Sunday 27th February Wheatsheaf Inn, Lorton By Steve Lunt
Somewhat different today as nearly everyone arrived at the Wheatsheaf at the lunchtime venue the sensible way – on four wheels due to the ferocious weather : squalls of rain and increasing winds as the morning wore on.
At the Inn our members meeting up were Mo, Dianne, Stewart and Maggie, John and Sue, Joe and Frances, Roy, Michelle and Peter, Bacca and Tracy, Anita and Steve L.
Anita and Steve rode in from Keekle thinking they might get a short weather window before rain settled in – 5 miles later the rain the storm blew in and made it hard work.
At the pub they learnt that Tracy and Bacca had been having a pleasant tootle around High and Low Lorton when a challenge from Tracy saw them riding up Whinlatter Pass as far as the junction for the quiet gated road and down again to the Lorton Valley bottom – well done Bacca – medical recovery seems to be going well! They had clocked up around 10 miles doing this circuit.
Steve L and Anita had clocked up 173/4 - easily enough done in the weather conditions prevailing. Needless to say there was no more biking for Anita and Steve that day – grateful thanks to Mo for transport home with the bikes on the rear of the car – maybe better next week hopefully.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 22nd February Fairy Dust Emporium, Silloth. By Maurice Cowley
Out on a overcast, very breezy day, 11 members met at the Allonby Cafe for the ride to Silloth. They were: John and Sue, Maggie and Stewart, Johnie and Pat, Roy, Steve L, Dianne, Peter P, and Maurice (who was on his bike for a change and not walking the dogs).
After the usual obligatory beverages the group set off northwards with a tail wind along the B5300 Maryport/Silloth road to turn right up the Salta road to Mawbray. The route then took them through Holme St. Cuthbert and on to the Crossroads at Tarns just after passing Tarns Dub and turning right to go north down the B5501 Silloth/Aspatria road to take a right to pass through Pelutho. After passing Foulsyke Farm and Gillbank another left was taken at High Laws to reach the junction at Parkhead and then eastwards to the next left junction to go northwards to reach Causewayhead. (Along this short stretch of road a flock of geese was spotted in V formation which we were informed were most likely Red Footed Geese). The group then made their way along the busy B5302 Silloth/Abbeytown Road for approximately 1 mile to go into Silloth via Skinburness and end up at the Fairy Dust Emporium for lunch.
Some riders thought this cafe was rather quaint being that old female army uniforms were on display and china teapots along with china cups and saucers were being used and indeed the food was very good as well.
After the food consumed and the chatter seemed to quieten it was time to depart. This time it was into a head wind and seemed to be very hard going. The return route took them through Silloth to turn off into the lanes at Blitterlees and to pass through Wolsty and Newtown and Cowgate to get back to Mawbray. (Just before reaching Mawbray some of the riders stopped to watch the spectacle of a “murmeration” of Starlings (or was it that they just wanted a bit of a respite from the wind.) after Mawbray it was a reverse of the outward journey and a sigh of relief on reaching the cars and getting out of the wind.
Sunday 17th February Club Run to Allonby Tea Room by Steve Lunt
Today's run :- start point Melbreak Hotel, Great Clifton, heading northwards towards Allonby Tea Room – for lunch Riders out were Dianne, Roy, Sue and John, Anita, Tom (Anita's Dad's friend) Stewart and Maggie, and Steve L.
Taking the often used route, from Great Clifton along the road to Workington via Curwen Park cycle track and onto Derwent Bridge across river by cycle path northwards towards the Siddick Wetlands area and taking the branch that heads towards the coastal route for Maryport, passing the Iggesund Board Mill and Flimby and so to Maryport Harbour, along the Promenade and on through the Golf Course to the Coast Road cycle path and onto Allonby Village and the Tea Room.
At the tea room were Peter and Michelle, Bacca and Tracy. Peter and Michelle arrive in Allonby by car due to Peter recovering from a heart procedure. Bacca and Tracy had cycled “round the block” at Allonby whilst Bacca recovers from a recent medical upset.
Homeward: - The plan for the Melbreak Hotel headed cyclist was to return via Camerton and so to Great Clifton. However, all good plans can go amiss!
Soon after leaving Allonby Steve L's back tyre had had enough, it showed its age and with a hiss and a clunk the tyre gave into gravity losing all its air fast. Lots of kind help to hand – a new inner tube was fitted. Soon after the restart (200m?) a loud hiss and clunk and now the situation was becoming serious. No more inner tubes in Steve L's kit so a spare tube, 28mm, from Maggie was gratefully received, fitted and inflated. Within 1 minute or so – you can guess what happened – a loud hiss and clunk. So now Steve L needed a rescue by car. This was kindly offered by Anita. Steve L walked a few hundred metres to the Golf Course Clubhouse and shelter along with dead bike and wait for Anita's rescue by car – fit lady! So Steve L's day's cycling ended here at 183/4 miles – rest of gang continuing onto the Melbreak by direct route to collect cars.
Steve L confirmed his new tyres and tubes are already in the pipeline and wishes to thank all for the kind help given.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 15th February.
On a dry morning Maurice, Stewart, Steve, Roy and Johnny met at Sue and John's for the usual ten o'clock start.
After tea and coffee Maurice was first to move to take the dogs for a walk, leaving the rest to decide on a route, hoping to have lunch at the Flock-in.
Leaving Braithwaite the group took the Newlands road heading for Swinside where they turned left towards Cat Bells.
Having negotiating the climb over the cattle grip it was along the flat section overlooking the lake, followed by the fast descent to Grange.
After Crossing the river it was onto the valley road to Stonethwaite to collect a valuable point in the tour comp, already having collected two on the way.
Leaving Stonethwaite the group continued up the valley to Seathwaite, meeting Maurice on the way with the dogs.
A quick chat and the group continued on making a u-turn at the farm to head back to the Flock-in only to find it closed on a Wednesday.
With Maurice waiting the group decided to try the Scarfell which had been newly refurbished with a lovely log fire burning.
Johnny decided rather than stop to make his way home going back via Honister Pass, having already ridden out to Braithwaite over Whinlatter.
Soup seemed to be the order of the day, which was quite tasty, followed by the usual chat.
Leaving the hotel together, Maurice made his way to his car, while the rest wrapped up for the ride back to Braithwaite, after leaving the warmth of the hotel.
It was back down the valley, turning left over Grange Bridge, followed by the climb overlooking the lake again but with a different view.
Just before the drop over the cattle grip the group turned left to Skelgill before descending steadily to Stair.
A left turn at the junction was followed by more climbing to Littletown as the rain began to fall on the descent to Newlands Church for more points.
After brief stop at the church along with a chat with some visitors, before more climbing to Rigg Beck to join the Newlands road.
By now the rain was quite heavy as the group of four made the fast descent back to Braithwaite rather wet on arrival.
Sunday 12th February Early Season Do Parkside, Cleator by Steve Lunt
Today's “do” was at the Parkside Inn, Cleator (alongside the cycle way) and those present for eats were:-
Those who traveled by car:- Michelle and Peter, Sue and Paul C, Bruce and Brenda, Pat, Dave Swift, Bacca and Tracy, Mo and Shirley, and Joe.
Those who came by two wheels:- Stewart and Maggie, Ivan and Janet M, Sue and John M, Johnnie W, Roy, Steve L, Anita, and Bob (from Manchester)
Most of the cyclists left the Melbreak Hotel start point (synchronously) with only Steve L leaving Whitehaven Harbour at 1010hrs.
The gang took the favourable route over the footbridge from Great Clifton and so on to the Seaton Bridge and the Siddick Wetlands and on towards the Derwent cycle bridge passing the new Workington Leisure/Sports Centre. At this point Steve L met them – surprised they had made such good time – all now riding south to Whitehaven. Good to see Bob again (on a mini break for a couple of days.Today's weather very cold with a north east wind, 50C max.
We cycled on without any delays but were surprised that the time was passing fast – didn't arrive at the Parkside until 1230ish.
We took the catering staff by surprise by our sudden arrival – even though Sue always notifies well in advance – but they were extremely friendly and eager to please.
The highlight of today was Anita's birthday celebration which culminated in a luscious chocolate cake, brought by Michelle – lovely!! Longer days now, but when 2:30 came we were urged to make a move to benefit from the light but not the temperature ! It was really cold as we were head-winded northwards.
At the turn point at the college roundabout on the busy A595, Steve L turn south and “flew” home wind assisted feeling some concern for all the other riders having to cope with the wind strength over Winscales Moor – the highest point, but they all survived the remainder of the ride to the Melbreak Hotel.
Cold, but a cheery day out for us all. Looking forward to spring but this winter has been good to ride – had very little ice or rain on the west coast.
Autumn Tints 8th February Horse and Farrier, Threlkeld by Steve Lunt
Today's meet up at John and Sue's place, Braithwaite comprised 11 riders in total, with Mo and 2 dogs for walkies. Riders out and heading for Thirlmere were:- John and Sue M, Janet and Ivan (Morris), Dianne, Roy, Johnny and Pat, Stewart and Maggie, Steve L.
It was very cold on the road from Braithwaite and our route took us through Keswick and uphill on the Penrith bound road until a short diversion to our right onto the cycle path into the Burns Farm Road. Certainly quiet and peaceful away from the noise A66 we had just pulled away from. A right turn southwards took us passed Shundraw Farm site and over towards the St. Johns in the Vale route passing Low Bridge Farm, now looking good after bridge restoration (following floods last year), and onto the hamlet signed The Green close to the end of St. Johns. Here cyclists turn right taking a rough track to cross the A591 Grasmere road, soon to find ourselves on the dam and the quiet road at the backside of the lake via Armboth and Steel End to the end of the lake. Very cold today, no higher than 50C and very heavy skies looking southwards.
Quick reversal of direction at the bottom of the lake (no-one fancied taking on the traffic on the A591 trunk road) for all of us except Johnny wanting more miles and a challenge so he cycled up the new Dunmail cycle path and back down to catch us up on the lakeside road.
We retraced our route northwards – the sky a lot brighter a little sunshine and slightly less cold. Janet feeling cold put her foot down and Steve L followed (phew!). Soon as we reached the upper reaches of the lake, the small cyclist figure of Roy in bright orange caught up with us – a fantastic performance for a man with a new left knee! Up the St. Johns in the Vale but this time onto Threlkeld after passing the quarry road and crossing the A66 road and onto a lonning into Threlkeld Village and to the Horse and Farrier Inn, a regular “watering hole” of ours. Inside the warmth was a great relief (and so was the french onion soup).
Here we met up with Mo who having returned from dog walking was already sat down with food and drink. Usual comment “Where have you lot been, I'm almost ready to leave” was expected and received.
Last stage home: short section of cycle path to cross the A66 again to get onto the quiet Burns Farm road and then down to the slip lane onto the A66 and down via the Chestnut Hill junction into Keswick and the usual route back to Braithwaite.
Challenging day – temperature wise; but at least no snow, ice or rain, but this is winter.
Sunday 5th February Melbreak Hotel
Steve L, cycled from home to Whitehaven to meet up with Maurice at the hub at Whitehaven Marina prior to starting their ride to the Melbreak Hotel at Chaple Brow, near Great Clifton. Maurice had driven to Whitehaven.
The ride took them along the cycle path to Parton and up the hill to Lowca where they joined the cycle path again to Workington. There they stopped for coffee while Maurice warmed his hands and got some kind of feeling back into them. After coffee it was on-wards up the cycle path to Camerton.
While passing Seaton, Maurice noticed a group of 6 or 7 Blackbirds happily scratching for food in the hedgerow. When asking the clubs Ornithologist (Roy) he explain that they were birds from the continent as English Blackbirds were territorial and would have chased incomers away. (very interesting!!)
After Camerton they carried on to cross the River Derwent by the footbridge to climb the steep hill to Great Clifton and then onto The Melbreak Hotel to join the others for lunch.
After lunch Steve L. and Maurice rode up the cycle way alongside the A595 to Distington and then on the Cycle way all the way back to Whitehaven. Parting there Steve L, rode back home to Padstow while Maurice collected his car and drove home to Thornhill.
Another fine morning as Sue, John and Roy left Braithwaite, although feeling cold on the finger ends.
Long may the road works continue on the A66, a cyclist’s paradise traveling from Beck Wythop to Dubwath.
Hoping to get to the Melbreak for twelve, John decided that they continued along the A66 to the west of Cockermouth, to join the old road to Brigham.
Roy having been on the front from leaving Braithwaite lost his way a bit at the Sheep Centre roundabout, to find himself on the back.
Leaving Brigham as the road climbed the trio split up, coming together again at the foot of Chapel Brow, only to break up again to the Melbreak.
Dianne decided to take her Roberts for a ride, having cluttered up the garage for almost twelve months.
Leaving home she took the high road to Brigham, turning left just before Bridgefoot towards Greysouthen.
Just before Greysouthen it was a right turn towards Calva Bridge to follow the road to Little Clifton and climb up Chapel Brow to the Melbreak.
With a table reserved in the back room twelve member made it round the table most for lunch, while some just and coffee.
Roy after a call from Ruth had to change his plans, leaving Sue and John to make their own way back home.
Lunch over Sue, Dianne and John headed back to Cockermouth, leaving Dianne in Cockermouth to take the Lorton road to Strawberry How.It was then across the A66 to Embleton, to cross the A66 again at Dubwath to follow their tracks back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 1st February Craggs Cafe, Bothel by Steve Lunt
It was almost a forgone conclusion that today's ride could be a washout due to the squallish rain en route to our start point, Maggie and Stewart's at Trough Bridge, Wythop Mill.
After much chat and tea/coffee drinking and meeting up with Mo and 2 dogs, then brighter sky's and calm breezes so today's riders – Maggie and Stewart, John and Sue M (having cycled from Braithwaite – fitness freaks), Johnny (from Pardshaw), Roy, Dianne, John R and Steve L set off.
Our route was the usual Isel Bridge way, first having to get onto the old A66 to Bass Lake and up the Setmurthy road to the “T” junction that takes us down to Isel Bridge, with Isel Hall nearby and then a gradual climb up through Sunderland and so to Craggs Cafe at Bothel.
Already at the Craggs and being served were Tracy and Bacca, Joe and Frances with son Martin, Pat and Mo. Fifteen of us – what a turn out !!
After lunch homewards, Johnny decided to take his own route to Cockermouth on his bike, the rest of us on pedals – the downhill route on the Bothel/Keswick road to Castle Inn where John and Sue left us to take the back of Bass Lake road to the Crossthwaite Roundabout at Keswick and then to Braithwaite and home.
The rest of us took the right hand road to Ouse Bridge, Bass Lake, cycling round to the old A66 Embleton Road for a short while then turning sharp left (short road) to the A66 trunk road, very shortly to the entrance to Stewart and Maggies place at Trough Bridge – the end of our ride. A lovely day out – spring like for sure.
lick here to edit.
Somewhat different today as nearly everyone arrived at the Wheatsheaf at the lunchtime venue the sensible way – on four wheels due to the ferocious weather : squalls of rain and increasing winds as the morning wore on.
At the Inn our members meeting up were Mo, Dianne, Stewart and Maggie, John and Sue, Joe and Frances, Roy, Michelle and Peter, Bacca and Tracy, Anita and Steve L.
Anita and Steve rode in from Keekle thinking they might get a short weather window before rain settled in – 5 miles later the rain the storm blew in and made it hard work.
At the pub they learnt that Tracy and Bacca had been having a pleasant tootle around High and Low Lorton when a challenge from Tracy saw them riding up Whinlatter Pass as far as the junction for the quiet gated road and down again to the Lorton Valley bottom – well done Bacca – medical recovery seems to be going well! They had clocked up around 10 miles doing this circuit.
Steve L and Anita had clocked up 173/4 - easily enough done in the weather conditions prevailing. Needless to say there was no more biking for Anita and Steve that day – grateful thanks to Mo for transport home with the bikes on the rear of the car – maybe better next week hopefully.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 22nd February Fairy Dust Emporium, Silloth. By Maurice Cowley
Out on a overcast, very breezy day, 11 members met at the Allonby Cafe for the ride to Silloth. They were: John and Sue, Maggie and Stewart, Johnie and Pat, Roy, Steve L, Dianne, Peter P, and Maurice (who was on his bike for a change and not walking the dogs).
After the usual obligatory beverages the group set off northwards with a tail wind along the B5300 Maryport/Silloth road to turn right up the Salta road to Mawbray. The route then took them through Holme St. Cuthbert and on to the Crossroads at Tarns just after passing Tarns Dub and turning right to go north down the B5501 Silloth/Aspatria road to take a right to pass through Pelutho. After passing Foulsyke Farm and Gillbank another left was taken at High Laws to reach the junction at Parkhead and then eastwards to the next left junction to go northwards to reach Causewayhead. (Along this short stretch of road a flock of geese was spotted in V formation which we were informed were most likely Red Footed Geese). The group then made their way along the busy B5302 Silloth/Abbeytown Road for approximately 1 mile to go into Silloth via Skinburness and end up at the Fairy Dust Emporium for lunch.
Some riders thought this cafe was rather quaint being that old female army uniforms were on display and china teapots along with china cups and saucers were being used and indeed the food was very good as well.
After the food consumed and the chatter seemed to quieten it was time to depart. This time it was into a head wind and seemed to be very hard going. The return route took them through Silloth to turn off into the lanes at Blitterlees and to pass through Wolsty and Newtown and Cowgate to get back to Mawbray. (Just before reaching Mawbray some of the riders stopped to watch the spectacle of a “murmeration” of Starlings (or was it that they just wanted a bit of a respite from the wind.) after Mawbray it was a reverse of the outward journey and a sigh of relief on reaching the cars and getting out of the wind.
Sunday 17th February Club Run to Allonby Tea Room by Steve Lunt
Today's run :- start point Melbreak Hotel, Great Clifton, heading northwards towards Allonby Tea Room – for lunch Riders out were Dianne, Roy, Sue and John, Anita, Tom (Anita's Dad's friend) Stewart and Maggie, and Steve L.
Taking the often used route, from Great Clifton along the road to Workington via Curwen Park cycle track and onto Derwent Bridge across river by cycle path northwards towards the Siddick Wetlands area and taking the branch that heads towards the coastal route for Maryport, passing the Iggesund Board Mill and Flimby and so to Maryport Harbour, along the Promenade and on through the Golf Course to the Coast Road cycle path and onto Allonby Village and the Tea Room.
At the tea room were Peter and Michelle, Bacca and Tracy. Peter and Michelle arrive in Allonby by car due to Peter recovering from a heart procedure. Bacca and Tracy had cycled “round the block” at Allonby whilst Bacca recovers from a recent medical upset.
Homeward: - The plan for the Melbreak Hotel headed cyclist was to return via Camerton and so to Great Clifton. However, all good plans can go amiss!
Soon after leaving Allonby Steve L's back tyre had had enough, it showed its age and with a hiss and a clunk the tyre gave into gravity losing all its air fast. Lots of kind help to hand – a new inner tube was fitted. Soon after the restart (200m?) a loud hiss and clunk and now the situation was becoming serious. No more inner tubes in Steve L's kit so a spare tube, 28mm, from Maggie was gratefully received, fitted and inflated. Within 1 minute or so – you can guess what happened – a loud hiss and clunk. So now Steve L needed a rescue by car. This was kindly offered by Anita. Steve L walked a few hundred metres to the Golf Course Clubhouse and shelter along with dead bike and wait for Anita's rescue by car – fit lady! So Steve L's day's cycling ended here at 183/4 miles – rest of gang continuing onto the Melbreak by direct route to collect cars.
Steve L confirmed his new tyres and tubes are already in the pipeline and wishes to thank all for the kind help given.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 15th February.
On a dry morning Maurice, Stewart, Steve, Roy and Johnny met at Sue and John's for the usual ten o'clock start.
After tea and coffee Maurice was first to move to take the dogs for a walk, leaving the rest to decide on a route, hoping to have lunch at the Flock-in.
Leaving Braithwaite the group took the Newlands road heading for Swinside where they turned left towards Cat Bells.
Having negotiating the climb over the cattle grip it was along the flat section overlooking the lake, followed by the fast descent to Grange.
After Crossing the river it was onto the valley road to Stonethwaite to collect a valuable point in the tour comp, already having collected two on the way.
Leaving Stonethwaite the group continued up the valley to Seathwaite, meeting Maurice on the way with the dogs.
A quick chat and the group continued on making a u-turn at the farm to head back to the Flock-in only to find it closed on a Wednesday.
With Maurice waiting the group decided to try the Scarfell which had been newly refurbished with a lovely log fire burning.
Johnny decided rather than stop to make his way home going back via Honister Pass, having already ridden out to Braithwaite over Whinlatter.
Soup seemed to be the order of the day, which was quite tasty, followed by the usual chat.
Leaving the hotel together, Maurice made his way to his car, while the rest wrapped up for the ride back to Braithwaite, after leaving the warmth of the hotel.
It was back down the valley, turning left over Grange Bridge, followed by the climb overlooking the lake again but with a different view.
Just before the drop over the cattle grip the group turned left to Skelgill before descending steadily to Stair.
A left turn at the junction was followed by more climbing to Littletown as the rain began to fall on the descent to Newlands Church for more points.
After brief stop at the church along with a chat with some visitors, before more climbing to Rigg Beck to join the Newlands road.
By now the rain was quite heavy as the group of four made the fast descent back to Braithwaite rather wet on arrival.
Sunday 12th February Early Season Do Parkside, Cleator by Steve Lunt
Today's “do” was at the Parkside Inn, Cleator (alongside the cycle way) and those present for eats were:-
Those who traveled by car:- Michelle and Peter, Sue and Paul C, Bruce and Brenda, Pat, Dave Swift, Bacca and Tracy, Mo and Shirley, and Joe.
Those who came by two wheels:- Stewart and Maggie, Ivan and Janet M, Sue and John M, Johnnie W, Roy, Steve L, Anita, and Bob (from Manchester)
Most of the cyclists left the Melbreak Hotel start point (synchronously) with only Steve L leaving Whitehaven Harbour at 1010hrs.
The gang took the favourable route over the footbridge from Great Clifton and so on to the Seaton Bridge and the Siddick Wetlands and on towards the Derwent cycle bridge passing the new Workington Leisure/Sports Centre. At this point Steve L met them – surprised they had made such good time – all now riding south to Whitehaven. Good to see Bob again (on a mini break for a couple of days.Today's weather very cold with a north east wind, 50C max.
We cycled on without any delays but were surprised that the time was passing fast – didn't arrive at the Parkside until 1230ish.
We took the catering staff by surprise by our sudden arrival – even though Sue always notifies well in advance – but they were extremely friendly and eager to please.
The highlight of today was Anita's birthday celebration which culminated in a luscious chocolate cake, brought by Michelle – lovely!! Longer days now, but when 2:30 came we were urged to make a move to benefit from the light but not the temperature ! It was really cold as we were head-winded northwards.
At the turn point at the college roundabout on the busy A595, Steve L turn south and “flew” home wind assisted feeling some concern for all the other riders having to cope with the wind strength over Winscales Moor – the highest point, but they all survived the remainder of the ride to the Melbreak Hotel.
Cold, but a cheery day out for us all. Looking forward to spring but this winter has been good to ride – had very little ice or rain on the west coast.
Autumn Tints 8th February Horse and Farrier, Threlkeld by Steve Lunt
Today's meet up at John and Sue's place, Braithwaite comprised 11 riders in total, with Mo and 2 dogs for walkies. Riders out and heading for Thirlmere were:- John and Sue M, Janet and Ivan (Morris), Dianne, Roy, Johnny and Pat, Stewart and Maggie, Steve L.
It was very cold on the road from Braithwaite and our route took us through Keswick and uphill on the Penrith bound road until a short diversion to our right onto the cycle path into the Burns Farm Road. Certainly quiet and peaceful away from the noise A66 we had just pulled away from. A right turn southwards took us passed Shundraw Farm site and over towards the St. Johns in the Vale route passing Low Bridge Farm, now looking good after bridge restoration (following floods last year), and onto the hamlet signed The Green close to the end of St. Johns. Here cyclists turn right taking a rough track to cross the A591 Grasmere road, soon to find ourselves on the dam and the quiet road at the backside of the lake via Armboth and Steel End to the end of the lake. Very cold today, no higher than 50C and very heavy skies looking southwards.
Quick reversal of direction at the bottom of the lake (no-one fancied taking on the traffic on the A591 trunk road) for all of us except Johnny wanting more miles and a challenge so he cycled up the new Dunmail cycle path and back down to catch us up on the lakeside road.
We retraced our route northwards – the sky a lot brighter a little sunshine and slightly less cold. Janet feeling cold put her foot down and Steve L followed (phew!). Soon as we reached the upper reaches of the lake, the small cyclist figure of Roy in bright orange caught up with us – a fantastic performance for a man with a new left knee! Up the St. Johns in the Vale but this time onto Threlkeld after passing the quarry road and crossing the A66 road and onto a lonning into Threlkeld Village and to the Horse and Farrier Inn, a regular “watering hole” of ours. Inside the warmth was a great relief (and so was the french onion soup).
Here we met up with Mo who having returned from dog walking was already sat down with food and drink. Usual comment “Where have you lot been, I'm almost ready to leave” was expected and received.
Last stage home: short section of cycle path to cross the A66 again to get onto the quiet Burns Farm road and then down to the slip lane onto the A66 and down via the Chestnut Hill junction into Keswick and the usual route back to Braithwaite.
Challenging day – temperature wise; but at least no snow, ice or rain, but this is winter.
Sunday 5th February Melbreak Hotel
Steve L, cycled from home to Whitehaven to meet up with Maurice at the hub at Whitehaven Marina prior to starting their ride to the Melbreak Hotel at Chaple Brow, near Great Clifton. Maurice had driven to Whitehaven.
The ride took them along the cycle path to Parton and up the hill to Lowca where they joined the cycle path again to Workington. There they stopped for coffee while Maurice warmed his hands and got some kind of feeling back into them. After coffee it was on-wards up the cycle path to Camerton.
While passing Seaton, Maurice noticed a group of 6 or 7 Blackbirds happily scratching for food in the hedgerow. When asking the clubs Ornithologist (Roy) he explain that they were birds from the continent as English Blackbirds were territorial and would have chased incomers away. (very interesting!!)
After Camerton they carried on to cross the River Derwent by the footbridge to climb the steep hill to Great Clifton and then onto The Melbreak Hotel to join the others for lunch.
After lunch Steve L. and Maurice rode up the cycle way alongside the A595 to Distington and then on the Cycle way all the way back to Whitehaven. Parting there Steve L, rode back home to Padstow while Maurice collected his car and drove home to Thornhill.
Another fine morning as Sue, John and Roy left Braithwaite, although feeling cold on the finger ends.
Long may the road works continue on the A66, a cyclist’s paradise traveling from Beck Wythop to Dubwath.
Hoping to get to the Melbreak for twelve, John decided that they continued along the A66 to the west of Cockermouth, to join the old road to Brigham.
Roy having been on the front from leaving Braithwaite lost his way a bit at the Sheep Centre roundabout, to find himself on the back.
Leaving Brigham as the road climbed the trio split up, coming together again at the foot of Chapel Brow, only to break up again to the Melbreak.
Dianne decided to take her Roberts for a ride, having cluttered up the garage for almost twelve months.
Leaving home she took the high road to Brigham, turning left just before Bridgefoot towards Greysouthen.
Just before Greysouthen it was a right turn towards Calva Bridge to follow the road to Little Clifton and climb up Chapel Brow to the Melbreak.
With a table reserved in the back room twelve member made it round the table most for lunch, while some just and coffee.
Roy after a call from Ruth had to change his plans, leaving Sue and John to make their own way back home.
Lunch over Sue, Dianne and John headed back to Cockermouth, leaving Dianne in Cockermouth to take the Lorton road to Strawberry How.It was then across the A66 to Embleton, to cross the A66 again at Dubwath to follow their tracks back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 1st February Craggs Cafe, Bothel by Steve Lunt
It was almost a forgone conclusion that today's ride could be a washout due to the squallish rain en route to our start point, Maggie and Stewart's at Trough Bridge, Wythop Mill.
After much chat and tea/coffee drinking and meeting up with Mo and 2 dogs, then brighter sky's and calm breezes so today's riders – Maggie and Stewart, John and Sue M (having cycled from Braithwaite – fitness freaks), Johnny (from Pardshaw), Roy, Dianne, John R and Steve L set off.
Our route was the usual Isel Bridge way, first having to get onto the old A66 to Bass Lake and up the Setmurthy road to the “T” junction that takes us down to Isel Bridge, with Isel Hall nearby and then a gradual climb up through Sunderland and so to Craggs Cafe at Bothel.
Already at the Craggs and being served were Tracy and Bacca, Joe and Frances with son Martin, Pat and Mo. Fifteen of us – what a turn out !!
After lunch homewards, Johnny decided to take his own route to Cockermouth on his bike, the rest of us on pedals – the downhill route on the Bothel/Keswick road to Castle Inn where John and Sue left us to take the back of Bass Lake road to the Crossthwaite Roundabout at Keswick and then to Braithwaite and home.
The rest of us took the right hand road to Ouse Bridge, Bass Lake, cycling round to the old A66 Embleton Road for a short while then turning sharp left (short road) to the A66 trunk road, very shortly to the entrance to Stewart and Maggies place at Trough Bridge – the end of our ride. A lovely day out – spring like for sure.
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