Ride on 6th May Jim Gardner
/An interesting ride including a Tow Top equivalent.
Decided to head for the wilds of the north but not quite in Hadrians area.
Going through a quiet Lancaster and over the river on to Aldrens Lane then through the Kellet’s via the cross roads.
After passing Clearwater a right turn taking me through Borwick then Priest Hutton to join the main road into Burton.
A left in Burton took me on to the usual route to Holme and in Holme the first left onto Moss Lane enable me to cross the A6 at Hale then go over Slackhead and drop down to Beetham where a left was taken to climb to the back gates of the deer park.
This is where the ride got interesting because instead of descending through the deer park I carried on onto an unnamed road which the map told me would lead to Arnside(but it didn’t show the condition). After an initial slight rise the road decided to go down and what a descent, brakes on all the way then finally rounding a bend towards the bottom where the road got really steep, a warning sign about lorries crossing going to the quarry. At this point discretion proved a favourite so off and walked(DOWNHILL!!)
At the bottom a sharp right the a left saw me going parallel to the main Arnside road but I arrived in Arnside safely to find Arnside was closed.
After a drink from my bottle a return to home via the level crossing, Yealands, Warton, Crag Bank then round Lancaster railway station to home.
A good ride and Tow Top eat your heart out(I am certainly never going to go up that road).
Jim
Arnside loop via Holme - Friday 8th May 2020
/I took a very traditional route out of Lancaster via Beaumont to Kellet Lane, through Nether and onto Over Kellet. Then that nice little country lane to miss Borwick and end up in Priest Hutton. The bluebells are beginning to die back and be replaced by the white umbellifers of cow parsley and the slight tops of dead nettle. When it is shady there are still carpets of bluebells under the trees but the wild garlic is beginning to take over. No sign of celandines any more and most of the dandelions have lost their petals and become seed balls - though there is still yellow to see in the shade. The regular hike up the A6070 and off to Cinderbarrow Lane and the very-dirty-farm (which was dirty but dry). Hillderstone Lane up to Holme and then over the moss to get to Hale. From there to Arnside where it was too busy to stop for long. But I couldn’t resist catching a video of the river flooding at an amazing force with back eddies, and a back-back eddy along the shore. The piers under the railway bridge looked as if they were doing ten knots with a great bow wave around each.
I missed out the trip across the moss because of the high tide and came through Carnforth and up to Ancliffe Road where I passed Keith and Helen (for the second time that day!). Back to Lancaster avoiding the cycle paths (b usy again…) and up through the city to home. Just under 40 miles at just over 14 mph.
Tim Dant
Flood spring tide currents at Arnside
Four, Forty and Four Thousand - Mike Codd 6 May 2020
/The ride started at 7a.m, fine sunny day, cold and a force 5 south-easterly when I set out from Nether Scotforth. All was quiet up Procter Moss Lane; just one or two delivery vans.
I turned right at the end, heading towards Abbeystead but decided to take the next left, a long but gentle climb, to the Jubilee Tower road where I turned right, towards Tarnbrook. It was a lovely descent, slightly marred by the stiff headwind, needing some pedalling to keep things going (and stay warm). I’d not done this route for some time, paralleling the gorge of the River Grizedale, which I crossed before entering the hamlet of Lower Lee. The road took me across the Tarnbrook Wyre at Lee Bridge, followed by a stiff, but not very long climb up to the junction by the little chapel, where the Abbeystead road joins from the right. It was much easier than the (usual?) climb out of Abbeystead.
I continued past the chapel, ascending past Marshaw Farm and towards the Trough of Bowland. Traffic from the other direction was now waking up.
I stopped for a break alongside the river on my right, sitting on oak tree roots, out of the breeze and in sunshine. Drinking coffee and eating oatmeal biscuits, I heard my first cuckoo of 2020.
Sitting contemplating, I mused that many of our rides later this year will feature picnics because of closed or closed down cafes.
After I set out again, I was relieved to see a large lorry with a trailer careering down on the opposite side of the road before I got to the narrow winding part approaching the Trough Summit. Not something to meet there!
There was no more traffic until I reached the Dunsop Bridge junction where I overtook a stationary cyclist who was taking a break in the middle of the road. I was now running alongside the Hodder, as far as Burholme bridge. I turned right to climb up onto the limestone reef, coming down again to turn left near the lone phone-box where the road goes to pass the wild boar farm.
I continued into Chipping, turning at the war memorial to sit outside Saint Bartholomew’s church in the bright sunshine to eat my “midmorning” sardine sandwiches (It was 9:25).
Shoppers and dog walkers, In small numbers, 2m apart, passed on the other side and I got a cheery “good morning” from a lady who was watering the flower tubs around the church.
I followed the familiar route back, sign-posted Garstang, and got off to push up the little hill out of Bleasdale, when I’d forgotten to change onto my smaller ring – embarrassing!
When I’d got past Tootle Hall and the “Equitation” centre, I turned right, up Delph Lane, reminded (It’s on the route) that I’d not been able to run the Caldervale 10 this year.
I descended to Oakenclough, where I was overtaken by a young man on a bike. I’d been taking it easy on the descent, so I tucked in behind him. Shortly after the cattle-grid before the ascent to Harris End. I whizzed past him and didn’t see him again (perhaps he’d stopped for a picnic).
I won’t detail the remainder of the ride. It was the standard Route 6. Coming through Ellel, I passed Dave Butterfield going the other way. We swopped “Hi!” and continued on our ways. Then I was through the Uni. and back to Scotforth for 11. 4 hours, 40 miles 4000feet.
Mike Codd
A short loop with lumps... Sunday 3rd May, 2020
/I’ve been finding it difficult to get motivated to ride much but I decided to have a go with a little spin over Hala, into Happy Valley, up through Quermore and then onto Rigg Lane past Clougha. This missed out the long climb up to Littledale but kept the unavoidable and steep part of Littledale Road in. There were some good views across the valleys! The trees on Broom Brow Wood looking north-west from Littledale Road had a nice range of greens and from Baines Cragg I could see across to Clougha in the south, to the Lakeland Fells in the north-west and the brow of the Cragg northwards. I heard another cuckoo in the woods on the lower reaches of Clougha. Once over the brow and on the descent into Littledale I passed Peter and Tracey working hard on the climb up. After a long descent into Brookhouse I saw some cyclists ride off down a lane - Holme Lane - which revealed Brookhouse to be a pretty village that I didn’t know existed. At the bottom I crossed to join the multi-use path going southwards and found the two cyclists paused. One was Richard, cycling with a buddy. I said hello and then set off on the path towards Crook O’Lune where I left to join the road up to Halton. The cycle paths have become crowded with walkers and just about impossible to physically distance on - but the roads are much clearer than they usually are. And today I found some delightful quiet roads (Long Lane through Quernmore and Rigg Lane) with stichwort, bluebells and dandelions decorating the verges.
Tim Dant, 3rd May
Hindburn Circuit 27 April – Mike Codd
/
Lovely morning, a bitcolder than planned but OK.
Set out about 8:15 from Scotforth and rode via Postern Gate to Wray. Very little traffic.
I won’t bore you with the details to Wray, but I decided to attack the hill opposite Bridge House Farm again and go up to Fourstones for my morning coffee and jam sandwich (Cooking my own scones would result in my putting back my hard won weight loss; at least, in a cafe I’d only eat one.. (Who bought all the flour in Booth’s?).
The hill out of Wray is a stinker for the first hundred feet, evens out a bit and then steepens again before coming past Above Beck farm. On this ride, instead of taking the right fork half a kilometer past the farm, I took the left, interestingly signposted to The Cragg.
The road crosses a couple of tributaries of the Hindburn, with the associated dip and climb, before passing through the farmyards of Highr Broadwood, Cragg Hall and Birks farm (after which is a road gate to be opened (and shut)). Each time I came to a farm, it looked like I might have ended up at a dead end and each time, the road snook through the yard and out the other side. No complaints, the road was still tarmac and reasonably clean, though a bit rough in places.
Eventually arriving at Park House Lane (I know it now.) I decided to go right past COD Gill farm (I don’t think it was referring to fishy breathing equipment). Just round the corner I met a nice lady who said,
“This is a dead end. To go to Bentham (my original plan) you have to go back and stay right”.
This took me on a long descent on Park House Lane., to Furnessford Bridge over the Hindburn where it became a steep climb up Furnessford Road, where I then turned right towards Lowgill. At the next road junction, a bit like Neptune’s trident, I took the middle prong, signed Slaidburn 18 miles. I rode on this, gradually climbing until over a cattle grid, I came to the junction with White Pits Lane.
I was now out on the moor and stopped for my cold coffee and raspberry jam sandwich. Views were marvellous. I could just see the top of the stationary turbine blades on Claughton Moor. A few cars passed by then I set out down White Pits Lane, which I recognised from the Bowland Audax. Returning down it was a real pleasure –no pedal strokes for about a mile!
Turning right at Spen Brow, I passes the end of Furnessford Road on my left and the end of Mewith Lane on my right, finally turning right onto the Low Bentham-Wray road. The route back was beautiful but I won’t bore you by describing it!
36 miles and 2772 feet from Scotforth and back though Lancaster.
I think this would be a nice, challenging but beautiful and interesting part of a day ride. It could start with Coffee at Wray and Lunch could be at Bentham,…………………… one day...........................
Mike Codd
More rides and helpful advice for Ken (From Neil Westwell, 26th April 2020)
/Another week in lockdown and I am beginning to sympathise with Ken, although I am managing my solo rides quite well, thank you.
On Monday, for the first time since the solo ride regime began, I decided to go South. Garstang was the choice, with a call at Forton on the return leg.
This, of course, is Ken’s most visited destination, although not, perhaps, in the current circumstances. I can understand Ken’s desire to find a companion to ride with, but proposing to gain a riding partner by marriage is a bit extravagant! In his superbly worded, almost truthful, advert in his favourite Italian magazine he offered his Colnago as a dowry. To enhance this generous suggestion, use of Microwave was also offered. My concern in this respect is possibly what may be lost in translation. Perhaps offering Colnago may be misunderstood by his new Italian friend to be some sort of folded Pizza. What nice Italian young lady would not be tempted by the offer of Microwaved pizza and a young good looking Englishman. There may be many applicants!
I would, at this stage, advise Ken to just take a step back and consider other options. With this lockdown now about to enter the fifth week, and all these married couples spending all their time together, there may be some re-evaluations occurring. This could result in several spare cycling companions becoming available. They might even come with their own microwave!
Back to my ride for now, anyway. Before reaching Garstang, cycling through Forton, Matt was coming the other way. On the return leg, as I reached Winmarleigh, I was pleased to see Sue Lucas coming towards me, so we stopped for a chat, whilst, of course, observing social distancing. As we dallied, Mike Hutch. flashed past, giving a quick greeting as he went by.
Sue and I said goodbye and went our separate ways. Approaching Stodday, on the main road, I was delighted to see Tracey and Peter walking towards me. I hadn’t seen them since February so it was nice to stop for another chat. Onto Aldcliffe and, hey up, Tim and Molly coming towards me, another chat before continuing.
So much for solo riding and no socialising, I had more conversations on this ride than a pre lockdown ride! Excellent! Please note, social distancing was observed at all times!
Onto Wednesday, where shall I go today? North is favourite, the roads are definitely quieter, although on my previous rides I have not bumped into as many friends as Monday. I’ve always liked the route to Sizergh Castle, so knowing all National Trust properties are currently closed, I decided to follow the route and choose a different coffee and cake stop en route. I passed Sizergh Castle where the gates were actually open, but I wasn’t tempted, so I carried on up the hill and down to Levens which became my choice of coffee stop. My trusty flask served its purpose once more, together with one of my home baked scones.
I decided to carry on to my favourite destination, Arnside, and took a quick drink from my flask before continuing home over the ‘Knott’.
Friday, and another ride. This lockdown is turning out to be very cyclist friendly, but we shouldn’t abuse it, so all my rides are morning only rides, and no more than every other day. Good exercise, although not as much as normal. However, given all the home maintenance jobs I seem to be doing, I’m getting plenty of exercise elsewhere. All the garden furniture renovated, the bathroom redecorated, even some gardening! A bike ride is like a rest!
Arnside seems to be a suitable destination, which way though? I thought I’d try via Sunnybank so I could achieve a ‘few hills’. Arnside was the coffee stop and the end of the pier seemed a good choice. Soon after arriving, I was joined by a man and his son who said they were from Bolton-le-Sands. On recognising the Dad’s bike as similar to one of my old bikes, the conversation revealed that it was my old bike, and we all remembered meeting to make the sale. Small world! As usual, home via the Knott, and in plenty of time for lunch. My old bike was immaculate!!
Today’s ride? Arnside! Why not? Plenty of different ways to go to Arnside and Arnside is just so quiet at the moment. Via Heversham was today’s route which makes it about 24 miles to the pier. Just riding into Arnside from Sandside, I spotted Geoff riding in from Silverdale, so we rode in together, maintaining the appropriate distance between us. We stopped on the pier and out came my trusty flask. Suddenly there were three of us as Ken also arrived. As three people who have all had their birthdays in the last 3 weeks it was nice to catch up. It was mid February when we had last been together. Social distancing was always maintained as we chatted and we left separately in different directions. Home again in time for lunch.
4 rides this week, 150 miles, 8500 ft of ascent, all morning rides. Last coat of preservative on the garden furniture tomorrow! Ride on Tuesday, or is it going to rain?
Neil Westwell
26 April 2020
Lone ride from Aldcliffe to Aldcliffe via Jubilee Tower – Saturday, 25th April, 2020
/Usually I get off the sofa and get on a road bike to ride with other people. I enjoy the company on the road and look forward to drinking Earl Grey tea and eating a slice of bakewell tart sociably with friends. So I’ve found it difficult to get riding since the lockdown. I’ve taken a couple of rides to Garstang to buy fish that have involved going over Harris End fell one way or the other. But despite the weather being perfect for cycling I’ve mainly rather stuck to the sofa.
Yesterday though, I decided to follow a ride I’ve done on my own a few times in the past but not for a year or two. Out to Galgate via Condor Green, towards the hills through Street and onto the fellside road to Marshaw at the bottom of Catshaw and Hawthornthwaite fells. The sky was blue with a slight haze but I had a good view back towards Lancaster. If you listen very carefully to the beginning of my little video you can hear a cuckoo. He’s almost drowned out by the willow warbler singing his pretty falling cadence and they both are by the swoosh of an unknown cyclist coming by. He was one of half a dozen cyclists I saw on that road – and just one car. There were a couple of lapwings in the field doing aerial acrobatics with tight turns and swoops that they matched with their swooping calls that are far more complex than their nick name of ‘peewit’ suggests. And there were some shelducks being harassed by a pigeon. And a few martins – I think they were sand martins – as I crossed the Cam Brook before the short but steep pull up to Cam Brow.
I carried on, crossed the Marshaw Wyre and turned back towards Lancaster on the Trough road. I’d forgotten the steep descent into Lee and met a DPD van with a bit of speed coming across the bridge. Luckily it was wide enough for us to miss each other safely. And then there was the long climb up to and along Rakehouse Brow. The road was quiet and the views across the Fylde glorious and I’d promised myself a chew bar and a breather at Jubilee Tower. Of course there were a number of cyclists doing the same, socially distanced along the roadside, but I found my own tussock with a view towards the Lakeland fells. A couple of swallows darted overhead as I enjoyed my snack.
I’d forgotten how long the descent is from the Tower down through Quernmore to Condor Mill. Wonderful! A free ride. Quernmore was surprisingly busy and I did have to brake quite a lot to stay behind a car at one point. But it was just as well because the road surface has been rucked up like a loose rug as it goes through the dog leg and it gets scarily bouncy. Up the other side, I turned left at the top before Langthwaite to ride the big dipper along the side of the fell to Blea Tarn Road and then turned down through Hala. I missed out my usual return to Aldcliffe along the canal to avoid mixing with all the walkers and runners failing to socially distance and took the less pretty route via Lunecliffe Road. Back in time for lunch. Not the same as a CTC ride… but it got me out of the home I’ve been told by the government to stay in, for a couple of hours. And I saw and heard the signal birds of summer; cuckoo, willow warbler and swallow.
Tim Dant
Jim Gardner - Another solo boring ride
/Where e’er you be let the wind blow free; trouble was it was from my front tyre.
Decided to gird my loins (whatever that means) and head for the flesh pots of Knott End.
Turning on to Stoney Lane in Galgate flying past Five Lane Ends to whoosh past his sir-ship in Street. A right turn at Harris End then first left towards the water splash. Very little water in ford do I risk it? do I hell, I remember someone risking it and puncturing, he he he.
Taking the Barnacre loop to Gubberford Bridge then the single track road to Garstang where I passed Mary H going in the opposite direction (home probably).
Crossing A6 at the lights then Croston Barn Lane, Nateby Crossing Lane then onto Longmoor Lane. Then heading for Pilling by turning right after Nateby school onto Cartmel Lane then Black Lane and Garstang Road. Along this road I spotted the other half of the Hodges going in the opposite direction.
A left turn in Pilling took me on to the notorious Head Dyke Lane which I left at Green Dicks Lane (who was Dick anyway and did he have a medical problem??).
After this, a straight run into Knott End and a refreshment stop at the bakery. Averaged just under 18mph thanks to a strong following wind, unfortunately there is no railway station in Knott End so I wasn’t looking forward to the journey home.
Decided to go what I thought might be a sheltered journey back, so left Knott End and turned right to head for Preesall then at the top of the brow another right turn dropped me down to the quiet roads.
Passing Cemetery Lane I took the next left into Grange Lane then into Stalmine. Leaving Stalmine on the A588 Mill Lane to go left onto Moss Side Lane, Unison Lane and Lancaster Road.
Doing a U-turn in Pilling onto Bradshaw Lane, up and over Eagland Hill to rejoin Longmoor Lane where Woods Lane joins it. Along the road leading to Nateby it soon became apparent that my choice of route was seriously flawed, front wheel puncture. Soon re-tubed and off again.
Then it was back home via Gubberford Bridge, Scorton, Forton, Five Lane Ends and Galgate
Very pleasant ride although the speed coming back had been reduced from the 18mph on the way to 9/10mph on the way back.
Many more bikes on the road than cars let’s hope this lockdown lasts.
It is surprising me that the number of people taking exercise now has increased dramatically I hope for everyone’s sake it continues.
Jim Gardner
(Perhaps Dick’s loins were no properly girde? Ed.)
Ian Roberts' Les Six Cols de la Conder p.m. of Monday 20th April 2020
/Over the past two or three weeks my dear wife Pat has been giving me some grief; that my twice weekly, all day bike rides were too far ranging and beyond the spirit of lock-downs “permitted daily exercise”. I started to scratch my head for a challenging local route that would fit into half-a-day and I came up with this little suffer-fest:-
Leaving home at 13.30, I cycled along Barton Road and Lentworth Drive to turn up Hala Hill, over the M6 and ascend Brindle Brow into a persistent headwind. There followed a steady descent down by Blea Tarn reservoir and through the Little Fell Lane X-roads, down the steeper Dam Head, where the eddying wind was quite disconcerting, across the River Conder to tackle the short, sharp challenge of Thorn Brow. A slight down hill through the Long Lane / Kitt Brow Lane X-roads lead into a very maneageable uphill to the Bay Horse Road X-roads which I crossed to enter Procter Moss Road; initially an easy gradual incline until the climb to the barn, followed by a gentle descent to cross Damas Gill then climb steeply to this road's high point at G.R. 523562 (Col #1).
I about turned and retraced my route through the three X-roads, descending Thorn Brow and ascending Dam Head en-route, up past Blea Tarn Reservoir to the summit of Brindle Brow at G.R.
494587 (Col #2). At this point I observed that my bidon of water had been left on the draining board at home! Hey-ho lets press on.
Again an about turn, to descend to Little Fell Lane X-roads where a left turn had me heading N.E. towards Caton. At the X-roads with Langthwaite Road I turned right to descend the Conder Brow 'S' bends and climb through Quernmore and ascend Quernmore Brow to gain the (locked) entrance to the Jubilee Tower car park (Col #3).
A third about turn saw me descending through Quernmore to climb Conder Brow, through the Little Fell Lane X-roads, up past Ivy Bank Farm to the high point of this road at G.R. 503601 (Col #4).
My penultimate about turn allowed me to descend to Little Fell Lane X-roads and turn left (N.E.) towards Caton. At the first junction on the right I descended Stock-a-Bank, crossed Postern Gate Road and ascended Askew Hill to follow Littledale Road past Baines Crag to just across the second cattle grid, immediately prior to “The Cragg” farm on the r.h.s. at the high point of the road G.R. 548618 (Col #5).
The final about turn of the day lead into a wonderful descent with immaculate tarmac from the Rigg Lane X-roads all the way to Postern Gate Road, followed by some very patchy tarmac for the ascent of Stock-a-Bank. A right turn at the top; a left turn at the Give Way, followed by a further left turn had me cresting the small rise by the house “Overdale” G.R.503611(Col #6).
Continuing down to turn right at the Give Way on to Langthwaite Road saw me pedalling up Golgotha for a final flourish; then along Coulston Road for home, where I arrived with my watch registering 16.29.
There had been a very persistent and gusty S.E. wind for the entire afternoon; as a headwind on the longer, tougher climbs on the S.E. side of the valley (Cols 1, 3 & 5); it proved very disconcerting on all the descents bar from Col #5. Conversely Cols 2, 4 & 6 were wind assisted ascents.
A challenging ride, all within the parishes of Scotforth, Ellel and Quernmore.
I can verify that the new drivetrain and the modified gearing on the sportive bike is A1. (What- no fixie?. Ed.)
Ian Roberts
Patience and Len’s Monday Ride to Sizergh entrance gateway.
/When one day is just like another, we didn’t feel a need to go on a Sunday ride, even though the lanes are only marginally less populated by cyclists now during the week. Perhaps folk will get used to walking and cycling so the roads will become permanently deserted.
We had intended to take butties and picnic at Bowland Bridge, but settled for a few biscuits perched on a wall by the bridge at Dallam Park, and getting back for 2 ish. We’re getting used to setting off at 10.00 or 10.30, so don’t know how we will cope with meeting up at 9.15 again.
Usual route out via the Kellets, Capernwray, ‘mucky farm’( nice and dry), Holme, Ackenthwaite. Patience has rediscovered the uneven road surface which brought her off and broke her neck some years ago. It’s a few yards beyond the Kellet Lane bridge junction and just to the right of the centre of the road, so keep to the left to avoid it. Will take a photo and report it. Amongst the myriad of cyclists was a lone Cumbrian constabulary policewoman on a bike at Hincaster, no doubt looking out for deviant groups of middle aged men. Seemed quite friendly though.
I stopped at the entrance to Sizergh to shed some layers whilst Patience hot-wheeled it up the steep climb to Levens, where she was waiting patiently for the me on the edge of the village. The village shop was open, but we didn’t stop to see if they are still offering machine coffee and their usual selection of delicious cakes; next time perhaps ( on the way to Bowland Bridge?).
The wind was now helping us along the traffic-free A6, so no need to panic at the right turn onto the Moss. Wind still assisting after our stop at Dallam Bridge, through the ghost village of Arnside and on to Silverdale, where we stopped for an extended chat to friends over their garden fence.
Another ride in the 30-40 miles range completed- this time 38. Will we still be up to doing 60 miles?
Len
More Rides to report! (from Neil Westwell), 19th April, 2020
/More rides to report!
Since I last reported, more miles have been covered, different destinations visited. I have also changed chains on both bikes, and moved from Winter bike to Summer bike. This could have been thought optimistic, but my faith in the great British weather has been justified!
Having avoided leaving home over the Easter holidays, I was looking forward to my Tuesday ride.
In spite of my reluctance to visit possibly busy places, I decided that Kirkby Lonsdale might, in fact, be a good choice and set off from Hest Bank to Nether Kellett. Red Well, Arkholme, Whittington were conquered and Kirkby Lonsdale achieved in pretty good time. Coffee from my faithful flask and cake were consumed standing in the square avoiding any surface touching, whilst watching the surroundings in case social distancing guidelines were likely to be breached. The only signs of life, in the end, were a few people visiting Boots the chemist. The square, otherwise, was deserted.
Remounting and carrying on through the village towards Biggins the route was followed ‘over the top’ to Burton where coffee stop 2 was taken, albeit briefly. The way home was via Yealand Redmayne, Yealand Storrs and Silverdale. As I rode towards Warton, I chose to go over Warton Crag, as I had miles and time to spare. Just as I started the ascent, a young lady overtook me and spoke a friendly greeting. Then she disappeared in front of me as if I was stationery. Had I made the right decision? Anyway, her speed was soon forgiven and I carried on at my own speed, possibly described by some as leisurely. Encountering some old friends in Crag Bank, I stopped to chat for a while, then headed home, where I arrived in time for lunch.
The next ride, now on my Summer bike, I decided would be to Ingleton. I took the old quarry road from Nether Kellet, towards Aughton and onto Gressingham. Arriving in Hornby, I bumped into Roy and son Elliot. After a brief chat at a good distance, I carried on to Wray where coffee and cake were consumed in the little square by the river.
Departing Wray towards Bentham, I had the choice of turning towards Mewith Lane or carrying straight on. The latter choice was taken and after a fairly undulating ride, I arrived pretty quickly in Low Bentham. So I decided I’d chosen the right route. Through Low Bentham towards High Bentham, the road was essentially ‘up’, so maybe I hadn’t made the right choice? Never mind, ‘onwards and upwards’ literally! Calling briefly to say ‘hello’ to a friend in High Bentham, I carried on through the village, eventually taking the Ingleton turn.
The photo, with Ingleborough in the background shows how we have so many roads to ourselves in these trying times.
Arriving at the A65, I followed the main road for a few yards and took the left turn towards Barnoldswick, pausing briefly for coffee stop 2.
Home via Ravens Close, Wennington, Wray, Caton, in time for lunch.
Today’s ride, I decided, would include Kirkby Lonsdale, and my favourite destination, Arnside. Nether Kellet, Over Kellet and Capernwray was the route choice. Taking the right turn at the railway line I headed towards Docker. Whilst the weather was fine and sunny, there was a bit of a cold headwind, and when the sun went behind a cloud briefly, it felt quite chilly. The road undulated somewhat for a few miles towards Newton, and during that time I only remember being overtaken by one farm vehicle. These roads are certainly more friendly and welcoming to cyclists in the current circumstances. Through Newton, Whittington and onto Kirkby Lonsdale, arriving in the square there were quite a few cars parked there, but only a handful of people were spotted during my coffee stop. Through Biggins and over the tops to Burton was the route, then onto Yealand Redmayne, Yealand Storrs, taking the right turn and climb to pass Thrang End Farm. Arnside was soon reached and coffee stop 2 was taken on the pier. There was one cyclist already on the pier when I arrived and 2 more arrived during my brief stay. No other people were on the pier. The world is being taken over by cyclists!
Over the Knott, Silverdale, past Wolf House gallery, no Warton Crag this time, was the route home, again arriving in time for lunch.
115 miles this week, almost 9000 ft of ascent all on quiet roads in nice bright sunshine. I have seen a dramatic increase in the number of cyclists on the roads over the last month.
Neil Westwell
18 April 2020
KENNY’S MAGNUM 'OPELESS
/Well, I have been cycling in mobile self isolation around the same old roads in the vicinity of my home for what seems like months & I have now begun to start talking to myself; years ago when you heard people talking randomly you would inevitably think ‘nutter’, but in these days of bluetooth technology it’s difficult to discern which it is, so I’ve actually painted one of my teeth blue so that people think I’m in the latter category rather than the former. Living where I do the roads only allow travel in north, south & easterly directions, the west largely being un-navigable due to the presence of the Irish Sea, however, the other day I suddenly realised a way to utilise the western option when the tide is out as I now have one of those most fashionable contraptions, a gravel bike, with 32mm tyres & sand is only fine gravel after all, right! So I made my way down Princes Crescent & onto the beach & set off over the sandy expanse towards Grange Over Sands, all was going well until I arrived at the ‘quick sands’, well ‘quick’ is a bit of a misnomer for as soon as I got there the bloody bike slowed down to -5 mph & started sinking. Well, what an unmitigated disaster, soon it was down as far as the press fit bottom bracket & you know the problems you get with them even before you fill them with wet sand & seawater, so I struggled for about 2 hours trying to drag the thing out & by then the tide was coming in, I was doing this to avoid encumbering the RLI & looked like I was going to end up encumbering the RNLI as well! So that was the end of that particular mode of navigation, my next endeavour to inject a bit of variety into my riding consisted of cycling along canal towpaths, all was good until I met a couple of walkers under a canal bridge at which point I was forced to do a 2 meter social distancing, hence if you ever see the canal authorities dredging up a 5 grand Bianchi it’s probably mine & I’d like it back please! As I cycle along by myself I am aware that married couples are cycling along together past me & it is becoming a source of extreme annoyance that I am denied such mobile social contact, hence I have come to the regrettable conclusion that I may have to get myself a wife! Previously I have always been happy to stay single & ride around with my cycling groups but thanks to this sodding virus I am stuck in isolation whilst they are all free to cycle along with their spouse. Also due to the sodding virus everybody has bought up the world’s supply of turbo trainers, I had considered maybe borrowing someone else’s smart turbo so sporadically I could at least cycle around with virtual companions but my relationships with turbos have always been rockier than ever they were with the opposite sex. As an alternative I had considered maybe borrowing someone else’s wife but that probably would be a recipe for disaster, although a couple of blokes I mentioned it to said, “you can borrow mine for a couple of months if you’re really pushed”! Anyway, I’ve decided that having one’s own wife is the only way to go, I can’t think that any British girl would be interested in a disfigured dwarf like me so I’ve elected to go further afield & try my luck in Italia. Fortunately I’m effluent in Italian so I put together an advert to go in La Gazzetta Dello Velo that cost me 20 million lira, but that might be the best £1.50 I’ve ever spent! So the translated advert said, ‘Passionate 25 year old cyclist with microwave seeks wife of similar age to share beans & travel, the successful applicant will receive a dowery comprising a Colnago C60 with Campagnolo groupset & Bora wheels. So I sent it off yesterday but I’m a bit worried that with a fast bike like that I might never see her again, also it’s probably going to take weeks before she can get a scheduled flight from Milano followed by a fortnight in quarantine by which time all this lot might be over anyway, so bugger it, I’ll just ride around as I have been, on her Colnago, Knott End here I come!
Morecambe Stone Jetty, practically deserted - 14th April, 2020
/From Dave Hugill - still riding!
More rides, more reports – A message from your rides co-ordinator
/Hello to all our Lancaster and South Lakes CUK (CTC) members and visitors to this website. I hope you and your family members are well. I’m conscious that some may not be. My best wishes go to those currently suffering from Covid 19 and my condolences to those who may have lost a loved one.
If you’ve been following the rides reports on this site, you’ll have noticed that some of us have been reporting our solo rides with the occasional serendipitous (and socially distanced) encounters with other members. These rides help to keep us sane and fit, possibly fitter than usual. Reporting and reading reports also give us a lift. Please keep your reports coming in.
Please feel encouraged to go out and to send in a report. If you send it to mike.codd@btinternet.com I’ll put it on this website. We love reading them and it keeps us in touch with our friends. Hopefully we’ll be out in groups in a couple of months (wearing masks!?).
‘Til then -Take care.
Mike Codd, Rides Co-ordinator Lancaster and South Lakes CUK (CTC).
Ian R's Belated Report for Thursday 26th March
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This was to have been Sandra's ride to Bentham for coffee and Casterton G.C. for lunch; so I thought that I would head in that general direction with two bidons of water, a couple of sandwiches.and two bananas, knowing that all regular refreshment stops would now be closed.
I gained the riverside path via the canal and Caton Road. Once across Denny Beck Lane I was aware of another cyclist about to overtake me; lo and behold, none other than Graham, making for Kirkby Lonsdale. We cheerily rode along with the appropriate 2 metres of separation as far as Forge Weir, where Graham had “to do a Ken” and I continued alone via the Crook o' Lune car park and an ascent of Halton Park – easy enough with the winter bike's full MTB drivetrain – to continue around the Aughton loop on a chilly but gloriously sunny spring morning.
Once through Gressingham and Hornby, a left turn at Butt Yeats saw me heading towards Wray. In the dip, before the climb, being on the correct bike for the job, I decided to indulge a longstanding curiosity and explore the bridleway to the left, initially on strips of broken tarmac turning to strips of well compacted gravel; all very straightforward, to arrive at the sewage works with the 'good' path heading-off right to the village, some 100 metres away. Straight ahead was a 'lumpy' grassy path with muddy ruts, which I knew would lead out onto Wennington Road by the bridge over the Hindburn. After maybe 500 metres of more pushing than riding I arrived by the bridge! One “bucket list” bridleway fully explored – turn right at the sewage works next time!
Riding through Wray and Millhouses, at the righthand bend I opted for the second junction on the left. After half a kilometre, by a lane on the left to Old Bottom Farm, the long defunct milk stand provided an ideal seat to eat a banana and drink some water whilst allowing the wondeful sunshine to warm my face. Girding my loins I continued up the climb to fork right at the junction then tackle the mischievous 14% climb to the Give Way. Turning left then immediately right into Cross Road soon had me on Mewith Lane heading up towards Green Smithy cross roads where a right turn had me ascending past the Great Stone of Fourstones to turn first right into Aikengill Road, later forking right along Whitepits Lane. Passing Maiden Bridge Gallery on the left, a further half kilometre brought me to the private lane down to Tunstall House, immediately past which a widening of the grass verge provided an ideal spot for lunch.
At the four way junction turning right to descend Spen Brow took me down to a left turn into Furnessford Road with its steep twisty descent to cross Furnessford Bridge and an equally steep ascent up Parkhouse Lane to find the acute turn right and cross a cattlegrid to descend an idyllic little road through the farms of Birks, Cragg Hall and Higher Broadwood, to join the road from Botton with its steep descent to the Give Way junction opposite Bridge House Farm tea rooms in Wray.
The afternoon was yet young, thus I retraced my morning's route through Hornby and across Loyne Bridge to ascend through Eskrigge to rejoin the road to Aughton but immediately turning right on to another “bucket list” bridleway which was initially good going for half a kilometre on compacted gravel, over a brow to a makeshift stable complex. The gravel gave way to a quad track up a steep field – pushing to the next gate where the Redwell Inn came into view at one o' clock. The next downhill field was very boggy and only just ride-able to enter a paddock – straight ahead- containing two lively looking horses which proved placid enough. This paddock exited into a stable yard on the far side of which a pleasant young lad was repairing the gate on to the highway – he held it open for me, along with a cheery greeting. This second bridleway is not to be recommended!
Whence I rode along the top road to descend Halton Green Lane, turning right into Halton then left over the bridge to regain the cycle to the Holiday Inn, Caton Road, the canal, Quarry Road, Prospect Street and Bowerham Road for home. Not a huge mileage but an interesting route in quiet surroundings with minimal human contact and two “bucket list” bridleways to boot.
Ian Roberts.
Musings of a solitary cycle rider - Saturday, 11th April, 2020
/I don’t mind leading the odd ride now and then! It normally comes with it’s own challenges, deciding on a starting point, choosing a coffee stop destination, a lunch stop destination, and sometimes deciding where to stop for afternoon tea! Then a route has to be planned, although I don’t do many recce’s these days. These decisions, of course, are influential in recruiting participants in each ride, the better choices resulting in a greater number of willing riders taking part. Planning nice weather is also important, but never guaranteed. Recently, these decisions have been unnecessary, and the expected result has been as anticipated, a small party of riders making the minimum number of riders needed to make a ride viable. The new starting point has become Hest Bank and the start time has become variable, although nobody has yet missed the start. Rides are now ‘one stop’ rides with just a coffee and cake stop. At this point, grateful thanks to my granddaughters, Layla and Willow for providing said cake. In the absence of these wonderful cakes, I have been on a scone baking course under strict instructions from the resident kitchen supervisor. Results have been ok, I have not produced an inedible scone yet, others may not agree! I have dug out the old coffee flask, formally used in my fellwalking days, and this accompanies the cake in my saddlebag. Destination choices are not vast, in fact, eight solo rides have been taken since we’ve been locked up and 6 have gone to Arnside. It’s the route which is variable and interesting. I do like to include the Knott on the ride, in the interest of achieving a reasonable amount of ascent on a short ride. So the Knott can be climbed on the way to Arnside or on the way back. The Kellet’s, Capernwray, Borwick, Burton,Holme, Heversham, and Sandside can all be included on the ride. An alternate destination to Arnside has been to Whittington, turning to Hutton Roof here avoids continuing on to Kirkby Lonsdale, which may be too busy to avoid Social Distancing. The next difference to a normal ride, of course, is who to talk to on the ride, or in some cases who to listen to! On these solo rides other choices come to mind, sing to yourself, talk to yourself, or ponder various imponderables! The latter, I suppose is the obvious choice for the moment, although if this situation continues, the other options may become possibilities! The current imponderable is ‘ if the combustion engine caught Covid 19, would the exhaust fumes spread the infection?’. That would make the arrival of electric cars a bit sooner. It’s interesting now to see how the road traffic has changed, a similar number of bikes, if not more, less vehicles, commercial or otherwise, and many more pedestrians. I’m still amused, when approaching pedestrians from behind in the quiet way we do, bell rung or otherwise, how many ‘jump’ when a greeting is made. I am surprised by how many said pedestrians now have dogs, perhaps there is a dog hire agency somewhere renting out further excuses for being outdoors. Now there’s an entrepreneurial opportunity! Arnside is a good destination, because the aforementioned kitchen supervisor can check that social distancing is being observed during the coffee stop via the Arnside pier webcam. Although when the last check was made the camera didn’t appear to be working! Coffee stops are always brief, given that surface touching may be risky, so standing to eat and drink doesn’t encourage a long break. Home for lunch is always achieved and mileages vary from 32 to 36 with up to 2500ft of ascent. 50 miles in 4 hours is not achievable with all the catering equipment on board. As cyclists living in a fabulous part of the country, we have all the equipment to make the most of the current situation, so we are luckier than most and should be thankful for it. Musings over for now, don’t forget keep safe, keep your distance and stay inside, unless you’re a cyclist.
Neil Westwell
NORMAL TIMES ! 10th June 2018 Shilbottle Week
/Hope these times return before too long ! Cheers , Dave Hugill
50 miles in 4 hours Challenge Ride 9th April
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Brian recently mentioned the idea of a challenge ride of 50 miles in 4 hours. It being a Thursday and having no social engagements I decided to try one and devised the route described below. Not taking any chances, I chose the carbon bike!
I left the Boot & Shoe at 7:07 and straight down the A6 to pick up Route 6 at Galgate. I kept straight on at 5 lane Ends, via Street to Scorton (Route 6 again). I then Picked up the A6 then off through Garstang to take Stubbins Lane to join route 6 again by Claughton Village Hall.
The wind was a steady SE and I wondered if it would hamper my efforts for the ride.
At Inglewhite I turned off right to go south to the B5269, crossing the A6 at Broughton (furthest south) and then picking up Route 90 along Eaves Lane and Benson’s Lane. The wind helped after I turned Left at Myerscough to St Michael’s, across the Wyre then followed the north bank to Out Rawcliffe, avoiding all the options to Hambleton. I arrived at Stalmine then followed the A588 all the way back to Lancaster.
On Head Dyke Lane, a large truck overtook me just before a blind bend and decided the cheaper course was not to hit the approaching car. I went up onto the verge and off the bike, but both stayed upright. He did stop, get out and apologise, but I chose to ride a bit further out into the carriageway after that. A bit further on I gave him a cheery wave as he stopped at a farm.
At 10:00 I pulled off the road at Lane Ends “Amenity Centre” for a hot cross bun and cold sweet black coffee. The picnic table had been completely covered with birdseed by some thoughtful person. During my brief stay I was regaled by two cocks, who were strutting and crowing nearby, together with an eclectic mix of hens (not your common Rhode Island reds or Light Sussex; one of them even looked like it was covered in grey fur rather than feathers). The toilet “amenity” was a nearby tree and after about 7 minutes I was back on the bike.
The wind seemed to be against me across the marsh; I think it had sneakily backed to easterly. This seemed to be confirmed when I turned northwards at Cockerham and it gave me no more trouble.
I arrived home (near the Boot & Shoe) after (amazing to me) 3 hours and 44 minutes.
My smartphone indicated 53 miles, 1700 feet and 14 m.p.h. average speed.
No more exercise allowed by law today!
Mike Codd
Jim's Wednesday 8th April (virtual Tuesday coffee) ride to Scorton
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*When will our group meet again??
In thunder lightening or in rain.
When the Hurly burly’s done,
When the battles lost or won.
*Sorry Shakespeare I had to rewrite the first line.
Decided after a week of feeling off that an easy flat warm ride was needed so decided to do the normal Tuesday ride(yes I know it was Wednesday!) to Scorton(but without the sausage butty)
After Harris End cross roads I had an argument with myself about doing the Barnacre Loop needless to say I won so over the water splash I went and I am glad I did. Pheasants all over the place(but I couldn’t catch one!) squirrels rooting for their nuts!! and I delayed for quite some time watching two hares one Nicky Nook frolicking in the warm sun.
All was right in the world when BANG going through Galgate I punctured going through some grit. It’s amazing how lonely mending a rear wheel (aren’t they always!) is however eventually I was up and running (pedalling actually).
I thought that I would soon be home little did I know. Just as I came off the cycle track on to Whinfell Drive as I was passing (with plenty of clearance) a lad shot out from behind a car on his bike and I caught his front wheel with my pedal. Thank goodness no one was hurt but I stopped to remonstrate with his father who apologised acknowledging it was their fault but I pointed out it wasn’t the boys fault but his.
After my heart rate slowed down arrived home safe, well, sanitised and puncture mended.