Sunday 28th January Post House Deanscales by Steve LuntThe weather this Sunday given as dry but windy and less cold. So with “less cold” on our itinerary Steve L, John R, and Tom B agreed to meet at the Whitehaven Harbour “Hub” at 10am to cycle all the way trip to the Posting House, Deanscales.
With the temperature of the day at 110C feeling rather good and the strong South or South Westerly wind pushing us along towards Lowca and beyond with ease. Passing under the over bridge (on the new A595 by pass) and reaching the part of the cycle route where it divides (left goes west to Workington); our chosen route was right to take us up the ramp to the the large roundabout near the college and so onto Lillyhall to arrive at the roundabout junction to take us to Branthwaite and Dean and after about 2 miles Deanscales and the Posting House and ah! Lunch.
As we settled in Roy, John and Sue M arrived from Braithwaite, their ride aptly described in John M's account.
Sitting down for lunch were Maurice, Steve H, Roy, John and Sue M, John R, Steve L, Tom, and of course Dianne from Cockermouth.After lunch and a good natter, Maurice and Steve H left by car, the “northern” group off in the direction of Cockermouth and eventually Braithwaite. The West Cumbrian “splinter group” elected to use a totally different route home, cycling along the Egremont/Cockermouth road (A5086) – generally not a good idea on most occasions – south as far as Rowrah to use the Rowrah/Whitehaven part of the cycleway to reach home. The wind was not too bad now.
We stopped a while to try to help a veteran cyclist (on 26” wheels) with a puncture in both wheels. We offered help by bringing a car and a track pump. We tried to get inflation with the heftier pump but to no avail. Steve L offer him a lift home to Lamplugh but he declined politely and walked off wheeling his bike – at least there was enough daylight at this point in winter.
By John Murphy
With the forecast for strong westerly winds Sue and John opted for their e-bikes, while Roy as usual was on his all steel bike.
With Sue and John having a big advantage on the hills, they made sure Roy was in the middle.
On reaching the A66 they found the west bound dual carriageway closed to traffic due to sunken manhole covers.
Taking advantage of the closed road they finally arrived at Dubwath to join the old road to Embleton.
Having changed direction it was now into the wind as they made their way over Slate Fell into Cockermouth.
On the old road towards Brigham John picked up a thorn in his front tyre, a bit off surgery with Roy's plies and they were on their way again.
Hoping the tyre would stay inflated the pressed on through Greysouthen to Eaglesfield then onto Deanscales for lunch.
Round the table were Dianne, Maurice, Tom, John R and the two Steve's, after a good lunch and natter it was time to leave.
The Braithwaite trio rode back to Cockermouth with Dianne, only to meet John Moyes in town, adding some steps to his Fitbit.
Saying goodbye to Dianne and John the trio continued on over Slate Fell, only for John to stop with a flat tyre at Dubwath.
Finding a sheltered spot by the Pheasant Inn it was out with the tyre leavers, telling Roy to continue on back home.
Punctured mended it was back onto the A66 and into the wind back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 24th January Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow by Steve Lunt
In the hope that we might just get a ride out this day, despite the doubtful weather forecasts, we all met up at the the Melbreak Hotel for a “starter” cup of coffee.
Altogether, John and Sue M, Dianne, Roy, Tom, Steve L, and Ivan and Janet set off despite the wind but sunny conditions in the direction of Great Clifton Village, then Stainburn and Workington to get to Park End Road, down Guard Street to turn left at the small Harrington roundabout down Harrington Road and then to turn left onto the cycleway to lead us south (into the wind). Eventually, the division of our ways, right to Whitehaven, but left for us northwards via the College Roundabout to Lillyhall and Windscales Moor. As we dropped down over the rim of the moor top we crossed the A595 and took a left along the quiet narrow road and then under the A66 back to Great Clifton to turn right back to Chapel Brow and the Melbreak Hotel for lunch. At 12½ and still sunny weather John M suggested another loop of the same after lunch.
Ivan and Janet had “stuff” to do at home, so left us at this point. The remainder of us set our wheels in the direction of Great Clifton for Loop 2.The only change this time was that instead of tackling the “big” hill at entry to Workington we turned off the main road into Curwen Park (our normal route) and over the Derwent River bridge and then onto the cycleway as earlier in the day. Then it was straight back to the Melbreak Hotel.
Wind now easing and the sun still shining – we certainly chose a good day for the 24miles we clock up. Not bad eh!!
Sunday 21st January Kirkstile Inn Loweswater by Steve Lunt
As agreed in the light of the forecast of grim weather conditions – Tom and Steve phoned each other just after 8 0'clock and true to prediction – the morning was darkly grey and damp – just damp! So we drove off, bikes in cars, and met up at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth; inside was Dianne and John Moyes.
By now the weather had got very grim – very wet and cold – no fun to be had out on bikes! So we had yet another another cup of coffee. Eventually we had to make a move – in cars mind!
We drove to the Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater, where we met up with Bruce and Brenda (long time no see) and their dog. Today no John and Sue due to family get together, and Roy suffering from a cold, and Maurice and Steve H who had an appointment at West Cumberland Hospital for another test (on a Sunday mind you – just shows the pressure they are under). So the six of us enjoyed lunch at the Kirkstile (never disappointed). Eventually we left and went our different ways.
Steve L's bike is suffering from abandonment and needs some TLC. Maybe next time??
Autumn Tints Wednesday 17th January.
Another cold frosty morning welcomed members, as they gathered at the Brewers Fayre, they were Dianne, John, Stewart, Maurice, Tom, Roy, Steve, Sue and John.
As the coffee flowed it was evident that cycling was out off the question, with only three members having brought their bikes.
After a long chat it was decided cycling shoes for walking boots was a better option, with patches of ice about it was agreed to walk into Cockermouth.
Maurice disappeared to take the dogs for a walk, Steve, Roy, Stewart and John Moyes made for home.
The rest headed into Cockermouth on a guided tour, with their tour guide Dianne, taking a quick look in the bike shop on the way.
It was then across the Main Street to negotiate the back streets that were badly flooded, to the banks of the River Derwent and River Cocker.
All the houses in this area had some form of flood defence round there doorways, with a large flood gate as you entered Jennings Brewery.
Following the River Cocker the tour continued up a steep bank to Harris Park, before joining the road again back to the Brewers Fayre.
Having booked lunch before leaving, six members sat round the table for a cheap meal, bye one get one free, before heading for home.
Sunday 14th January Club Run
On a windy wet morning eight members made it to the Melbreak for tea and coffee, they were Dianne, Sue, John, Tom, Maggie, Roy, Steve and John R.
Due to the cafe in Allonby being closed it was decided to do a circular ride back to the Melbreak for lunch.
With the rain continuing the group set off in the direction of Workington to pick up the cycle way to Distington.
After negotiating Workington town centre it was onto the cycle way that looked like it had a cleanup.
It was now into the wind although one was sheltered by the trees, as they made their way to Distington.
From Distington it was along the cycle path back to the Melbreak, to meet up with Maurice and Steve H.
After a good lunch and with the rain still persisting Sue, Tom and the two John decided to do a few extra miles ridding back with Dianne.
On reaching the end of the old road adjacent to the A66, the four said goodbye to Dianne and made their way back to the Melbreak and parked cars.
Sunday 7th January The Wheatsheaf Inn, Lorton by Steve Lunt
Meeting up this Sunday – though not an official club ride – and gathered at the Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth (which is now becoming a frequent habit for the club this particular winter, weather so uncertain) were John R, Anita, Steve L and Tom.
Probably against all intuitive wishes for self preservation and warmth they were cajoled into setting out by Anita. So they were off and soon realised they weren't the only exercise seekers, for as they passed the Hundith Hill junction there was quite a crowd of onlookers watching a road run (a ½ marathon) from near Cockermouth into the Lorton Valley and and back up the road they were cycling down to reach Low Lorton and the Wheatsheaf Inn.
The road run – as a marshal told us – was organised by the Derwent Running Club – in memory of a lady member runners untimely death, leaving a family with children at home.
As they were ½ an hour too early for lunch they decided to to do a couple of miles then turn around and return for lunch but a near skid (back wheel on ice) confirmed that that it would not be sensible to go on further to Crummock or Kirkstile so they turned around – all except Anita who wanted more miles. So they parted and the males chickened out and cycled gingerly back to the pub.
After lunch, before the cold set in, we all left; in the Wheatsheaf they had met up with Joe and Frances, Stewart and Maggie, Dianne and John M, Bacca and Tracy, Dave S, Maurice, and Steve H.
Very Cold and rather “dodgy” mini outing for us – 13 miles at the most.
Footnote:- John and Sue M and Roy tried to reach the venue on bikes but called a safety halt at the Hundith Hill Hotel and took a lunch break there.
Sunday 7th January Wheatsheaf Lorton. by John Murphy
On a cold frosty morning Sue, John and Roy set of from Braithwaite heading through Thornthwaite to join the A66.
It soon become obvious that black ice could be a problem as they joined the A66 with patches of ice along the edge of the carriageway.
Leaving the dual carriage way, it was then onto the slip road by the Peasant Hotel, to find it completely frozen over, until reaching the A66 again at Dubwath.
It was then onto the old road to Embleton to meet up with Maggie at the Wheatsheaf.
Roy seeming oblivious to the conditions, has he led the trio towards the Wheatsheaf, where Maggie was waiting.
The group pressed on to Lambfoot to cross the A66 to Hundith, almost at the top of climb by the old vicarage Roy stopped, the cause black ice our worst fears.
Continuing on in the hope that it would clear was not to be, two runners coming in the opposite described it like running on the spot.
Maggie decided to phone Stewart not to use the road, only for him appear, Maggie taking the sensible route by loading her bike into the car.
The trio continued on walking, having abandoned the lunch stop at Lorton for the Hundith Hill Hotel.
After lunch it was decided the best option was back to Braithwaite via the A66, Leaving Hundith on the Cockermouth to Lorton road, the trio took a track just before the bridge over the A66 which took them onto the A66.
It was then back along the main road as far as the Thornthwaite junction back to Braithwaite and warmer surroundings.
With the temperature of the day at 110C feeling rather good and the strong South or South Westerly wind pushing us along towards Lowca and beyond with ease. Passing under the over bridge (on the new A595 by pass) and reaching the part of the cycle route where it divides (left goes west to Workington); our chosen route was right to take us up the ramp to the the large roundabout near the college and so onto Lillyhall to arrive at the roundabout junction to take us to Branthwaite and Dean and after about 2 miles Deanscales and the Posting House and ah! Lunch.
As we settled in Roy, John and Sue M arrived from Braithwaite, their ride aptly described in John M's account.
Sitting down for lunch were Maurice, Steve H, Roy, John and Sue M, John R, Steve L, Tom, and of course Dianne from Cockermouth.After lunch and a good natter, Maurice and Steve H left by car, the “northern” group off in the direction of Cockermouth and eventually Braithwaite. The West Cumbrian “splinter group” elected to use a totally different route home, cycling along the Egremont/Cockermouth road (A5086) – generally not a good idea on most occasions – south as far as Rowrah to use the Rowrah/Whitehaven part of the cycleway to reach home. The wind was not too bad now.
We stopped a while to try to help a veteran cyclist (on 26” wheels) with a puncture in both wheels. We offered help by bringing a car and a track pump. We tried to get inflation with the heftier pump but to no avail. Steve L offer him a lift home to Lamplugh but he declined politely and walked off wheeling his bike – at least there was enough daylight at this point in winter.
By John Murphy
With the forecast for strong westerly winds Sue and John opted for their e-bikes, while Roy as usual was on his all steel bike.
With Sue and John having a big advantage on the hills, they made sure Roy was in the middle.
On reaching the A66 they found the west bound dual carriageway closed to traffic due to sunken manhole covers.
Taking advantage of the closed road they finally arrived at Dubwath to join the old road to Embleton.
Having changed direction it was now into the wind as they made their way over Slate Fell into Cockermouth.
On the old road towards Brigham John picked up a thorn in his front tyre, a bit off surgery with Roy's plies and they were on their way again.
Hoping the tyre would stay inflated the pressed on through Greysouthen to Eaglesfield then onto Deanscales for lunch.
Round the table were Dianne, Maurice, Tom, John R and the two Steve's, after a good lunch and natter it was time to leave.
The Braithwaite trio rode back to Cockermouth with Dianne, only to meet John Moyes in town, adding some steps to his Fitbit.
Saying goodbye to Dianne and John the trio continued on over Slate Fell, only for John to stop with a flat tyre at Dubwath.
Finding a sheltered spot by the Pheasant Inn it was out with the tyre leavers, telling Roy to continue on back home.
Punctured mended it was back onto the A66 and into the wind back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 24th January Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow by Steve Lunt
In the hope that we might just get a ride out this day, despite the doubtful weather forecasts, we all met up at the the Melbreak Hotel for a “starter” cup of coffee.
Altogether, John and Sue M, Dianne, Roy, Tom, Steve L, and Ivan and Janet set off despite the wind but sunny conditions in the direction of Great Clifton Village, then Stainburn and Workington to get to Park End Road, down Guard Street to turn left at the small Harrington roundabout down Harrington Road and then to turn left onto the cycleway to lead us south (into the wind). Eventually, the division of our ways, right to Whitehaven, but left for us northwards via the College Roundabout to Lillyhall and Windscales Moor. As we dropped down over the rim of the moor top we crossed the A595 and took a left along the quiet narrow road and then under the A66 back to Great Clifton to turn right back to Chapel Brow and the Melbreak Hotel for lunch. At 12½ and still sunny weather John M suggested another loop of the same after lunch.
Ivan and Janet had “stuff” to do at home, so left us at this point. The remainder of us set our wheels in the direction of Great Clifton for Loop 2.The only change this time was that instead of tackling the “big” hill at entry to Workington we turned off the main road into Curwen Park (our normal route) and over the Derwent River bridge and then onto the cycleway as earlier in the day. Then it was straight back to the Melbreak Hotel.
Wind now easing and the sun still shining – we certainly chose a good day for the 24miles we clock up. Not bad eh!!
Sunday 21st January Kirkstile Inn Loweswater by Steve Lunt
As agreed in the light of the forecast of grim weather conditions – Tom and Steve phoned each other just after 8 0'clock and true to prediction – the morning was darkly grey and damp – just damp! So we drove off, bikes in cars, and met up at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth; inside was Dianne and John Moyes.
By now the weather had got very grim – very wet and cold – no fun to be had out on bikes! So we had yet another another cup of coffee. Eventually we had to make a move – in cars mind!
We drove to the Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater, where we met up with Bruce and Brenda (long time no see) and their dog. Today no John and Sue due to family get together, and Roy suffering from a cold, and Maurice and Steve H who had an appointment at West Cumberland Hospital for another test (on a Sunday mind you – just shows the pressure they are under). So the six of us enjoyed lunch at the Kirkstile (never disappointed). Eventually we left and went our different ways.
Steve L's bike is suffering from abandonment and needs some TLC. Maybe next time??
Autumn Tints Wednesday 17th January.
Another cold frosty morning welcomed members, as they gathered at the Brewers Fayre, they were Dianne, John, Stewart, Maurice, Tom, Roy, Steve, Sue and John.
As the coffee flowed it was evident that cycling was out off the question, with only three members having brought their bikes.
After a long chat it was decided cycling shoes for walking boots was a better option, with patches of ice about it was agreed to walk into Cockermouth.
Maurice disappeared to take the dogs for a walk, Steve, Roy, Stewart and John Moyes made for home.
The rest headed into Cockermouth on a guided tour, with their tour guide Dianne, taking a quick look in the bike shop on the way.
It was then across the Main Street to negotiate the back streets that were badly flooded, to the banks of the River Derwent and River Cocker.
All the houses in this area had some form of flood defence round there doorways, with a large flood gate as you entered Jennings Brewery.
Following the River Cocker the tour continued up a steep bank to Harris Park, before joining the road again back to the Brewers Fayre.
Having booked lunch before leaving, six members sat round the table for a cheap meal, bye one get one free, before heading for home.
Sunday 14th January Club Run
On a windy wet morning eight members made it to the Melbreak for tea and coffee, they were Dianne, Sue, John, Tom, Maggie, Roy, Steve and John R.
Due to the cafe in Allonby being closed it was decided to do a circular ride back to the Melbreak for lunch.
With the rain continuing the group set off in the direction of Workington to pick up the cycle way to Distington.
After negotiating Workington town centre it was onto the cycle way that looked like it had a cleanup.
It was now into the wind although one was sheltered by the trees, as they made their way to Distington.
From Distington it was along the cycle path back to the Melbreak, to meet up with Maurice and Steve H.
After a good lunch and with the rain still persisting Sue, Tom and the two John decided to do a few extra miles ridding back with Dianne.
On reaching the end of the old road adjacent to the A66, the four said goodbye to Dianne and made their way back to the Melbreak and parked cars.
Sunday 7th January The Wheatsheaf Inn, Lorton by Steve Lunt
Meeting up this Sunday – though not an official club ride – and gathered at the Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth (which is now becoming a frequent habit for the club this particular winter, weather so uncertain) were John R, Anita, Steve L and Tom.
Probably against all intuitive wishes for self preservation and warmth they were cajoled into setting out by Anita. So they were off and soon realised they weren't the only exercise seekers, for as they passed the Hundith Hill junction there was quite a crowd of onlookers watching a road run (a ½ marathon) from near Cockermouth into the Lorton Valley and and back up the road they were cycling down to reach Low Lorton and the Wheatsheaf Inn.
The road run – as a marshal told us – was organised by the Derwent Running Club – in memory of a lady member runners untimely death, leaving a family with children at home.
As they were ½ an hour too early for lunch they decided to to do a couple of miles then turn around and return for lunch but a near skid (back wheel on ice) confirmed that that it would not be sensible to go on further to Crummock or Kirkstile so they turned around – all except Anita who wanted more miles. So they parted and the males chickened out and cycled gingerly back to the pub.
After lunch, before the cold set in, we all left; in the Wheatsheaf they had met up with Joe and Frances, Stewart and Maggie, Dianne and John M, Bacca and Tracy, Dave S, Maurice, and Steve H.
Very Cold and rather “dodgy” mini outing for us – 13 miles at the most.
Footnote:- John and Sue M and Roy tried to reach the venue on bikes but called a safety halt at the Hundith Hill Hotel and took a lunch break there.
Sunday 7th January Wheatsheaf Lorton. by John Murphy
On a cold frosty morning Sue, John and Roy set of from Braithwaite heading through Thornthwaite to join the A66.
It soon become obvious that black ice could be a problem as they joined the A66 with patches of ice along the edge of the carriageway.
Leaving the dual carriage way, it was then onto the slip road by the Peasant Hotel, to find it completely frozen over, until reaching the A66 again at Dubwath.
It was then onto the old road to Embleton to meet up with Maggie at the Wheatsheaf.
Roy seeming oblivious to the conditions, has he led the trio towards the Wheatsheaf, where Maggie was waiting.
The group pressed on to Lambfoot to cross the A66 to Hundith, almost at the top of climb by the old vicarage Roy stopped, the cause black ice our worst fears.
Continuing on in the hope that it would clear was not to be, two runners coming in the opposite described it like running on the spot.
Maggie decided to phone Stewart not to use the road, only for him appear, Maggie taking the sensible route by loading her bike into the car.
The trio continued on walking, having abandoned the lunch stop at Lorton for the Hundith Hill Hotel.
After lunch it was decided the best option was back to Braithwaite via the A66, Leaving Hundith on the Cockermouth to Lorton road, the trio took a track just before the bridge over the A66 which took them onto the A66.
It was then back along the main road as far as the Thornthwaite junction back to Braithwaite and warmer surroundings.