Autumn Tints Wednesday 27th December. By Roy Jackson
On a dry bright morning with very little wind, but bitterly cold, John Rowal and Roy started from John's house and rode down to Mirehouse shops to meet Anita.
From there the trio joined cycle route 72 through Egremont and Thornhill to Beckermet, to have coffee at the White Mare.
After being warmed up with the coffee, the trio cycled to Sellafield, and along the sandy track to Seascale, to meet Maurice who was doggie minding, and Tom who arrived by car.
Pudding Lane cafe was closed so the group went up the hill to Mawsons cafe and enjoyed a good lunch.
Anita, John and Roy decided to make good use of a sunny day and return over the viaduct to Ravenglass, even though it was still very cold.
Following the main road, first to Gosforth then Calderbridge, and turning left to Beckermet.
It was then along the hilly coast road to St Bees, where Anita carried straight on to home at Sandwith.
Roy and John turning right towards Whitehaven, stopping at the junction to switch on the lights, before joining the main road for the last two miles to John's house, where they arrived with very cold hands and feet, about four o'clock.
After warming up with bowl of freshly made soup, provided by Mavis, Roy returned home on four wheels, a very enjoyable ride in spite of the cold.
Christmas Eve Sunday 24th December Waverley Hotel by Maurice Cowley
10 members met at the Waverley Hotel for lunch this Christmas Eve, they were Bacca and Tracy, Maurice and Steve H, John R, Anita, Roy and Ruth, Dave Swift and Ray Fitz. Only 3 had been on their bikes, Bacca and Tracy had rode along the Keswick 10 and John R had rode from home in Whitehaven. However Anita had done some riding on a cycle trainer at the gym (I presume).
After a good lunch and beverages and a lively chat all bid farewell and “Merry “Christmases all round and returned home to carry on with their festivities.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 20th December Craggs Bothel. by Dianne Moyes
Dianne, Roy, Steve, Tom, Stewart, Paul and then Pat and Jonny turned up at the Brewer's Fayre, Cockermouth, on an overcast and drizzly morning. The gloom was lifted by the arrival of a plate of croissants, pain chocolats and pain raisins left over from breakfast and given to us by the very pleasant staff. By about 10.30 moves were made and the first 4 in the above list prepared to ride to The Craggs at Bothel. Paul and Stewart were not riding and Jonny was shopping at Aldi with Pat before catching us up. Jonny was riding
a new drop handlebar Giant electric bike which he described as "great fun". Dianne led the way through the town centre for a change and then onto the Isel road. By the hospital there were clear road closure notices, the group stopped to discuss this then decided to risk it and carry on. The reason for the closure soon became obvious as we cycled onto lovely smooth tarmac. We kept going until we were close to the turning for Isel Bridge and then we met a man in a high viz jacket who told us we could not continue, they were laying tarmac across the full width of the road and they had loads of vehicles in the way. So we turned round and headed back to the outskirts of Cockermouth to turn along Beech Lane and onto the old A66 to Embleton. By this time Jonny had caught up with us but he was asked to speed on and tell those who were at The Craggs for midday that we would be late.
By this time the drizzle had stopped and the light wind was on our backs. We passed the Distillery on the way to Castle Inn where we turned left for the long slog on the main road to the cafe. Maggie, Stewart, Pat and Jonny were already well into their lunch when we arrived. It was not too busy but we were glad that Sue had booked us a table.
As forecast, a little bit of brightness appeared while we were having lunch but unfortunately by the time we left it had gone and so it was back the same way we had come in the gloom. There is quite a lot of litter in the verges even in the National Park so it was good to come across David Newton in Embleton with black bag and litter picker. He is a regular Sustrans volunteer. The other noticeable problem was the pot holes on Ouse Bridge. We were told that the tarmac layers are going all the way to the Distillery so maybe they will carry on to Ouse Bridge. We got back by about 3.15p.m.which was just in time with sunset at 3.48p.m.
Sunday 17th December Club Run – Stag Inn, Crosby by Steve Lunt
Meeting round the regular coffee table at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth were John R, Roy, Steve L, and Tom B and again (you guessed it!!) the weather was drear – wet and blustery.
So we sat and talked until about 11:20am at which time we decided to drive to the lunch venue. Nobody had taken bikes from their cars and John R went home (other things to do).
At the Stag Inn, Bacca and Tracy, Paul and Sue, Dianne and John, Maurice and Steve H and a old friend Ray Milner (formerly warden at the Cockermouth Youth Hostel). No weather improvement but the lunch was good and so was the crack.
At 2:30pm-ish we abandoned all hope of a ride and all went our separate ways homeward.
Steve L is convinced that his bike has taken on a long term sulk!!! 0 miles this day.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 13th December Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth by Steve Lunt
This wintertime is proving to be a game of Russian roulette for those of us who like to cycle when the weather permits. So it is when we meet up at the Brewers Fayre, both on Sundays and Wednesdays, it is in hope that it won't be too cold, too wet, too frosty to venture out once again on two wheels.
On Wednesday, those meeting up were:- Roy, Maurice, Sue and John M, Tom, Steve L in the hope of a short ride around the local lanes to take us to lunch at the Royal Yew, Dean.
Sue (our Social Secretary) had been in touch with the Royal Yew staff who would normally welcome us without any problem, but on this day it was doubtful as they had a large party booking, so the Autumn Tints gave up on this venture.
We are becoming a coffee and tea drinking “brains trust” group, the weather was cold with intermittent rain, drear and certainly off putting. So the group gave up the idea and the bikes stayed in the cars – again! - had another cup of tea then headed homeward; one day soon it will be springtime!!
Sunday 10th December Club Christmas Dinner Hundith Hill Hotel
Autumn Tints Wednesday 6th December Brewers Fayre by Steve Lunt
Blustery and pretty cold and threatening rain was the weather offering this day as the group planned at the Brewers Fayre coffee shop. Meeting there were Stewart, Maurice, Steve L, Tom, Roy, and John Rowell. Stewart came along for the “crack” and Maurice also had other plans but not on a bike!!
They all sat around as time ticked by and at 11:15/11:30am ish – Stewart and Maurice having already left – the intrepid few with bikes outside had to make a decision: to go or not to go!! A glance at the tall trees outside and their top branches being blown around – they “chickened out” and decided that “today was not on”.
Driving home a rain shower came down heavily so it had probably not been a bad choice after all. Would be nice to think that they all used the time wisely on an early arrival home??
Sunday 3rd December Post House Deanscales.
Leaving Braithwaite on a cool but dry morning without Sue, who was recovering from a chest infection, John on his e-bike headed for the A66.
Having left home at 0845am the A66 was rather quiet with most of the traffic headed east towards Keswick.
On reaching Lambfoot he turned left towards Hundith, making the most of the e-bike on the climb past the old vicarage.
It was then onto Southwaite to join the main road at Paddle School to join the group having assembled at the Post House.
They were Dianne, Anita, Maggie, Sue, Paul, Roy, Steve, Tom and Richard Maggie's son just having cycled 3800 miles across the USA.
With no route planned it was left to Dianne to think of a circular ride that would get the group back in time for lunch.
With Dianne on the front the group left the Post House heading down the main road towards Cockermouth where they took the first right to Pardshaw.
After passing through Pardshaw it was down a narrow lane with the sun low in the sky making it difficult to see, as they made their way to Mockerkin.
On the climb out of Mockerkin the group split, Richard showing everyone when youths on your side how to get up hills.
Regrouping on the top before the descent down Fangs Brow was followed by the picturesque views across Loweswater, with the mountains reflecting in the lake.
Following the sea to sea route to Lorton, it was then onto Rodgerscales and Paddle School to cross the A5086 to Eaglesfield.
They eventually arrived back at the Post House, to find Maurice, Steve H, Stewart and John Moyes.
Maurice having been out earlier, parked his car at Steve’s and took the cycle track to Camerton confronted with a strong head wind heading towards Parton.
On reaching Siddick Ponds and running out of time he decided to turn round and head back to Whitehaven to pick up Steve H.
After a good lunch and chat members left for home most by car, with the exception off Paul, Dianne and John, John following his wheel tracks back to Braithwaite.
On a dry bright morning with very little wind, but bitterly cold, John Rowal and Roy started from John's house and rode down to Mirehouse shops to meet Anita.
From there the trio joined cycle route 72 through Egremont and Thornhill to Beckermet, to have coffee at the White Mare.
After being warmed up with the coffee, the trio cycled to Sellafield, and along the sandy track to Seascale, to meet Maurice who was doggie minding, and Tom who arrived by car.
Pudding Lane cafe was closed so the group went up the hill to Mawsons cafe and enjoyed a good lunch.
Anita, John and Roy decided to make good use of a sunny day and return over the viaduct to Ravenglass, even though it was still very cold.
Following the main road, first to Gosforth then Calderbridge, and turning left to Beckermet.
It was then along the hilly coast road to St Bees, where Anita carried straight on to home at Sandwith.
Roy and John turning right towards Whitehaven, stopping at the junction to switch on the lights, before joining the main road for the last two miles to John's house, where they arrived with very cold hands and feet, about four o'clock.
After warming up with bowl of freshly made soup, provided by Mavis, Roy returned home on four wheels, a very enjoyable ride in spite of the cold.
Christmas Eve Sunday 24th December Waverley Hotel by Maurice Cowley
10 members met at the Waverley Hotel for lunch this Christmas Eve, they were Bacca and Tracy, Maurice and Steve H, John R, Anita, Roy and Ruth, Dave Swift and Ray Fitz. Only 3 had been on their bikes, Bacca and Tracy had rode along the Keswick 10 and John R had rode from home in Whitehaven. However Anita had done some riding on a cycle trainer at the gym (I presume).
After a good lunch and beverages and a lively chat all bid farewell and “Merry “Christmases all round and returned home to carry on with their festivities.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 20th December Craggs Bothel. by Dianne Moyes
Dianne, Roy, Steve, Tom, Stewart, Paul and then Pat and Jonny turned up at the Brewer's Fayre, Cockermouth, on an overcast and drizzly morning. The gloom was lifted by the arrival of a plate of croissants, pain chocolats and pain raisins left over from breakfast and given to us by the very pleasant staff. By about 10.30 moves were made and the first 4 in the above list prepared to ride to The Craggs at Bothel. Paul and Stewart were not riding and Jonny was shopping at Aldi with Pat before catching us up. Jonny was riding
a new drop handlebar Giant electric bike which he described as "great fun". Dianne led the way through the town centre for a change and then onto the Isel road. By the hospital there were clear road closure notices, the group stopped to discuss this then decided to risk it and carry on. The reason for the closure soon became obvious as we cycled onto lovely smooth tarmac. We kept going until we were close to the turning for Isel Bridge and then we met a man in a high viz jacket who told us we could not continue, they were laying tarmac across the full width of the road and they had loads of vehicles in the way. So we turned round and headed back to the outskirts of Cockermouth to turn along Beech Lane and onto the old A66 to Embleton. By this time Jonny had caught up with us but he was asked to speed on and tell those who were at The Craggs for midday that we would be late.
By this time the drizzle had stopped and the light wind was on our backs. We passed the Distillery on the way to Castle Inn where we turned left for the long slog on the main road to the cafe. Maggie, Stewart, Pat and Jonny were already well into their lunch when we arrived. It was not too busy but we were glad that Sue had booked us a table.
As forecast, a little bit of brightness appeared while we were having lunch but unfortunately by the time we left it had gone and so it was back the same way we had come in the gloom. There is quite a lot of litter in the verges even in the National Park so it was good to come across David Newton in Embleton with black bag and litter picker. He is a regular Sustrans volunteer. The other noticeable problem was the pot holes on Ouse Bridge. We were told that the tarmac layers are going all the way to the Distillery so maybe they will carry on to Ouse Bridge. We got back by about 3.15p.m.which was just in time with sunset at 3.48p.m.
Sunday 17th December Club Run – Stag Inn, Crosby by Steve Lunt
Meeting round the regular coffee table at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth were John R, Roy, Steve L, and Tom B and again (you guessed it!!) the weather was drear – wet and blustery.
So we sat and talked until about 11:20am at which time we decided to drive to the lunch venue. Nobody had taken bikes from their cars and John R went home (other things to do).
At the Stag Inn, Bacca and Tracy, Paul and Sue, Dianne and John, Maurice and Steve H and a old friend Ray Milner (formerly warden at the Cockermouth Youth Hostel). No weather improvement but the lunch was good and so was the crack.
At 2:30pm-ish we abandoned all hope of a ride and all went our separate ways homeward.
Steve L is convinced that his bike has taken on a long term sulk!!! 0 miles this day.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 13th December Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth by Steve Lunt
This wintertime is proving to be a game of Russian roulette for those of us who like to cycle when the weather permits. So it is when we meet up at the Brewers Fayre, both on Sundays and Wednesdays, it is in hope that it won't be too cold, too wet, too frosty to venture out once again on two wheels.
On Wednesday, those meeting up were:- Roy, Maurice, Sue and John M, Tom, Steve L in the hope of a short ride around the local lanes to take us to lunch at the Royal Yew, Dean.
Sue (our Social Secretary) had been in touch with the Royal Yew staff who would normally welcome us without any problem, but on this day it was doubtful as they had a large party booking, so the Autumn Tints gave up on this venture.
We are becoming a coffee and tea drinking “brains trust” group, the weather was cold with intermittent rain, drear and certainly off putting. So the group gave up the idea and the bikes stayed in the cars – again! - had another cup of tea then headed homeward; one day soon it will be springtime!!
Sunday 10th December Club Christmas Dinner Hundith Hill Hotel
Autumn Tints Wednesday 6th December Brewers Fayre by Steve Lunt
Blustery and pretty cold and threatening rain was the weather offering this day as the group planned at the Brewers Fayre coffee shop. Meeting there were Stewart, Maurice, Steve L, Tom, Roy, and John Rowell. Stewart came along for the “crack” and Maurice also had other plans but not on a bike!!
They all sat around as time ticked by and at 11:15/11:30am ish – Stewart and Maurice having already left – the intrepid few with bikes outside had to make a decision: to go or not to go!! A glance at the tall trees outside and their top branches being blown around – they “chickened out” and decided that “today was not on”.
Driving home a rain shower came down heavily so it had probably not been a bad choice after all. Would be nice to think that they all used the time wisely on an early arrival home??
Sunday 3rd December Post House Deanscales.
Leaving Braithwaite on a cool but dry morning without Sue, who was recovering from a chest infection, John on his e-bike headed for the A66.
Having left home at 0845am the A66 was rather quiet with most of the traffic headed east towards Keswick.
On reaching Lambfoot he turned left towards Hundith, making the most of the e-bike on the climb past the old vicarage.
It was then onto Southwaite to join the main road at Paddle School to join the group having assembled at the Post House.
They were Dianne, Anita, Maggie, Sue, Paul, Roy, Steve, Tom and Richard Maggie's son just having cycled 3800 miles across the USA.
With no route planned it was left to Dianne to think of a circular ride that would get the group back in time for lunch.
With Dianne on the front the group left the Post House heading down the main road towards Cockermouth where they took the first right to Pardshaw.
After passing through Pardshaw it was down a narrow lane with the sun low in the sky making it difficult to see, as they made their way to Mockerkin.
On the climb out of Mockerkin the group split, Richard showing everyone when youths on your side how to get up hills.
Regrouping on the top before the descent down Fangs Brow was followed by the picturesque views across Loweswater, with the mountains reflecting in the lake.
Following the sea to sea route to Lorton, it was then onto Rodgerscales and Paddle School to cross the A5086 to Eaglesfield.
They eventually arrived back at the Post House, to find Maurice, Steve H, Stewart and John Moyes.
Maurice having been out earlier, parked his car at Steve’s and took the cycle track to Camerton confronted with a strong head wind heading towards Parton.
On reaching Siddick Ponds and running out of time he decided to turn round and head back to Whitehaven to pick up Steve H.
After a good lunch and chat members left for home most by car, with the exception off Paul, Dianne and John, John following his wheel tracks back to Braithwaite.