Trial Thursday Group Ride to Goat Gap 30th July

 Lancaster and South Lakes CTC (Cyclists) enjoyed a five-rider, socially-distanced ride on Thursday 30th.

We had 4 at the start, which was in the riverside park at Skerton, near the junction between Aldren’s Lane and Halton Road. We waited 10 minutes in the rain for another member,  who’d unfortunately found the start description confusing and we left without him (He met us at coffee later).

The weather being dry and fine by the time we got to coffee, the group was able to sit outside in a socially-distanced group for their refreshment. This was a limited trial, needing a booked place on the ride, so the start was secret until the following riders had been booked on. We did not wish to invite or acquire more, as at times, social distancing would have been impossible, making the ride illegal.

The ride took the hilly route above Halton, descending to cross Loyne Bridge and cut across to Wennington, where we removed out waterproofs for the steep climb of Raven’s Close, then we whizzed down through Burton-in-Kendal to the cafe at Ireby Green.

A mile’s retrace took us to cross the A65 at Westhouse, leading through Ingleton, to the road to Clapham, descending from Newby Head to the Goat Gap Cafe for lunch in the sunshine.

Shooting across the now busy A65, Clapham station was our turning to pick up Mewith Lane for our customary return to Wray, where 3 of us enjoyed tea and cake at Bridge House Farm cafe and Garden Centre.

A self-loosening left pedal had caused one or two (welcome) rests on this return route.

Return home was along the busy A683, two returning to Lancaster and one over Caton Green and Postern Gate to Scotforth. We’d done about 50 miles and 4200 feet.

We hope to do more rides inviting more members but this depends on how many leaders can lead separated rides.

Nice to be back together, even if we had to shout!

Mike Codd