Wednesday 29th January Craggs Bothel
On a damp morning with a cold westerly wind eight members made their way to the Brewers Fayre, they were Dianne, Anita, Stuart, Maurice, Roy and the three wise John's
Over cups of coffee and out of the cold it was the usual friendly chat before Maurice made the first move followed by John Moyes.
Eventually the rest made a move with Dianne on the front they headed into Cockermouth to join the greenway.
It was then onto the Isel road stopping to view an old detached house before stopping again on the bridge overlooking the River Derwent.
Dianne mentioned that Kingfishers had been spotted on the River Cocker, so a brief stop on the bridge came up with no surprises.
Taking the first right the road climbed steadily for one mile, this was followed by an undulating section to the hamlet of Sunderland.
Turning right at the junction the road reared up again before joining A591 for final few metres to the Craggs for lunch.
On arrival sitting at the table was Maurice having been for a three mile walk round Robin Hood, joining the group later were Janet and Ivan back from Tenerife.
Over lunch the predicted rain started to fall, that meant a wet ride back to the Brewers Fayre, while some headed back home.
Leaving the Craggs with the rain having decided it was in for the day, the group made it to Ouse Bridge.
Here they said goodbye to John M who had to make his way back to Braithwaite, while the rest continued back to Cockermouth into the wind and rain.
Sunday 26th January Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater by Maurice Cowley
On a very rainy and miserable morning Maurice, Brian “Bacca” and Tracy, Roy, Dianne, “Big” Tom, Paul and Sue C met for lunch. Due to the weather all had arrived by car. After they had finished their lunch and had a long chat all left for home by car.
Wednesday 22nd Threlkeld Cafe. by Roy Jackson
On a foggy morning, Maurice Tom, John R, John M, Steve L, Stuart Pike, Brian and Roy met at Roy and Ruth's home, Braithwaite. Sue M walked round for a chat. She is doing much better but not yet cycling.
Maurice left by car to go for a ride from Threlkeld. His route took him from Threlkeld, over Burns and down to climb up to Castlerigg Stone Circle and onto the A591 to descend the Nest down to Dale Bottom. Then he climbed the track to St. Johns in the Vale Church to go down the the steep incline to the Vale of St, John to find that the main group was coming up on their way to Thirlmere. After a brief chat Maurice carried on to Threlkeld and the cafe for lunch.
The group cycled via Keswick, up the Penrith Road dismounting to walk through the flood defence works which are still in progress. Turning right onto the Storms Road and right again to Shundraw to join the Vale of St. John, where the group met Maurice returning to Threlkeld for lunch. After stopping on Thirlmere Dam John M, John R, and Tom decided to carry on and ride to the end of the lake in spite of the fog. Stuart, Steve, Brian and Roy returned up the Vale of St, John to the village cafe in Threlkeld to join Maurice who had already finished his lunch. After a chat Maurice returned home by car. The remaining four waited for the trio to return from the lake, and after lunch they returned to Braithwaite.
Sunday 19th January Club Run to Allonby Cafe by Roy Jackson
On a fine but very cold day, Tom, Roy, Maurice, John R, Steve L, Anita and Stuart Pike met at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow for coffee for the club run to Allonby.
Because it was so cold Steve L decided to return home by car and Maurice drove to Allonby in order to ride back to meet up with the main group.
The remaining five crossed the A66 to climb the hill to Great Clifton, then with the temperature getting slightly warmer to Stainburn and Siddick, then through the underpass at Flimby which was flooded causing a few wet feet!! Then onto Maryport Promenade where the group met Maurice. Then it was past Maryport Golf Club and onto the cycle track to Allonby Cafe, where Dianne was already having lunch.
Dianne had rode from home at Cockermouth by the short route through Tallentire and Gilcrux,
Paul and Sue arrived later by car.
After the usual good lunch Anita got a lift with Maurice and everyone else returned the way they came – except for a diversion at Flimby to avoid the flooded underpass. (31 miles)
Wednesday 15th January Croft Cafe Buttermere.
On a cold windy morning J M left Braithwaite at eight thirty heading for the Brewers Fayre to meet up with the group.
All togged up in more skins than an onion he made is way along the A66 to join the A591 with the help of a following wind.
On turning onto the A591 it was straight into the wind, here he made the most of the assistance from his e-bike.
At the Castle Inn he turned left to follow the road to Embleton, turning onto A66 at Lambfoot for the final couple of miles to the Brewers Fayre.
On arrival he found Dianne, John, Sue, Paul, Maggie, Stewart, Anita, Tom, Roy and John R.
After the usual beverage and chat the two wheel group left heading up the road towards Paddle School into that cold wind.
Turning left of the A5086 they continued on through Rodgerscales to Lorton, where they decided on the Hope Beck road that would be more sheltered from the wind.
Back onto the valley road for a short distance, they turned left for the drag up to Lanthwaite Green again into that strong wind that spit the group.
Regrouped for the descent to Rannerdale Maggie dropped her chain unaware to some who continued onto Buttermere.
With Maggie's chain back on those that had stopped made their way along the uninviting Crummock Water usually looking quite tempting in summer.
Finally they arrived at the refurbished cafe to find Maurice and new member Brian from Whitehaven who had cycled out from home.
Joining them were Clive and his wife along with Sue and Paul all arriving by car.
After a good lunch and natter members began to make a move out into the cold, with the hope of a following wind back to the Brewers Fayre. First to make a quick exit up the road was Maggie followed by Dianne with rest strung out, all making contact before the climb out of Rannerdale.
Splitting again on the climb, they regrouped at the cattle grip, saying goodbye to Brian on the descent as he made his way back to Whitehave via Wath Brow.
The rest continued onto Lorton, where John said goodbye taking the shorter option over Whinlatter, while the rest continued to the Brewers Fayre and parked cars.
Sunday 12th January Posting House, Deanscales by Maurice Cowley
On a day which, unusually, this winter had sunshine but it was still cold 8 members met at the Posting House Inn for lunch. They were Maggie and Stewart, Dianne and John, Steve L, Roy, Tom and Maurice. 4 had got there riding bikes but the others drove there.
Roy and “Big” Tom had parked up at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow and their route took them up the cycle path alongside the A595 south until the Lillyhall roundabout and then they took the left turn to Branthwaite and a right to Ullock. Then to cross the A5086 to go through Pardshaw and then back to the A5086 to reach the Posting House to be joined by Dianne as they were putting their bikes away as they had lunch.
Dianne using her E-Bike had ridden from Cockermouth via the A66/A595 roundabout to check how the work on the cycle path surrounding the roundabout was progressing and then rode through the lanes to the Posting House.
Steve L had also used his E-Bike and left his home at Padstow to get to Moor Row and ride up the cycle path to Rowrah and then Asby and after this turned left to ride up the A5086 to the Posting House to join the rest for lunch.
After lunch and a lively chat all started to leave.
Dianne joined Steve L, Tom and Roy as far as the outskirts of Deanscales where she left them, Diane turned back to Cockermouth again through the lanes. Steve L, Tom and Roy rode through Dean, Branthwaite and up to the Lillyhall Roundabout where they split up. Tom and Roy rode down the cycle path alongside the A595 to the Melbreak Hotel and their cars. Steve L rode the opposite way down the A595 cycle path as far as Distington where he then took to the old Distington bypass to reach Whitehaven and through Hensingham to reach his home at Padstow.
Meanwhile:- John M was out on his E-Bike probably using Maurice's philosophy of “I want to be alone”! Or was it that Sue had told him “to get on your bike”?
He started up the Newlands valley to conquer Newland Pass and drop down to Buttermere and up to Langthwaite Green and drop down to ride up the Lorton Valley passing Lorton itself. He then took a right over Hundith Hill and dropped down to Embleton and onto Ouse Bridge and up to Castle Inn. Still keeping on the back roads away from traffic he crossed the A591 to take the back road to Bassenthwaite Village after which he crossed the A591 again to pass Scarness but after that he had to ride up to and on the A591 to take to the road through Applethwaite and then drop down to the Crosthwaite roundabout. He then soon used the cycle path alongside the A66 to get to Braithwaite and home.
Sue still recovering from her fall in Majorca is now able to start training on a upright cycle trainer to start getting back her fitness and give us a thrashing when she comes out with us again. .
Wednesday 8 January Brewers Fayre Cockermouth by Maggie Grant
Maggie and John Murphy rode from their homes to meet John & Di Moyes, Stewart, Steve Lunt, Sue & Paul, Clive, Roy, & Tom for coffee. The weather was cool but calm and sunny. John Murphy rode onto Workington to look at bike stands. Di, Stewart, Clive, Roy, Tom and Maggie chose a circular route – to Paddle School, Brandlingill, Pardshaw, Mockerkin, Ullock, Dean, Deanscales and Eaglesfield (15 miles) - before returning to Brewers Fayre to meet Maurice for lunch. Unfortunately, Clive had a fall on the way up to Pardshaw Hall and hurt his leg. Gallantly Roy came to his rescue by riding back to Brewers Fayre for his carso that Clive could get back home to rest and a warm bath quickly. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
Sunday 5th January The Wheatsheaf Inn, Lorton. By Roy Jackson
On an overcast but dry morning, Tom and Roy set off on their route using E-Bikes over Whinlatter to Lorton. They encountered a strong headwind on the summit and on turning onto the Hope Beck road and they had to overtake hundreds of runners taking part in a half marathon. After climbing over Scale Hill and crossing the River Cocker they turned right onto the Thackthwaite road, away from the runners, they met John Rowell who turned around and joined them. A few minutes later they stopped for a chat with Jonnie who was going the other way in his car after visiting friends.
Arriving at the the Wheatsheaf, Lorton the trio were joined by Dianne, Stewart and Maggie, Ivan and Janet and Bacca all of who had cycled, also Maurice, Dave, Tracy, Anita, Steve, John and Sue M who had arrived on 4 wheels.
After a good lunch, Bacca returned home with Tracy, everyone else the way they arrived. A very good turn out – 16 altogether.
On a damp morning with a cold westerly wind eight members made their way to the Brewers Fayre, they were Dianne, Anita, Stuart, Maurice, Roy and the three wise John's
Over cups of coffee and out of the cold it was the usual friendly chat before Maurice made the first move followed by John Moyes.
Eventually the rest made a move with Dianne on the front they headed into Cockermouth to join the greenway.
It was then onto the Isel road stopping to view an old detached house before stopping again on the bridge overlooking the River Derwent.
Dianne mentioned that Kingfishers had been spotted on the River Cocker, so a brief stop on the bridge came up with no surprises.
Taking the first right the road climbed steadily for one mile, this was followed by an undulating section to the hamlet of Sunderland.
Turning right at the junction the road reared up again before joining A591 for final few metres to the Craggs for lunch.
On arrival sitting at the table was Maurice having been for a three mile walk round Robin Hood, joining the group later were Janet and Ivan back from Tenerife.
Over lunch the predicted rain started to fall, that meant a wet ride back to the Brewers Fayre, while some headed back home.
Leaving the Craggs with the rain having decided it was in for the day, the group made it to Ouse Bridge.
Here they said goodbye to John M who had to make his way back to Braithwaite, while the rest continued back to Cockermouth into the wind and rain.
Sunday 26th January Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater by Maurice Cowley
On a very rainy and miserable morning Maurice, Brian “Bacca” and Tracy, Roy, Dianne, “Big” Tom, Paul and Sue C met for lunch. Due to the weather all had arrived by car. After they had finished their lunch and had a long chat all left for home by car.
Wednesday 22nd Threlkeld Cafe. by Roy Jackson
On a foggy morning, Maurice Tom, John R, John M, Steve L, Stuart Pike, Brian and Roy met at Roy and Ruth's home, Braithwaite. Sue M walked round for a chat. She is doing much better but not yet cycling.
Maurice left by car to go for a ride from Threlkeld. His route took him from Threlkeld, over Burns and down to climb up to Castlerigg Stone Circle and onto the A591 to descend the Nest down to Dale Bottom. Then he climbed the track to St. Johns in the Vale Church to go down the the steep incline to the Vale of St, John to find that the main group was coming up on their way to Thirlmere. After a brief chat Maurice carried on to Threlkeld and the cafe for lunch.
The group cycled via Keswick, up the Penrith Road dismounting to walk through the flood defence works which are still in progress. Turning right onto the Storms Road and right again to Shundraw to join the Vale of St. John, where the group met Maurice returning to Threlkeld for lunch. After stopping on Thirlmere Dam John M, John R, and Tom decided to carry on and ride to the end of the lake in spite of the fog. Stuart, Steve, Brian and Roy returned up the Vale of St, John to the village cafe in Threlkeld to join Maurice who had already finished his lunch. After a chat Maurice returned home by car. The remaining four waited for the trio to return from the lake, and after lunch they returned to Braithwaite.
Sunday 19th January Club Run to Allonby Cafe by Roy Jackson
On a fine but very cold day, Tom, Roy, Maurice, John R, Steve L, Anita and Stuart Pike met at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow for coffee for the club run to Allonby.
Because it was so cold Steve L decided to return home by car and Maurice drove to Allonby in order to ride back to meet up with the main group.
The remaining five crossed the A66 to climb the hill to Great Clifton, then with the temperature getting slightly warmer to Stainburn and Siddick, then through the underpass at Flimby which was flooded causing a few wet feet!! Then onto Maryport Promenade where the group met Maurice. Then it was past Maryport Golf Club and onto the cycle track to Allonby Cafe, where Dianne was already having lunch.
Dianne had rode from home at Cockermouth by the short route through Tallentire and Gilcrux,
Paul and Sue arrived later by car.
After the usual good lunch Anita got a lift with Maurice and everyone else returned the way they came – except for a diversion at Flimby to avoid the flooded underpass. (31 miles)
Wednesday 15th January Croft Cafe Buttermere.
On a cold windy morning J M left Braithwaite at eight thirty heading for the Brewers Fayre to meet up with the group.
All togged up in more skins than an onion he made is way along the A66 to join the A591 with the help of a following wind.
On turning onto the A591 it was straight into the wind, here he made the most of the assistance from his e-bike.
At the Castle Inn he turned left to follow the road to Embleton, turning onto A66 at Lambfoot for the final couple of miles to the Brewers Fayre.
On arrival he found Dianne, John, Sue, Paul, Maggie, Stewart, Anita, Tom, Roy and John R.
After the usual beverage and chat the two wheel group left heading up the road towards Paddle School into that cold wind.
Turning left of the A5086 they continued on through Rodgerscales to Lorton, where they decided on the Hope Beck road that would be more sheltered from the wind.
Back onto the valley road for a short distance, they turned left for the drag up to Lanthwaite Green again into that strong wind that spit the group.
Regrouped for the descent to Rannerdale Maggie dropped her chain unaware to some who continued onto Buttermere.
With Maggie's chain back on those that had stopped made their way along the uninviting Crummock Water usually looking quite tempting in summer.
Finally they arrived at the refurbished cafe to find Maurice and new member Brian from Whitehaven who had cycled out from home.
Joining them were Clive and his wife along with Sue and Paul all arriving by car.
After a good lunch and natter members began to make a move out into the cold, with the hope of a following wind back to the Brewers Fayre. First to make a quick exit up the road was Maggie followed by Dianne with rest strung out, all making contact before the climb out of Rannerdale.
Splitting again on the climb, they regrouped at the cattle grip, saying goodbye to Brian on the descent as he made his way back to Whitehave via Wath Brow.
The rest continued onto Lorton, where John said goodbye taking the shorter option over Whinlatter, while the rest continued to the Brewers Fayre and parked cars.
Sunday 12th January Posting House, Deanscales by Maurice Cowley
On a day which, unusually, this winter had sunshine but it was still cold 8 members met at the Posting House Inn for lunch. They were Maggie and Stewart, Dianne and John, Steve L, Roy, Tom and Maurice. 4 had got there riding bikes but the others drove there.
Roy and “Big” Tom had parked up at the Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow and their route took them up the cycle path alongside the A595 south until the Lillyhall roundabout and then they took the left turn to Branthwaite and a right to Ullock. Then to cross the A5086 to go through Pardshaw and then back to the A5086 to reach the Posting House to be joined by Dianne as they were putting their bikes away as they had lunch.
Dianne using her E-Bike had ridden from Cockermouth via the A66/A595 roundabout to check how the work on the cycle path surrounding the roundabout was progressing and then rode through the lanes to the Posting House.
Steve L had also used his E-Bike and left his home at Padstow to get to Moor Row and ride up the cycle path to Rowrah and then Asby and after this turned left to ride up the A5086 to the Posting House to join the rest for lunch.
After lunch and a lively chat all started to leave.
Dianne joined Steve L, Tom and Roy as far as the outskirts of Deanscales where she left them, Diane turned back to Cockermouth again through the lanes. Steve L, Tom and Roy rode through Dean, Branthwaite and up to the Lillyhall Roundabout where they split up. Tom and Roy rode down the cycle path alongside the A595 to the Melbreak Hotel and their cars. Steve L rode the opposite way down the A595 cycle path as far as Distington where he then took to the old Distington bypass to reach Whitehaven and through Hensingham to reach his home at Padstow.
Meanwhile:- John M was out on his E-Bike probably using Maurice's philosophy of “I want to be alone”! Or was it that Sue had told him “to get on your bike”?
He started up the Newlands valley to conquer Newland Pass and drop down to Buttermere and up to Langthwaite Green and drop down to ride up the Lorton Valley passing Lorton itself. He then took a right over Hundith Hill and dropped down to Embleton and onto Ouse Bridge and up to Castle Inn. Still keeping on the back roads away from traffic he crossed the A591 to take the back road to Bassenthwaite Village after which he crossed the A591 again to pass Scarness but after that he had to ride up to and on the A591 to take to the road through Applethwaite and then drop down to the Crosthwaite roundabout. He then soon used the cycle path alongside the A66 to get to Braithwaite and home.
Sue still recovering from her fall in Majorca is now able to start training on a upright cycle trainer to start getting back her fitness and give us a thrashing when she comes out with us again. .
Wednesday 8 January Brewers Fayre Cockermouth by Maggie Grant
Maggie and John Murphy rode from their homes to meet John & Di Moyes, Stewart, Steve Lunt, Sue & Paul, Clive, Roy, & Tom for coffee. The weather was cool but calm and sunny. John Murphy rode onto Workington to look at bike stands. Di, Stewart, Clive, Roy, Tom and Maggie chose a circular route – to Paddle School, Brandlingill, Pardshaw, Mockerkin, Ullock, Dean, Deanscales and Eaglesfield (15 miles) - before returning to Brewers Fayre to meet Maurice for lunch. Unfortunately, Clive had a fall on the way up to Pardshaw Hall and hurt his leg. Gallantly Roy came to his rescue by riding back to Brewers Fayre for his carso that Clive could get back home to rest and a warm bath quickly. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
Sunday 5th January The Wheatsheaf Inn, Lorton. By Roy Jackson
On an overcast but dry morning, Tom and Roy set off on their route using E-Bikes over Whinlatter to Lorton. They encountered a strong headwind on the summit and on turning onto the Hope Beck road and they had to overtake hundreds of runners taking part in a half marathon. After climbing over Scale Hill and crossing the River Cocker they turned right onto the Thackthwaite road, away from the runners, they met John Rowell who turned around and joined them. A few minutes later they stopped for a chat with Jonnie who was going the other way in his car after visiting friends.
Arriving at the the Wheatsheaf, Lorton the trio were joined by Dianne, Stewart and Maggie, Ivan and Janet and Bacca all of who had cycled, also Maurice, Dave, Tracy, Anita, Steve, John and Sue M who had arrived on 4 wheels.
After a good lunch, Bacca returned home with Tracy, everyone else the way they arrived. A very good turn out – 16 altogether.