Millennium Bridge to Wray and Ingleton on Sunday November 5

November 5 isn’t known for it’s glorious sunshine, Sunday was an exception. 7 of us met at Millennium Bridge for Neil’s ride to Ingleton for lunch with a coffee stop at Wray en route. Then Nick arrived on his bike! It was wonderful to see him back on his bike after his operation!

Nick decided to cycle the flat way along the cycle path, the rest of us took the road alongside the Lune towards Halton. We took the turn up Kellet Lane towards Nether Kellet. This is a real ‘warmer upper’ at the start of a ride, but given the warm sunshine and clear blue sky, maybe it wasn’t necessary. Leaving Nether Kellet, because it was such a bright, clear day the vista really opened up and Ingleborough soon came into view even though it was still miles away.

The roads were quiet and on some of the more minor roads we took there were no vehicles at all. We soon arrived at Bridge House where we met up with several other riders including Nick. We took our time with the refreshments, but it was good to get back outside into the sunshine for the onward ride to Ingleton.

There were a couple of changes of personnel as we continued towards Bentham as some joined the ride and others went home to fulfil other arrangements. Taking the turn up Russell Lane we avoided the steep ascent up Long Lane and enjoyed the scenery as we rode along the traffic free roads. We arrived at Low Bentham and climbed the hill to High Bentham. Leaving High Bentham, we took the left turn along Windy Hill which, thankfully, didn’t live up to its name, the sun continuing to shine and the views fantastic. We arrived at Inglesport and met up with Dave who had arrived before us. Again, we took our time having lunch, but the sun continued to shine when we emerged from the cafe.

We took the Ravens Close route and passed through Wennington, then as we approached Wray again we realised we had lost Len. It turned out his front gear cable had snapped so Len stopped to make a temporary ‘get you home’ repair. The repair consisted of a twig placed between the frame and the derailleur to maintain the middle gear. This was innovative improvisation and worked successfully all the way home. Len was heard to say ‘after all this time, I’ve finally twigged it’.

It was a super day’s cycling in excellent sunshine, good company, welcoming cafe stops and quiet roads, what’s more, immediately after putting the bike away the heavens opened and it poured down for some time.

If you’re a regular rider and you didn’t join us, where were you? If you’re thinking of joining us for your first ride, you will be extremely welcome, it makes a superb day out. 42 miles and 2590 ft of ascent for me.

Neil Westwell