Sunday 17th March 2024

It was cycle touring, but not quite as the old guard would have known it!  CTC Lancaster’s St Patrick’s Day Sunday ride attracted early rain which dissuaded a lot of riders from assembling at Halton Station. The old guard would have been surprised to find that four out of the five cyclists who made it to the start were electric-assisted; the Social Secretary was particularly keen to test out her retro-fitted’ Pendix appendage’ on her Thorn. Tradition was represented by the Club Secretary (a septuagenarian on a fifty-year old Mercian.)

Nevertheless, the group was was helped by a following wind up the Lune valley, and the rain had ceased by the time we set off. The morning’s destination was Ireby Green café, via the well-worn route through Wray. Bucolic variety came in the form of Spout Lane, meandering through a hummocky landscape to Wrayton, and sporting a curiously-situated urban litter bin in the middle of nowhere. Further hummocks stretched our legs between The Highwayman and Cowan Bridge. Small patches of sunlit fields added interest to the views south from the Leck and Ireby lanes. We rolled down to cross the A65 to Ireby Green and well-earned, excellent freshly-made scones.

Sandra changed her plans to suit the septuagenarian’s legs, and we decided on lunch at Goat Gap instead of Clapham. The group now reduced to two ladies and the traditionalist. The electrics waited patiently at the top of the hills we encountered beyond Buron-in-Lonsdale and along Nutgill Lane to the summit of Newby Moor and onto lunch. Replete, a brief free-wheel took us to Clapham Station before the steep ascent to Keasden and the familiar snaking route along Mewith Lane. By now, the summit of Ingleborough was clear and the valley flooded with afternoon sunlight. A sight to gladden the heart after all the recent rains.

Further hills via Gressingham were eschewed in favour of the free-wheel down the valley. The traditionalist’s legs had decided that 50 miles and 3,500 feet of climbing was sufficient for one day.

You too can join our friendly inclusive rides.  As long as you have cyclist’s legs and/or enough battery charge to avoid range anxiety!