Sunday 25th February Waverly Hotel, Whitehaven by Steve Lunt
Very cold today (4-6oC) and with the imminent threat of very cold blasts from eastern Europe (“The Beast from the East”) Steve L drove to John R's house in Whitehaven to park up and bikes out to ride North.
The first section was along the A595 which was level to the end of the “Long Mile” where we turned left turn downhill passing the landmark of St. Bridget's Church and up to Lowca to join the cycle route passing the the large nursery (flower growers). Soon after leaving the nursery area we hailed a lone cyclist in a bright orange day-glow wind proof: Roy of course! Having made his way from his car parked at the Melbreak Hotel at Chapel Brow on his own, because John and Sue M both were suffering from sore throats and a cold.
We all turned south and headed back towards Whitehaven and the lunch stop at the Waverly.
Here we met up with Johns wife Mavis, Maurice and Steve H (who had walked over from Steve H's house), and Dave Swift making a total of 7 sitting down for lunch and a chat (for 1pm today).
After lunch we made ready for the return. John and Steve L resolved to accompany Roy some of his way back north along the same route on the cycle way: care required in some patches as ice present where water seepage from the undergrowth edges had frozen. At the College junction roundabout at Distington we bade farewell to Roy who had his car at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow, John R and Steve L turned south taking the quiet A-road Distington bypass and through Howgate to reach the “Long Mile” stretch; and then the gradual descent to John R's place and Steve L's car.
Very cold ride but bright; we still managed to make 23 miles!!
Autumn Tints Wednesday 21st February Aquarium Maryport.
On a spring like morning but with a slight north easterly wind five members met up at the Brewers Fayre, they were Maggie, Roy, Tom, Steve and John.
The ten o'clock start became ten forty before anybody made a move it was either the coffee or the chat.
Eventually the group set of turning right out of the car park with John on the front they crossed A66 into Cockermouth.
On the short climb past the Honda garage the group split, Steve, Maggie and Roy unaware John and Tom had turned left down Brigham Road.
Maggie spotted the duo who had stopped, but was unable to get Steve's attention who carried on down into Cockermouth.
Hoping to regroup by the Lakes Store was not to be, eventually meeting up with Steve again in Brigham.
Back together again the group made their way to Bridgefoot followed by the climb up Chapel Brow.
After crossing the A66 again it was on to Stainburn to join the path through Curwin Park to the main road by the bridge.
Waiting for the traffic to pass before crossing Maggie was left behind, with Tom on the front Steve and Roy carried on along the main road.
John waited for Maggie who took the usual route to pick up the cycle path to Siddick ponds, leaving the trio to find their own way.
On arrival in Maryport, Stewart was waiting on quay side, with Maurice inside the Aquarium having had lunch.
Final the trio arrived having taken to the main road as far as Asda before joining the cycle path by Siddick Ponds.
After lunch at pensioners discount, Maurice left for Allonby where his car was parked having been point hunting.
Maggie with bike loaded in car left for Carlisle with Stewart, the rest followed their wheel tracks back to Cockermouth.
Stopping on the way to investigate a path by the River Derwent,that ends at an old railway track overlooking Workington Docks.
The rail track continued over the river to Workington Steel Works, the bridge that carried the track is no longer there.
Sunday 18th February The Gather Cafe, Ennerdale Bridge by Steve Lunt
John R, Tom, Roy and Steve L met up for a 10am start from Mockerkin Tarn lay-by – plenty of space to leave our cars and ride off ideally on a “sensible” not over taxing route. This turned out to be quite true – short ride yes – but many energy demanding hills.
The first being a left off the A5086 and up to Mockerkin Village and then still rising to shoot down to the top of Fangs Brow to turn right in the direction of Lamplugh – this road called “Bird Dyke” flanks the bottom edge of Owen Fell and dips steeply down through some woodland then up to level off with an open panoramic view to the west. At the centre of the dip – beware of a couple of potholes stretching partly across the road. Steve L in a rare energy burst (at present) hit one of the potholes with both wheels causing some rim damage (front and rear). Rear being the worst and virtually impossible to apply steady braking! On through Lamplugh and then up and over the steep uphill and then the downhill to Croasdale turning towards Ennerdale Bridge. As it was rather early for lunch we went to survey the end of Ennerdale Lake, the weir and the ongoing water works which would free the lake eventually from domestic water supply obligations. Then on to Ennerdale Bridge Village and the Gather Cafe.
There we met Steve H, Maurice, Brian and Tracy, and Dianne. Dianne had travelled from her home in Cockermouth on her E-bike.
As we prepared to set off the inevitable puncture in Toms front wheel, and with many hands to help and supervise we spotted the problem of a thorn which was removed and a new tube and tyre replaced on the wheel – job done!
Home for the cyclists was out from Ennerdale Bridge uphill to Kirkland and just before leaving the village a left turn down to Rowrah and then uphill and over through Asby and eventually arriving at Dean Cross, where we took the Ullock road and we all took pleasure in a “rerun” of the Solway Downhill course initiating Tom in the process!
As we left Ullock village at the junction, Dianne took a left to get to Dean, Deanscales and on to Cockermouth.
We (the boys) took the right for a short link to get to the A5806 just close to the Mockerkin Tarn lay-by and the end of the ride.
Lovely ride at around 6-7oC, bright and misty, little wind so at just 19miles we thought we had done enough!!
Sunday 11th February Early Season Do Parkside Hotel Cleator. By Dianne Moyes
Another very cold day which can only partly explain the poor turnout for the Early Season Do, a total of 6 for lunch and 2 extra for coffee. Dianne, encouraged to get out by John, left home around 10.30a.m. with hand warmers activated. She rode via Brandlingill and Pardshaw then onto the A5086, checking on a Volvo car in the lay-by at Mockerkin Tarn to confirm that it was Roy’s. She never caught him because he turned off to Kirkland and then turned left at Kirkland School to follow a very narrow and normally quiet road along the north side of the Ehen valley to Wath Brow and then right to the Parkside Hotel. A motorist had stopped to warn Roy that the normally quiet road was being used as a way to avoid the road closure at Parkside Bridge on the A5086. Dianne was also concerned about the bridge closure but a dog walker near Rowrah on the cycle path told her there was a diversion for cyclists. Near Frizington station Dianne met Tracy and Bacca on their blue bikes who had cycled out from Bigrigg after getting on the path near Woodend. They turned round and all 3 dropped gently down to Parkside where they were diverted onto a farm track which joined the main road by the bridge. Work was in progress on the bridge repair.
The big room at the Parkside Hotel was cosy with a fire going so it was good to warm up. We were soon joined by Roy, and Maurice and Steve who had come by car. Later Sue and Paul, back from a month cycling and relaxing in Spain, arrived to have a drink and a chat. Dianne was keen to get home quickly because of the cold so left Roy with an apology, both were heading north to Rowrah on the cycle path. Dianne stuck to the main road after Kelton Head as it was fairly quiet. She got struck by a wintry shower near Lamplugh which Roy must have got caught in too, but it didn’t last long. Bacca and Tracy returned home on the cycle track I am guessing , and the others in their cosy cars. It was good to get out despite the cold and the hand warmers were still warm at 5.00 p.m.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 7th February Pudding Lane Cafe Seascale by Steve Lunt
Unbelievably cold today! Below zero degrees in Braithwaite – only just above zero in Cleator Moor.
Tom, Steve L, Roy and John R met up at John R's place for a serious discussion about the ride today, Dianne having declined by an earlier phone call. It took about ¾ hrs. and plus a drink of tea/coffee before deciding to venture out to see how far we could survive the temperature and the inevitable icy patches on the cycleway especially where water had run off the grass verges and frozen hard.
Pleasingly, though, with no wind and a brilliant sunshine we pressed on and at Beckermet (the usual route) turn off towards the Sellafield complex we were game to carry on so we approached the sandy track from the bridge crossing the river Calder to be stopped in our tracks by a badly damaged and partly washed away path which required a walk with bike for about 70/80 metres then we were “back on track”.
Pudding Lane Cafe was a welcome and warm refuge in Seascale Village for the 30 or 40 minutes over lunch, but having dear old Seascale with the sun on our backs the cold didn't seem so bad for 40C ish! We took the reverse route back as far as the “back door” to Thornhill, then after crossing the river Ehen turned up the long – time closed road at Rothersyke – a bit of a climb, then a downhill into Egremont and onto the cycleway all the way via Moor Row to an unmade track cutting off the cycleway up to the Mirehouse Pond Road and a short sharp rise to Hensingham and along the main A595 road to arrive back at John R's place.
Lovely day out – no wind – but very cold!!!! Total 28miles.
Sunday 4th February Club Run Abbey Town.
Ten members made it to Allonby for a ten o'clock start they were Sue, Dianne, Maggie, Janet, Ivan, Roy, Tom, Steve and the two John's.
First port of call was the Allonby cafe for tea and coffee that was most welcome on a cold morning, although the sun had made an appearance.
A small mechanical issue on Steve's bike delayed the start that was made good by Ivan.
Eventually the group made a move, leaving Allonby for Westnewton into a slight north easterly breeze along a wet and muddy road.
It was then onto Langrigg, Bromfield along more wet and muddy roads before arriving in Blencogo to regroup.
With time in hand it was agreed to turn right at the junction with the main road and head to Waverbridge.
Turning left after crossing the river it was back onto a quieter road to Lessonhall, passing through farm buildings to follow the River Waver.
With ice on the side of the road in places showed how cold it was, as the group made their way into Abbey Town for lunch.
Sat at the table were Maurice, Steve, Tracy and Brian already having lunch, having arrived on four wheels.
Lunch and chat over the four wheel group left first, leaving the two wheel group sorting themselves out.
Although cold but sunny it had been decided to take a longer route back to Allonby rather than the usual route.
Leaving Abbey Town the group turned right at the closed road sign to Seaville, only to join the main road again to Calvo.
Leaving the main road after Calvo it was onto the sea dyke road to Skinburness to find the derelict Skinburness Hotel had been demolished.
Leaving Silloth it was back into the lanes passing Wolsty Hall, again along wet muddy roads to Mawbray to join the main road at Dubmill Point back to Allonby.
Autumn Tints Thursday 1st February Craggs Bothel.
Having cancelled Wednesday usual ride to Thursday because of the weather turned out to be a good decision.
Although still a cold wind, seven made it to the Brewers Fayre for coffee they were Dianne, Maggie, Sue, Roy, Tom and the two John's.
After a long chat and numerous cups of coffee the group made a move, having decided on a route.
Dianne took up the position on the front leading the group into Cockermouth to join the Isel road.
One of the worst road surfaces to cycle on had been newly re-surfaced, but only in patches, only the Highways know why they didn't do the lot.
A brief stop on Isel Bridge where the river was flowing quite fast due to the rain and melting snow.
Leaving the bridge the road to the right was closed (Maurice's preferred route) for road works.
Still following Dianne it was onto the next right, onto a much better road surface past Park Wood.
At the end of this straight bit of road that climbs steadily, Dianne did a u-turn to head back towards Cockermouth, for a French speaking lesson.
The group continued on through Sunderland to join the A591 to the Craggs for lunch, to find Stewart, Maurice and Steve H.
As usual the place filled up, before the group were ready to leave, Maurice and Steve making the first move.
The two wheel group along with Stewart who was in the car made their move, taking the A591 to the Castle Inn with a following wind.
After crossing Ouse Bridge it was into the wind with Sue on the front making one two legs ache.
Just before Embleton Maggie said goodbye taking the A66 back to Trough Bridge, while the rest continued on over Slate Fell.
Approaching Cockermouth it was agreed to join the Green Way back to parked cars at the Brewers Fayre.
Very cold today (4-6oC) and with the imminent threat of very cold blasts from eastern Europe (“The Beast from the East”) Steve L drove to John R's house in Whitehaven to park up and bikes out to ride North.
The first section was along the A595 which was level to the end of the “Long Mile” where we turned left turn downhill passing the landmark of St. Bridget's Church and up to Lowca to join the cycle route passing the the large nursery (flower growers). Soon after leaving the nursery area we hailed a lone cyclist in a bright orange day-glow wind proof: Roy of course! Having made his way from his car parked at the Melbreak Hotel at Chapel Brow on his own, because John and Sue M both were suffering from sore throats and a cold.
We all turned south and headed back towards Whitehaven and the lunch stop at the Waverly.
Here we met up with Johns wife Mavis, Maurice and Steve H (who had walked over from Steve H's house), and Dave Swift making a total of 7 sitting down for lunch and a chat (for 1pm today).
After lunch we made ready for the return. John and Steve L resolved to accompany Roy some of his way back north along the same route on the cycle way: care required in some patches as ice present where water seepage from the undergrowth edges had frozen. At the College junction roundabout at Distington we bade farewell to Roy who had his car at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow, John R and Steve L turned south taking the quiet A-road Distington bypass and through Howgate to reach the “Long Mile” stretch; and then the gradual descent to John R's place and Steve L's car.
Very cold ride but bright; we still managed to make 23 miles!!
Autumn Tints Wednesday 21st February Aquarium Maryport.
On a spring like morning but with a slight north easterly wind five members met up at the Brewers Fayre, they were Maggie, Roy, Tom, Steve and John.
The ten o'clock start became ten forty before anybody made a move it was either the coffee or the chat.
Eventually the group set of turning right out of the car park with John on the front they crossed A66 into Cockermouth.
On the short climb past the Honda garage the group split, Steve, Maggie and Roy unaware John and Tom had turned left down Brigham Road.
Maggie spotted the duo who had stopped, but was unable to get Steve's attention who carried on down into Cockermouth.
Hoping to regroup by the Lakes Store was not to be, eventually meeting up with Steve again in Brigham.
Back together again the group made their way to Bridgefoot followed by the climb up Chapel Brow.
After crossing the A66 again it was on to Stainburn to join the path through Curwin Park to the main road by the bridge.
Waiting for the traffic to pass before crossing Maggie was left behind, with Tom on the front Steve and Roy carried on along the main road.
John waited for Maggie who took the usual route to pick up the cycle path to Siddick ponds, leaving the trio to find their own way.
On arrival in Maryport, Stewart was waiting on quay side, with Maurice inside the Aquarium having had lunch.
Final the trio arrived having taken to the main road as far as Asda before joining the cycle path by Siddick Ponds.
After lunch at pensioners discount, Maurice left for Allonby where his car was parked having been point hunting.
Maggie with bike loaded in car left for Carlisle with Stewart, the rest followed their wheel tracks back to Cockermouth.
Stopping on the way to investigate a path by the River Derwent,that ends at an old railway track overlooking Workington Docks.
The rail track continued over the river to Workington Steel Works, the bridge that carried the track is no longer there.
Sunday 18th February The Gather Cafe, Ennerdale Bridge by Steve Lunt
John R, Tom, Roy and Steve L met up for a 10am start from Mockerkin Tarn lay-by – plenty of space to leave our cars and ride off ideally on a “sensible” not over taxing route. This turned out to be quite true – short ride yes – but many energy demanding hills.
The first being a left off the A5086 and up to Mockerkin Village and then still rising to shoot down to the top of Fangs Brow to turn right in the direction of Lamplugh – this road called “Bird Dyke” flanks the bottom edge of Owen Fell and dips steeply down through some woodland then up to level off with an open panoramic view to the west. At the centre of the dip – beware of a couple of potholes stretching partly across the road. Steve L in a rare energy burst (at present) hit one of the potholes with both wheels causing some rim damage (front and rear). Rear being the worst and virtually impossible to apply steady braking! On through Lamplugh and then up and over the steep uphill and then the downhill to Croasdale turning towards Ennerdale Bridge. As it was rather early for lunch we went to survey the end of Ennerdale Lake, the weir and the ongoing water works which would free the lake eventually from domestic water supply obligations. Then on to Ennerdale Bridge Village and the Gather Cafe.
There we met Steve H, Maurice, Brian and Tracy, and Dianne. Dianne had travelled from her home in Cockermouth on her E-bike.
As we prepared to set off the inevitable puncture in Toms front wheel, and with many hands to help and supervise we spotted the problem of a thorn which was removed and a new tube and tyre replaced on the wheel – job done!
Home for the cyclists was out from Ennerdale Bridge uphill to Kirkland and just before leaving the village a left turn down to Rowrah and then uphill and over through Asby and eventually arriving at Dean Cross, where we took the Ullock road and we all took pleasure in a “rerun” of the Solway Downhill course initiating Tom in the process!
As we left Ullock village at the junction, Dianne took a left to get to Dean, Deanscales and on to Cockermouth.
We (the boys) took the right for a short link to get to the A5806 just close to the Mockerkin Tarn lay-by and the end of the ride.
Lovely ride at around 6-7oC, bright and misty, little wind so at just 19miles we thought we had done enough!!
Sunday 11th February Early Season Do Parkside Hotel Cleator. By Dianne Moyes
Another very cold day which can only partly explain the poor turnout for the Early Season Do, a total of 6 for lunch and 2 extra for coffee. Dianne, encouraged to get out by John, left home around 10.30a.m. with hand warmers activated. She rode via Brandlingill and Pardshaw then onto the A5086, checking on a Volvo car in the lay-by at Mockerkin Tarn to confirm that it was Roy’s. She never caught him because he turned off to Kirkland and then turned left at Kirkland School to follow a very narrow and normally quiet road along the north side of the Ehen valley to Wath Brow and then right to the Parkside Hotel. A motorist had stopped to warn Roy that the normally quiet road was being used as a way to avoid the road closure at Parkside Bridge on the A5086. Dianne was also concerned about the bridge closure but a dog walker near Rowrah on the cycle path told her there was a diversion for cyclists. Near Frizington station Dianne met Tracy and Bacca on their blue bikes who had cycled out from Bigrigg after getting on the path near Woodend. They turned round and all 3 dropped gently down to Parkside where they were diverted onto a farm track which joined the main road by the bridge. Work was in progress on the bridge repair.
The big room at the Parkside Hotel was cosy with a fire going so it was good to warm up. We were soon joined by Roy, and Maurice and Steve who had come by car. Later Sue and Paul, back from a month cycling and relaxing in Spain, arrived to have a drink and a chat. Dianne was keen to get home quickly because of the cold so left Roy with an apology, both were heading north to Rowrah on the cycle path. Dianne stuck to the main road after Kelton Head as it was fairly quiet. She got struck by a wintry shower near Lamplugh which Roy must have got caught in too, but it didn’t last long. Bacca and Tracy returned home on the cycle track I am guessing , and the others in their cosy cars. It was good to get out despite the cold and the hand warmers were still warm at 5.00 p.m.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 7th February Pudding Lane Cafe Seascale by Steve Lunt
Unbelievably cold today! Below zero degrees in Braithwaite – only just above zero in Cleator Moor.
Tom, Steve L, Roy and John R met up at John R's place for a serious discussion about the ride today, Dianne having declined by an earlier phone call. It took about ¾ hrs. and plus a drink of tea/coffee before deciding to venture out to see how far we could survive the temperature and the inevitable icy patches on the cycleway especially where water had run off the grass verges and frozen hard.
Pleasingly, though, with no wind and a brilliant sunshine we pressed on and at Beckermet (the usual route) turn off towards the Sellafield complex we were game to carry on so we approached the sandy track from the bridge crossing the river Calder to be stopped in our tracks by a badly damaged and partly washed away path which required a walk with bike for about 70/80 metres then we were “back on track”.
Pudding Lane Cafe was a welcome and warm refuge in Seascale Village for the 30 or 40 minutes over lunch, but having dear old Seascale with the sun on our backs the cold didn't seem so bad for 40C ish! We took the reverse route back as far as the “back door” to Thornhill, then after crossing the river Ehen turned up the long – time closed road at Rothersyke – a bit of a climb, then a downhill into Egremont and onto the cycleway all the way via Moor Row to an unmade track cutting off the cycleway up to the Mirehouse Pond Road and a short sharp rise to Hensingham and along the main A595 road to arrive back at John R's place.
Lovely day out – no wind – but very cold!!!! Total 28miles.
Sunday 4th February Club Run Abbey Town.
Ten members made it to Allonby for a ten o'clock start they were Sue, Dianne, Maggie, Janet, Ivan, Roy, Tom, Steve and the two John's.
First port of call was the Allonby cafe for tea and coffee that was most welcome on a cold morning, although the sun had made an appearance.
A small mechanical issue on Steve's bike delayed the start that was made good by Ivan.
Eventually the group made a move, leaving Allonby for Westnewton into a slight north easterly breeze along a wet and muddy road.
It was then onto Langrigg, Bromfield along more wet and muddy roads before arriving in Blencogo to regroup.
With time in hand it was agreed to turn right at the junction with the main road and head to Waverbridge.
Turning left after crossing the river it was back onto a quieter road to Lessonhall, passing through farm buildings to follow the River Waver.
With ice on the side of the road in places showed how cold it was, as the group made their way into Abbey Town for lunch.
Sat at the table were Maurice, Steve, Tracy and Brian already having lunch, having arrived on four wheels.
Lunch and chat over the four wheel group left first, leaving the two wheel group sorting themselves out.
Although cold but sunny it had been decided to take a longer route back to Allonby rather than the usual route.
Leaving Abbey Town the group turned right at the closed road sign to Seaville, only to join the main road again to Calvo.
Leaving the main road after Calvo it was onto the sea dyke road to Skinburness to find the derelict Skinburness Hotel had been demolished.
Leaving Silloth it was back into the lanes passing Wolsty Hall, again along wet muddy roads to Mawbray to join the main road at Dubmill Point back to Allonby.
Autumn Tints Thursday 1st February Craggs Bothel.
Having cancelled Wednesday usual ride to Thursday because of the weather turned out to be a good decision.
Although still a cold wind, seven made it to the Brewers Fayre for coffee they were Dianne, Maggie, Sue, Roy, Tom and the two John's.
After a long chat and numerous cups of coffee the group made a move, having decided on a route.
Dianne took up the position on the front leading the group into Cockermouth to join the Isel road.
One of the worst road surfaces to cycle on had been newly re-surfaced, but only in patches, only the Highways know why they didn't do the lot.
A brief stop on Isel Bridge where the river was flowing quite fast due to the rain and melting snow.
Leaving the bridge the road to the right was closed (Maurice's preferred route) for road works.
Still following Dianne it was onto the next right, onto a much better road surface past Park Wood.
At the end of this straight bit of road that climbs steadily, Dianne did a u-turn to head back towards Cockermouth, for a French speaking lesson.
The group continued on through Sunderland to join the A591 to the Craggs for lunch, to find Stewart, Maurice and Steve H.
As usual the place filled up, before the group were ready to leave, Maurice and Steve making the first move.
The two wheel group along with Stewart who was in the car made their move, taking the A591 to the Castle Inn with a following wind.
After crossing Ouse Bridge it was into the wind with Sue on the front making one two legs ache.
Just before Embleton Maggie said goodbye taking the A66 back to Trough Bridge, while the rest continued on over Slate Fell.
Approaching Cockermouth it was agreed to join the Green Way back to parked cars at the Brewers Fayre.