Sunday Ride to Arnside 19/07/20 Mike Bridges

It was another long ride this Sunday.  Ian and I met where Broughton lights used to be, along with a number of other cyclists (nothing to do with us!).  We were expecting a long ride and headed north up the A6 in sparse traffic and sunshine.  We mad good time this way to Lancaster where we crossed the Millennium Bridge before continuing as far as Crag Bank before turning on to minor roads.

Our first break was a bench on the platform of Silverdale station in the sun.  Very pleasant!  From here we continued into Arnside, sitting for a while on the pier amidst all the tourists and taking in the atmosphere.  Having negotiated stalled traffic by Arnside station, our route took us through Dallam Park (passing Ray, who was cycling the other way with his usual energy, we were pleased to see) on route for Beetham and Holme.

Passing the Quaker burial ground, we joined Route 90 at Cinderbarrow, crossed the M6 and the canal, taking part of our lunch in Priest Hutton before continuing past Capernwray to the Kellets.  We were “spotted” by Gillian before we headed out of Nether Kellet on the back road to Halton.  Here, we crossed the Lune to follow the cycleway to Caton, re-joining Route 90 to head south for Quernmore and Five Lane Ends with views of the Lancashire Plain to the right.

Much of the day had been relatively free of hills, but here was a change of profile.  The last leg took us over Harrisend Fell to experience even better views over the coastal plains and surrounding scenery both north and south of Oakenclough.  After a brief stop for the second part of lunch, our descent of Delph Lane and Bleasdale Lane brought us to Claughton and Route 6, then Route 90, Bilsborrow and Woodplumpton in order to reach Preston.

It was my turn to do the “extra bit” home today, finishing with 95 miles and just over 4000 feet of ascent, with Ian a little less distance.  A long day, but an excellent ride.

Mike Bridges

Twixt Coffee and Lunch – How has it taken 2 ¼ hours to do 14 ½ miles?

Preface and reminiscences

This little article is written as the antidote to the more heroic experiences recorded in this blog of our Long Distance on Hot/Wet/Windy Days CTC Brethren, in case any casual newcomer to our site gets the idea that that is the only way to travel (on two wheels). There has to be some balance here: slow and short can also be fairly tiring but at least in lockdown days you get the coffee (at home) and the lunch (back at home), and, dare we say it, the bathroom facilities (back at home) also getting home in time to do a full afternoon’s gardening, hoovering or just wandering about as lonely as a cloud with no fixed purpose, as one does.

Time was for me that anything less than 75 miles in a day was a disappointment; more than several decades ago with the computer on 98 miles, could or couldn’t the extra twice round the block give us complete satisfaction? Oh! The rides, the companionship, the cafes; the breath-taking (literally) countryside around us and within reach; the gallons of fresh air surrounding our city breathed in; the Exhilaration and Exhaustion in equal measure at the end of a fantastic day after the wonders of the tops of Fleet Moss, the Coal Road, Park Rash, Tan Hill, Cross of Greet, spread out around and below us; the Dales – Dentdale, Barbondale, Kingsdale, Widdale, Arkengarthdale, Garsdale, Littondale; deepest profound Lancashire: Bowland, Stocks Reservoir, Bowland Knotts, Bolton by Bowland; Malham, Mallerstang and Grinton Moors; Hartside and Eden Valley; Clarion Hut (Newchurch, back of Pendle), Grizedale and Ferry, East shore of Coniston Water, Lonsleddale to Kentmere, Shap in Borrowdale, Fair Mile, Bardsea (one time) And lovely places more local. It was always accepted that walking was fine or even essential and part of the day.

There were CTC YHA tours, and then the cycle camping, the tandem camping at home and abroad, snails with our home in the paniers, progressing day by day. Self-satisfied smugness when people, probably my age now, come up when restocking at supermarkets: Where have you come from? How far have you come? We used to ride a tandem! and the smugness kicked in, it couldn’t help itself because we couldn’t imagine the day, the time of life, when this was not to be our total way of living: Well you still can, we’d say, not being able to imagine the ailments afflicting, the walking stick now essential, applying to ourselves.

And now, of course, the Hillyberg tent, that most cosy and convenient of tent creations is tucked away in a cupboard. Sitting crossed legged cooking on the Trangia at its doorway with views spread before, this was the life. Naturally, also was the life of getting soaking wet. Accumulated memories of cycling through a day of pouring rain eventually to find the site and pitch, no radiator to steam clothes dry on and the ghastly ‘wet pack’ the following morning. Exhilaration, Exhaustion and Saturation – those were the days – perhaps with a bit of Starvation chucked in because however (intentionally?) revolting I made the Trangia meal come out, it seemed to be relished by the other diner, the pub meal never a suggested option.

The Spring and Summer of 2020 Coronavirus has been the final thorny puncture to the slowly deflating tyre of everything that had gone before, bringing me back to the first paragraph, the necessities of the times and the exploration of the local.

There are quite a few short circuits available to us south of the river, and to make things more interesting the Brompton had been untangled and brought out of hibernation whilst Big Bike went in for several repairs, delayed by lockdown, along with restocking with well- padded leg wear acquired after similar delays. This bike has several advantages: It means I can be quite happy walking up hills – I believe it has 6 gears but 3 of them don’t seem to make any odds, so 3 gears; I’m not going to go further away than I could (eventually) walk home in case of breakdown, physical or mental. but retraining after my long lay-off has been slow, and determination week as a clap of thunder a mile from home (twice) sent me scurrying back fast.

Ruth’s Ride Sunday 10th July

So, the destination of Friday 10th July: Cockersands Country Park. 14.5 miles door to door, 2 ¼ hours, with a lot of walking.

A very strong wind deterred progress to Glasson Dock, along Jeremy Lane and down to the Shore. Very black clouds hung to the north over the Bay but the wind kept them where it wanted them. Once at the shore and the holiday home site, the footpath was a pleasure to walk, greeting other walkers and never mind the long grasses caught in the spokes. By the time Bank End Farm and the tarmac was reached, the sky had lifted to blue with white fluffy clouds and there was time to stop for the views over sea and hills.

From that point the wind was behind. Another permitted walk was up to Hill House Farm and the Cockerham Road. However, turning left for home I was now steering directly to the blackness, and felt the urgent need to press on post haste, having this one time only no rainware. For that reason the cycle track back from Conder Green and the Green Finch café was a good option. Clearly it had already rained here and halfway along I encountered a walking husband who had caught it full force.

Turning right onto Aldcliffe Hall Lane with its very long recently accumulated puddle to steer through, I knew I had my third promised walk up the hill ahead, before left again and down to the canal, and home. No gardening or hoovering that afternoon, but the bike got a bit of a clean and the birds got a fresh supply of sunflower seeds, and I now had a very satisfactory ride to report.

This is dedicated to all the wonderful companions, CTC and Tandem Club over the many decades with whom I have shared such amazing adventures.   

Ruth Tanner (Feinberg).

Morning Ride to Cartmel - Mike Codd – 16 July

Starting out at 5:40 meant lights for the frantically fast, half asleep drivers at that early hour. Even so, I set off from Piccadilly along the A6 until Millennium Bridge, through sleepy Skerton, Kellets (lights and a clothes layer off at Kellet M6 bridge), Burton, Holme, Ackenthwaite, rejoining the A6 at Leasgill for the 1/2mile to Levens Hall. I took the flat route across the moss to Gilpin Bridge, taking the lumpy ride through Witherslack to Lindale. My biggest hill of the day was Lindale hill and over the short cut to meet the descending road from High Newton, leading southwards to Cartmel, where I stopped in the square.

The cafe lights were on, the door was open, there was someone working inside and it was 8:05. Since opening was not until 10:00, I sat on a pub table next door, ate a banana and had a sip of cold, sweet black coffee.

Continuing to Allithwaite, I took the main road to Grange, taking a left before the bottom of the hill, to stop at the bakery (recommended by John Jackson) where I sat and enjoyed a generously filled bacon bun and a cup of coffee. I was tempted to take the train back but discovered the next rain would be 50 minutes away, so I continued past the golf course and Meathop to Matt’s tunnel, where I reversed my outward route at far as the leasgill turn, but turning right across the moss to ascend to Storth and Silverdale.

As I was passing Silverdale Golf club, just past the RSPB turn and followed by a vehicle waiting to overtake, I saw 4 cyclists coming towards me. At least one was in the same colours as mine. It was Len Howard with Patience, Nick and another. I shouted a greeting, but I couldn’t stop at that point, because of the road junction and the following traffic. Hopefully we’ll meet on Zoom next week!

I continued home on the conventional route, staying on the A6 to Bolton-le Sands, then Ancliffe Lane, Kellet Lane and past Preston station and Haverbreaks back to home.

It was thoroughly enjoyable. Later, the wind had got up from the SW and helped as far as Levens, but was a nuisance across the moss to Sandside. I’d stopped about 4 times for various reasons but managed to get back for 11:35. (Written after a half-hour’s nap. I’m getting past it!).

68 miles and 4100 feet.      Mike Codd

West Pennine Moors and Edgworth (12/07/20)

This was the ride we were going to do last week, postponed by the weather, in an area not visited much by either Ian or myself.  It didn’t get off to an auspicious start when after 1.5 miles I ran over some unnoticed glass, which split the side wall of my front tyre and penetrated my Kevlar lined rear one.  This required a trip back to my house to change both tubes and both tyres, accompanied by a cup of tea.  What else could possibly happen?

In the event, nothing, else went wrong.  After a 90 minute delayed start, we headed off from Penwortham through Walton-le-Dale.  We turned at Samlesbury Brewery and followed the back roads past St Leonard the Lesser Church and Bezza Lane to reach Osbaldeston.  This is one of my secret routes eastward out of Preston, completed in this case by a 15% climb to Mellor to join Route 91, the South Lancs Cycleway.

We followed this eastward to Parsonage Reservoir and turned south, descending to the outskirts of Rishton.  Here we joined a delightful section of Route 6 along the Leeds Liverpool Canal (and crossing the M65) to reach Church.  We climbed the other side of the valley through the outskirts of Oswaldtwistle to crossing the M65 twice more to reach open country at Fence.

We continued to climb through Belthorn with wonderful views of the moors around us.  Turning right off the B6232, we crossed Edgerton Moss, stopping for our main break to feast on the views, and then dropping below Hop Lowe Pike to reach Edgerton and re-join Route 91.  Route 91 took us north then west with a short section of the A666 before crossing the next valley to Belmont Reservoir and village.

Hundreds of people had decided that the beautiful weather warranted their parking on the sides of the road between Edgworth and Belmont and also on the section of road between Belmont and Rivington.  Fortunately this did not mar our enjoyment too much as we continued through Rivington, still following Route 91 via Adlington and Coppull to leave it near Charnock Richard Services, with all the serious hills behind us.

Level roads returned us from Eccleston to Penwortham via Ulnes Walton and White Stake, having enjoyed a wonderful day out of about 64 miles for me and about 70 for Ian, with a fair amount of climbing (about 4000 feet).

Mike Bridges

Not Quite Flat Ride Around the Fylde - 5 July

Sunday’s ride (5th) was a bad weather alternative in the light of forecast strong winds.  Ian and I headed from Penwortham on to the Guild Wheel westward then onwards to Freckleton.  We continued as far as the outskirts of Lytham in the face of what turned out to be the hardest head wind of the day before turning north via Saltcoats to reach Wrea Green.

Here we joined Route 90, heading for Weeton and Staining, where the wind became much more helpful, with bright weather to help the day along.  We stopped for a break and a chat on a bench in the woods opposite Singleton Church, then continued along Route 90 to Elswick.

Here, we left Route 90, following a narrow lane and a short section of Garstang Road cycle path to reach Great Eccleston.  Our objective, as always, was to follow quiet back roads if we could use them, so we followed Brock Road and Moss Lane via Inskip Moss Side to reach Bilsborrow.

The weather was kind, and forecast rain had not arrived.  This resulted in a decision to head up Route 6 from Bilsborrow to reach Bell Lane and Strickens Lane, which we climbed to Oakenclough then our high point at Stang Yule on Delph Lane.  The views were excellent.

A descent to Higher Brock Mill, followed by undulating lanes on the eastern circumference of Beacon Fell marked our route to Cumeragh Village, where we re-joined Route 6 back into Preston and to our respective homes.  A short shower refreshed us at Cumeragh, but that turned out to be the only rain.

It had definitely not been entirely flat!  The height gain was apparently just less than 3000 feet, over a distance of 70 miles for me and a little more for Ian.  A goodly ride.

Mike Bridges

Mike Bridges’ Sunday Runs 21 and 28 June

Last week’s run, Ian and I decided, should be an “easy” one.  We had climbed 4600 feet on each of the two previous weeks, so flat might be an idea.  When I led from Penwortham then, I set off for a run to Southport.  The start was not unlike the run I led to Rufford a year or two past, heading via side roads through Lostock Hall and Leyland to pick up Route 91 for a while on route for Eccleston.

We bypassed Manna Café, where Sir Bradley’s golden post box still stands guard and headed into the fresh breeze and bright weather towards Mawdesley, on the edge of the Lancashire plain.  The route crossed the A59 near Bispham Green, and headed for Lathom across agricultural scenery then  taking a direct route into Ormskirk for a “coffee break” (on a bench in the almost empty centre).

Ormskirk has some interesting old buildings, amongst other things.  We left these behind, however, and headed west via Halsall and over the moss towards the coast.  Our road was a straightish, causeway-like road of the type seen on the Fylde, up to 2 metres above the surrounding fields of crops.  It led us to the houses of Ainsdale, where we joined larger roads on route for the coast road.  We had also left behind various ornamental scarecrows not unlike those of Wray.

For a while, we followed the Trans Pennine Route through the hills of Ainsdale and Birkdale to ride the Promenade of Southport northwards, the wind now giving us a distinct push. Had it been any stronger, we would have had real sand in our sandwiches for lunch just north of the pier.  However, the way ahead was even easier, following the prom to Crossens and Banks before heading inland.

Market gardening country surrounded us on route to Mere Brow and Sollom along Route 91, ut we were diverted north on the A59 (roadworks east of Sollom) to reach Bretherton.  Another series of minor roads took us via Midge Hall and White Stake and back into Penwortham for the last of our relaxing route.

It’s funny how you can treat 63 miles as an easy route!

Sunday 28th was very affected by the weather.  It was Ian’s turn to lead, and we took a sensible decision by following a flat ride to the southwest to Sollom on the A59, then circling Ormskirk on a loop of the South Lancs Cycleway (Route 91) before returning at 17mph, blown by the wind back up the A59 from Rufford.  Not terribly exciting as our routes are usually, but it was a day out of just over 51 miles and we returned safely.  It had been interesting seeing the changes in the cops since we rode this way 6 weeks ago.

On the bright side, we have a couple of good ideas for next week, weather permitting….

Mike Bridges

CODA 19 – A short tail from Kenny

As you will be aware from the above musical reference this is the last in my series of solo performances & although the Hewlett Packard is not essentially a keyboard of the Rick Wakeman or John Lord variety I do manage to regularly produce some cacophony, discord & bum notes within the written medium!   My final epistle concerns a ride out to Southport recently, it was a long day out consisting of 105 miles & 7 hours on the road, people ask how I cope mentally during this solitary confinement, well it is a considerable amount of time to be alone & can lead to quite vociferous arguments amongst oneself during stressful times & thereafter often evening meals are conducted in stony silence followed by me ignoring myself for the rest of the evening.  As usual my progress involves riding along as many rural lanes as are available, on this ride some follow one’s arrival at Tarleton & are designated ‘Meanygates’, I know not where the name came from but there isn’t a single gate anywhere to be seen, perhaps the farmers were so stingy that they wouldn’t actually pay for any to be constructed?  They are purely long straight roads alongside which grow salad plants, I wondered as I rode along why there is a total absence of gates when suddenly a Transit van tore past me at about 90 mph nearly depositing me into a clump of celery, so there’s the answer to my question, any bloody gate thereabout would be smashed to matchwood in minutes as the van drivers hasten to get their freshly harvested salads to the local market before they go limp!  I later rode through the lanes in the vicinity of Martin Mere which unlike the Meanygate area actually have hedgerows alongside, I ventured around a bend in the road & espied what looked like a piece of material hanging from it then all of a sudden the material moved out into the road in front of me, it contained an entire farmer who had ostensibly been cleaning out a drain in a verdant alcove & having finished chose to step out of it into my path.  Well we were both pretty startled at the sight of each other & instinctively took evasive action, I flew across the white line into the trajectory of another salad van whilst he dived back, presumably down his drain as he appeared not to reappear from it.  As mentioned previously these long rides often cause me to become annoyed about some things & often my ire is inevitably directed towards pandas!  I‘m aware that pandas are endemic to China so inevitably the bloody things must be the source of the pandemic which instigated this, my solitary confinement, indeed the main source of the contagion is known to have come from the Wuhan Department of Zoology accompanied by a small outbreak in the London borough of Whipsnade so that proves it!  The original theory was that the virus emanated from a butcher’s stall in the local wet market which sold bat & equine meat, however, the stall, called appropriately Batman & Dobbin denied this & accused the World Health Organization of blatantly pandaring to the Chinese Communist Party to deflect blame from the real culprits.  I consider bears & particularly pandas to be the major source of evil in this world, their megalomania knows no bounds, who could forget the British Cycling ‘jiffy bag’ fiasco which emanated from the Russian ‘Fancy Bears’, this is what happens when you give bears access to computers, so hardly surprising that the pandemic was the result of a virus introduced into the world by the Chinese backed ‘Fancy Pandas’!   So, rant over, I rode home to finish my last solitary ride before the rules changed to allow us to ride in groups of 6, I can now put away my lap top & await a time when I get to write a Club Ride Report. 

Fin de Cycle  (Your French pun is better than the Italian!.  Ed.)

Hot, Hot, Hot! Jim Gardner

What do they say only English men and mad dogs go out in the mid day sun, well I am English so fall into one category.

Set off not really know where or how far I was going. Through the uni into Galgate then up Stoney Lane to the Harris End cross roads. Turned right to drop down into and through Scorton(I ignored the temptation of the water splash). Through Garstang and past the ‘road closed ahead’ got to the closure and found it really was closed so back tracked and went down Dimples Lane and weaved my way through Inglewhite to Goosnargh. From Goosnargh to Broughton crossroads (WOW what a difference) quick stop for lunch then on towards Hollowford Lane and Benson Lane to cross the A6 at Bilsborough. Up past the church to turn left down Lydiate Lane then home via Sandham Mill, Scorton and Bay Horse.

Pleasant ride and my advice is if you want to loose weight cycling in that sort of heat works, I lost half a kilogram but probably the two cans of beer put it back on.

Jim Gardner

Up the Ribble and down the Lune - Mike Bridges

Sunday’s ride was one described by Ian as “up the Ribble and down the Lune” and by me as “Tour de Bowland”.  I am sure readers will make up their own minds!

The weather was bright with some sun and a light north wind when Ian and I met at the north end of Midgery Lane, like last week, and followed the same start to our ride.  This took us through Longridge and on to Chaigley, before joining Route 90 as far as the Copy Nook pub.  Apart from the views of the vale of Chipping, the main highlight was a brief pause near Bashall Barn to watch a hunting barn owl.

We headed on along quiet roads (apart from a few motorbikes) to Wigglesworth and Rathmell to reach Settle.  The town was crowded and we took our first lunch sheltering from the sun on a bench by the church door.  The other guests were dead quiet.

Leaving Settle via Giggleswick we crossed the A65, we followed Route 90 for a while, being diverted through Lawkland by tar laying to reach Austwick and Clapham then passing Clapham Station to reach Keasden.  Mewith Lane took us onwards and downhill to Wray, where we continued onwards to Caton.

We took our second (late) lunch on the Lune cycleway, which we followed towards and through Lancaster.  The route continued by road from Conder Green to Cockerham, where we followed Route 90 again (apart from a minor deviation via Moss Edge), this time via Stake Pool to Cartford Bridge.  South of the Wyre, we took a minor road to reach Elswick, continuing south to Wharles and Treales.

A brief stretch of the A583 from Clifton east brought us to the Guild Wheel bridge and there, Ian and I headed for our respective homes.  Another quality ride for us both, bringing in 101 miles for Ian and 104 for me.  It’s a few years since I have exceeded 100 miles, but we both thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mike Bridges

Scotforth to Settle 23 June

Six thirty is a nice time to start if you’ve woken up at five (but only at the end of June on a dry day!). I’d just fitted 38mm tyres on the black bike, a Specialized Tricross, to give more comfort and the possibility of rough stuff.

From Scotforth I took our normal route past the Boot & Shoe, Postern Gate and along the A683 from Caton, then Wray, Wennington, Clapham. I stopped opposite the New Inn for a banana. A passing pedestrian said,

“Couldn’t you sleep?”

He must have worked out I’d come some way and it was only about 8:15. After Clapham, I arrived at the Austwick turn to find it totally blocked by a white van –  impossible to pass either ahead or behind. Rapping on the passenger window, I awakened a workman. He must have nudged the driver, because they then backed up enough to let me out. Never mind – I’m only an old bloke on a bike.

It was about 8:30 and people were starting to move about, strolling, walking dogs, jogging. As I’d finished off the climb to Wharfe, I took it a bit easy along the stretch below the crags and was suddenly overtaken by a young woman on a bike. I was not out for a race, and she was now 200 yards ahead, but then I thought,

“I might be able to catch her on the uphill going to Knight Stainforth.”

So I put on a spurt to try to catch her. She was still 10 yards ahead of me at the summit, but then she took off. She must have had nerves of steel, because she went downhill without fear. I tried to keep up but I kept using my brakes. I caught her at Knight Stainforth, but only because a load of cows were being driven across the road. I let her disappear into the distance.

Arriving at Settle, I was surprised to find the market apparently in full swing, with loads of motorcyclists in evidence, most holding paper cups of coffee. The Naked Man was doing takeaways. Whoopee! I bought a bacon bun and an Americano and then headed off through the back route to Giggleswick. I’d already decided to take the hilly short cut (local traffic only) to cross the A65.

It starts off at 17% then goes past the school playing field and kicks off again at about 12%. It dips down a bit then finally kicks up again at 16%, which didn’t feel too bad. The view from the top showed rain over the eastern fells, so I kept moving to cross the A65 below and into Eldroth, where I sat outside the village hall eating my Bacon Bun and drinking coffee.

I was now on the route to Mewith Lane and already starting to feel my legs. I shouldn’t chase young women at my age!

Uneventfully, I continued to Wray, where I stopped for an oat bar and more coffee. I decide to go the lowland route home, via Caton and the riverside path. I’d done 57 miles when I got back and it felt like 70 (and I hadn’t done any rough stuff!). I must get out more!

Mike Codd

Local members may be interested in my encounters with other members

 Just past the Hornby turn Nick Hall called to me, going towards Wray. Just before Crook o’ Lune, I caught Sandra Waterhouse and we chatted for a few minutes. Then, fleetingly Ruth Tanner and I greeted each other on Aldcliffe Road and finally Keith Jewsbury passed going the other way as I was going back to Piccadilly.

Mike and Ian's Sunday Run 14/06/20

Sunday’s ride was one described by Ian as “up the Ribble and down the Lune” and by me as “Tour de Bowland”.  I am sure readers will make up their own minds!

The weather was bright with some sun and a light north wind when Ian and I met at the north end of Midgery Lane, like last week, and followed the same start to our ride.  This took us through Longridge and on to Chaigley, before joining Route 90 as far as the Copy Nook pub.  Apart from the views of the vale of Chipping, the main highlight was a brief pause near Bashall Barn to watch a hunting barn owl.

We headed on along quiet roads (apart from a few motorbikes) to Wigglesworth and Rathmell to reach Settle.  The town was crowded and we took our first lunch sheltering from the sun on a bench by the church door.  The other guests were dead quiet.

Leaving Settle via Giggleswick we crossed the A65, we followed Route 90 for a while, being diverted through Lawkland by tar laying to reach Austwick and Clapham then passing Clapham Station to reach Keasden.  Mewith Lane took us onwards and downhill to Wray, where we continued onwards to Caton.

We took our second (late) lunch on the Lune cycleway, which we followed towards and through Lancaster.  The route continued by road from Conder Green to Cockerham, where we followed Route 90 again (apart from a minor deviation via Moss Edge), this time via Stake Pool to Cartford Bridge.  South of the Wyre, we took a minor road to reach Elswick, continuing south to Wharles and Treales.

A brief stretch of the A583 from Clifton east brought us to the Guild Wheel bridge and there, Ian and I headed for our respective homes.  Another quality ride for us both, bringing in 101 miles for Ian and 104 for me.  It’s a few years since I have exceeded 100 miles, but we both thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mike Bridges

Patience and Len’s Sunday Trip to Holker (by mistake!) 14th June.

Having spent the last two months doing half day rides of 30-40 miles, we thought we had better start to get fit for the restart of Club rides (whenever that may be!). Like a lot of members, we have got used to visiting favourite takeaways, in our case the village shop at Levens and Casterton Golf Club.  We have been lucky enough to have met Club members (such as Neil, Keith and Helen, and Nigel) serendipitously and have a welcome natter. In recent weeks we have also been fortunate in being accompanied by some members on our rides. Thanks Bob Cross and Chairman Nick!  Bob even brought along one of his collection of stoves so we could enjoy a cuppa whilst having a picnic on the fell road above Barbon.

Anyway, back to our Sunday trip. Like most people, we have got used to a lower level of activity and can’t seem to get started before 10.30.  So it was that we opted for the A6 to get a head start. It’s surprising how far you can get doing this, as some of our more established members know as they have been doing it for years. The A6 is a lot safer now, or at least a lot quieter. Patience was feeling enthusiastic, so we averaged 16 mph to Levens. But I don’t think the twenty- somethings who flew past us were at all impressed!  I was surprised to see a field with about 100 cars attending a car boot sale near Hale - wonder how they got permission?  We took to the footway to get past the TTLs at Levens, which turned into an off-road adventure as it takes a circuitous and tree-rooted line through woodland between the road and river. Just made it to the shop before closing time at 12.00 and chatted to a Lune rider with a Paris Brest Paris vest on. Very good machine coffee and scrumptious cakes and a chance to cool down in the hot and muggy conditions.

By this time the sun was out and temperatures climbing, and the gentle breeze hastened us to Grange via Meathop, which we hadn’t seen since last autumn due to the floods (followed by storms and now the plague!). We settled onto a shaded bench in the park for phase 1 of our picnic, noting with regret the disappearance of our old foul weather friend the pavilion.  Perhaps it was torched by the young hooligans of Grange.

It was here that we made the strange decision to continue to Cark, thinking that it was largely flat (which it isn’t). At Cark we missed the turn to Cartmel and ended up at Holker, so retraced. Too early for lunch phase 2 at Cartmel, so we eschewed a bench in the Priory and continued up the valley to High Newton, enjoying the crystal-clear views of Lakeland. A small park in the village provided an arborially - shaded setting for our quiche and tomatoes. At this stage we were getting concerned at our hydration levels, so we approached a kind lady who was gardening nearby and who filled our bottles.

Up onto the ridge with panoramic views over the bay and to the Three Peaks, we decided not to wear out our brake blocks and finger muscles on Tow Top, and dropped down to Thorphinsty instead. Down the Winster Valley and on to Witherslack, then taking the scenic hilly route which reappears at the crossroads near the cattle grid. Crossed the A590 at Gilpin Bridge and along the gated bridleway to Levens Hall, over Heversham marsh and stopping at Dallam bridge for lunch phase 3 (an apple).  The usual route back via Leighton Moss.

60 miles as near as damn it, home by 4.30, and Patience disappointed that the average had reverted to our usual 12-13 mph. But we are now a bit more able to cope with full day rides (whenever that will be).

Len Howard

Sunday Ride up the Ribble Valley, 07/06/20 Mike Bridges

The two of us met at the junction of the Guild Wheel and Route 6 at the north end of Midgery Lane at 9.  Since I had led last week’s route to Downham, it was Ian’s to lead today’s ride.  We followed Route 6 via Haighton Green to Longridge, in weather which was bright with a northerly breeze.  The first slight hills were along the north slope of Longridge, looking over Chipping as we continued towards Chaigley Hall and Higher Hodder Bridge.  Joining Route 90, we continued via Waddington, West Bradford and Grindleton, turning left at Sawley.

The well-known course of Route 90 starts some more serious climbing after the Copy Nook pub, near Bolton by Bowland, and so it was from here we resorted to lower gears, ascending into wider ranging views as we headed for the B6478, reaching it between Slaidburn and Tosside, south west of Stephen Moor.

However, instead of descending into Slaidburn, we took the next turn on the left, followed by a right turn through the hamlet, not much more than a few buildings, of Easington.  We were surrounded by the beautiful Bowland Fells here, with next to no traffic.  The lane through the village continues in a south westerly direction, crossing the Newton/Waddington road on its undulating route to Cow Ark (there are three single-arrow sections to climb between the B6478 and Cow Ark).

We turned right here to descend to Whitewell, but just before the descent, took lunch at a bench seat with a fine view over the Hodder Valley and Dunsop Bridge, and enjoyed a socially-distanced chat with another rider before continuing into the valley.  Our route took us over the Burholme Bridge, then left to climb again, passing Lickhurst Farm, the Wild Boar Park and Leagram Hall on our way to Chipping.

The last leg took us through some of Chipping’s “quiet lanes” west and south to reach Little Town, then Halfpenny Lane to reverse our route from Longridge to Preston, separating as we reached the Guild Wheel.  For us both, an excellent ride in the region of 65 miles, taking in some fine scenery.

Mike Bridges

Mike and Ian Easing Lockdown

For various reasons I have spent most of lockdown riding a turbo trainer, apart from a few outings to the local shops.  Two events happened recently allowing some progress in the direction of “normality”.  Firstly came the advice from CUK that cycling with a friend was now ok, social distancing included.  The second was he receipt of an email forwarded by the Secretary Len inviting me to join another member who would be heading through Penwortham, not far from my home.

So it was that Ian Holland and I met at the Fleece pub on Liverpool Road, Penwortham at 9 on 17th May with a view to completing a relatively normal Sunday ride.  It was good to be out again.  It being quiet, we headed via the A59 to Sollom near Rufford.  We turned right here to follow NCN Route 91 in a big loop around Ormskirk as far as Lathom, then via suitable roads north to Rufford and back to Sollom.  From here we headed for Bretherton, Much Hoole and Longton to return to Penwortham.

The roads were fairly quiet with more cyclists and walkers than usual.  The route was flat but rural and peaceful.  By the time I had returned home I had completed about 59 miles (a little more for Ian) and thoroughly enjoyed the day, looking forward to a further ride the following week.

On 24th, we met at the same place, but headed south east on route 55, which runs south from the Tram Bridge in Preston.  This took us through Cuerden Valley Park, before the first hill of the day took us to Whittle le Woods, thence via a few more hills past the Top Lock pub to Wheelton and White Coppice to meet the road from Rivington to Belmont.  Bypassing Rivington village, we took a break on the outskirts of Belmont before heading for Tockholes via the minor road past Darwen Tower.  We bypassed Blackburn using the roads to Feniscowles and Pleasington and continued our undulating route through Revidge to Top o’ Ramsgreave.  We descended to Copster Green before crossing the Ribble at Ribchester Bridge.

More familiar roads returned us to Preston via Longridge and Ribbleton.  Only 55 miles for me this week but an excellent ride through the edge of the West Pennine Moors laden with good views and fairly quiet roads.  Ian tells me we climbed in the region of 4000 feet – my legs had no reason to doubt this as we had been reminded what low gears were for!  One of the most interesting sights was the view of Pleasington Priory at the side of the road – a most interesting building.

The latest in our series of rides was 31st May, suggested by me.  Ian and I met on Leyland Road not far from my home in Penwortham and again headed down route 55 through Cuerden Valley.  This time however, we headed east on route 91, the South Lancashire Cycleway, through Brindle, Hoghton, Nab Head, Mellor and Wilpshire (crossing last week’s route at Top o’ Ramsgreave), before having a break in Whalley.  We then continued along route 91 via Pendleton and Worston to take a sandwich lunch in Downham.  An absolutely delightful route.

The return leg was via Chatburn, picking up route 90 from Grindleton to Waddington, and then heading by back roads to Cowark, Longridge and Haighton Green to reach Preston.  It had been a very hot day, enough to melt the tarmac in places, but a very satisfying one.  61 miles for me and probably a similar amount of climbing to last week.

These rides have been like a breath of fresh air after the last ten weeks and I am pleased to have been able to complete them.  Next week – we are meeting on the Guild Wheel on Haighton Green Lane – destination, the Ribble Valley!

Stay safe, everyone. Mike Bridges

Jim's really good ride in the heat

Set off going along Barton Road then Newlands Road heading up and over Posterngate. After dropping down into Caton turned right over Caton Green to join the main road up the valley. Eventually came to the Highway Man where I turned right heading towards the dales.

At the little hamlet went over the little wooden bridge. There is a notice saying “no cyclist! footpath only” so bike on shoulder made me a pedestrian and I walked over the bridge(there is no such sign on the far side!!).

Crossed the main road(which was very quiet) and went up the old roman road but took the second left to drop down to Casterton Golf Club. Onwards to a reasonably quiet Devils Bridge(loads of motorcyclists) then made a quick call in Booths to stock up on water. Back across the main road through Biggins then over Hutton Roof to drop down Dalton Lane into Burton.

Usual route from Burton to Holme then Moss Lane to the A6. Up and over Slackhead, down through the deer park and followed the shore road to Arnside.

A quick break in Arnside then up the hill to pass Holgates then into Silverdale.

From Silverdale it was a familiar route home via Warton Crag(round not over), Crag Bank, Bolton le Sands, Arncliffe Lane, Haverbreaks and home. Thank goodness in the heat that it was I opted for the flatter northern parts and not the stinking hills of the Fylde.

Jim Gardner

Neil's 13 Rides

Since I last reported, I’ve managed an average of 3 rides a week, finished renovating the garden furniture, that’s 2 benches, 6 chairs and 1 large table. I’ve also decorated the bathroom upstairs and the second bedroom. This Tsuname of DIY projects is a direct replacement for regular cafe visits, which when counted with the lack of cycling cafe visits, you’d think a large reduction of calorie consumption would have resulted. So, having dramatically reduced my calorie consumption, I am now down to 11 stone, my 20 years old ‘fighting weight’. This, of course, is just completely untrue, my imagination running wild. I have, in fact, still not managed to shed the weight I put on in December when I was rained off so many rides. Well, I couldn’t possibly have done more, or longer, rides since the last report. I still aim to complete my rides in the morning, and a ride every other day. I have tried to follow the weather forecasts in order to avoid wet rides, and this has almost been successful, but not totally. I have also avoided some of the holiday weekends and when a proposed ride coincides with a bank holiday, it has probably not gone ahead. The problem with a morning ride, of course, is what happens in the afternoon? My answer to this is sit in the lounge, nod off, watch the tele, drink copious cups of tea, and what is a cup of tea without a bun or a biscuit? Perhaps this is where I am going wrong and I should extend my ride to cover all daylight hours. This will keep me out of the biscuit tin! Riding every day would also help, but then I would keep wearing my bikes out, not to mention myself. That would result in around 700-1000 miles a week, but maybe I would lose a few pounds weight as a consequence. I think, so far as self preservation is concerned though, I may just carry on as I am, and not try to tighten the trouser belt as much as before. So, the first of my 13 rides since last reporting took me to Kirkby Lonsdale, Burton and Warton, not the longest of rides, but nevertheless enjoyable and good exercise. The next ride was one of the previously mentioned ‘wet’ rides. That’ll teach me to go South! I reached Winmarleigh without getting wet, but spent my coffee stop sheltering under a tree when the shower arrived. As the rain stopped, I set off and decided, as it still looked very uninviting, I would make my way to Pilling and then home. I got to Pilling without getting any wetter, but arriving in Pilling, the rain came again and stayed with me all the rest of the ride home. Undaunted, shoes having finally dried out, I planned my next ride. Kirkby Lonsdale, Biggins, Hutton Roof, Burton and onto my favourite destination, Arnside. A different route this time felt like a different ride along still very quiet roads, wonderful, and the sunshine returned! 40 miles, 3000ft, home for lunch, as usual. Next ride, Arnside again, but this time via Sizergh, 40 miles, but less ascent. The pattern continued, more or less a ride every other day, only one more wet ride, and in fact, that was only the last few miles and it was a North ride. Nevertheless, I was soaked, and had to ring my socks out and leave my shoes on the radiator for 2 days. The most memorable ride was last Wednesday when I went to Milnthorpe and across to Kirkby Lonsdale over the tops via Gatebeck, Old Hutton and Old Town. Fantastic scenery over the tops and the last ride before the strong winds arrived to put rides on hold for a few days. This week was the height of ambition and Monday’s ride took me to Grange-over-Sands, 58 miles and 3000ft, but still home for lunch, just! Today was, more or less, a repeat of the Sizergh Arnside ride, which is becoming a firm favourite, now having done it 3 times! I have taken a few lonely bike photos, and attach those taken at Grange on Monday and Arnside today.

Neil Westwell 27 May 2020

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Dream Ride - another from Jim

Off I set up Hala Hill to the Fox and Goose then right on to Newlands Road and right at the end under the motorway and a steady climb eventually dropping down to the Conder before the never ending climb through Quernmore cross roads to Jubilee Tower.

A quick descent onto the road leading through the Trough and the long slog over the boundary hill before the descent to Dunsop Bridge. A left turn took me through the village and on the road to Slaidburn. A quick drink and a ponder before I decided to wander up the Cross O Greet road to drop down to the Great Stone of Fourstones.

At the summit a quick break before the rapid(and mean rapid descent) I soon arrived at my break which meant a swig of liquidised rice pudding, complan and glucose!!

Along Mewith Lane to turn right just after Keasden to slog up and Over Bowland Knott’s and back down into Slaidburn.

Through Dunsop Bridge a right turn and I was heading for home but up and over the boundary hill then the slog up to Jubilee tower where I decided to stop for a break knowing I had the thrutch up from the Conder to come.

But wait someone is shouting but I can’t make out who or what they are saying, it sounds like Teresa oh I know what she is saying “Jim Jim wake up you are having a nightmare and your legs are going mad, wake up”

Thank goodness it was a dream BUT why if it was a dream do your legs ache as if it was real??

Jim Gardner

A really hot ride - Jim Gardner

Off on the usual route through the uni into Galgate then left up Stoney Lane to turn right down Whams Lane and crossing the A6 at Potters Brook then onto Cockerham Road. At the end turned right onto the B5272 then left in Cockerham to join the A588.

Turned left down and onto Crimbles Lane then a right to go down Gulf Lane.

On Gulf Lane dallied a bit watching the micro lights at Moss Edge Farm(Attitude Airsports Ld) it is amazing how little runway they need to take off, it looked to be in the region of about 100yards. Later along Gulf Lane I must have been hear a Tuwits nest because the birds were crying out with their alarm call so I sped on leaving them in peace.

At the end of Gulf Lane back left onto the A588 then right down Backsands Lane and into Pilling. Going through the village and back onto the A588 via Lamb’s Lane then right onto Green Dick’s Lane, passing the pheasantry, zebra and giraffe into Knott End.

Grabbing a bite to eat at the bakery a uturn back to the junction for Preesall and at the top of the brow a right turn to drop down to the single track road(Back Lane) then on via Highgate Land and Wardley’s Lane to arrive in Hambleton.

Another blast on the A588 to the last roundabout before Shard Bridge where I took a left onto Ball Park Lane, Mill Lane, Whin Lane then Radcliffe Road passing Cartforth Bridge turn off then a left on to Lancaster Road.

Up Lancaster Road then a right onto Skitham Lane through Nateby across the A6 at the Garstang traffic lights then home via Scorton, Forton and Galgate.

A lesson was learned because after this distance in this heat really needed two bottles on bike because I was dehydrated when I got back home but a cool shower and two cans of beer sorted me out

Jim Gardner

Early Lunch with the Geese of Grange - Mike Codd’s Ride 20 May 2020

7:15 on a bright sunny morning is a bit early for some, but I’ve always been an early riser.

Breakfasted on porridge,half a grapefruit,  a scrambled egg, spinach, a bacon sarnie and black coffee (spinach!?), I set out from Scotforth, down the A6 to cross Millennium Bridge and take the usual route to Nether Kellet. Going through Priest Hutton to Burton, I cut down Station Lane to Holme, Ackenthwaite and then Heversham. Spotting a nice bench just a smidgeon up School Lane in Leasgill, I stopped for coffee and a marmalade sandwich in the mottled sunshine. I think it was about 8:30.

The A6 was quiet, but just past Levens Hall were some road works and traffic lights. I’d just got through them and was accelerating when I was passed by a fit young whippersnapper (on a bike) so I decided to try to catch him and keep up (it wasn’t difficult to socially distance as I kept falling back). Crossing the A590 at a slightly different point than him, I beat him into Gilpin Bridge but he was no longer behind, so I guess he went north while I went west towards Witherslack. That was a relief.

I overtook more leisurely cyclists before the Derby Arms and I turned right to go through Witherslack and past Halecat. Eschewing the ascent of Tow Top, I turned south to Lindale and went up School Hill to meet the top road, whooshing me down to Grange over Sands.  I sat by the duckpond, serenaded by the honks of some kind of exotic geese(?) on a tiny wooded island and I greeted other old people as they passed by with a cheery “Good Morning”.

It was now 10 am and I texted Jan to say I’d just had lunch.

I had intended to join the prom path on the other side of the railway, but found myself on the same side as the railway, so I passed the front of the station and, seeing little traffic, headed up the road to turn off for Meathop. Clearly, the golf club was open, because two golfers were having a chat, on opposite sides of the road (one coming and the other going?). I could have got past but they were sitting in their respective big  stationary cars; they soon moved off.

Passing a couple on bikes, I passed through Meathop and, just on the last bend I was waved to stop by a lady who said some sheep were coming. I said I’d stop when I got to them and carried on and at the left turn (towards Matt’s traffic lights at Witherslack) I encountered 3 cyclists waiting by a young woman who said the sheep would soon be arriving. A flock of about a hundred sheep thronged the narrow lane, followed by a slow moving Landrover and two rather lethargic sheepdogs. Nipping the heels of those at the back was not a message getting through to the ones at the front, who were happily munching the luxuriant grass verges. It was all very sociable and bucolic!

We set off again and, pleading an appointment with lunch in Lancaster, I left the others to enjoy their day.

I took the usual route from the Derby Arms, but seeing light traffic, I decided to join the mighty A590 as far as the Levens turn, I kept on the A6 through Milnthorpe and Beetham as far as the junction from Yealand Redmaine. Then turned off past  Cinderbarrow to join the main road from Burton, turning off at Longlands and returning home via Kellet Lane and Halton Road.

A thoroughly enjoyable morning; I was rather surprised to find I’d done 62 miles and about 3700 feet.

Mike Codd

Kenny's "NOT OVER SANDS".

As there is now an attenuation of lockdown rules in place I resolved to ride to Grange again, not directly across the beach on a gravel bike as in my recent lamentable attempt but around the sands this time on a road bike. The main cause for concern of riding 50 miles during the Coroneonic Wars is not the distance but the absence of food outlets to fuel oneself, so I consumed a plate of beans on toast at 10.30 to get me there & another plate at 11.30 to get me back, before setting off on my way at 12.00.  I rode out with utmost care so as not to burden the NHS any more than I have previously, as over many years of ‘visiting the scenery at some momentum’ I have had to call upon them to repair sundry parts of my anatomy which I have managed to break or lose entirely, over time this has led numerous people to enquire whether that is the reason I have never had children?  Soon I was pedalling along sunlit bucolic lanes within the Levens area which in my blissful passage I perceived to be bereft of any traffic, when in a moment I am aware of tractors coming at me at some considerable speed from all directions, charging into fields & out of fields, hurling wheat, chaff, grain & husks all over the bit of tarmac I had claimed as my own before their arrival, indeed never before in 40 years of cycling have I ever been so close to being harvested!  Following this agricultural affray I headed towards Witherslack on the old Barrow road where traffic levels really were almost negligible & led me to unwisely relax my guard, for suddenly I was aware of a movement in the hedgerow & the presence of a large dog, admittedly on a leash, but the owner was also very close to me, closer than one would wish during this pandemic & I accelerated quickly away in case he was infected with the Dogowner Virus or Rabid19 as vets refer to it.  This is I must impart not the first occasion I have come into actual contact with animals over many years, so far I have notches for 1 cat, 1 squirrel, 1 cockerel & 2 dogs on my carbon frame (which probably make it rather unsafe to ride any more) hence not for nothing am I referred to as ‘Roadkill Ken’ by some individuals.  I had by now decided that I would like the rest of my ride to be without further incident, however, coming into Grange there was another cyclist approaching me coming out of town & on a blind corner the driver of a Teutonic vehicle decided to pass him leaving me with only the grass verge left to escape an inevitable collision, thankfully he waved at me which obviously made his manoeuvre more acceptable & less hazardous to my own life!  This is not the first time I have been attacked by one of these vehicles which ostensibly have been modified from tanks manufactured by the warlike citizens of Prussia who remove the gun turrets & tracks, replace them with 13” aluminium wheels & infotainment & attach a BMW, AUDI, VW or Mercedes badge to the chassis & sell the lot to a load of psychopathic drivers in Britain to kill civilians with!  So by then I had definitely decided that I really would prefer no more aggravation for the rest of my day out.  It was then that the bloody hearse cut me up; I had no idea that a vehicle designed to transport dead bodies ceremonially at a pace accompanied by a musical dirge could go that fast, but this overtaker (or should that be undertaker?) came past me so close that he could have killed me.  Or perhaps that was his intention as maybe trade was a bit thin on the ground at the time & he saw a business opportunity in my own vulnerability, actually I did notice that the coffin had a S for small tab on it & would have fit me perfectly, always assuming that there wasn’t some body in there already of course.  People often say to me, “cycling by yourself, doesn’t it get boring”?  “Time to time it can get a bit tedious”, I reply, if only they knew! 

Kenny Roberts