Mike Bridges’ Sunday Runs 21 and 28 June

Last week’s run, Ian and I decided, should be an “easy” one.  We had climbed 4600 feet on each of the two previous weeks, so flat might be an idea.  When I led from Penwortham then, I set off for a run to Southport.  The start was not unlike the run I led to Rufford a year or two past, heading via side roads through Lostock Hall and Leyland to pick up Route 91 for a while on route for Eccleston.

We bypassed Manna Café, where Sir Bradley’s golden post box still stands guard and headed into the fresh breeze and bright weather towards Mawdesley, on the edge of the Lancashire plain.  The route crossed the A59 near Bispham Green, and headed for Lathom across agricultural scenery then  taking a direct route into Ormskirk for a “coffee break” (on a bench in the almost empty centre).

Ormskirk has some interesting old buildings, amongst other things.  We left these behind, however, and headed west via Halsall and over the moss towards the coast.  Our road was a straightish, causeway-like road of the type seen on the Fylde, up to 2 metres above the surrounding fields of crops.  It led us to the houses of Ainsdale, where we joined larger roads on route for the coast road.  We had also left behind various ornamental scarecrows not unlike those of Wray.

For a while, we followed the Trans Pennine Route through the hills of Ainsdale and Birkdale to ride the Promenade of Southport northwards, the wind now giving us a distinct push. Had it been any stronger, we would have had real sand in our sandwiches for lunch just north of the pier.  However, the way ahead was even easier, following the prom to Crossens and Banks before heading inland.

Market gardening country surrounded us on route to Mere Brow and Sollom along Route 91, ut we were diverted north on the A59 (roadworks east of Sollom) to reach Bretherton.  Another series of minor roads took us via Midge Hall and White Stake and back into Penwortham for the last of our relaxing route.

It’s funny how you can treat 63 miles as an easy route!

Sunday 28th was very affected by the weather.  It was Ian’s turn to lead, and we took a sensible decision by following a flat ride to the southwest to Sollom on the A59, then circling Ormskirk on a loop of the South Lancs Cycleway (Route 91) before returning at 17mph, blown by the wind back up the A59 from Rufford.  Not terribly exciting as our routes are usually, but it was a day out of just over 51 miles and we returned safely.  It had been interesting seeing the changes in the cops since we rode this way 6 weeks ago.

On the bright side, we have a couple of good ideas for next week, weather permitting….

Mike Bridges