Jim Gardner - Another solo boring ride

Where e’er you be let the wind blow free; trouble was it was from my front tyre.
Decided to gird my loins (whatever that means) and head for the flesh pots of Knott End.
Turning on to Stoney Lane in Galgate flying past Five Lane Ends to whoosh past his sir-ship in Street. A right turn at Harris End then first left towards the water splash. Very little water in ford do I risk it? do I hell, I remember someone risking it and puncturing, he he he.
Taking the Barnacre loop to Gubberford Bridge then the single track road to Garstang where I passed Mary H going in the opposite direction (home probably).
Crossing A6 at the lights then Croston Barn Lane, Nateby Crossing Lane then onto Longmoor Lane. Then heading for Pilling by turning right after Nateby school onto Cartmel Lane then Black Lane and Garstang Road. Along this road I spotted the other half of the Hodges going in the opposite direction.
A left turn in Pilling took me on to the notorious Head Dyke Lane which I left at Green Dicks Lane (who was Dick anyway and did he have a medical problem??).
After this, a straight run into Knott End and a refreshment stop at the bakery. Averaged just under 18mph thanks to a strong following wind, unfortunately there is no railway station in Knott End so I wasn’t looking forward to the journey home.
Decided to go what I thought might be a sheltered journey back, so left Knott End and turned right to head for Preesall then at the top of the brow another right turn dropped me down to the quiet roads.
Passing Cemetery Lane I took the next left into Grange Lane then into Stalmine. Leaving Stalmine on the A588 Mill Lane to go left onto Moss Side Lane, Unison Lane and Lancaster Road.
Doing a U-turn in Pilling onto Bradshaw Lane, up and over Eagland Hill to rejoin Longmoor Lane where Woods Lane joins it. Along the road leading to Nateby it soon became apparent that my choice of route was seriously flawed, front wheel puncture. Soon re-tubed and off again.
Then it was back home via Gubberford Bridge, Scorton, Forton, Five Lane Ends and Galgate
Very pleasant ride although the speed coming back had been reduced from the 18mph on the way to 9/10mph on the way back.
Many more bikes on the road than cars let’s hope this lockdown lasts.
It is surprising me that the number of people taking exercise now has increased dramatically I hope for everyone’s sake it continues.

Jim Gardner

(Perhaps Dick’s loins were no properly girde? Ed.)