Sunday 30th May Wheatsheaf, Lorton Maurice's Ride By Maurice Cowley
Parking at the Wheatsheaf and starting the ride from there seemed like a good idea until he left the car park and turned left into a very strong headwind. Luckily it was only about a quarter of a mile until he turned up into High Lorton and got the wind on the side and then started the climb up Whinlatter Pass. The climb was in the trees and quite sheltered but prior to the steep section it was again into the headwind and on reaching the bottom he found he was in the lowest gear so the decision made was to walk until the gradient and the wind was more sensible (which was 2 miles from the top). The free wheel down to Braithwaite and Roy's place was gratefully accepted.
After a cuppa at Roy and Ruth's Roy joined him for the remainder of the ride to The Wheatsheaf at Lorton via the track from Thorthwaite “turning circle” to Wythop Mill and Armaside to meet the rest of the riders. Maurice had finished his ride and Roy was hoping he could do the remainder of his ride with John and Sue M.
Sunday 30th May Wheatsheaf, Lorton Steve L, Dave Swift and Tom's Ride By Steve Lunt
A number of groups were out that day doing their own thing”, so this particular column features 3 of the riders, Steve L, Dave Swift and Tom. They met up together at Hensingham Fire Station and riding north through Moresby Parks then turning easterly through Pica and up over Dean Moor to arrive at Dean Cross. Here they descended the famed Downhill Course at speed to arrive at Ullock Village and through it to meet the A5086 Egremont/Cockermouth road. Turning north for a couple of miles they turned right at Paddle school and on to the Lorton Valley via Rogerscale and a gradual descent to Lorton Village centre and the lunch time venue The Wheatsheaf Inn.
Present at lunch were John Moyes, Bacca and Tracy, John and Sue, Joe and Frances, Peter and Michelle, Roy and Maurice. What a jovial bunch!
After lunch and jovialities, all left by their own separate routes. Steve L, Dave Swift and Tom resolving to take the same way back but prospect of climbing the steep hill in Branthwaite Village seemed a step too far, so on arrival at Dean Village the turning towards Greysouthen and a long clear descent was too tempting so they took it! Through Greysouthen and down to the “T” junction with the old A66 through Broughton Cross and so to Bridgefoot and Chapel Brow. A quick break for tea at the Melbreak Hotel and then onwards South down the A595 over Winscales Moor , Lillyhall, Distington and so to Whitehaven where Dave Swift peeled off to go “down town”. Steve L and tom cycled on through to the entrance of the Westlakes Science Park and on through it to emerge on the Moor Row road close to Galemire Vet Hospital just a stone’s throw from Steve L's house and the end of the ride. Total Miles 42
Sunday 30th May Wheatsheaf Lorton Sue and John By John Murphy
On a dry but windy morning Sue and John left Braithwaite heading through Thormthwaite to Beck Wythop to join the Sea to Sea route through Wythop Woods.
Leaving the road at Beck Wythop it was onto the gavel track and off the bike for the slog up the track to join the road again below Wythop Hall.
At the junction at wythop Mill they turned left towards Hundith Hill, taking another left turn to Armaside, just before Armaside they turned left again to High Side.
What members will do for club tour points, this was uphill for most off the way that was rewarded by the ride back down.
It was then onto Low Lorton for lunch at the Wheatsheaf to meet up with the rest of the group.
After lunch and a good old natter Sue, John and Roy left heading for Whinlatter Pass and straight into the wind, with Sue leading the way on the front.
At Scawgill the steepest section on the Pass saw Sue leave Roy and John, to regroup at the road end up to Darling How.
They then pressed on to the summit for the welcome descent into Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints – Wednesday 26th April – Aquarium, Maryport by Steve Lunt
In the light of the forecast, poor weather and very cold, eleven members turned up, they were Maggie and Stewart, Maurice, Roy, John R, Anita, Sue and John and Janet and Ivan. They decided to settle for an easier ride out from the Melbreak Hotel to Maryport via Workington. Taking the old A66 through Great Clifton to Stainburn and on to Workington then via Curwen Park along the short stretch of the of the River Derwent to the large roundabout and the new road bridge and after rounding the junction they were on the cycle route all the way to Flimby and so to Maryport and their popular “watering hole” the Aquarium, always a great lively and vibrant and sometimes noisy atmosphere.
Returning home Sue and John followed their wheel tracks back to the Melbreak, leaving the rest to make their way back, having decided they needed a small challenge of the climb through Crosscanonby to Crosby, turning north down the main road via Crosby Villa where a right turn inland took them via Bullgill to Gilcrux. At Gilcrux village centre a narrow lonning took them gradually to the highest point on Tallentire Hill (2 points on the Tourist Competition List). That day there was a lovely view across the Solway Firth due to the northerly air flow. It was then downhill from the top to Dovenby and down the road to Broughton Craggs and Great Broughton and it's delightful river bridge then to cross the A66 to Brigham and a much quieter ride westwards via Broughton Cross and Chapel Brow/Bridgfoot to the A595 and back to the Melbreak Hotel and the car transport. A pleasant day out with superb clarity – not as bad weather wise as feared.
Sunday 23rd April Wild Duck, Branthwaite – (Royal Yew, Dean) by Steve L.
The venue was planned to be the Wild Duck, Branthwaite for lunch but was modified to the Royal Yew, Dean subsequently when discovering the “Duck” closed due to change of ownership (soon to be open again).
The mini group led by Maurice (“I want to be alone”) decided not to be alone on this trip and invited Steve L. and Anita to join him, and also Tom (Anita's dad's friend) who came along on his electric bike.
After meet up, chit chat and drinks at Steve L's glass house they set off on a point bagging trip, firstly going up Richmond Hill to Hensingham and round the back of school site and the road north via Moresby Parks to the right turn to Pica.
Some where just passed Pica Village on the left hand side behind a couple of fields is a stone circle – nominated 2 points on the Touring Competition list.
On to Dean Cross turning left and the road descended slowly but their descent was fast and just before the Gilgarran junction they took a right turn onto a rough track leading to a farm on the way. Uncertain as to whether access was allowed or not (there were no signs to say it was private) and they reassured some folk near the farmstead that there were only 4 of them and carried on to the end of this rough terrain at a sudden outlet on the Branthwaite/Ullock road. A steep downhill into Branthwaite and then a steep uphill to the (closed) Wild Duck. Leaving a penned note for any more SCC riders following the four cycled down the road via Branthwaite to Dean and Royal Yew for a splendid lunch.
Joining them soon after was Joe and France, Dave Swift, Stewart and Maggie, Roy, Dianne and also Bacca and Tracy after doing a circuit of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Everyone doing there own thing the four point hunters set of from Dean to Ullock and then to the Cockermouth/Egremont road passing Mockerkin Tarn (1 point) then left skirting below Owsen Fell to Lamplugh leading to Felldyke . Here they walked up a track and then heaved their bikes over a locked field gate then rode along the track to get to Cogra Moss Tarn. A lovely small tarn used by Cockermouth Angling Club. After this it was back to Felldyke to climb up the steep hill to the Cauda Brow junction known as Kelton Head where they turned right taking them steeply down to Kirkland Village and through it to arrive at finally at Rowrah and so to join the cycle way back to Cleator Moor for tea at Steve L's place.
Maurice rode down the cycle way to Moor Row and Egremont and onwards to Thornhill and home.
Dave Swifts Ride
Dave's route out from Whitehaven was fairly direct because of his late start so from his home: the first climb was up Inkerman Terrace to the A595 main route north via Lillyhall north roundabout and down to Branthwaite to find the Wild Duck closed, so he rode further on down the road to the Royal Yew and joined the rest.
The 4 point hunters set off with more work yet to do leaving Dave S with company of of the other members chatting with Joe and Frances, Maggie and Stewart, Dianne and Roy, and on leaving, the riders all went back to the Dean crossroads in the village centre – Dave heading south via Ullock then up the downhill course to Dean Cross (the hard way). The others went north home via Eaglesfield.
Dave S stopped in a gateway prior to Dean Cross to admire the view then turned left to the Gilgarran turn and through Gilgarran to Pica and Moresby Parks to Quality Corner junction a usual link to get to the road leading down into Whitehaven town and along Wellington and finally his home.
Autumn Tints – Wednesday 19/04/2017 Mae's Cafe, Uldale by Steve Lunt
12 riders gathered at Maggie and Stewart's house at Wythop, They were Paul and Sue C, (peeling off from the group soon after the start to do their own preferred route), John and Sue M, John Lowell, Roy, Steve L, Janet and Ivan Morris, Dianne, Stewart and Maggie.
The destination chosen was Mae's Cafe in Uldale Village (a few miles N/E above Bassenthwaite Lake). The route we took was from Embleton, along the A66 for a short hop then left up a narrow access road onto the quiet “old A66” route and so to Ouse Bridge at Bassenthwaite Lake head to cross and cycle northwards to the Armathwaite/Castle Inn area. Here there followed a short debate between Dianne and the remainder of them, Dianne won the and so they all followed up the A591 main road to the Bewaldeth turn off. This was a shock to the system as they, as a group, normally fly down this road – not up it!! Now they were into the hilly country as the road became a high level traverse around the lower slopes of Binsey Fell but still climbing. After reaching the top there was a welcome downhill towards Ireby but prior to that a left turn to climb up to High Ireby (1 point on the Tour Comp. list) and then a coast down to Ireby village where at the central crossroads and about 11/2 miles – there they were – just a hop from the crossroad to the Cafe. Mae's is a lovely old Village School conversion in immaculate condition – Steve L had never been to this coffee shop before!After lunch a lovely downhill road between high hedges and Stewart remarking it would have been nice to have filmed it on the move. This road dropped to Overwater north end and around it (1 point on the Tour Comp. List) to Orthwaite and in less than a mile the road divided (Keswick or Bassenthwaite) marked the top end of Park Wood. Sue and John M going left to Keswick the rest on down through Park Wood (at least they were going down through it!!) bringing them finally to Bassenthwaite Village. On to Castle Inn junction – top end of Bassenthwaite Lake again and so to to Ouse Bridge passing the Lakes Distillery and final stretch down to Embleton to cross the A66 main trunk road and so to the Wythop road and Stewart and Maggie's place to parked cars.
(Only 20miles, but a challenge)
Postscript:- It has been hinted that maybe we should have a category for electric bikes in the Touring Competition listings? And will it catch on?
Sunday 16th April Parkside Hotel Cleator.
On a wet morning Dianne, Sue, John and Roy made their way to the Melbreak, John having brought Dianne joined the rest for usual hot drink.
With the day getting worse, Sue and Paul arrived in their car for the chat, while the two wheel members were in no hurry to move.
Eventually all dressed for the elements the group set off into the wind and rain with Dianne and Sue on the front, no doubt talking.
Following the usual route to Whitehaven via the cycle way, they finally arrived in Whitehaven for Roy to discover he'd got a rear wheel puncture.
Dianne and Sue unaware off Roy's predicament rode on, realizing the old codgers weren't with them, Dianne came looking for them.
With Roy in mend puncture mode, Dianne decided to carry on, with his tools spread out on the pavement, motorists leaving Tesco's slowed down to look.
With the rain having stopped and puncture mended, the due set off again to pick up the cycle way to Parkside for lunch.
Round the table were twelve members arriving on two and four wheels, they were,
Maurice Shirley Michelle Peter Maggie Stewart Dave Steve Roy Dianne Sue John.
After a good lunch and natter members began to leave the way they had arrived, with the rain having stopped, made for a more pleasant ride, the Melbreak group headed up the cycle way to Rowrah.
The rest jumped into their cars, although Maggie and Stewart had parked at the hotel and gone point hunting on their bikes towards Egremont.
The Melbreak group having reached Rowrah joined the main road to Mockerkin where they turned left to Ullock as the rain began to fall. In Dean the group split, Dianne making her way home via Eaglesfield and Paddle School.
While Roy, Sue and John because of the rain decided to take the shortest route back to the Melbreak via Little Clifton
Sunday 16th April Maurice and Steve L's Ride by Maurice Cowley
Rain was the order of the day when Maurice woke up. He had made arrangement to meet Steve L at his house to go on a run and when he contacted Steve he wasn't too enthusiastic so rearrangement were made to meet and just ride to The Parkside for lunch. Maurice got itchy feet so rode to Steve's house to have a cuppa with him prior to riding out.
Their route to the Parkside was to ride up to the Summergrove Crossroads turn left to cross the river by the footbridge to get to the cycle way from Bowthorn to the Rowrah/Whitehaven cycle way. Maggie and Stewart met them on-route and rode up the cycle way with them to Parkside and Dinner.
While at dinner the weather cleared up and the sun appeared so Maurice and Steve L. decided to do a little run and started off up the cycle way towards Rowrah and left at Winder to ride up to the A5086 to turn down Steel Brow and turned left along a track opposite the junction to Arlecdon, this came out just northwest of Frizington. During this track the rain again started wetting the two of them again. After this track they rode up to Frizington and down to Parkside to get onto the cycle way once more. This time it was down towards Whitehaven but to leave the cycle way once more to ride up to Bigrigg and on-wards to gain some more height up passing Pallaflat and down to take another track passing Whang Farm to come out on the Egremont/St. Bees road. Now thoroughly soaked they rode into Egremont where they split up, Maurice to go home to Thornhill and Steve to go home to Padstow.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 12th April The Gather Ennerdale. by Dianne Moyes
It was an unpromising start but the drizzly rain was meant to stop about 10 a.m. so we gathered at Paul and Sue's in Eaglesfield for coffee and biscuits while waiting for the weather to clear. Paul and Sue were not riding but welcomed Dianne and John, Maggie and Stewart, Ivan, John R., Roy, Steve and Anita. John and Sue were still in Braithwaite studying the weather and Maurice was riding from home to the lunch stop, The Gather at Ennerdale Bridge. We were following in the footsteps of Prince Charles who had visited the Community Hub on Monday. By 10.30 it was drying up and a route had been decided. John M went off to the driving range and was later to meet up for lunch. We set off through Deanscales and up to the Posting House pub to join the main road briefly before turning off through Pardshaw Hall , Pardshaw and up into Mockerkin. We had to join the main road again before turning for Lamplugh climbing up to the church before descending and passing the caravan park before the biggest climb of the morning up to Fell Dyke and onto the high land still bearing the scars of iron ore mining. At the top we met John Barton who dropped down ahead of us and joined us for lunch. We whizzed down to Croasdale and then were soon at Ennerdale Bridge. Maggie, Stewart and Roy diverted to the lake to collect points. Maurice and John were already there and when everyone arrived, including Paul and Sue and John and Sue, there were 14 of us. John and Sue had waited for the weather to clear then left Braithwaite on their electric bikes over Whinlatter and Fangs Brow then via Kirkland.
On the return journey of the 9 in the group, 4 were on e bikes, so made short work of the climb up to Kirkland on a newly resurfaced road. We then turned left to Rowrah before climbing through Asby and on up to Dean Cross, down though Ullock past the railway carriage then into Dean, Deanscales and Eaglesfield and back to the cars. Dianne and Ivan headed back to Cockermouth saying goodbye to John and Sue at Paddle School. They rode back to Lorton and over Whinlatter again thinking 'aren't electric bikes wonderful!'
Maurice's Ride
Starting off with the weather threatening rain Maurice rode from Thornhill crossing the A595 up Thorny Lane and through Carleton to turn right onto Egremont/Haile road and down and then a climb up to Haile Village. A right turn was then taken to reach the edge of the village to turn left to reach the Cold Fell road just above the Calder Abbey (on the outskirts of Calderbridge). Then he undertook the long climb to the top of Cold Fell stopping now and again to open his bag to get out his foul weather gear as light rain was starting however during the climb it was only showers and each time it stopped before he managed to get his rain jacket on so away it went. His route then passed over the cattle grids at Cold Fell Gate and the another climb up Swarth Fell and at the top alongside Lowther Park he finally put on his rain gear due to the fine rain now being constant (or was it that he was in the clouds). On the the descent to Ennerdale bridge the rain stopped and the blue sky could be seen. He reached the Gather Cafe at Ennerdale Bridge slightly early and before the others joined him.
After a good chat and lunch Maurice set off home towards Cleator but turned left at Wath Bridge to use the Fell Road to get to Egremont after which he climbed up to Thornhill and home.
Sunday 9th April Club Run – Stag Inn, Crosby by Steve Lunt
Riders meeting at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow on this fine, promising sunny morning were: Anita, Dianne, Roy, Maggie, John and Sue, Steve L, Maurice.
Maurice on this occasion elected to ride alone (I want to be alone) to our lunch venue and started at the promulgated time 0930hrs while the rest were still drinking their beverages.
The remaining 7 chose a route (after a brief powwow) that took them from the Chapel Brow roundabout eastwards to Brigham to Great Broughton passing Broughton Craggs to carry on eastwards passing Kirkbride School to Tallentire – and just for a little extra fun – a right turn to Gilgux. At the village centre of Gilgrux a left turn led them eventually to Hayton after passing through and crossing the main Maryport/Carlisle road at Prospect. From Hayton the narrow road directly west to the coast passes a well known landmark Mealo House (large and very white). At the coast road, turning south via Blue Dial they came to the Crosscanonby to turn inland and unfortunately uphill in a series of staircase inclines until finally at the top – the main Maryport road appears through a “red mist” of exhaustion. A short cycle hop (about ½ a mile) brought them to the Stag Inn at Crosby.
Maurice been in front of the main group on more or less on the same route unbeknown to each other. The only exception was that Maurice had took the track over Tallentire Hill and when reaching the coast had gone into Allonby prior to turning South along the coast to go up the Crosscanonby hill and get to the Stag Inn at Crosby.
The riding party were joined by Joe and Frances, Tracy, Brian and Catherin with soon after Dave Swift who had ridden directly from his home at Whitehaven.
When they parted, Maurice set off alone but Dave S stayed with the group as they made their way south via Flimby on the “main drag” then a left turn inland (becoming a habit?) up the famed Lowca Lane arriving at Seaton and at this juncture they joined the cycle way at Seaton Bridge. This took them along the Derwent Valley where they left the cycle way at Camerton to carry on up the Derwent Valley via (hilly bits!) and staying on the northern bank of the river brought them to Great Broughton (via Little Broughton) and the arched bridge was crossed here to reach Brigham and so onto the old A66 road through Broughton Cross and finally up Chapel Brow and to the parked cars at the Melbreak Hotel.
Dave S continued home on his bike from there after a coffee. Dave S reported having reached home after 47 miles
For the rest of them it was an exhausting windblown experience at 35miles.
Maurice on his own after leaving the Stag at Crosby dropped down to the coast through Crosscanonby to ride along the Maryport/Allonby cycleway and then along the Maryport Promenade and on leaving Maryport rode along the cycle way to ride up Lowca Lane to Seaton Bridge and onto the Workington/Camerton cycle way. He left the cycle way prior to reaching Camerton to drop down to Camerton using the Camerton/Seaton road and then crossed the River Derwent on the footbridge to climb up to Great Clifton and then rode onto the Melbreak Hotel at Chapel Brow.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 5th April.
Twelve members turned up for today's ride starting from the Premier Inn Cockermouth, they were, Dianne, Sue, Paul, Maggie, Stewart, Janet, Ivan, Roy, Steve, John R, Sue and John.
One half arrived by car, while the other half arrived on two wheels, sporting there new electric bikes were Sue and John.
Making the most of the surroundings, coffee in the Brewers Fayre was most welcome before the group set off.
Leaving Dianne to choose a route the group set off heading for Paddle School where they turned left then right to Brandlingill.
From Brandlingill it was down the lane popular with Dianne to Rodgerscales, to stop on the bridge in Low Lorton to view the river.
Having regrouped it was off again to Hope Beck, stopping again, before joining the valley road to Lanthwaite Green.
Another stop to regroup at the cattle grid was followed by the fast descent towards Crummock and the last couple of miles to Buttermere.
The cafe was as usual quite busy, partly due to weather, although there was a cool north westerly wind that was evident on the return.
Leaving the cafe the point hunters in the group Maggie, Stewart and Roy headed for the lake, while the rest made their way back towards Crummock.
Leaving Rannerdale as the road climbed towards Lanthwaite the group split, only to stop and regroup before the fast descent to Brackenthwaite.
Back on the valley road the group said goodbye to Sue and Paul in Lorton, while Maggie and Stewart left the group to make their way home via Armaside.
At Hundith crossroads Janet and Ivan said goodbye leaving the rest now down to six to make their way back to Cockermouth via Southwaite Mill and Paddle School.
Sunday 2nd April The Old Posting House Deanscales
Today saw members doing their own thing, on a much better day after all the rain on Wednesday.
With the sun starting to warm up made for a spring like day with the hedgerows starting to turn green.
Maggie and Stewart out to get tour points, left home to follow the track from Wythop to Beck Wythop.
Joining the road at Beck Wythop it was on through Thornthwaite and Braithwaite to join the road over Whinlatter.
From Lorton they followed the lanes to Brandlingill to continue onto Pardshaw and Deanscales.
Steve and Anita met up in Whitehaven to follow the cycle route to Lillyhall roundabout, where they turned right to Branthwaite.
Leaving Branthwaite they made their way to Dean, arriving in Deanscales to soak up the sun with Roy.
Roy another member out for tour point’s left home heading for Whinlatter, not satisfied with climbing over Whinlatter he then tackled Whinfell.
Having negotiating the pot holes and loose gravel he arrived in Mosser followed by another climb to Pardshaw, before dropping down to Deanscales.
Dianne making the best off the descent weather headed for Lorton to follow the road down the valley to the Kirkstile.
After a short stop it was on past Loweswater followed by climb up Fangs Brow where the electric bike came into its own, passing a couple of cyclist on the way up.
It was then onto Mockerkin to follow the quieter lanes to the lunch stop at Deanscales.
Dave took the back road from Whitehaven to Frizington, where he joined the main road all the way to Deanscales.
Joining the two wheel members for lunch was Sue and John, Sue unable to ride her bike because off an infection in her ankle.
After lunch members left to ride or drive back home, all heading in different directions on what had been a perfect day for cycling.
Parking at the Wheatsheaf and starting the ride from there seemed like a good idea until he left the car park and turned left into a very strong headwind. Luckily it was only about a quarter of a mile until he turned up into High Lorton and got the wind on the side and then started the climb up Whinlatter Pass. The climb was in the trees and quite sheltered but prior to the steep section it was again into the headwind and on reaching the bottom he found he was in the lowest gear so the decision made was to walk until the gradient and the wind was more sensible (which was 2 miles from the top). The free wheel down to Braithwaite and Roy's place was gratefully accepted.
After a cuppa at Roy and Ruth's Roy joined him for the remainder of the ride to The Wheatsheaf at Lorton via the track from Thorthwaite “turning circle” to Wythop Mill and Armaside to meet the rest of the riders. Maurice had finished his ride and Roy was hoping he could do the remainder of his ride with John and Sue M.
Sunday 30th May Wheatsheaf, Lorton Steve L, Dave Swift and Tom's Ride By Steve Lunt
A number of groups were out that day doing their own thing”, so this particular column features 3 of the riders, Steve L, Dave Swift and Tom. They met up together at Hensingham Fire Station and riding north through Moresby Parks then turning easterly through Pica and up over Dean Moor to arrive at Dean Cross. Here they descended the famed Downhill Course at speed to arrive at Ullock Village and through it to meet the A5086 Egremont/Cockermouth road. Turning north for a couple of miles they turned right at Paddle school and on to the Lorton Valley via Rogerscale and a gradual descent to Lorton Village centre and the lunch time venue The Wheatsheaf Inn.
Present at lunch were John Moyes, Bacca and Tracy, John and Sue, Joe and Frances, Peter and Michelle, Roy and Maurice. What a jovial bunch!
After lunch and jovialities, all left by their own separate routes. Steve L, Dave Swift and Tom resolving to take the same way back but prospect of climbing the steep hill in Branthwaite Village seemed a step too far, so on arrival at Dean Village the turning towards Greysouthen and a long clear descent was too tempting so they took it! Through Greysouthen and down to the “T” junction with the old A66 through Broughton Cross and so to Bridgefoot and Chapel Brow. A quick break for tea at the Melbreak Hotel and then onwards South down the A595 over Winscales Moor , Lillyhall, Distington and so to Whitehaven where Dave Swift peeled off to go “down town”. Steve L and tom cycled on through to the entrance of the Westlakes Science Park and on through it to emerge on the Moor Row road close to Galemire Vet Hospital just a stone’s throw from Steve L's house and the end of the ride. Total Miles 42
Sunday 30th May Wheatsheaf Lorton Sue and John By John Murphy
On a dry but windy morning Sue and John left Braithwaite heading through Thormthwaite to Beck Wythop to join the Sea to Sea route through Wythop Woods.
Leaving the road at Beck Wythop it was onto the gavel track and off the bike for the slog up the track to join the road again below Wythop Hall.
At the junction at wythop Mill they turned left towards Hundith Hill, taking another left turn to Armaside, just before Armaside they turned left again to High Side.
What members will do for club tour points, this was uphill for most off the way that was rewarded by the ride back down.
It was then onto Low Lorton for lunch at the Wheatsheaf to meet up with the rest of the group.
After lunch and a good old natter Sue, John and Roy left heading for Whinlatter Pass and straight into the wind, with Sue leading the way on the front.
At Scawgill the steepest section on the Pass saw Sue leave Roy and John, to regroup at the road end up to Darling How.
They then pressed on to the summit for the welcome descent into Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints – Wednesday 26th April – Aquarium, Maryport by Steve Lunt
In the light of the forecast, poor weather and very cold, eleven members turned up, they were Maggie and Stewart, Maurice, Roy, John R, Anita, Sue and John and Janet and Ivan. They decided to settle for an easier ride out from the Melbreak Hotel to Maryport via Workington. Taking the old A66 through Great Clifton to Stainburn and on to Workington then via Curwen Park along the short stretch of the of the River Derwent to the large roundabout and the new road bridge and after rounding the junction they were on the cycle route all the way to Flimby and so to Maryport and their popular “watering hole” the Aquarium, always a great lively and vibrant and sometimes noisy atmosphere.
Returning home Sue and John followed their wheel tracks back to the Melbreak, leaving the rest to make their way back, having decided they needed a small challenge of the climb through Crosscanonby to Crosby, turning north down the main road via Crosby Villa where a right turn inland took them via Bullgill to Gilcrux. At Gilcrux village centre a narrow lonning took them gradually to the highest point on Tallentire Hill (2 points on the Tourist Competition List). That day there was a lovely view across the Solway Firth due to the northerly air flow. It was then downhill from the top to Dovenby and down the road to Broughton Craggs and Great Broughton and it's delightful river bridge then to cross the A66 to Brigham and a much quieter ride westwards via Broughton Cross and Chapel Brow/Bridgfoot to the A595 and back to the Melbreak Hotel and the car transport. A pleasant day out with superb clarity – not as bad weather wise as feared.
Sunday 23rd April Wild Duck, Branthwaite – (Royal Yew, Dean) by Steve L.
The venue was planned to be the Wild Duck, Branthwaite for lunch but was modified to the Royal Yew, Dean subsequently when discovering the “Duck” closed due to change of ownership (soon to be open again).
The mini group led by Maurice (“I want to be alone”) decided not to be alone on this trip and invited Steve L. and Anita to join him, and also Tom (Anita's dad's friend) who came along on his electric bike.
After meet up, chit chat and drinks at Steve L's glass house they set off on a point bagging trip, firstly going up Richmond Hill to Hensingham and round the back of school site and the road north via Moresby Parks to the right turn to Pica.
Some where just passed Pica Village on the left hand side behind a couple of fields is a stone circle – nominated 2 points on the Touring Competition list.
On to Dean Cross turning left and the road descended slowly but their descent was fast and just before the Gilgarran junction they took a right turn onto a rough track leading to a farm on the way. Uncertain as to whether access was allowed or not (there were no signs to say it was private) and they reassured some folk near the farmstead that there were only 4 of them and carried on to the end of this rough terrain at a sudden outlet on the Branthwaite/Ullock road. A steep downhill into Branthwaite and then a steep uphill to the (closed) Wild Duck. Leaving a penned note for any more SCC riders following the four cycled down the road via Branthwaite to Dean and Royal Yew for a splendid lunch.
Joining them soon after was Joe and France, Dave Swift, Stewart and Maggie, Roy, Dianne and also Bacca and Tracy after doing a circuit of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Everyone doing there own thing the four point hunters set of from Dean to Ullock and then to the Cockermouth/Egremont road passing Mockerkin Tarn (1 point) then left skirting below Owsen Fell to Lamplugh leading to Felldyke . Here they walked up a track and then heaved their bikes over a locked field gate then rode along the track to get to Cogra Moss Tarn. A lovely small tarn used by Cockermouth Angling Club. After this it was back to Felldyke to climb up the steep hill to the Cauda Brow junction known as Kelton Head where they turned right taking them steeply down to Kirkland Village and through it to arrive at finally at Rowrah and so to join the cycle way back to Cleator Moor for tea at Steve L's place.
Maurice rode down the cycle way to Moor Row and Egremont and onwards to Thornhill and home.
Dave Swifts Ride
Dave's route out from Whitehaven was fairly direct because of his late start so from his home: the first climb was up Inkerman Terrace to the A595 main route north via Lillyhall north roundabout and down to Branthwaite to find the Wild Duck closed, so he rode further on down the road to the Royal Yew and joined the rest.
The 4 point hunters set off with more work yet to do leaving Dave S with company of of the other members chatting with Joe and Frances, Maggie and Stewart, Dianne and Roy, and on leaving, the riders all went back to the Dean crossroads in the village centre – Dave heading south via Ullock then up the downhill course to Dean Cross (the hard way). The others went north home via Eaglesfield.
Dave S stopped in a gateway prior to Dean Cross to admire the view then turned left to the Gilgarran turn and through Gilgarran to Pica and Moresby Parks to Quality Corner junction a usual link to get to the road leading down into Whitehaven town and along Wellington and finally his home.
Autumn Tints – Wednesday 19/04/2017 Mae's Cafe, Uldale by Steve Lunt
12 riders gathered at Maggie and Stewart's house at Wythop, They were Paul and Sue C, (peeling off from the group soon after the start to do their own preferred route), John and Sue M, John Lowell, Roy, Steve L, Janet and Ivan Morris, Dianne, Stewart and Maggie.
The destination chosen was Mae's Cafe in Uldale Village (a few miles N/E above Bassenthwaite Lake). The route we took was from Embleton, along the A66 for a short hop then left up a narrow access road onto the quiet “old A66” route and so to Ouse Bridge at Bassenthwaite Lake head to cross and cycle northwards to the Armathwaite/Castle Inn area. Here there followed a short debate between Dianne and the remainder of them, Dianne won the and so they all followed up the A591 main road to the Bewaldeth turn off. This was a shock to the system as they, as a group, normally fly down this road – not up it!! Now they were into the hilly country as the road became a high level traverse around the lower slopes of Binsey Fell but still climbing. After reaching the top there was a welcome downhill towards Ireby but prior to that a left turn to climb up to High Ireby (1 point on the Tour Comp. list) and then a coast down to Ireby village where at the central crossroads and about 11/2 miles – there they were – just a hop from the crossroad to the Cafe. Mae's is a lovely old Village School conversion in immaculate condition – Steve L had never been to this coffee shop before!After lunch a lovely downhill road between high hedges and Stewart remarking it would have been nice to have filmed it on the move. This road dropped to Overwater north end and around it (1 point on the Tour Comp. List) to Orthwaite and in less than a mile the road divided (Keswick or Bassenthwaite) marked the top end of Park Wood. Sue and John M going left to Keswick the rest on down through Park Wood (at least they were going down through it!!) bringing them finally to Bassenthwaite Village. On to Castle Inn junction – top end of Bassenthwaite Lake again and so to to Ouse Bridge passing the Lakes Distillery and final stretch down to Embleton to cross the A66 main trunk road and so to the Wythop road and Stewart and Maggie's place to parked cars.
(Only 20miles, but a challenge)
Postscript:- It has been hinted that maybe we should have a category for electric bikes in the Touring Competition listings? And will it catch on?
Sunday 16th April Parkside Hotel Cleator.
On a wet morning Dianne, Sue, John and Roy made their way to the Melbreak, John having brought Dianne joined the rest for usual hot drink.
With the day getting worse, Sue and Paul arrived in their car for the chat, while the two wheel members were in no hurry to move.
Eventually all dressed for the elements the group set off into the wind and rain with Dianne and Sue on the front, no doubt talking.
Following the usual route to Whitehaven via the cycle way, they finally arrived in Whitehaven for Roy to discover he'd got a rear wheel puncture.
Dianne and Sue unaware off Roy's predicament rode on, realizing the old codgers weren't with them, Dianne came looking for them.
With Roy in mend puncture mode, Dianne decided to carry on, with his tools spread out on the pavement, motorists leaving Tesco's slowed down to look.
With the rain having stopped and puncture mended, the due set off again to pick up the cycle way to Parkside for lunch.
Round the table were twelve members arriving on two and four wheels, they were,
Maurice Shirley Michelle Peter Maggie Stewart Dave Steve Roy Dianne Sue John.
After a good lunch and natter members began to leave the way they had arrived, with the rain having stopped, made for a more pleasant ride, the Melbreak group headed up the cycle way to Rowrah.
The rest jumped into their cars, although Maggie and Stewart had parked at the hotel and gone point hunting on their bikes towards Egremont.
The Melbreak group having reached Rowrah joined the main road to Mockerkin where they turned left to Ullock as the rain began to fall. In Dean the group split, Dianne making her way home via Eaglesfield and Paddle School.
While Roy, Sue and John because of the rain decided to take the shortest route back to the Melbreak via Little Clifton
Sunday 16th April Maurice and Steve L's Ride by Maurice Cowley
Rain was the order of the day when Maurice woke up. He had made arrangement to meet Steve L at his house to go on a run and when he contacted Steve he wasn't too enthusiastic so rearrangement were made to meet and just ride to The Parkside for lunch. Maurice got itchy feet so rode to Steve's house to have a cuppa with him prior to riding out.
Their route to the Parkside was to ride up to the Summergrove Crossroads turn left to cross the river by the footbridge to get to the cycle way from Bowthorn to the Rowrah/Whitehaven cycle way. Maggie and Stewart met them on-route and rode up the cycle way with them to Parkside and Dinner.
While at dinner the weather cleared up and the sun appeared so Maurice and Steve L. decided to do a little run and started off up the cycle way towards Rowrah and left at Winder to ride up to the A5086 to turn down Steel Brow and turned left along a track opposite the junction to Arlecdon, this came out just northwest of Frizington. During this track the rain again started wetting the two of them again. After this track they rode up to Frizington and down to Parkside to get onto the cycle way once more. This time it was down towards Whitehaven but to leave the cycle way once more to ride up to Bigrigg and on-wards to gain some more height up passing Pallaflat and down to take another track passing Whang Farm to come out on the Egremont/St. Bees road. Now thoroughly soaked they rode into Egremont where they split up, Maurice to go home to Thornhill and Steve to go home to Padstow.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 12th April The Gather Ennerdale. by Dianne Moyes
It was an unpromising start but the drizzly rain was meant to stop about 10 a.m. so we gathered at Paul and Sue's in Eaglesfield for coffee and biscuits while waiting for the weather to clear. Paul and Sue were not riding but welcomed Dianne and John, Maggie and Stewart, Ivan, John R., Roy, Steve and Anita. John and Sue were still in Braithwaite studying the weather and Maurice was riding from home to the lunch stop, The Gather at Ennerdale Bridge. We were following in the footsteps of Prince Charles who had visited the Community Hub on Monday. By 10.30 it was drying up and a route had been decided. John M went off to the driving range and was later to meet up for lunch. We set off through Deanscales and up to the Posting House pub to join the main road briefly before turning off through Pardshaw Hall , Pardshaw and up into Mockerkin. We had to join the main road again before turning for Lamplugh climbing up to the church before descending and passing the caravan park before the biggest climb of the morning up to Fell Dyke and onto the high land still bearing the scars of iron ore mining. At the top we met John Barton who dropped down ahead of us and joined us for lunch. We whizzed down to Croasdale and then were soon at Ennerdale Bridge. Maggie, Stewart and Roy diverted to the lake to collect points. Maurice and John were already there and when everyone arrived, including Paul and Sue and John and Sue, there were 14 of us. John and Sue had waited for the weather to clear then left Braithwaite on their electric bikes over Whinlatter and Fangs Brow then via Kirkland.
On the return journey of the 9 in the group, 4 were on e bikes, so made short work of the climb up to Kirkland on a newly resurfaced road. We then turned left to Rowrah before climbing through Asby and on up to Dean Cross, down though Ullock past the railway carriage then into Dean, Deanscales and Eaglesfield and back to the cars. Dianne and Ivan headed back to Cockermouth saying goodbye to John and Sue at Paddle School. They rode back to Lorton and over Whinlatter again thinking 'aren't electric bikes wonderful!'
Maurice's Ride
Starting off with the weather threatening rain Maurice rode from Thornhill crossing the A595 up Thorny Lane and through Carleton to turn right onto Egremont/Haile road and down and then a climb up to Haile Village. A right turn was then taken to reach the edge of the village to turn left to reach the Cold Fell road just above the Calder Abbey (on the outskirts of Calderbridge). Then he undertook the long climb to the top of Cold Fell stopping now and again to open his bag to get out his foul weather gear as light rain was starting however during the climb it was only showers and each time it stopped before he managed to get his rain jacket on so away it went. His route then passed over the cattle grids at Cold Fell Gate and the another climb up Swarth Fell and at the top alongside Lowther Park he finally put on his rain gear due to the fine rain now being constant (or was it that he was in the clouds). On the the descent to Ennerdale bridge the rain stopped and the blue sky could be seen. He reached the Gather Cafe at Ennerdale Bridge slightly early and before the others joined him.
After a good chat and lunch Maurice set off home towards Cleator but turned left at Wath Bridge to use the Fell Road to get to Egremont after which he climbed up to Thornhill and home.
Sunday 9th April Club Run – Stag Inn, Crosby by Steve Lunt
Riders meeting at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow on this fine, promising sunny morning were: Anita, Dianne, Roy, Maggie, John and Sue, Steve L, Maurice.
Maurice on this occasion elected to ride alone (I want to be alone) to our lunch venue and started at the promulgated time 0930hrs while the rest were still drinking their beverages.
The remaining 7 chose a route (after a brief powwow) that took them from the Chapel Brow roundabout eastwards to Brigham to Great Broughton passing Broughton Craggs to carry on eastwards passing Kirkbride School to Tallentire – and just for a little extra fun – a right turn to Gilgux. At the village centre of Gilgrux a left turn led them eventually to Hayton after passing through and crossing the main Maryport/Carlisle road at Prospect. From Hayton the narrow road directly west to the coast passes a well known landmark Mealo House (large and very white). At the coast road, turning south via Blue Dial they came to the Crosscanonby to turn inland and unfortunately uphill in a series of staircase inclines until finally at the top – the main Maryport road appears through a “red mist” of exhaustion. A short cycle hop (about ½ a mile) brought them to the Stag Inn at Crosby.
Maurice been in front of the main group on more or less on the same route unbeknown to each other. The only exception was that Maurice had took the track over Tallentire Hill and when reaching the coast had gone into Allonby prior to turning South along the coast to go up the Crosscanonby hill and get to the Stag Inn at Crosby.
The riding party were joined by Joe and Frances, Tracy, Brian and Catherin with soon after Dave Swift who had ridden directly from his home at Whitehaven.
When they parted, Maurice set off alone but Dave S stayed with the group as they made their way south via Flimby on the “main drag” then a left turn inland (becoming a habit?) up the famed Lowca Lane arriving at Seaton and at this juncture they joined the cycle way at Seaton Bridge. This took them along the Derwent Valley where they left the cycle way at Camerton to carry on up the Derwent Valley via (hilly bits!) and staying on the northern bank of the river brought them to Great Broughton (via Little Broughton) and the arched bridge was crossed here to reach Brigham and so onto the old A66 road through Broughton Cross and finally up Chapel Brow and to the parked cars at the Melbreak Hotel.
Dave S continued home on his bike from there after a coffee. Dave S reported having reached home after 47 miles
For the rest of them it was an exhausting windblown experience at 35miles.
Maurice on his own after leaving the Stag at Crosby dropped down to the coast through Crosscanonby to ride along the Maryport/Allonby cycleway and then along the Maryport Promenade and on leaving Maryport rode along the cycle way to ride up Lowca Lane to Seaton Bridge and onto the Workington/Camerton cycle way. He left the cycle way prior to reaching Camerton to drop down to Camerton using the Camerton/Seaton road and then crossed the River Derwent on the footbridge to climb up to Great Clifton and then rode onto the Melbreak Hotel at Chapel Brow.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 5th April.
Twelve members turned up for today's ride starting from the Premier Inn Cockermouth, they were, Dianne, Sue, Paul, Maggie, Stewart, Janet, Ivan, Roy, Steve, John R, Sue and John.
One half arrived by car, while the other half arrived on two wheels, sporting there new electric bikes were Sue and John.
Making the most of the surroundings, coffee in the Brewers Fayre was most welcome before the group set off.
Leaving Dianne to choose a route the group set off heading for Paddle School where they turned left then right to Brandlingill.
From Brandlingill it was down the lane popular with Dianne to Rodgerscales, to stop on the bridge in Low Lorton to view the river.
Having regrouped it was off again to Hope Beck, stopping again, before joining the valley road to Lanthwaite Green.
Another stop to regroup at the cattle grid was followed by the fast descent towards Crummock and the last couple of miles to Buttermere.
The cafe was as usual quite busy, partly due to weather, although there was a cool north westerly wind that was evident on the return.
Leaving the cafe the point hunters in the group Maggie, Stewart and Roy headed for the lake, while the rest made their way back towards Crummock.
Leaving Rannerdale as the road climbed towards Lanthwaite the group split, only to stop and regroup before the fast descent to Brackenthwaite.
Back on the valley road the group said goodbye to Sue and Paul in Lorton, while Maggie and Stewart left the group to make their way home via Armaside.
At Hundith crossroads Janet and Ivan said goodbye leaving the rest now down to six to make their way back to Cockermouth via Southwaite Mill and Paddle School.
Sunday 2nd April The Old Posting House Deanscales
Today saw members doing their own thing, on a much better day after all the rain on Wednesday.
With the sun starting to warm up made for a spring like day with the hedgerows starting to turn green.
Maggie and Stewart out to get tour points, left home to follow the track from Wythop to Beck Wythop.
Joining the road at Beck Wythop it was on through Thornthwaite and Braithwaite to join the road over Whinlatter.
From Lorton they followed the lanes to Brandlingill to continue onto Pardshaw and Deanscales.
Steve and Anita met up in Whitehaven to follow the cycle route to Lillyhall roundabout, where they turned right to Branthwaite.
Leaving Branthwaite they made their way to Dean, arriving in Deanscales to soak up the sun with Roy.
Roy another member out for tour point’s left home heading for Whinlatter, not satisfied with climbing over Whinlatter he then tackled Whinfell.
Having negotiating the pot holes and loose gravel he arrived in Mosser followed by another climb to Pardshaw, before dropping down to Deanscales.
Dianne making the best off the descent weather headed for Lorton to follow the road down the valley to the Kirkstile.
After a short stop it was on past Loweswater followed by climb up Fangs Brow where the electric bike came into its own, passing a couple of cyclist on the way up.
It was then onto Mockerkin to follow the quieter lanes to the lunch stop at Deanscales.
Dave took the back road from Whitehaven to Frizington, where he joined the main road all the way to Deanscales.
Joining the two wheel members for lunch was Sue and John, Sue unable to ride her bike because off an infection in her ankle.
After lunch members left to ride or drive back home, all heading in different directions on what had been a perfect day for cycling.