Autumn Tints Wednesday 27th February Kitty's Cafe Silloth.
Arriving by car to the Melbreak were Maurice, Tom, Ivan, John R, Maggie, Stewart, Sue and John.
After the usual tea and coffee some decided it was too far to cycle all the way to Silloth and left for Marport for a shorter ride.
That left Ivan, Tom, Sue and the two John's to ride from the Melbreak although it was a sunny morning there was a cool westerly wind.
Leaving the Melbreak they took the usual route to Maryport where they stopped to answer Maurice's phone call who was in Allonby.
The reason for the call was to let Clive describe where they were going for lunch a new venue for the Solway.
Back in the saddle for the Sue group it was along the promenade to join the cycle track to Allonby with a following wind.
On reaching Dubmill Point they found the main road closed due to erosion, not that it mattered because they took a right turn to Mawbray.
It was now along popular lanes to Causewayhead where they joined the main road to the lunch stop.
The Maryport group were already seated they were Maurice, Maggie, Stewart and Clive, Clive having joined them in Allonby.
Also making up the numbers were Sue, Paul, Steve and Dave, Dave having cycled from Allonby had lost his way slightly finishing up near Abbeytown.
Taking up two tables and the Maryport group having got there lunch first decided to leave the others who were still eating.
Eventually the remainder made a move with Dave joining them for the ride back to Allonby.
Having had a tail wind out it was now into the wind having agreed to take the same route back, saying goodbye to Dave in Allonby where Steve was waiting.
Still riding against the wind and temperature dropping, slight drops of rain were felt as they made their way into Maryport.
With Tom occasionally ridding away from the group only to wait when he realised he was on his own they arrived in Workington.
Having been a flat route for most of the ride the sting in the tail came at the end when everyone was feeling tied from the wind.
The final miles from Workington were mostly uphill as they made their way back to the Melbreak having done just over 50 miles.
Sunday 24th February Waverly Hotel Whitehaven.
Starting from the Melbreak were Sue, John, Ivan and Stewart, John having arranged to meet John R and Tom on route.
Stewart not having many miles in his legs decided to take the more direct route to Whitehaven via Distington and Parton.
That left the rest to follow John's preferred route starting with a short downhill to Bridgefoot followed by the drag to Greysouthen.
From Greysouthen with a slight tail wind they made their way to Dean then onto Ullock to join the main road by Mockerkin Tarn.
Just beyond Lamplugh they met up with John R and Tom as planned after a brief stop it was of again heading down the cycle track to the Waverley for lunch.
Already sat having lunch were Maurice, Steve H, Stewart, Dave and Steve L and Mavis.
After a good lunch and natter it was time to get moving Stewart and Tom leaving on their own while Maurice and Steve L left together.
John R pushing his bike walked home with Mavis, leaving the rest heading for the cycle way to Distington.
At Distington Dave who had joined the Melbreak group carried onto Lillyhall while the rest continued on the cycle way to Camerton.
At Camerton Ivan made his way to Great Broughton while Sue and John made their way over the river to Great Clifton and back to the Melbreak.
Autumn Tints 20th February
Ride cancelled due to weather
Sunday 17th February Ennerdale Brewery Rowrah
With a strong wind blowing from an easterly direction Sue, John and Tom left Braithwaite heading up Whinlatter Pass on their e-bikes. On the descent they decided to turn left onto the gated road to Hope Beck, as they dropped down they felt the full force of the wind. On reaching the valley road and out of the full force of the wind it started to drizzle as they made their way passed Loweswater for the next climb up Fangs Brow. Once over the top it was into a head wind again as they made their way to Lamplugh to join the A5086 Cockermouth/Egremont road. With the rain having eased they continued along the main road, taking a right turn onto a narrow lane to the Ennerdale Brewery for lunch.
Following not far behind was Dianne having braved the wind and rain on her own from Parkside.
Already sat round the table were Maurice, Tracy, Brian and Clive they were followed by Dianne, Sue, John, Tom, Steve, Dave, Michelle, Peter, Sue and Paul.
Maurice, Tracy, Brian, Steve and Dave had all arrived on two wheels albeit in different directions.
Maurice had started from Thornhill with a tail wind, through Egremont to turn to Moor Row and on passing Steve Lunts abode at Padstow. After this the climbing started, up through Keekle and up to Hensingham Fire Station and on to Moresby Parks to climb again up to pass through Pica Village and across the open Dean Moor and into a cross/headwind, a taster of what was to come. Then it was a welcome downhill to Dean Crossroads to turn left still downwards towards Branthwaite. Prior to reaching to Branthwaite road Maurice turned onto a track to pass through Branthwaite Edge Farm (which was rather slushy) and arrived at the Branthwaite/Ullock road into a very strong headwind. After this it was a battle with the wind all the rest of the ride. Passing through Ullock to reach the A5086 Cockermouth/Egremont road. And turned right passing Mockerkin Tarn. Maurice had intended to turn off this busy road to go through Lamplugh and have a cuppa at at the Inglenook Caravan Park before visiting Cogra Moss Tarn before lunch but the wind put that idea out of his mind – he 1st decided to turn off the main road and just have a cuppa at the caravan site – then he decided to carrying on to the next turn off but the wind had slowed his progress drastically and it had started raining so it was on to the Ennerdale Brewery and lunch.
As Maurice was about to enter the lunch stop Clive arrived having parked his car at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth and rode to Deanscales and found it was too hard for him and turned around and collected his car to reach the lunch stop. Not long after Brian “Bacca” Moore arrived, He had left Bigrigg and followed Maurice's bike tracks over Pica but had turned right at Dean Cross to Asby and to the lunch stop.
"Bacca's” wife Tracy arrived a little later having ridden from Bigrigg to Ennerdale Bridge and up the long hill to Kirkland to get to the lunch stop. All the time she was climbing up to Kirkland she was chatted to by a rider who was doing the challenge to climb up the height of Everest for charity.
Last riders to arrive were Dave Swift and Steve Lunt. Dave had left Whitehaven to ride up through Hensingham to drop down the Steve Lunt's House at Padstow and then both rode up the cyclepath from Cleator Moor to Rowrah to reach the lunch stop.
Lunch and chat over members began to leave the way they had arrived Sue, John and Tom made their way back to Braithwaite with a following wind almost all the way to Eaglesfield. It was then onto Southwaite (bridge work completed) and Hundith to continue onto Wythop Mill where they took the high road to Dubwath. Joining the A66 with the wind whipping up the lake they turned right onto the old road for the final miles back to Braithwaite.
Maurice, Bacca and Tracy rode down the Cyclepath to Moor Row where Bacca and Tracy left to go on the A595 to Bigrigg and Maurice rode into a raging headwind to go through Egremont and on to Thornhill.
Steve and Dave retraced their bike tracks back to Padstow and Whitehaven.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 13th February.
On a very windy morning seven members made it to the Brewers Fayre they were Dianne, John, Tom, Sue, John, Roy, Johnny and John R.
Over coffee and the usual chat about almost everything, before John left to walk back home.
Having agreed on a route Dianne led the group into Cockermouth to pick up Sustrans route 71 over the river onto a newly surfaced section avoiding the main road.
It was then across the main road to Papcastle still following Sustrans route 71 to Great Broughton.
With a following wind they climbed steadily past Broughton Moor Ammunition Dump with a new development taking shape on the site.
On reaching Broughton Moor it was mostly downhill into Maryport for lunch at the Aquarium which was quite full.
Having to use two tables close together they enjoyed a mix from the menu along with the usual natter.
With the wind still blowing outside Dianne decided to make her own way home via Dearham, Harker Marsh and Broughton Moor to try and avoid the full on wind.
The rest did the opposite and rode straight into the wind as they made their way to Workington using the usual route.
Leaving Curwin Park to join the road through Stainburn it was then onto Great Clifton with a welcome following wind.
From Bridgefoot it was on through Low Brigham to Cockermouth turning right by the Lakes Centre back to parked cars at the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 10th February Early Season Do Parkside Hotel
After the wind and rain during Saturday, Sunday was quite the opposite with a cold breeze coming from a northerly direction.
Sue and John decided to cycle from home using their e-bikes, joining them was Tom having driven over from Whitehaven.
Roy not wanting to cycle all the way said he would park his car at the Brewers Fayre and make his own way to the Parkside.
Tom having opted for his e-bike and the bridge at Southwaite closed they left Braithwaite heading for Whinlatter.
On the descent they past numerous cyclist heading in the opposite direction, on reaching Lorton they had to stop for John to make good something rubbing on his back tyre.
Problem solved they set off again down the valley to Loweswater avoiding numerous pot holes and standing water.
In the distance the sound of a helicopter could be heard it turned out to be the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, doing what looked like a training exercise.
Having passed the lake the next obstacle in the way was Fangs Brow no match for the e-bikes even the 80 year old was not out of breath.
It was now mostly downhill to the Parkside leaving the main road at Rowrah for the cycle track for the final three miles to the lunch stop.
Round the table for lunch were Dianne, Maurice, Shirley, Steve H, Tracy, Brian, Peter, Ivan, Roy, Steve, Tom, Sue and John.
Lunch and constructive chat over members began to leave the way they had arrived, Tracy and Brian on their bikes headed down the cycle track towards Whitehaven, followed later by Steve.
The trio from Braithwaite accompanied Roy back to Paddle School where they said goodbye, before carrying onto Lorton and back over Whinlatter to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 6th February Craggs Bothel
Meeting at the Brewers Fayre were Maurice, Tom, Steve, Dianne, John, Sue, John, Roy, John R and Bruce.
After the usual coffee and chat the two wheel group prepared to leave, leaving Maurice and Steve to take the dogs for a walk, and John and Bruce to make their way home.
With dark clouds forming and the threat of rain the group set of heading for the Greenway to join the Isel road.
As they reached the Greenway spots of rain began to fall with heavy rain spotted in the distance that they managed to escape.
On reaching Isel Bridge they stopped to view the river that was quite full from the rain and melted snow from the fells.
Taking the first right after the bridge, Dianne in search of fresh eggs left the group arranging to meet up around Sunderland.
Just before Sunderland Dianne was seen waiting, having secured a dozen fresh eggs.
Having split on the climb from Isel it was all together again, but began to split again as they approached Sunderland.
With a welcome following wind and in two groups they climbed out of Sunderland heading for the A591 where they met Janet and Ivan on their way back home.
On arrival at the Craggs no Maurice or Steve, Maurice was walking the legs of Steve, having parked his car at the Castle Inn they then walked into Bassenthwaite.
From there they walked up the hill past Robin Hood to join the road back to the Castle Inn, to finally join the rest for lunch.
After lunch and natter it was back out into the cold and wind to make their way along the A591 to the Castle Inn.
Turning right it was on towards Ouse Bridge, on the way a car had just run of the road into a field having taken down a substantial length of fence.
Stopping to see if the lady driver was ok and see if we could be of any assistance in trying to move car, which proved to be impossible.
Finally it was back in the saddle just as the rain decided to spoil the day but disappeared as soon as it arrived.
Leaving Ouse Bridge the group split again as they made their way through Embleton and over Slate Fell into Cockermouth.
Leaving Tom by the school waiting for the rest, Sue and John made their way into Cockermouth before returning to the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 3rd FebruaryAllonby Cafe by Maurice Cowley
Due to the weather forecast the programmed Club run from Allonby to Abbeytown was cancelled also the venue for dinner. However 3 stalwarts decided to have a walk from Allonby Cafe. Maurice and 2 dogs, Roy and Tom met in the cafe for the obligatory beverages prior to the walk.
The walk of approximate 2 and a bit miles took them up the road northwards to turn left passing the Leisure Centre onto a track which finally brought them out onto the Westnewton/Allonby road about ½ a mile from Allonby. Just then it started to rain!!
Dinner and chat was partaken in the Allonby Cafe after which each returned home by car. It was quite a pleasant interlude.
Arriving by car to the Melbreak were Maurice, Tom, Ivan, John R, Maggie, Stewart, Sue and John.
After the usual tea and coffee some decided it was too far to cycle all the way to Silloth and left for Marport for a shorter ride.
That left Ivan, Tom, Sue and the two John's to ride from the Melbreak although it was a sunny morning there was a cool westerly wind.
Leaving the Melbreak they took the usual route to Maryport where they stopped to answer Maurice's phone call who was in Allonby.
The reason for the call was to let Clive describe where they were going for lunch a new venue for the Solway.
Back in the saddle for the Sue group it was along the promenade to join the cycle track to Allonby with a following wind.
On reaching Dubmill Point they found the main road closed due to erosion, not that it mattered because they took a right turn to Mawbray.
It was now along popular lanes to Causewayhead where they joined the main road to the lunch stop.
The Maryport group were already seated they were Maurice, Maggie, Stewart and Clive, Clive having joined them in Allonby.
Also making up the numbers were Sue, Paul, Steve and Dave, Dave having cycled from Allonby had lost his way slightly finishing up near Abbeytown.
Taking up two tables and the Maryport group having got there lunch first decided to leave the others who were still eating.
Eventually the remainder made a move with Dave joining them for the ride back to Allonby.
Having had a tail wind out it was now into the wind having agreed to take the same route back, saying goodbye to Dave in Allonby where Steve was waiting.
Still riding against the wind and temperature dropping, slight drops of rain were felt as they made their way into Maryport.
With Tom occasionally ridding away from the group only to wait when he realised he was on his own they arrived in Workington.
Having been a flat route for most of the ride the sting in the tail came at the end when everyone was feeling tied from the wind.
The final miles from Workington were mostly uphill as they made their way back to the Melbreak having done just over 50 miles.
Sunday 24th February Waverly Hotel Whitehaven.
Starting from the Melbreak were Sue, John, Ivan and Stewart, John having arranged to meet John R and Tom on route.
Stewart not having many miles in his legs decided to take the more direct route to Whitehaven via Distington and Parton.
That left the rest to follow John's preferred route starting with a short downhill to Bridgefoot followed by the drag to Greysouthen.
From Greysouthen with a slight tail wind they made their way to Dean then onto Ullock to join the main road by Mockerkin Tarn.
Just beyond Lamplugh they met up with John R and Tom as planned after a brief stop it was of again heading down the cycle track to the Waverley for lunch.
Already sat having lunch were Maurice, Steve H, Stewart, Dave and Steve L and Mavis.
After a good lunch and natter it was time to get moving Stewart and Tom leaving on their own while Maurice and Steve L left together.
John R pushing his bike walked home with Mavis, leaving the rest heading for the cycle way to Distington.
At Distington Dave who had joined the Melbreak group carried onto Lillyhall while the rest continued on the cycle way to Camerton.
At Camerton Ivan made his way to Great Broughton while Sue and John made their way over the river to Great Clifton and back to the Melbreak.
Autumn Tints 20th February
Ride cancelled due to weather
Sunday 17th February Ennerdale Brewery Rowrah
With a strong wind blowing from an easterly direction Sue, John and Tom left Braithwaite heading up Whinlatter Pass on their e-bikes. On the descent they decided to turn left onto the gated road to Hope Beck, as they dropped down they felt the full force of the wind. On reaching the valley road and out of the full force of the wind it started to drizzle as they made their way passed Loweswater for the next climb up Fangs Brow. Once over the top it was into a head wind again as they made their way to Lamplugh to join the A5086 Cockermouth/Egremont road. With the rain having eased they continued along the main road, taking a right turn onto a narrow lane to the Ennerdale Brewery for lunch.
Following not far behind was Dianne having braved the wind and rain on her own from Parkside.
Already sat round the table were Maurice, Tracy, Brian and Clive they were followed by Dianne, Sue, John, Tom, Steve, Dave, Michelle, Peter, Sue and Paul.
Maurice, Tracy, Brian, Steve and Dave had all arrived on two wheels albeit in different directions.
Maurice had started from Thornhill with a tail wind, through Egremont to turn to Moor Row and on passing Steve Lunts abode at Padstow. After this the climbing started, up through Keekle and up to Hensingham Fire Station and on to Moresby Parks to climb again up to pass through Pica Village and across the open Dean Moor and into a cross/headwind, a taster of what was to come. Then it was a welcome downhill to Dean Crossroads to turn left still downwards towards Branthwaite. Prior to reaching to Branthwaite road Maurice turned onto a track to pass through Branthwaite Edge Farm (which was rather slushy) and arrived at the Branthwaite/Ullock road into a very strong headwind. After this it was a battle with the wind all the rest of the ride. Passing through Ullock to reach the A5086 Cockermouth/Egremont road. And turned right passing Mockerkin Tarn. Maurice had intended to turn off this busy road to go through Lamplugh and have a cuppa at at the Inglenook Caravan Park before visiting Cogra Moss Tarn before lunch but the wind put that idea out of his mind – he 1st decided to turn off the main road and just have a cuppa at the caravan site – then he decided to carrying on to the next turn off but the wind had slowed his progress drastically and it had started raining so it was on to the Ennerdale Brewery and lunch.
As Maurice was about to enter the lunch stop Clive arrived having parked his car at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth and rode to Deanscales and found it was too hard for him and turned around and collected his car to reach the lunch stop. Not long after Brian “Bacca” Moore arrived, He had left Bigrigg and followed Maurice's bike tracks over Pica but had turned right at Dean Cross to Asby and to the lunch stop.
"Bacca's” wife Tracy arrived a little later having ridden from Bigrigg to Ennerdale Bridge and up the long hill to Kirkland to get to the lunch stop. All the time she was climbing up to Kirkland she was chatted to by a rider who was doing the challenge to climb up the height of Everest for charity.
Last riders to arrive were Dave Swift and Steve Lunt. Dave had left Whitehaven to ride up through Hensingham to drop down the Steve Lunt's House at Padstow and then both rode up the cyclepath from Cleator Moor to Rowrah to reach the lunch stop.
Lunch and chat over members began to leave the way they had arrived Sue, John and Tom made their way back to Braithwaite with a following wind almost all the way to Eaglesfield. It was then onto Southwaite (bridge work completed) and Hundith to continue onto Wythop Mill where they took the high road to Dubwath. Joining the A66 with the wind whipping up the lake they turned right onto the old road for the final miles back to Braithwaite.
Maurice, Bacca and Tracy rode down the Cyclepath to Moor Row where Bacca and Tracy left to go on the A595 to Bigrigg and Maurice rode into a raging headwind to go through Egremont and on to Thornhill.
Steve and Dave retraced their bike tracks back to Padstow and Whitehaven.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 13th February.
On a very windy morning seven members made it to the Brewers Fayre they were Dianne, John, Tom, Sue, John, Roy, Johnny and John R.
Over coffee and the usual chat about almost everything, before John left to walk back home.
Having agreed on a route Dianne led the group into Cockermouth to pick up Sustrans route 71 over the river onto a newly surfaced section avoiding the main road.
It was then across the main road to Papcastle still following Sustrans route 71 to Great Broughton.
With a following wind they climbed steadily past Broughton Moor Ammunition Dump with a new development taking shape on the site.
On reaching Broughton Moor it was mostly downhill into Maryport for lunch at the Aquarium which was quite full.
Having to use two tables close together they enjoyed a mix from the menu along with the usual natter.
With the wind still blowing outside Dianne decided to make her own way home via Dearham, Harker Marsh and Broughton Moor to try and avoid the full on wind.
The rest did the opposite and rode straight into the wind as they made their way to Workington using the usual route.
Leaving Curwin Park to join the road through Stainburn it was then onto Great Clifton with a welcome following wind.
From Bridgefoot it was on through Low Brigham to Cockermouth turning right by the Lakes Centre back to parked cars at the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 10th February Early Season Do Parkside Hotel
After the wind and rain during Saturday, Sunday was quite the opposite with a cold breeze coming from a northerly direction.
Sue and John decided to cycle from home using their e-bikes, joining them was Tom having driven over from Whitehaven.
Roy not wanting to cycle all the way said he would park his car at the Brewers Fayre and make his own way to the Parkside.
Tom having opted for his e-bike and the bridge at Southwaite closed they left Braithwaite heading for Whinlatter.
On the descent they past numerous cyclist heading in the opposite direction, on reaching Lorton they had to stop for John to make good something rubbing on his back tyre.
Problem solved they set off again down the valley to Loweswater avoiding numerous pot holes and standing water.
In the distance the sound of a helicopter could be heard it turned out to be the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, doing what looked like a training exercise.
Having passed the lake the next obstacle in the way was Fangs Brow no match for the e-bikes even the 80 year old was not out of breath.
It was now mostly downhill to the Parkside leaving the main road at Rowrah for the cycle track for the final three miles to the lunch stop.
Round the table for lunch were Dianne, Maurice, Shirley, Steve H, Tracy, Brian, Peter, Ivan, Roy, Steve, Tom, Sue and John.
Lunch and constructive chat over members began to leave the way they had arrived, Tracy and Brian on their bikes headed down the cycle track towards Whitehaven, followed later by Steve.
The trio from Braithwaite accompanied Roy back to Paddle School where they said goodbye, before carrying onto Lorton and back over Whinlatter to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 6th February Craggs Bothel
Meeting at the Brewers Fayre were Maurice, Tom, Steve, Dianne, John, Sue, John, Roy, John R and Bruce.
After the usual coffee and chat the two wheel group prepared to leave, leaving Maurice and Steve to take the dogs for a walk, and John and Bruce to make their way home.
With dark clouds forming and the threat of rain the group set of heading for the Greenway to join the Isel road.
As they reached the Greenway spots of rain began to fall with heavy rain spotted in the distance that they managed to escape.
On reaching Isel Bridge they stopped to view the river that was quite full from the rain and melted snow from the fells.
Taking the first right after the bridge, Dianne in search of fresh eggs left the group arranging to meet up around Sunderland.
Just before Sunderland Dianne was seen waiting, having secured a dozen fresh eggs.
Having split on the climb from Isel it was all together again, but began to split again as they approached Sunderland.
With a welcome following wind and in two groups they climbed out of Sunderland heading for the A591 where they met Janet and Ivan on their way back home.
On arrival at the Craggs no Maurice or Steve, Maurice was walking the legs of Steve, having parked his car at the Castle Inn they then walked into Bassenthwaite.
From there they walked up the hill past Robin Hood to join the road back to the Castle Inn, to finally join the rest for lunch.
After lunch and natter it was back out into the cold and wind to make their way along the A591 to the Castle Inn.
Turning right it was on towards Ouse Bridge, on the way a car had just run of the road into a field having taken down a substantial length of fence.
Stopping to see if the lady driver was ok and see if we could be of any assistance in trying to move car, which proved to be impossible.
Finally it was back in the saddle just as the rain decided to spoil the day but disappeared as soon as it arrived.
Leaving Ouse Bridge the group split again as they made their way through Embleton and over Slate Fell into Cockermouth.
Leaving Tom by the school waiting for the rest, Sue and John made their way into Cockermouth before returning to the Brewers Fayre.
Sunday 3rd FebruaryAllonby Cafe by Maurice Cowley
Due to the weather forecast the programmed Club run from Allonby to Abbeytown was cancelled also the venue for dinner. However 3 stalwarts decided to have a walk from Allonby Cafe. Maurice and 2 dogs, Roy and Tom met in the cafe for the obligatory beverages prior to the walk.
The walk of approximate 2 and a bit miles took them up the road northwards to turn left passing the Leisure Centre onto a track which finally brought them out onto the Westnewton/Allonby road about ½ a mile from Allonby. Just then it started to rain!!
Dinner and chat was partaken in the Allonby Cafe after which each returned home by car. It was quite a pleasant interlude.