Sunday 10th March 2024

A cold strongly gusting wind from the north east put paid to any plans by the cycle tourists to extend the Sunday ride beyond the coffee stop at Arnside. Only five riders from Lancaster CTC made it to the start at Beaumont College, though we did pick up another two by the time we got to Carnforth, and a further one joined us at coffee.

Against the wind for much of the way, it was 10.45 before we made it to Bob In at New Barns, just beating the Mothers Day rush. By the time we re-mounted, the high tide was lapping at the green grass, and was almost level with the track round the bay edge.  The railway viaduct appeared perilously near to the water from this vantage point. A closer view from the promenade showed at least enough headroom for a canoeist!

There had been thoughts of continuing to Grange, but the return would have been hard work, and the train might not have taken all the bikes! So it was home via the flat water-filled dyke landscape of Heversham Moss, Heversham village, Ackenthwaite and Holme. Then more water-filled ditches and geometric road patterns on Hale Moss, followed by the nicely dry ‘mucky farm’ and onto Borwick and the Kellets.

A tricky rear wheel puncture in a newly retrofitted electric-assist detained some of us for an hour, but fortuitously happened at Priest Hutton. Thus we were able to benefit from the excellent hospitality of villagers who are Club members, offering a heated garage and an unplanned early afternoon tea stop.

A pleasant meander of 40 to 50 miles for most, and home for a late lunch. What’s not to like?

You can also experience the wind in your wheels on one of our sociable rides on Sundays and Thursdays. Just look at the Rides Diary.