We descended to Copster Green before crossing the Ribble at Ribchester Bridge.

More familiar roads returned us to Preston via Longridge and Ribbleton.  Only 55 miles for me this week but an excellent ride through the edge of the West Pennine Moors laden with good views and fairly quiet roads.  Ian tells me we climbed in the region of 4000 feet – my legs had no reason to doubt this as we had been reminded what low gears were for!  One of the most interesting sights was the view of Pleasington Priory at the side of the road – a most interesting building.

The latest in our series of rides was 31st May, suggested by me.  Ian and I met on Leyland Road not far from my home in Penwortham and again headed down route 55 through Cuerden Valley.  This time however, we headed east on route 91, the South Lancashire Cycleway, through Brindle, Hoghton, Nab Head, Mellor and Wilpshire (crossing last week’s route at Top o’ Ramsgreave), before having a break in Whalley.  We then continued along route 91 via Pendleton and Worston to take a sandwich lunch in Downham.  An absolutely delightful route.

The return leg was via Chatburn, picking up route 90 from Grindleton to Waddington, and then heading by back roads to Cowark, Longridge and Haighton Green to reach Preston.  It had been a very hot day, enough to melt the tarmac in places, but a very satisfying one.  61 miles for me and probably a similar amount of climbing to last week.

These rides have been like a breath of fresh air after the last ten weeks and I am pleased to have been able to complete them.  Next week – we are meeting on the Guild Wheel on Haighton Green Lane – destination, the Ribble Valley!

Stay safe, everyone. Mike Bridges

Jim's really good ride in the heat

Set off going along Barton Road then Newlands Road heading up and over Posterngate. After dropping down into Caton turned right over Caton Green to join the main road up the valley. Eventually came to the Highway Man where I turned right heading towards the dales.

At the little hamlet went over the little wooden bridge. There is a notice saying “no cyclist! footpath only” so bike on shoulder made me a pedestrian and I walked over the bridge(there is no such sign on the far side!!).

Crossed the main road(which was very quiet) and went up the old roman road but took the second left to drop down to Casterton Golf Club. Onwards to a reasonably quiet Devils Bridge(loads of motorcyclists) then made a quick call in Booths to stock up on water. Back across the main road through Biggins then over Hutton Roof to drop down Dalton Lane into Burton.

Usual route from Burton to Holme then Moss Lane to the A6. Up and over Slackhead, down through the deer park and followed the shore road to Arnside.

A quick break in Arnside then up the hill to pass Holgates then into Silverdale.

From Silverdale it was a familiar route home via Warton Crag(round not over), Crag Bank, Bolton le Sands, Arncliffe Lane, Haverbreaks and home. Thank goodness in the heat that it was I opted for the flatter northern parts and not the stinking hills of the Fylde.

Jim Gardner

Neil's 13 Rides

Since I last reported, I’ve managed an average of 3 rides a week, finished renovating the garden furniture, that’s 2 benches, 6 chairs and 1 large table. I’ve also decorated the bathroom upstairs and the second bedroom. This Tsuname of DIY projects is a direct replacement for regular cafe visits, which when counted with the lack of cycling cafe visits, you’d think a large reduction of calorie consumption would have resulted. So, having dramatically reduced my calorie consumption, I am now down to 11 stone, my 20 years old ‘fighting weight’. This, of course, is just completely untrue, my imagination running wild. I have, in fact, still not managed to shed the weight I put on in December when I was rained off so many rides. Well, I couldn’t possibly have done more, or longer, rides since the last report. I still aim to complete my rides in the morning, and a ride every other day. I have tried to follow the weather forecasts in order to avoid wet rides, and this has almost been successful, but not totally. I have also avoided some of the holiday weekends and when a proposed ride coincides with a bank holiday, it has probably not gone ahead. The problem with a morning ride, of course, is what happens in the afternoon? My answer to this is sit in the lounge, nod off, watch the tele, drink copious cups of tea, and what is a cup of tea without a bun or a biscuit? Perhaps this is where I am going wrong and I should extend my ride to cover all daylight hours. This will keep me out of the biscuit tin! Riding every day would also help, but then I would keep wearing my bikes out, not to mention myself. That would result in around 700-1000 miles a week, but maybe I would lose a few pounds weight as a consequence. I think, so far as self preservation is concerned though, I may just carry on as I am, and not try to tighten the trouser belt as much as before. So, the first of my 13 rides since last reporting took me to Kirkby Lonsdale, Burton and Warton, not the longest of rides, but nevertheless enjoyable and good exercise. The next ride was one of the previously mentioned ‘wet’ rides. That’ll teach me to go South! I reached Winmarleigh without getting wet, but spent my coffee stop sheltering under a tree when the shower arrived. As the rain stopped, I set off and decided, as it still looked very uninviting, I would make my way to Pilling and then home. I got to Pilling without getting any wetter, but arriving in Pilling, the rain came again and stayed with me all the rest of the ride home. Undaunted, shoes having finally dried out, I planned my next ride. Kirkby Lonsdale, Biggins, Hutton Roof, Burton and onto my favourite destination, Arnside. A different route this time felt like a different ride along still very quiet roads, wonderful, and the sunshine returned! 40 miles, 3000ft, home for lunch, as usual. Next ride, Arnside again, but this time via Sizergh, 40 miles, but less ascent. The pattern continued, more or less a ride every other day, only one more wet ride, and in fact, that was only the last few miles and it was a North ride. Nevertheless, I was soaked, and had to ring my socks out and leave my shoes on the radiator for 2 days. The most memorable ride was last Wednesday when I went to Milnthorpe and across to Kirkby Lonsdale over the tops via Gatebeck, Old Hutton and Old Town. Fantastic scenery over the tops and the last ride before the strong winds arrived to put rides on hold for a few days. This week was the height of ambition and Monday’s ride took me to Grange-over-Sands, 58 miles and 3000ft, but still home for lunch, just! Today was, more or less, a repeat of the Sizergh Arnside ride, which is becoming a firm favourite, now having done it 3 times! I have taken a few lonely bike photos, and attach those taken at Grange on Monday and Arnside today.

Neil Westwell 27 May 2020

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Dream Ride - another from Jim

Off I set up Hala Hill to the Fox and Goose then right on to Newlands Road and right at the end under the motorway and a steady climb eventually dropping down to the Conder before the never ending climb through Quernmore cross roads to Jubilee Tower.

A quick descent onto the road leading through the Trough and the long slog over the boundary hill before the descent to Dunsop Bridge. A left turn took me through the village and on the road to Slaidburn. A quick drink and a ponder before I decided to wander up the Cross O Greet road to drop down to the Great Stone of Fourstones.

At the summit a quick break before the rapid(and mean rapid descent) I soon arrived at my break which meant a swig of liquidised rice pudding, complan and glucose!!

Along Mewith Lane to turn right just after Keasden to slog up and Over Bowland Knott’s and back down into Slaidburn.

Through Dunsop Bridge a right turn and I was heading for home but up and over the boundary hill then the slog up to Jubilee tower where I decided to stop for a break knowing I had the thrutch up from the Conder to come.

But wait someone is shouting but I can’t make out who or what they are saying, it sounds like Teresa oh I know what she is saying “Jim Jim wake up you are having a nightmare and your legs are going mad, wake up”

Thank goodness it was a dream BUT why if it was a dream do your legs ache as if it was real??

Jim Gardner

A really hot ride - Jim Gardner

Off on the usual route through the uni into Galgate then left up Stoney Lane to turn right down Whams Lane and crossing the A6 at Potters Brook then onto Cockerham Road. At the end turned right onto the B5272 then left in Cockerham to join the A588.

Turned left down and onto Crimbles Lane then a right to go down Gulf Lane.

On Gulf Lane dallied a bit watching the micro lights at Moss Edge Farm(Attitude Airsports Ld) it is amazing how little runway they need to take off, it looked to be in the region of about 100yards. Later along Gulf Lane I must have been hear a Tuwits nest because the birds were crying out with their alarm call so I sped on leaving them in peace.

At the end of Gulf Lane back left onto the A588 then right down Backsands Lane and into Pilling. Going through the village and back onto the A588 via Lamb’s Lane then right onto Green Dick’s Lane, passing the pheasantry, zebra and giraffe into Knott End.

Grabbing a bite to eat at the bakery a uturn back to the junction for Preesall and at the top of the brow a right turn to drop down to the single track road(Back Lane) then on via Highgate Land and Wardley’s Lane to arrive in Hambleton.

Another blast on the A588 to the last roundabout before Shard Bridge where I took a left onto Ball Park Lane, Mill Lane, Whin Lane then Radcliffe Road passing Cartforth Bridge turn off then a left on to Lancaster Road.

Up Lancaster Road then a right onto Skitham Lane through Nateby across the A6 at the Garstang traffic lights then home via Scorton, Forton and Galgate.

A lesson was learned because after this distance in this heat really needed two bottles on bike because I was dehydrated when I got back home but a cool shower and two cans of beer sorted me out

Jim Gardner

Early Lunch with the Geese of Grange - Mike Codd’s Ride 20 May 2020

7:15 on a bright sunny morning is a bit early for some, but I’ve always been an early riser.

Breakfasted on porridge,half a grapefruit,  a scrambled egg, spinach, a bacon sarnie and black coffee (spinach!?), I set out from Scotforth, down the A6 to cross Millennium Bridge and take the usual route to Nether Kellet. Going through Priest Hutton to Burton, I cut down Station Lane to Holme, Ackenthwaite and then Heversham. Spotting a nice bench just a smidgeon up School Lane in Leasgill, I stopped for coffee and a marmalade sandwich in the mottled sunshine. I think it was about 8:30.

The A6 was quiet, but just past Levens Hall were some road works and traffic lights. I’d just got through them and was accelerating when I was passed by a fit young whippersnapper (on a bike) so I decided to try to catch him and keep up (it wasn’t difficult to socially distance as I kept falling back). Crossing the A590 at a slightly different point than him, I beat him into Gilpin Bridge but he was no longer behind, so I guess he went north while I went west towards Witherslack. That was a relief.

I overtook more leisurely cyclists before the Derby Arms and I turned right to go through Witherslack and past Halecat. Eschewing the ascent of Tow Top, I turned south to Lindale and went up School Hill to meet the top road, whooshing me down to Grange over Sands.  I sat by the duckpond, serenaded by the honks of some kind of exotic geese(?) on a tiny wooded island and I greeted other old people as they passed by with a cheery “Good Morning”.

It was now 10 am and I texted Jan to say I’d just had lunch.

I had intended to join the prom path on the other side of the railway, but found myself on the same side as the railway, so I passed the front of the station and, seeing little traffic, headed up the road to turn off for Meathop. Clearly, the golf club was open, because two golfers were having a chat, on opposite sides of the road (one coming and the other going?). I could have got past but they were sitting in their respective big  stationary cars; they soon moved off.

Passing a couple on bikes, I passed through Meathop and, just on the last bend I was waved to stop by a lady who said some sheep were coming. I said I’d stop when I got to them and carried on and at the left turn (towards Matt’s traffic lights at Witherslack) I encountered 3 cyclists waiting by a young woman who said the sheep would soon be arriving. A flock of about a hundred sheep thronged the narrow lane, followed by a slow moving Landrover and two rather lethargic sheepdogs. Nipping the heels of those at the back was not a message getting through to the ones at the front, who were happily munching the luxuriant grass verges. It was all very sociable and bucolic!

We set off again and, pleading an appointment with lunch in Lancaster, I left the others to enjoy their day.

I took the usual route from the Derby Arms, but seeing light traffic, I decided to join the mighty A590 as far as the Levens turn, I kept on the A6 through Milnthorpe and Beetham as far as the junction from Yealand Redmaine. Then turned off past  Cinderbarrow to join the main road from Burton, turning off at Longlands and returning home via Kellet Lane and Halton Road.

A thoroughly enjoyable morning; I was rather surprised to find I’d done 62 miles and about 3700 feet.

Mike Codd

Kenny's "NOT OVER SANDS".

As there is now an attenuation of lockdown rules in place I resolved to ride to Grange again, not directly across the beach on a gravel bike as in my recent lamentable attempt but around the sands this time on a road bike. The main cause for concern of riding 50 miles during the Coroneonic Wars is not the distance but the absence of food outlets to fuel oneself, so I consumed a plate of beans on toast at 10.30 to get me there & another plate at 11.30 to get me back, before setting off on my way at 12.00.  I rode out with utmost care so as not to burden the NHS any more than I have previously, as over many years of ‘visiting the scenery at some momentum’ I have had to call upon them to repair sundry parts of my anatomy which I have managed to break or lose entirely, over time this has led numerous people to enquire whether that is the reason I have never had children?  Soon I was pedalling along sunlit bucolic lanes within the Levens area which in my blissful passage I perceived to be bereft of any traffic, when in a moment I am aware of tractors coming at me at some considerable speed from all directions, charging into fields & out of fields, hurling wheat, chaff, grain & husks all over the bit of tarmac I had claimed as my own before their arrival, indeed never before in 40 years of cycling have I ever been so close to being harvested!  Following this agricultural affray I headed towards Witherslack on the old Barrow road where traffic levels really were almost negligible & led me to unwisely relax my guard, for suddenly I was aware of a movement in the hedgerow & the presence of a large dog, admittedly on a leash, but the owner was also very close to me, closer than one would wish during this pandemic & I accelerated quickly away in case he was infected with the Dogowner Virus or Rabid19 as vets refer to it.  This is I must impart not the first occasion I have come into actual contact with animals over many years, so far I have notches for 1 cat, 1 squirrel, 1 cockerel & 2 dogs on my carbon frame (which probably make it rather unsafe to ride any more) hence not for nothing am I referred to as ‘Roadkill Ken’ by some individuals.  I had by now decided that I would like the rest of my ride to be without further incident, however, coming into Grange there was another cyclist approaching me coming out of town & on a blind corner the driver of a Teutonic vehicle decided to pass him leaving me with only the grass verge left to escape an inevitable collision, thankfully he waved at me which obviously made his manoeuvre more acceptable & less hazardous to my own life!  This is not the first time I have been attacked by one of these vehicles which ostensibly have been modified from tanks manufactured by the warlike citizens of Prussia who remove the gun turrets & tracks, replace them with 13” aluminium wheels & infotainment & attach a BMW, AUDI, VW or Mercedes badge to the chassis & sell the lot to a load of psychopathic drivers in Britain to kill civilians with!  So by then I had definitely decided that I really would prefer no more aggravation for the rest of my day out.  It was then that the bloody hearse cut me up; I had no idea that a vehicle designed to transport dead bodies ceremonially at a pace accompanied by a musical dirge could go that fast, but this overtaker (or should that be undertaker?) came past me so close that he could have killed me.  Or perhaps that was his intention as maybe trade was a bit thin on the ground at the time & he saw a business opportunity in my own vulnerability, actually I did notice that the coffin had a S for small tab on it & would have fit me perfectly, always assuming that there wasn’t some body in there already of course.  People often say to me, “cycling by yourself, doesn’t it get boring”?  “Time to time it can get a bit tedious”, I reply, if only they knew! 

Kenny Roberts

Ride in the past, from 2nd October 2019 - video compilation by Dave Hugill

Ride on 6th May Jim Gardner

An interesting ride including a Tow Top equivalent.

Decided to head for the wilds of the north but not quite in Hadrians area.

Going through a quiet Lancaster and over the river on to Aldrens Lane then through the Kellet’s via the cross roads.

After passing Clearwater a right turn taking me through Borwick then Priest Hutton to join the main road into Burton.

A left in Burton took me on to the usual route to Holme and in Holme the first left onto Moss Lane enable me to cross the A6 at Hale then go over Slackhead and drop down to Beetham where a left was taken to climb to the back gates of the deer park.

This is where the ride got interesting because instead of descending through the deer park I carried on onto an unnamed road which the map told me would lead to Arnside(but it didn’t show the condition). After an initial slight rise the road decided to go down and what a descent, brakes on all the way then finally rounding a bend towards the bottom where the road got really steep, a warning sign about lorries crossing going to the quarry. At this point discretion proved a favourite so off and walked(DOWNHILL!!)

At the bottom a sharp right the a left saw me going parallel to the main Arnside road but I arrived in Arnside safely to find Arnside was closed.

After a drink from my bottle a return to home via the level crossing, Yealands, Warton, Crag Bank then round Lancaster railway station to home.

A good ride and Tow Top eat your heart out(I am certainly never going to go up that road).

Jim

Arnside loop via Holme - Friday 8th May 2020

I took a very traditional route out of Lancaster via Beaumont to Kellet Lane, through Nether and onto Over Kellet. Then that nice little country lane to miss Borwick and end up in Priest Hutton. The bluebells are beginning to die back and be replaced by the white umbellifers of cow parsley and the slight tops of dead nettle. When it is shady there are still carpets of bluebells under the trees but the wild garlic is beginning to take over. No sign of celandines any more and most of the dandelions have lost their petals and become seed balls - though there is still yellow to see in the shade. The regular hike up the A6070 and off to Cinderbarrow Lane and the very-dirty-farm (which was dirty but dry). Hillderstone Lane up to Holme and then over the moss to get to Hale. From there to Arnside where it was too busy to stop for long. But I couldn’t resist catching a video of the river flooding at an amazing force with back eddies, and a back-back eddy along the shore. The piers under the railway bridge looked as if they were doing ten knots with a great bow wave around each.

I missed out the trip across the moss because of the high tide and came through Carnforth and up to Ancliffe Road where I passed Keith and Helen (for the second time that day!). Back to Lancaster avoiding the cycle paths (b usy again…) and up through the city to home. Just under 40 miles at just over 14 mph.

Tim Dant

Flood spring tide currents at Arnside

Four, Forty and Four Thousand - Mike Codd 6 May 2020

The ride started at 7a.m, fine sunny day, cold and a force 5 south-easterly when I set out from Nether Scotforth. All was quiet up Procter Moss Lane; just one or two delivery vans.

I turned right at the end, heading towards Abbeystead but decided to take the next left, a long but gentle climb, to the Jubilee Tower road where I turned right, towards Tarnbrook. It was a lovely descent, slightly marred by the stiff headwind, needing some pedalling to keep things going (and stay warm). I’d not done this route for some time, paralleling the gorge of the River Grizedale, which I crossed before entering the hamlet of Lower Lee. The road took me across the Tarnbrook Wyre at Lee Bridge, followed by a stiff, but not very long climb up to the junction by the little chapel, where the Abbeystead road joins from the right. It was much easier than the (usual?) climb out of Abbeystead.

I continued  past the chapel, ascending past Marshaw Farm and towards the Trough of Bowland. Traffic from the other direction was now waking up.

I stopped for a break alongside the river on my right, sitting on oak tree roots, out of the breeze and in sunshine. Drinking coffee and eating oatmeal biscuits, I heard my first cuckoo of 2020.

Sitting contemplating, I mused that many of our rides later this year will feature picnics because of closed or closed down cafes.

After I set out again, I was relieved to see a large lorry with a trailer careering down on the opposite side of the road before I got to the narrow winding part approaching the Trough Summit. Not something to meet there!

There was no more traffic until I reached the Dunsop Bridge junction where I overtook a stationary cyclist who was taking a break in the middle of the road. I was now running alongside the Hodder, as far as Burholme bridge.  I turned right to climb up onto the limestone reef, coming down again to turn left near the lone phone-box where the road goes to pass the wild boar farm.

I continued into Chipping, turning at the war memorial to sit outside Saint Bartholomew’s church in the bright sunshine to eat my “midmorning” sardine sandwiches (It was 9:25).

Shoppers and dog walkers, In small numbers, 2m apart, passed on the other side and I got a cheery “good morning” from a lady who was watering the flower tubs around the church.

I followed the familiar route back, sign-posted Garstang, and got off to push up the little hill out of Bleasdale, when I’d forgotten to change onto my smaller ring  – embarrassing!

When I’d got past Tootle Hall and the “Equitation” centre, I turned right, up Delph Lane, reminded (It’s on the route) that I’d not been able to run the Caldervale 10 this year.

 I descended to Oakenclough, where I was overtaken by a young man on a bike. I’d been taking it easy on the descent, so I tucked in behind him. Shortly after the cattle-grid before the ascent to Harris End. I whizzed past him and didn’t see him again (perhaps he’d stopped for a picnic).

I won’t detail the remainder of the ride. It was the standard Route 6. Coming through Ellel, I passed Dave Butterfield going the other way. We swopped “Hi!” and continued on our ways. Then I was through the Uni. and back to Scotforth for 11.               4 hours, 40 miles 4000feet.

Mike Codd

A short loop with lumps... Sunday 3rd May, 2020

I’ve been finding it difficult to get motivated to ride much but I decided to have a go with a little spin over Hala, into Happy Valley, up through Quermore and then onto Rigg Lane past Clougha. This missed out the long climb up to Littledale but kept the unavoidable and steep part of Littledale Road in. There were some good views across the valleys! The trees on Broom Brow Wood looking north-west from Littledale Road had a nice range of greens and from Baines Cragg I could see across to Clougha in the south, to the Lakeland Fells in the north-west and the brow of the Cragg northwards. I heard another cuckoo in the woods on the lower reaches of Clougha. Once over the brow and on the descent into Littledale I passed Peter and Tracey working hard on the climb up. After a long descent into Brookhouse I saw some cyclists ride off down a lane - Holme Lane - which revealed Brookhouse to be a pretty village that I didn’t know existed. At the bottom I crossed to join the multi-use path going southwards and found the two cyclists paused. One was Richard, cycling with a buddy. I said hello and then set off on the path towards Crook O’Lune where I left to join the road up to Halton. The cycle paths have become crowded with walkers and just about impossible to physically distance on - but the roads are much clearer than they usually are. And today I found some delightful quiet roads (Long Lane through Quernmore and Rigg Lane) with stichwort, bluebells and dandelions decorating the verges.

Tim Dant, 3rd May

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Hindburn Circuit 27 April – Mike Codd

Lovely morning, a bitcolder than planned but OK.

Set out about 8:15 from Scotforth and rode via Postern Gate to Wray. Very little traffic.

I won’t bore you with the details to Wray, but I decided to attack the hill opposite Bridge House Farm again and go up to Fourstones for my morning coffee and jam sandwich (Cooking my own scones would result in my putting back my hard won weight loss; at least, in a cafe I’d only eat one.. (Who bought all the flour in Booth’s?).

The hill out of Wray is a stinker for the first hundred feet, evens out a bit and then steepens again before coming past Above Beck farm. On this ride, instead of taking the right fork half a kilometer past the farm, I took the left, interestingly signposted to The Cragg.

The road crosses a couple of tributaries of the Hindburn, with the associated dip and climb, before passing through the farmyards of Highr Broadwood, Cragg Hall and Birks farm (after which is a road gate to be opened (and shut)). Each time I came to a farm, it looked like I might have ended up at a dead end and each time, the road snook through the yard and out the other side. No complaints, the road was still tarmac and reasonably clean, though a bit rough in places.

Eventually arriving at Park House Lane (I know it now.) I decided to go right past COD Gill farm  (I don’t think it was referring to fishy breathing equipment). Just round the corner I met a nice lady who said,

“This is a dead end. To go to Bentham (my original plan) you have to go back and stay right”.

This took me on a long descent on Park House Lane., to Furnessford Bridge over the Hindburn where it became a steep climb up Furnessford Road, where I then turned right towards Lowgill. At the next road junction, a bit like Neptune’s trident, I took the middle prong, signed Slaidburn 18 miles. I rode on this, gradually climbing until over a cattle grid, I came to the junction with White Pits Lane.

I was now out on the moor and stopped for my cold coffee and raspberry jam sandwich. Views were marvellous. I could just see the top of the stationary turbine blades on Claughton Moor. A few cars passed by then I set out down White Pits Lane, which I recognised from the Bowland Audax. Returning down it was a real pleasure –no pedal strokes for about a mile!

Turning right at Spen Brow, I passes the end of Furnessford Road on my left and the end of Mewith Lane on my right, finally turning right onto the Low Bentham-Wray road. The route back was beautiful but I won’t bore you by describing it!

36 miles and 2772 feet from Scotforth and back though Lancaster.

I think this would be a nice, challenging but beautiful and interesting part of a day ride. It could start with Coffee at Wray and Lunch could be at Bentham,…………………… one day...........................

Mike Codd

More rides and helpful advice for Ken (From Neil Westwell, 26th April 2020)

Another week in lockdown and I am beginning to sympathise with Ken, although I am managing my solo rides quite well, thank you.

On Monday, for the first time since the solo ride regime began, I decided to go South. Garstang was the choice, with a call at Forton on the return leg. 

This, of course, is Ken’s most visited destination, although not, perhaps, in the current circumstances. I can understand Ken’s desire to find a companion to ride with, but proposing to gain a riding partner by marriage is a bit extravagant! In his superbly worded, almost truthful, advert in his favourite Italian magazine he offered his Colnago as a dowry. To enhance this generous suggestion, use of Microwave was also offered. My concern in this respect is possibly what may be lost in translation. Perhaps offering Colnago may be misunderstood by his new Italian friend to be some sort of folded Pizza. What nice Italian young lady would not be tempted by the offer of Microwaved pizza and a young good looking Englishman. There may be many applicants!

I would, at this stage, advise Ken to just take a step back and consider other options. With this lockdown now about to enter the fifth week, and all these married couples spending all their time together, there may be some re-evaluations occurring. This could result in several spare cycling companions becoming available. They might even come with their own microwave!

Back to my ride for now, anyway. Before reaching Garstang, cycling through Forton, Matt was coming the other way. On the return leg, as I reached Winmarleigh, I was pleased to see Sue Lucas coming towards me, so we stopped for a chat, whilst, of course, observing social distancing. As we dallied, Mike Hutch. flashed past, giving a quick greeting as he went by.

Sue and I said goodbye and went our separate ways. Approaching Stodday, on the main road, I was delighted to see Tracey and Peter walking towards me. I hadn’t seen them since February so it was nice to stop for another chat. Onto Aldcliffe and, hey up, Tim and Molly coming towards me, another chat before continuing. 

So much for solo riding and no socialising, I had more conversations on this ride than a pre lockdown ride! Excellent! Please note, social distancing was observed at all times!

Onto Wednesday, where shall I go today? North is favourite, the roads are definitely quieter, although on my previous rides I have not bumped into as many friends as Monday. I’ve always liked the route to Sizergh Castle, so knowing all National Trust properties are currently closed, I decided to follow the route and choose a different coffee and cake stop en route. I passed Sizergh Castle where the gates were actually open, but I wasn’t tempted, so I carried on up the hill and down to Levens which became my choice of coffee stop. My trusty flask served its purpose once more, together with one of my home baked scones.

I decided to carry on to my favourite destination, Arnside, and took a quick drink from my flask before continuing home over the ‘Knott’.

Friday, and another ride. This lockdown is turning out to be very cyclist friendly, but we shouldn’t abuse it, so all my rides are morning only rides, and no more than every other day. Good exercise, although not as much as normal. However, given all the home maintenance jobs I seem to be doing, I’m getting plenty of exercise elsewhere. All the garden furniture renovated, the bathroom redecorated, even some gardening! A bike ride is like a rest!

Arnside seems to be a suitable destination, which way though? I thought I’d try via Sunnybank so I could achieve a ‘few hills’. Arnside was the coffee stop and the end of the pier seemed a good choice. Soon after arriving, I was joined by a man and his son who said they were from Bolton-le-Sands. On recognising the Dad’s bike as similar to one of my old bikes, the conversation revealed that it was my old bike, and we all remembered meeting to make the sale. Small world! As usual, home via the Knott, and in plenty of time for lunch. My old bike was immaculate!!

Today’s ride? Arnside! Why not? Plenty of different ways to go to Arnside and Arnside is just so quiet at the moment. Via Heversham was today’s route which makes it about 24 miles to the pier. Just riding into Arnside from Sandside, I spotted Geoff riding in from Silverdale, so we rode in together, maintaining the appropriate distance between us. We stopped on the pier and out came my trusty flask. Suddenly there were three of us as Ken also arrived. As three people who have all had their birthdays in the last 3 weeks it was nice to catch up. It was mid February when we had last been together. Social distancing was always maintained as we chatted and we left separately in different directions. Home again in time for lunch.

4 rides this week, 150 miles, 8500 ft of ascent, all morning rides. Last coat of preservative on the garden furniture tomorrow! Ride on Tuesday, or is it going to rain?

Neil Westwell

26 April 2020

Lone ride from Aldcliffe to Aldcliffe via Jubilee Tower – Saturday, 25th April, 2020

Usually I get off the sofa and get on a road bike to ride with other people. I enjoy the company on the road and look forward to drinking Earl Grey tea and eating a slice of bakewell tart sociably with friends. So I’ve found it difficult to get riding since the lockdown. I’ve taken a couple of rides to Garstang to buy fish that have involved going over Harris End fell one way or the other. But despite the weather being perfect for cycling I’ve mainly rather stuck to the sofa.

Yesterday though, I decided to follow a ride I’ve done on my own a few times in the past but not for a year or two. Out to Galgate via Condor Green, towards the hills through Street and onto the fellside road to Marshaw at the bottom of Catshaw and Hawthornthwaite fells. The sky was blue with a slight haze but I had a good view back towards Lancaster. If you listen very carefully to the beginning of my little video you can hear a cuckoo. He’s almost drowned out by the willow warbler singing his pretty falling cadence and they both are by the swoosh of an unknown cyclist coming by. He was one of half a dozen cyclists I saw on that road – and just one car. There were a couple of lapwings in the field doing aerial acrobatics with tight turns and swoops that they matched with their swooping calls that are far more complex than their nick name of ‘peewit’ suggests. And there were some shelducks being harassed by a pigeon. And a few martins – I think they were sand martins – as I crossed the Cam Brook before the short but steep pull up to Cam Brow.

I carried on, crossed the Marshaw Wyre and turned back towards Lancaster on the Trough road. I’d forgotten the steep descent into Lee and met a DPD van with a bit of speed coming across the bridge. Luckily it was wide enough for us to miss each other safely. And then there was the long climb up to and along Rakehouse Brow. The road was quiet and the views across the Fylde glorious and I’d promised myself a chew bar and a breather at Jubilee Tower. Of course there were a number of cyclists doing the same, socially distanced along the roadside, but I found my own tussock with a view towards the Lakeland fells. A couple of swallows darted overhead as I enjoyed my snack.

I’d forgotten how long the descent is from the Tower down through Quernmore to Condor Mill. Wonderful! A free ride. Quernmore was surprisingly busy and I did have to brake quite a lot to stay behind a car at one point. But it was just as well because the road surface has been rucked up like a loose rug as it goes through the dog leg and it gets scarily bouncy. Up the other side, I turned left at the top before Langthwaite to ride the big dipper along the side of the fell to Blea Tarn Road and then turned down through Hala. I missed out my usual return to Aldcliffe along the canal to avoid mixing with all the walkers and runners failing to socially distance and took the less pretty route via Lunecliffe Road. Back in time for lunch. Not the same as a CTC ride… but it got me out of the home I’ve been told by the government to stay in, for a couple of hours. And I saw and heard the signal birds of summer; cuckoo, willow warbler and swallow.

Tim Dant