Thursday Ride - Boot & Shoe to Knott End 29 July

This was a ride to celebrate the Grand Reopening of Garstang Arts.

We have always had a smashing reception from the ladies who operate this centre and we were looking forward to our return. 

Three of us(me, Mike and Ian) gathered at the Boot and Shoe at 09.15 and set off for Garstang our usually way, University, Galgate, Whams Lane, Cleveley Bank then through Scorton and over Gubberford Bridge to Garstang.

What a welcome we got it’s was like meeting friends we hadn’t seen for ages. Here we also met Matt and Mary. Free drinks and cakes as will, the days can’t get better (are we missing working- are we hell).

After a lengthy refreshment stop (with an awful lot of chat) we prised our way out of Garstang to cross the A6 at the lights to go down Longmoor Lane then turned to go up and over Cogie Hill! and into Pilling. In Pilling we had a bit of a problem the leader was feeling well under par so he and Mike Codd decided to go direct to lunch.

Ian and Matt decided to do the full route and meet us at the Ferry Cafe. Once we had all met up Mike left us to get home as quick as he could so the three of us stayed in Knott End having a long break.

Eventually we had to leave Knott End and we decided the sea wall to Pilling would be too windy so we went via Green Dicks Lane into Pilling then on the moss road before turning to go to Cockerham via Gulf Lane. In Cockerham we decided to go to the University via Wallings(where Matt left us) then Ratcliffe Wharf Lane, Whams Lane and Galgate.

All in all a reasonable ride considering the weather forecast and for me 46 miles but Ian and Matts would have been longer and it was nice to see our friends at Garstang Arts(their cheese scones are lovely)

I have to say smaller groups like we seem to have at the moment make riding much more pleasant.

Jim Gardner

Anyone who is interested in joining us can find information about our regular club rides on Thursdays and Sundays on our website: www.ctclancaster.org.uk.