Autumn Tints Wednesday 28th December. Allonby Cafe.
Four members started from the Melbreak on a rather cool but dry morning, they were Sue, Stewart and the two John's.
It was soon decided to take the usual route going via Workington and the cycle path.
Stewart murmured something like I don't think I will be able to keep up with you.
So it was decided Stewart should lead the group, don't know much about keeping up, he had the rest chasing his back wheel.
Having negotiated Curwen Park and the dog walkers, it was onto the cycle path by Siddick Nature Reserve, where the twitches were out with their telescopes.
With a following wind the group were averaging around 12mph as they arrived in Maryport, only to find Roy in the car park by the promenade.
The group could not have timed it better, because Roy was just about to get on his bike, for the ride up the coast to Allonby.
Back on his bike for the first time with the club, (although he had been getting in some practice near home) was good to see.
Leaving the promenade it was onto the cycle path all the way to Allonby gravel or no gravel, to collect tour points.
Sue having booked a table didn't seem necessary until it started to fill up; scrambled egg seemed to be the favourite, except Roy who had his usual bacon sandwich.
Lunch and chat over it was time to leave hoping to get back to the Melbreak before the sun disappeared.
Sue led the group back down the coast road, this time into the wind, to eventually join the cycle path to the Promenade, where the group said goodbye to Roy.
The rest continued on following their wheel tracks back to parked cars at the Melbreak.
Sunday 25th December Christmas Day.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 21st December.
On a wet and windy morning five members met at Sue and Paul's at Eaglesfield, they were Maurice and the dogs, plus Dianne and John and John R and Ivan.
After tea and coffee and a long chat four of them decided to take to the road on two wheels they were Dianne, Ivan, Sue and Paul.
Maurice and the two John's having turned up for the chat and seasonal drink, headed back home to warmer surroundings.
Well clad the four set off in the direction off Paddle School, crossing the A5086 to follow the lanes to Brandlingill.
Ivan out on his new E-bike found going uphill just like being back in his youth as they continued to follow the lanes to Mockerkin.
Crossing the A5086 again the group made their way to Dean for lunch at the Royal Yew.
We're they met up with Maggie, Stewart, Ruth, Roy, Sue and John all having arrived by car.
After a long chat and excellent meal, again buy one get one free, the group made a move.
With sun having made an appearance but with the wind still blowing, the two wheel group headed back in the direction of Deanscales, the rest making it back home on four wheels.
Sunday 18th December. Club Run Melbreak Hotel to Stag Inn, Crosby by Steve Lunt
Meeting up today at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow, for what looked to be a promising day were Stewart, Sue and John M, Paul C, John R, Anita, and Dianne.
Refreshments over, we set off to Great Clifton and when there, a sharp right took us to downwards to the River Derwent/Camerton foot bridge to follow the path into Camerton Village to the second junction (it had to be the second junction as this is the a point on the Tourist Competition list of places to visit-c/o John Murphy). A steep hill up to the cycle path and so to High Seaton Bridge to see the beautifully crafted/knitted bobble hats and and scarves on the cyclists figures. This was certainly worth a photograph or two!! Dianne would like to send a photo record of this to Sustrans.
Off the cycleway round by the shops and under the bridge and a long downhill (Lowca Lane) to the main A596 Flimby Route and the Hadrian Route 92 into Maryport. Seemed strange that the route we had taken from Clifton was an exact reverse of what we frequently do but it was nice to see things in the opposite direction I suppose. The trip continued via Maryport Harbour, the Promenade, Maryport Golf Course, and then the Maryport/Allonby Cycle Way that we often use and at the Crosscannonby turn, the road climbs in stages, but always up until at last Crosby is reached and the Stag Inn and lunch.
Homeward – cycling towards Maryport then turning down the Dearham Bridge road over the railway – the road drops deeply to the River Ellen Valley and then up towards the spread of Dearham – quite an uphill trudge until crossing the A594 Dovenby road where we came to the inspirational sounding Harker Marsh and so to Broughton Moor then Great Broughton and down to the Derwent Bridge to Brigham. Turning west via Broughton Cross, Bridge Foot to Chapel Brow which is now becoming a regular haunt and so back to the Melbreak Hotel. A challenging route in parts but a smashing day out. (23miles)
Autumn Tints Wednesday 14th December.
On a dry overcast morning seven members met at Maggie and Stewart's at Trough Bridge.
They were Dianne, Sue and Paul having cycled from home, plus Sue, John, Steve, John R and Maurice with the dogs, all by car.
The ten o'clock start became a ten forty start, due to late arrivals, but no one seemed to be in a hurry.
Stewart feeling under the weather decided to give the ride a miss, while Maurice left to pick up Roy and walk the dogs.
Finally the group made a move turning left out of Trough Bridge towards Wythop Mill, climbing steadily.
After crossing Wythop Beck the road climbed sharply leaving some off the group gasping for breath, except Dianne waiting at the top saying my chains rusty.
Regrouped it off towards Hundith to join the Lorton road, we're Sue and Paul dropped off the back to make their way home.
With Dianne and Sue on the front they made their way to Lanthwaite, Dianne forging ahead on the climb, to wait at the cattle grid for the rest.
After a brief stop it was off again into the wind along the banks of Crummock to the lunch stop in Buttermere.
Joining the two wheel group for lunch were Maurice and Roy in an almost deserted cafe that soon started to fill up.
Lunch and chat over it was back on the bikes this time with a following wind that was most welcome on the climb to Lanthwaite.
This was followed by a fast descent to join the valley road to Lorton, at the entrance to Hundith Hill Hotel the group said goodbye to Dianne.
Steve having left some belongings at Hotel stopped to collect them, before the group set off again to parked cars at Trough Bridge.
Sunday 11th December Christmas Dinner Hundith Hill Hotel
22 members and friends made it to the dinner organised by our social secretary Sue M.
Joining the local based members was Bob from Manchester, having driven up to Sue and John's at Braithwaite.
With a near perfect morning Sue, John and Bob cycled out to the venue, cycling via Slate Fell and the Greenway to join the Lorton Road.
The ever improving Roy, caught the bus to Cockermouth, then walked up to Dianne's, who took him to the Hundith.
The rest arrived by car all nicely attired, while the trio from Braithwaite wondered around in overshoes, although Sue made an effort changing her top.
In between courses Maurice conducted the usual raffle, making more coppers for the club.
After an excellent lunch Maurice took the floor again to present Steve Hasson with a life membership medal, having been responsible for starting the club.
This was followed by the usual chat and exchange of Christmas Cards along with hugs and kisses wishing each a Merry Christmas.
With day light receding Sue, John and Bob with lights flashing set of back to Braithwaite, leaving the rest to depart by car. Dianne and John kindly transporting Roy back to Braithwaite taking the scenic route over Whinlatter Pass.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 7th December Craggs Cafe, Bothel by Steve Lunt
The route today was from Di's place at Cockermouth to the Craggs Cafe on the Bothel Road. The riders were John R, Anita, Peter, Diane and Steve L. Paul and Sue C met with us at Di's place for a departing cup of refreshment and also Maurice with his two dogs.
Out into a a dull, cloudy but very mild day (100c or so) but surprisingly windy. We set off and Mo went by car to Roy's to walk the dogs then with Roy meet up with us at the Craggs.
Usual route – Isel Road, Isel bridge, then the hill we often take from Isel and up through Sunderland and so to the Craggs Cafe at Bothel.
Our return to base was sensibly decided - the fast descent to Castle Inn, normally a flier, but today it was it was a real effort until Di on her electric (wonder) bike took the lead and gave us all a bit of shelter – what a relief! The usual turn off at Castle Inn on the Armathwaite Hall Road takes us to Ouse Bridge at the end of Bassenthwaite Lake and so to Embleton. It was raining quite heavily now so we pressed on to Cockermouth for shelter, dry shoes and hot refreshments – most welcome!
Somewhat different riding from that of a few days earlier!!!
Approx 20 windy miles – computer still protesting and staying asleep.
Sunday 4th December. To Caldbeck from Braithwaite by Steve Lunt
The venue today was Oddfellows Arms, Caldbeck and the service and food was excellent.
The members riding from Braithwaite were Steve L, Stewart, John and Sue M, John R, Anita, Peter. Others riding were Jim who lives at Barrow arrived on a trike from Greystoke and also Paul C who had rode around the Caldbeck area from his car at Calbeck. Uncertain(?) where Bacca and Tracy cycled from.
17 people were at lunch they were Bacca and Tracy, Dianne, Jim (from Barrow), Stewart and Maggie, Joe and Frances, Maurice C, Roy, Anita and Peter, Sue and John M, Steve L, John R and Paul C. What a fantastic line up for a cold day.
After lunch departures in all directions, Jim on his Trike in the direction of Greystoke. Paul C with us for a few miles then back to his car, and all the others on four wheels – sensible I'd say.
The outward route from Braithwaite.
Braithwaite to Keswick (so cold) onto Threlkeld and passing the White Horse Inn to take to the gated road to Mungrisdale and Mosedale and along the base of Carrock Fell to High Row (it got even higher) then directly to Hesket Newmarket and the relief of the last 3 miles into Caldbeck for lunch.
The return route from Caldbeck
Not wishing to look for unnecessary hills after lunch we took the “yellow road” back through Hesket Newmarket and on to Mill House and over the Haltcliffe Bridge then passing the memorable sounding “Heggle Lane” to a crossroads where our right turn took us back to Mungrsdale. We then retraced along the gated road route on the base of Scales Fell and so to Scales for the second time and finally to Threlkeld.
Steve L took the “Wooden Spoon” for the day as his bike computer totally refused to count the miles and near the end of the trip his rear wheel had a worsening tyre problem – a slow puncture which required the use of John R's superman frame pump to top up the tyre pressure. This happened about four times by the time we hit Keswick and were within striking distance of our finish for the day – far too cold to change an inner tube any way!! Phew!
Very dim, nearly dark when we reached to Braithwaite with 39.5 miles completed.
Four members started from the Melbreak on a rather cool but dry morning, they were Sue, Stewart and the two John's.
It was soon decided to take the usual route going via Workington and the cycle path.
Stewart murmured something like I don't think I will be able to keep up with you.
So it was decided Stewart should lead the group, don't know much about keeping up, he had the rest chasing his back wheel.
Having negotiated Curwen Park and the dog walkers, it was onto the cycle path by Siddick Nature Reserve, where the twitches were out with their telescopes.
With a following wind the group were averaging around 12mph as they arrived in Maryport, only to find Roy in the car park by the promenade.
The group could not have timed it better, because Roy was just about to get on his bike, for the ride up the coast to Allonby.
Back on his bike for the first time with the club, (although he had been getting in some practice near home) was good to see.
Leaving the promenade it was onto the cycle path all the way to Allonby gravel or no gravel, to collect tour points.
Sue having booked a table didn't seem necessary until it started to fill up; scrambled egg seemed to be the favourite, except Roy who had his usual bacon sandwich.
Lunch and chat over it was time to leave hoping to get back to the Melbreak before the sun disappeared.
Sue led the group back down the coast road, this time into the wind, to eventually join the cycle path to the Promenade, where the group said goodbye to Roy.
The rest continued on following their wheel tracks back to parked cars at the Melbreak.
Sunday 25th December Christmas Day.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 21st December.
On a wet and windy morning five members met at Sue and Paul's at Eaglesfield, they were Maurice and the dogs, plus Dianne and John and John R and Ivan.
After tea and coffee and a long chat four of them decided to take to the road on two wheels they were Dianne, Ivan, Sue and Paul.
Maurice and the two John's having turned up for the chat and seasonal drink, headed back home to warmer surroundings.
Well clad the four set off in the direction off Paddle School, crossing the A5086 to follow the lanes to Brandlingill.
Ivan out on his new E-bike found going uphill just like being back in his youth as they continued to follow the lanes to Mockerkin.
Crossing the A5086 again the group made their way to Dean for lunch at the Royal Yew.
We're they met up with Maggie, Stewart, Ruth, Roy, Sue and John all having arrived by car.
After a long chat and excellent meal, again buy one get one free, the group made a move.
With sun having made an appearance but with the wind still blowing, the two wheel group headed back in the direction of Deanscales, the rest making it back home on four wheels.
Sunday 18th December. Club Run Melbreak Hotel to Stag Inn, Crosby by Steve Lunt
Meeting up today at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow, for what looked to be a promising day were Stewart, Sue and John M, Paul C, John R, Anita, and Dianne.
Refreshments over, we set off to Great Clifton and when there, a sharp right took us to downwards to the River Derwent/Camerton foot bridge to follow the path into Camerton Village to the second junction (it had to be the second junction as this is the a point on the Tourist Competition list of places to visit-c/o John Murphy). A steep hill up to the cycle path and so to High Seaton Bridge to see the beautifully crafted/knitted bobble hats and and scarves on the cyclists figures. This was certainly worth a photograph or two!! Dianne would like to send a photo record of this to Sustrans.
Off the cycleway round by the shops and under the bridge and a long downhill (Lowca Lane) to the main A596 Flimby Route and the Hadrian Route 92 into Maryport. Seemed strange that the route we had taken from Clifton was an exact reverse of what we frequently do but it was nice to see things in the opposite direction I suppose. The trip continued via Maryport Harbour, the Promenade, Maryport Golf Course, and then the Maryport/Allonby Cycle Way that we often use and at the Crosscannonby turn, the road climbs in stages, but always up until at last Crosby is reached and the Stag Inn and lunch.
Homeward – cycling towards Maryport then turning down the Dearham Bridge road over the railway – the road drops deeply to the River Ellen Valley and then up towards the spread of Dearham – quite an uphill trudge until crossing the A594 Dovenby road where we came to the inspirational sounding Harker Marsh and so to Broughton Moor then Great Broughton and down to the Derwent Bridge to Brigham. Turning west via Broughton Cross, Bridge Foot to Chapel Brow which is now becoming a regular haunt and so back to the Melbreak Hotel. A challenging route in parts but a smashing day out. (23miles)
Autumn Tints Wednesday 14th December.
On a dry overcast morning seven members met at Maggie and Stewart's at Trough Bridge.
They were Dianne, Sue and Paul having cycled from home, plus Sue, John, Steve, John R and Maurice with the dogs, all by car.
The ten o'clock start became a ten forty start, due to late arrivals, but no one seemed to be in a hurry.
Stewart feeling under the weather decided to give the ride a miss, while Maurice left to pick up Roy and walk the dogs.
Finally the group made a move turning left out of Trough Bridge towards Wythop Mill, climbing steadily.
After crossing Wythop Beck the road climbed sharply leaving some off the group gasping for breath, except Dianne waiting at the top saying my chains rusty.
Regrouped it off towards Hundith to join the Lorton road, we're Sue and Paul dropped off the back to make their way home.
With Dianne and Sue on the front they made their way to Lanthwaite, Dianne forging ahead on the climb, to wait at the cattle grid for the rest.
After a brief stop it was off again into the wind along the banks of Crummock to the lunch stop in Buttermere.
Joining the two wheel group for lunch were Maurice and Roy in an almost deserted cafe that soon started to fill up.
Lunch and chat over it was back on the bikes this time with a following wind that was most welcome on the climb to Lanthwaite.
This was followed by a fast descent to join the valley road to Lorton, at the entrance to Hundith Hill Hotel the group said goodbye to Dianne.
Steve having left some belongings at Hotel stopped to collect them, before the group set off again to parked cars at Trough Bridge.
Sunday 11th December Christmas Dinner Hundith Hill Hotel
22 members and friends made it to the dinner organised by our social secretary Sue M.
Joining the local based members was Bob from Manchester, having driven up to Sue and John's at Braithwaite.
With a near perfect morning Sue, John and Bob cycled out to the venue, cycling via Slate Fell and the Greenway to join the Lorton Road.
The ever improving Roy, caught the bus to Cockermouth, then walked up to Dianne's, who took him to the Hundith.
The rest arrived by car all nicely attired, while the trio from Braithwaite wondered around in overshoes, although Sue made an effort changing her top.
In between courses Maurice conducted the usual raffle, making more coppers for the club.
After an excellent lunch Maurice took the floor again to present Steve Hasson with a life membership medal, having been responsible for starting the club.
This was followed by the usual chat and exchange of Christmas Cards along with hugs and kisses wishing each a Merry Christmas.
With day light receding Sue, John and Bob with lights flashing set of back to Braithwaite, leaving the rest to depart by car. Dianne and John kindly transporting Roy back to Braithwaite taking the scenic route over Whinlatter Pass.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 7th December Craggs Cafe, Bothel by Steve Lunt
The route today was from Di's place at Cockermouth to the Craggs Cafe on the Bothel Road. The riders were John R, Anita, Peter, Diane and Steve L. Paul and Sue C met with us at Di's place for a departing cup of refreshment and also Maurice with his two dogs.
Out into a a dull, cloudy but very mild day (100c or so) but surprisingly windy. We set off and Mo went by car to Roy's to walk the dogs then with Roy meet up with us at the Craggs.
Usual route – Isel Road, Isel bridge, then the hill we often take from Isel and up through Sunderland and so to the Craggs Cafe at Bothel.
Our return to base was sensibly decided - the fast descent to Castle Inn, normally a flier, but today it was it was a real effort until Di on her electric (wonder) bike took the lead and gave us all a bit of shelter – what a relief! The usual turn off at Castle Inn on the Armathwaite Hall Road takes us to Ouse Bridge at the end of Bassenthwaite Lake and so to Embleton. It was raining quite heavily now so we pressed on to Cockermouth for shelter, dry shoes and hot refreshments – most welcome!
Somewhat different riding from that of a few days earlier!!!
Approx 20 windy miles – computer still protesting and staying asleep.
Sunday 4th December. To Caldbeck from Braithwaite by Steve Lunt
The venue today was Oddfellows Arms, Caldbeck and the service and food was excellent.
The members riding from Braithwaite were Steve L, Stewart, John and Sue M, John R, Anita, Peter. Others riding were Jim who lives at Barrow arrived on a trike from Greystoke and also Paul C who had rode around the Caldbeck area from his car at Calbeck. Uncertain(?) where Bacca and Tracy cycled from.
17 people were at lunch they were Bacca and Tracy, Dianne, Jim (from Barrow), Stewart and Maggie, Joe and Frances, Maurice C, Roy, Anita and Peter, Sue and John M, Steve L, John R and Paul C. What a fantastic line up for a cold day.
After lunch departures in all directions, Jim on his Trike in the direction of Greystoke. Paul C with us for a few miles then back to his car, and all the others on four wheels – sensible I'd say.
The outward route from Braithwaite.
Braithwaite to Keswick (so cold) onto Threlkeld and passing the White Horse Inn to take to the gated road to Mungrisdale and Mosedale and along the base of Carrock Fell to High Row (it got even higher) then directly to Hesket Newmarket and the relief of the last 3 miles into Caldbeck for lunch.
The return route from Caldbeck
Not wishing to look for unnecessary hills after lunch we took the “yellow road” back through Hesket Newmarket and on to Mill House and over the Haltcliffe Bridge then passing the memorable sounding “Heggle Lane” to a crossroads where our right turn took us back to Mungrsdale. We then retraced along the gated road route on the base of Scales Fell and so to Scales for the second time and finally to Threlkeld.
Steve L took the “Wooden Spoon” for the day as his bike computer totally refused to count the miles and near the end of the trip his rear wheel had a worsening tyre problem – a slow puncture which required the use of John R's superman frame pump to top up the tyre pressure. This happened about four times by the time we hit Keswick and were within striking distance of our finish for the day – far too cold to change an inner tube any way!! Phew!
Very dim, nearly dark when we reached to Braithwaite with 39.5 miles completed.