CTC Lancaster and South Lakes Ride Report Sunday 10th October 2021
/CTC Lancaster attracted an enthusiastic following for the annual Freewheel competition. The pandemic had caused the cancellation of the 2020 edition, the first interruption in more than 50 years. The event was held near Aughton in spectacular atmospheric conditions, in bright sunshine, but with a temperature inversion in the Lune valley causing the peaks of the Yorkshire Dales and the Bowland fell tops to appear much closer, floating above a sea of mist.
Starting in Halton, 10 riders made their way up the Kirkby Lonsdale road, emerging from the mist into bright sunshine near the junction with the Halton Park road, before carrying on to the next right turning towards Aughton and Gressingham. Most riders stopped to take photos when the temperature inversion came into view, with Ingleborough standing proudly above the mists.
Past President Ray officiated at the Freewheel competition, wielding his trusty piece of chalk at the bottom of the hill, with Patience setting the riders off in true Tour de France tradition at the top. Adam emerged victorious and will be the proud holder of the trophy for the coming year.
Reluctantly we descended into the cold mist at Gressingham and on via Hornby to the Bridge House café at Wray where we warmed up with coffee and cakes, aided by the emerging sunshine. Following an extended outdoor natter a group of 6 continued on in unseasonably benign conditions towards Kirkby Lonsdale via Wennington and Melling.
Eschewing the usual narrow byways which are a source of punctures in the hedge-cutting season, we kept to the more frequented and thorn-free route to Burton and on to lunch at Farleton View, sheltering from the chilly wind in the Perspex “Covid shelter” at the back.
A gentle breeze hastened our progress to Heversham and across the moss to Sandside, Carr Bank and Silverdale’s Leighton Moss RSPB café, where afternoon teas and coffees were polished off amidst further conversation, before we dispersed to our respective homes, with between 55 to 60 miles under our wheels.
We welcome new riders. You can find details of the rides on offer at www.ctclancaster.org.uk
Len Howard
