Short winter ride from South Lancaster to Scorton

The forecast for Sunday’s CTC Lancaster and South Lakes ride was for cold and sunny conditions, a welcome change from the rain of the previous week. However, there was also the prospect of icy conditions, so great caution was called for on the wetter stretches of the roads.

6 riders met at the Boot and Shoe and set off on the usual back lanes and cycle paths through the University to Ellel and Galgate. Two riders left the group at this point; one with cold hands and the other to seek roads that were more likely to have been salted.

The remaining 4 decided to continue on the planned route to Scorton Apple Store via 5 Lane Ends and Street. The scenery was stunning with attractively frosted fields and excellent views across the Fylde to the Lancashire coast and up towards Grizedale Fell. The only problem with the glorious and warming sun, was that it was mostly in the riders’ eyes as the route headed south-east out of Galgate.

As the road dipped down to cross the Wyre valley we encountered icy conditions, so everyone got off and walked until the ice was passed. Further patches of black ice were found at the turn onto Long Lane and once again caution proved the better part of valour. The short stretches on “shank’s pony” were welcomed as a chance to warm up our feet a little and to look around at the scenery a bit more.

Unsurprisingly there were a lot of cars parked on Higher Lane above Wyresdale Park and people setting off to walk on the fells from Nicky Nook. We were expecting the café at Apple Store to be very busy, but must have hit a quiet lull, so had no difficulty finding a table. The Club’s Chairman Nick had travelled to the café by car and joined our group. A very welcome break was had in the vicinity of the wood burning stoves to enjoy hot drinks and breakfast baps and we learnt with envy of Liz and Dave’s planned cycling holiday in India and Nigel’s skiing trip to Italy.

On leaving the café there was chaos on the narrow road leading down into Scorton as cars and vans were at a standstill in both directions, unable to pass each other, until someone took charge and started to direct some drivers to reverse to free up some road space. Fortunately for us cyclists we were able to squeeze through and drop gingerly down into Scorton village well ahead of the motorised traffic.

The return route was via Middle Holly to Cockerham and Conder Green, then via Stodday to Lancaster. We were, perhaps fortunate that there were no spills on the ice, due to our careful approach and willingness to walk if in doubt.

We welcome new group members. More detail about our rides can be found on our website at www.ctclancaster.org.uk