Sunday 29th January Post House Deanscales
A much better morning after all the rain the previous day, as the Braithwaite trio set off heading for the A66.
Using the closed carriageway all newly resurfaced and white lined by Smithy Cottage, before passing the rock face being stabilised, by drilling and doweling.
Leaving the A66 onto the old road at Dubwath the trio met up with Dianne who had cycled out to join them, having left home by the greenway to join the Lorton road to Strawberry How.
With Sue and Dianne on the front the group crested Slate Fell for the fast descent into Cockermouth for a brief stop.
Back in the saddle again it was onto Brigham turning left after Broughton Cross to Greysouthen where the group split on the climb.
Regrouping was followed by more climbing to Eaglesfield, where somehow Roy got detached unknown to Sue and John.
Having parked their bikes there was no site of Dianne and Roy, John decided to go and look for them, when Dianne appeared but no Roy. Roy eventually arrived having taken the wrong turn only to finish up on the main road to the Post House.
Steve L, and Maurice parked at the Posting House Inn to start their ride. Still only 2.5C so Maurice switch on his heated gloves in an effort to combat the cold on his hands which was giving him trouble ever since he was proscribed blood thinners.
Leaving the Posting house car park it was on to the Egremont/Cockermouth road for ¼ mile then right onto the back roads passing through Brandling Gill Village and Rogerscale and into Lorton. The climb up to the Hopebeck Gated road was up the Sea to Sea hill and then down the gated road to Hopebeck and back to Lorton to then climb up the 1in4 up Whin Fell (which was very rough and wet on the way down, with some puddles covering all the track). After chickening out on riding up the hill to the Mosser Church (enough hills was enough) it was straight back to The Posting House for lunch.
Stewart and Maggie cycled from home to Brandlingill, via Hundith Hill and
Southwaite Bridge, then on to Mosser Church and back to the Posting
House via the Pardshaw Hall road. They met Maurice and Steve at the
bottom of the Whin Fell Road and they advised them not to go back that way
as there was a lot of gravel on the Lorton side. .
Round the table for lunch were twelve members, Michelle, Peter, Tracy and Brian arriving on four wheels.
After a good lunch and chat it was back out into the cold for the two wheel group, while the more sensible members took to their cars.
Six made their way back to their respective homes going via Eaglesfield saying goodbye to Dianne at Paddle School.
The rest continued on to Southwaite Mill, Hundith Hill to cross the A66 at Lambfoot, saying goodbye to Maggie and Stewart at Embleton.Riding into a cold breeze the trio followed their wheel tracks back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 25th January Aquarium, Maryport by Steve Lunt
Meeting today at the now well used Melbreak Hotel were Stewart and Maggie, Sue and John M, Roy, John R, Steve L, Dianne, Peter Popham, Mo (with 2 dogs).
Lovely sunny day with a deceptively cold southerly wind – unusual !
Our destination was Maryport Aquarium by an unusual route for us via Workington town centre. Taking the cycle way south to Distington to turn right and into Workington (for a Vodaphone shop stop).
Chance to talk to some passers by whilst waiting: in particular an interesting chap on two crutches having suffered 2 broken hips and a broken leg – but what a positive attitude and willingness to keep mobile.
So onwards towards lunch at the Aquarium, passing Siddick Wetlands and Iggusund Paper Board Factory and the usual route to Maryport Aquarium always a welcoming and warm place – log fire burning today.
At this point we met up with Brian and Tracy who had been out riding from Allonby along the cycle way to the Golf Course and back before driving to the Aquarium and also Maurice who had walked the 2 dogs along the Maryport Promenade.
Home was the reverse of our arrival for the first part until the junction on the cycle way just prior to reaching the Derwent River and Workington Town. At this well used junction of the cycle way we turned left northwards which takes us past the rear of the Iggusund Factory all the way to Camerton Village – then down to the footbridge and across the river to the steep uphill to Great Clifton. A brief breather at Great Clifton whilst rallying together: well done to Roy and Maggie both in the latter stages of healing ! Last push from Great Clifton along the A66 old road to The Melbreak Hotel. Lovely ride and sun still shining !! 25miles
Sunday 22nd January. Club run from Cockermouth to Portinscale. By Dianne Moyes
On a very cold morning 8 of us met for refreshments before setting off to Portinscale. They were Dianne, Stewart, John R, Steve, Peter and Anita and also John and Sue who cycled from Braithwaite to arrive in time for a cuppa. Just as we were leaving, Jonny and Pat arrived to say they were going to park at Beck Wythop and cycle from there. Maggie was also planning to ride from home in Wythop Mill along the old A66 and ,in fact ,the three of them met up and cycled to Portinscale together. Dianne led the way through Cockermouth and onto the Embleton road. At the top of the climb Anita was feeling a bit rough and so she and Peter decided to go the shortest way and then changed their minds and retired to The Pheasant for a very nice lunch. The rest of us continued past the Distillery to Ouse Bridge and Castle Inn where we met Roy. He had cycled out to meet us picking up a point at St. Begas church en route. We went through Bass village and the Scarness road before joining the main road into Keswick and then to Portinscale. Already having their lunch at The Chalet were Maggie, Jonny and Pat, Bacca and Tracy just back from their skiing holiday, and Joe and Frances. After a lovely lunch, 9 of us set off back via Braithwaite, dropping off Roy, Sue and John, then on to Beck Wythop, where Jonny and Pat rejoined their car. Just before Embleton Maggie turned off for home so just 4 of us returned to Cockermouth.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 18th January The Gather Cafe, Ennerdale Bridge by Steve Lunt
A new start- point for us today, Anita's house – “Barn End” at Sandwith was the meeting point for John R, Steve L (both cycled from home – quite close), Anita herself, Dianne, Roy and Mo with 2 dogs to walk). Grey day, improving very slightly.
Our route was downhill from Sandwith, (most routes from there are!) to the cycle way, turning south for large cycle way swing passing the St. Bees cutoff and so to Cleator Moor and its bridges. On to Parkside and Rowrah and on this occasion we kept to the track to its very end at Kirkland School. Turning right at Kirkland Village to a great downhill swoop into Ennerdale Village and at the top end of the village is the “Gather” Cafe – a quirky but very smart, new fashionable coffee shop where we stopped for lunch.
At the “Gather” we were joined by Joe and Francis and Pete (from Bolton Low Houses), John Barton who all had arrive by car, and Maurice who had walked to the weir by the Ennerdale Lake and back with the 2 dogs. We all found the “Gather” to be a pleasant experience. Within the shop were displays and sale of craft work and paintings, chutneys and relishes.
The way home for the riders was along the valley road following the River Ehen and at Wath Brow a sharp left turn took along the Dent Fell Road passing Black How Farm (a point on the Tour Competition list) to Egremont. Officially cyclists are signed away from East Road roundabout and down behind East Road Garage to an underpass under the Egremont Bypass on the A595 and out on the Egremont Main Street halfway down. Taking a left turn down to the War Memorial and then a right onto the St. Bees road and eventually St. Bees centre. There Anita, Roy and Di needing to get back to Anita's place at Sandwith took the road from St. Bees through Rottingham via a steep hill (well done Roy!) and so to Sandwith. John R and Steve L took route inland out of St. Bees up the High Close hill climb nearly at the top, close to the A595 where Steve L took the Linethwaite entrance onto the cycle way using it to ride home through Cleator Moor via Cleator for a Bike Shop call, whilst John R chose the A595 to ride to Whitehaven and home.
A great day out!! 30 Miles
Sunday 15th January Waverley Hotel. by Steve Lunt
Today's venue was the Waverley Hotel in the centre of Whitehaven and meeting up today were:- Maurice (who had walked his son's 2 dogs and spent time on his trainer), Steve H, Pete and Michelle, Anita, Dave S, Mavis and John R, Roy, Dianne and Steve L.
Weather now mild and dampish – not bad in the Whitehaven area so John R and Steve L, arrived by bike. Further east the rain caused Dianne, Roy, Pete and Michelle to arrive by car and the rest to arrive on 4 wheels and keep dry. Splendid lunch – always is at the Waverley!
Afterwards everyone departed their separate ways – Mo giving Mavis a ride home (she had walked in earlier – fit lass!) so John R and Steve L finished the ride southwards on the cycle way towards Westlakes having already clocked up 14miles by setting out from the Harbourside Hub northwards to Distington and just past the college at the 2nd roundabout, turned and turned tail and cycled south this time using the quiet section of the old A595 passing the Howgate Hotel and up the Long Mile and down New Road into Whitehaven town centre to the Waverley Hotel.
After leaving the Waverley and traveling partway up the Whitehaven/Rowrah cycle way John left Steve and took a rough access/exit to leave the cycle way to reach the main road at Hensingham near the new traffic lights and so to home.
Steve L carried on up the cycle way with a lovely brief bright sky over the St. Bees valley and left the cycle way at the Cleator Moor Pheonix Bridge (for a quick shop). 21 miles
Autumn Tints Wednesday, 11th January by Dianne Moyes
The forecast was pretty bad, with very strong winds and occasional showers, but still Steve Lunt and John Rowell were prepared to brave it and turned up at the starting point, Dianne's house. Maurice was already there enjoying a cuppa with John and Dianne before walking the dogs. Dianne was keen to ride so with the weather not too bad they set off to Paddle School then to Brandlingill and towards Mosser. Dianne, keen to have a change of route from Pardshaw, chose the Sosgill road, forgetting it was quite high and more exposed. Seeing a shower coming, they sheltered at Sosgill Farm, enjoying the long tailed tits on the bird feeders. Leaving the farm, they were met with another squall which had them sheltering behind a hedge till the worst was over. Horizontal icy rain was quite exhilarating, according to John. Wet and cold the three came into Mockerkin then dropped down to Ullock and arrived at the Royal Yew, Dean which was warm and welcoming. Already there were Bacca, Tracy and Maurice who had come by car. Last to arrive and, unfortunately the odd one out for the two for the price of one meal deal, was Roy. He had sensibly decided against riding in the very strong winds. The sun shone outside while we had a good natter and a very good lunch. Setting off back via Deanscales and Eaglesfield, it was quite pleasant until reaching the top of the quarry hill we could see very dark clouds. The squall hit us on the descent and the gusty wind was the scariest bit. We all got down safely and cycled back along the road from High Brigham to Parkside Avenue where more warm drinks were supplied.
Sunday January 8th, Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow. by Dianne Moyes
Only 7 of us met up for lunch, quite depleted after our pre Christmas numbers. Roy and Maurice, (Little and Large), parked at the Melbreak then went through Great Clifton on the old A66 down into Stainburn, across Curwen Park then onto the cycleway into Workington town centre. There they decided on a cup of tea at Greggs before continuing to Distington then back towards the Melbreak on the cycle path. In order to bag a point they took the road to Stainburn and then came back using the old A66 again. Stewart cycled from home through Cockermouth before detouring through Greysouthen and the lovely lane to Oldfield Mill and the bridge over the Marron, then via Little Clifton and Bridgefoot. Dianne headed out to Paddle School then left to Brandlingill, Pardshaw and Mockerkin before turning north at Ullock, through Dean and the up and down road towards Greysouthen. She joined Stewart's route near the river Marron but must have just been a few minutes behind him. As she got to the Melbreak he was just locking his bike. Tracy and Bacca arrived at the same time in the van. They had been out to Allonby with Tracy riding to Westnewton and back and Bacca having a walk. They are off skiing in a week's time, good news as Bacca has had the all clear to go . John Moyes was the first to arrive after his trip to the driving range. After a good crack, all made their way home on four wheels except Dianne and Stewart who cycled back to Cockermouth together. The weather was grey and mild with very little wind.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 4th January.
The first Wednesday ride of the New Year saw a decent turn out; they were Dianne, Anita, Sue, Roy, Maurice, Ivan, Pete and the two John's.
Joe having parked his car in Maryport cycled to Allonby hopping to join the rest for a hot drink in the cafe, only to find it closed.
With a cool wind coming from a northerly direction Roy and Maurice set off, followed by Dianne heading for Bankmill Garden Centre and that hot drink.
Joe decided to make his way back to Maryport, while the rest minus Ivan, who had got the wrong shoes, set off to meet up with trio at Bankmill.
Approaching Mawbray Anita finding it hard going trying to keep up with Pete, discovered her front tyre was looking rather flat.
Helped by John R, Anita showed her skills at removing the tyre, which was quickly repaired, having picked up a thorn.
Finally the group arrived at Bankmill for that welcome hot drink to meet up with Dianne, Roy and Maurice.
Leaving Bankmill Roy and Maurice decided on a flat route to Silloth, while the rest took a longer route, meeting up with Ivan just after leaving Bankmill.
There route took them through Tarns, Pelutho and Highlaws before arriving in Silloth to find Roy and Maurice in the Fairydust Emporium Tea Room.
A venue not used before, was one to note down for future use, Roy and Maurice left first to take the direct route back to Allonby.
The rest decided on a more challenging route, thought up by John that would take them via Holm St Cuthbert, Jericho, and New Cowper.
Joining the B5301 at Mealrigg was followed by the climb up Hayton Brow to Westnewton, and the remaining miles back to Allonby.
Sunday 1st January Wheatsheaf Lorton
Eight members made it for lunch they were Dianne, Maurice, Tracy, Brian, Janet, Ivan, Sue and John.
After heavy overnight rain that had moved south, member were greeted to a clear morning with a cold northerly wind.
Sue and John eager to get the New Year started on two wheels, cycled out to the lunch venue via Embleton and Cockermouth.
Dianne, Janet and Ivan also rode out, although not together, Janet and Ivan catching up with Sue and John just before the pub.
Janet and Ivan hit the deck has they entered the pub car park, damaging Janet's back wheel.
Round a warm stove in the pub some off the two wheel group managed to get some feeling back in their fingers.
Over lunch all John could talk about was electric bikes, having seen the potential off going up hills.
Eventually after a good meal and chat members made a move for home, Janet having to be taken home by Maurice.
The two wheel group set off heading for Cockermouth with Dianne on the front, unknown that Ivan and John had not set off.
Ivan's chain had jammed in the fall, Dianne and Sue stopped up the road, to be told by Maurice that Ivan was back on his bike.
The four then continued on together saying goodbye to Dianne by Hundith Hill, the trio then made their way to Lambfoot.
After crossing the A66 Ivan turned left to make his way back to Cockermouth,while Sue and John turned right back to Braithwaite.
A much better morning after all the rain the previous day, as the Braithwaite trio set off heading for the A66.
Using the closed carriageway all newly resurfaced and white lined by Smithy Cottage, before passing the rock face being stabilised, by drilling and doweling.
Leaving the A66 onto the old road at Dubwath the trio met up with Dianne who had cycled out to join them, having left home by the greenway to join the Lorton road to Strawberry How.
With Sue and Dianne on the front the group crested Slate Fell for the fast descent into Cockermouth for a brief stop.
Back in the saddle again it was onto Brigham turning left after Broughton Cross to Greysouthen where the group split on the climb.
Regrouping was followed by more climbing to Eaglesfield, where somehow Roy got detached unknown to Sue and John.
Having parked their bikes there was no site of Dianne and Roy, John decided to go and look for them, when Dianne appeared but no Roy. Roy eventually arrived having taken the wrong turn only to finish up on the main road to the Post House.
Steve L, and Maurice parked at the Posting House Inn to start their ride. Still only 2.5C so Maurice switch on his heated gloves in an effort to combat the cold on his hands which was giving him trouble ever since he was proscribed blood thinners.
Leaving the Posting house car park it was on to the Egremont/Cockermouth road for ¼ mile then right onto the back roads passing through Brandling Gill Village and Rogerscale and into Lorton. The climb up to the Hopebeck Gated road was up the Sea to Sea hill and then down the gated road to Hopebeck and back to Lorton to then climb up the 1in4 up Whin Fell (which was very rough and wet on the way down, with some puddles covering all the track). After chickening out on riding up the hill to the Mosser Church (enough hills was enough) it was straight back to The Posting House for lunch.
Stewart and Maggie cycled from home to Brandlingill, via Hundith Hill and
Southwaite Bridge, then on to Mosser Church and back to the Posting
House via the Pardshaw Hall road. They met Maurice and Steve at the
bottom of the Whin Fell Road and they advised them not to go back that way
as there was a lot of gravel on the Lorton side. .
Round the table for lunch were twelve members, Michelle, Peter, Tracy and Brian arriving on four wheels.
After a good lunch and chat it was back out into the cold for the two wheel group, while the more sensible members took to their cars.
Six made their way back to their respective homes going via Eaglesfield saying goodbye to Dianne at Paddle School.
The rest continued on to Southwaite Mill, Hundith Hill to cross the A66 at Lambfoot, saying goodbye to Maggie and Stewart at Embleton.Riding into a cold breeze the trio followed their wheel tracks back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 25th January Aquarium, Maryport by Steve Lunt
Meeting today at the now well used Melbreak Hotel were Stewart and Maggie, Sue and John M, Roy, John R, Steve L, Dianne, Peter Popham, Mo (with 2 dogs).
Lovely sunny day with a deceptively cold southerly wind – unusual !
Our destination was Maryport Aquarium by an unusual route for us via Workington town centre. Taking the cycle way south to Distington to turn right and into Workington (for a Vodaphone shop stop).
Chance to talk to some passers by whilst waiting: in particular an interesting chap on two crutches having suffered 2 broken hips and a broken leg – but what a positive attitude and willingness to keep mobile.
So onwards towards lunch at the Aquarium, passing Siddick Wetlands and Iggusund Paper Board Factory and the usual route to Maryport Aquarium always a welcoming and warm place – log fire burning today.
At this point we met up with Brian and Tracy who had been out riding from Allonby along the cycle way to the Golf Course and back before driving to the Aquarium and also Maurice who had walked the 2 dogs along the Maryport Promenade.
Home was the reverse of our arrival for the first part until the junction on the cycle way just prior to reaching the Derwent River and Workington Town. At this well used junction of the cycle way we turned left northwards which takes us past the rear of the Iggusund Factory all the way to Camerton Village – then down to the footbridge and across the river to the steep uphill to Great Clifton. A brief breather at Great Clifton whilst rallying together: well done to Roy and Maggie both in the latter stages of healing ! Last push from Great Clifton along the A66 old road to The Melbreak Hotel. Lovely ride and sun still shining !! 25miles
Sunday 22nd January. Club run from Cockermouth to Portinscale. By Dianne Moyes
On a very cold morning 8 of us met for refreshments before setting off to Portinscale. They were Dianne, Stewart, John R, Steve, Peter and Anita and also John and Sue who cycled from Braithwaite to arrive in time for a cuppa. Just as we were leaving, Jonny and Pat arrived to say they were going to park at Beck Wythop and cycle from there. Maggie was also planning to ride from home in Wythop Mill along the old A66 and ,in fact ,the three of them met up and cycled to Portinscale together. Dianne led the way through Cockermouth and onto the Embleton road. At the top of the climb Anita was feeling a bit rough and so she and Peter decided to go the shortest way and then changed their minds and retired to The Pheasant for a very nice lunch. The rest of us continued past the Distillery to Ouse Bridge and Castle Inn where we met Roy. He had cycled out to meet us picking up a point at St. Begas church en route. We went through Bass village and the Scarness road before joining the main road into Keswick and then to Portinscale. Already having their lunch at The Chalet were Maggie, Jonny and Pat, Bacca and Tracy just back from their skiing holiday, and Joe and Frances. After a lovely lunch, 9 of us set off back via Braithwaite, dropping off Roy, Sue and John, then on to Beck Wythop, where Jonny and Pat rejoined their car. Just before Embleton Maggie turned off for home so just 4 of us returned to Cockermouth.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 18th January The Gather Cafe, Ennerdale Bridge by Steve Lunt
A new start- point for us today, Anita's house – “Barn End” at Sandwith was the meeting point for John R, Steve L (both cycled from home – quite close), Anita herself, Dianne, Roy and Mo with 2 dogs to walk). Grey day, improving very slightly.
Our route was downhill from Sandwith, (most routes from there are!) to the cycle way, turning south for large cycle way swing passing the St. Bees cutoff and so to Cleator Moor and its bridges. On to Parkside and Rowrah and on this occasion we kept to the track to its very end at Kirkland School. Turning right at Kirkland Village to a great downhill swoop into Ennerdale Village and at the top end of the village is the “Gather” Cafe – a quirky but very smart, new fashionable coffee shop where we stopped for lunch.
At the “Gather” we were joined by Joe and Francis and Pete (from Bolton Low Houses), John Barton who all had arrive by car, and Maurice who had walked to the weir by the Ennerdale Lake and back with the 2 dogs. We all found the “Gather” to be a pleasant experience. Within the shop were displays and sale of craft work and paintings, chutneys and relishes.
The way home for the riders was along the valley road following the River Ehen and at Wath Brow a sharp left turn took along the Dent Fell Road passing Black How Farm (a point on the Tour Competition list) to Egremont. Officially cyclists are signed away from East Road roundabout and down behind East Road Garage to an underpass under the Egremont Bypass on the A595 and out on the Egremont Main Street halfway down. Taking a left turn down to the War Memorial and then a right onto the St. Bees road and eventually St. Bees centre. There Anita, Roy and Di needing to get back to Anita's place at Sandwith took the road from St. Bees through Rottingham via a steep hill (well done Roy!) and so to Sandwith. John R and Steve L took route inland out of St. Bees up the High Close hill climb nearly at the top, close to the A595 where Steve L took the Linethwaite entrance onto the cycle way using it to ride home through Cleator Moor via Cleator for a Bike Shop call, whilst John R chose the A595 to ride to Whitehaven and home.
A great day out!! 30 Miles
Sunday 15th January Waverley Hotel. by Steve Lunt
Today's venue was the Waverley Hotel in the centre of Whitehaven and meeting up today were:- Maurice (who had walked his son's 2 dogs and spent time on his trainer), Steve H, Pete and Michelle, Anita, Dave S, Mavis and John R, Roy, Dianne and Steve L.
Weather now mild and dampish – not bad in the Whitehaven area so John R and Steve L, arrived by bike. Further east the rain caused Dianne, Roy, Pete and Michelle to arrive by car and the rest to arrive on 4 wheels and keep dry. Splendid lunch – always is at the Waverley!
Afterwards everyone departed their separate ways – Mo giving Mavis a ride home (she had walked in earlier – fit lass!) so John R and Steve L finished the ride southwards on the cycle way towards Westlakes having already clocked up 14miles by setting out from the Harbourside Hub northwards to Distington and just past the college at the 2nd roundabout, turned and turned tail and cycled south this time using the quiet section of the old A595 passing the Howgate Hotel and up the Long Mile and down New Road into Whitehaven town centre to the Waverley Hotel.
After leaving the Waverley and traveling partway up the Whitehaven/Rowrah cycle way John left Steve and took a rough access/exit to leave the cycle way to reach the main road at Hensingham near the new traffic lights and so to home.
Steve L carried on up the cycle way with a lovely brief bright sky over the St. Bees valley and left the cycle way at the Cleator Moor Pheonix Bridge (for a quick shop). 21 miles
Autumn Tints Wednesday, 11th January by Dianne Moyes
The forecast was pretty bad, with very strong winds and occasional showers, but still Steve Lunt and John Rowell were prepared to brave it and turned up at the starting point, Dianne's house. Maurice was already there enjoying a cuppa with John and Dianne before walking the dogs. Dianne was keen to ride so with the weather not too bad they set off to Paddle School then to Brandlingill and towards Mosser. Dianne, keen to have a change of route from Pardshaw, chose the Sosgill road, forgetting it was quite high and more exposed. Seeing a shower coming, they sheltered at Sosgill Farm, enjoying the long tailed tits on the bird feeders. Leaving the farm, they were met with another squall which had them sheltering behind a hedge till the worst was over. Horizontal icy rain was quite exhilarating, according to John. Wet and cold the three came into Mockerkin then dropped down to Ullock and arrived at the Royal Yew, Dean which was warm and welcoming. Already there were Bacca, Tracy and Maurice who had come by car. Last to arrive and, unfortunately the odd one out for the two for the price of one meal deal, was Roy. He had sensibly decided against riding in the very strong winds. The sun shone outside while we had a good natter and a very good lunch. Setting off back via Deanscales and Eaglesfield, it was quite pleasant until reaching the top of the quarry hill we could see very dark clouds. The squall hit us on the descent and the gusty wind was the scariest bit. We all got down safely and cycled back along the road from High Brigham to Parkside Avenue where more warm drinks were supplied.
Sunday January 8th, Melbreak Hotel, Chapel Brow. by Dianne Moyes
Only 7 of us met up for lunch, quite depleted after our pre Christmas numbers. Roy and Maurice, (Little and Large), parked at the Melbreak then went through Great Clifton on the old A66 down into Stainburn, across Curwen Park then onto the cycleway into Workington town centre. There they decided on a cup of tea at Greggs before continuing to Distington then back towards the Melbreak on the cycle path. In order to bag a point they took the road to Stainburn and then came back using the old A66 again. Stewart cycled from home through Cockermouth before detouring through Greysouthen and the lovely lane to Oldfield Mill and the bridge over the Marron, then via Little Clifton and Bridgefoot. Dianne headed out to Paddle School then left to Brandlingill, Pardshaw and Mockerkin before turning north at Ullock, through Dean and the up and down road towards Greysouthen. She joined Stewart's route near the river Marron but must have just been a few minutes behind him. As she got to the Melbreak he was just locking his bike. Tracy and Bacca arrived at the same time in the van. They had been out to Allonby with Tracy riding to Westnewton and back and Bacca having a walk. They are off skiing in a week's time, good news as Bacca has had the all clear to go . John Moyes was the first to arrive after his trip to the driving range. After a good crack, all made their way home on four wheels except Dianne and Stewart who cycled back to Cockermouth together. The weather was grey and mild with very little wind.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 4th January.
The first Wednesday ride of the New Year saw a decent turn out; they were Dianne, Anita, Sue, Roy, Maurice, Ivan, Pete and the two John's.
Joe having parked his car in Maryport cycled to Allonby hopping to join the rest for a hot drink in the cafe, only to find it closed.
With a cool wind coming from a northerly direction Roy and Maurice set off, followed by Dianne heading for Bankmill Garden Centre and that hot drink.
Joe decided to make his way back to Maryport, while the rest minus Ivan, who had got the wrong shoes, set off to meet up with trio at Bankmill.
Approaching Mawbray Anita finding it hard going trying to keep up with Pete, discovered her front tyre was looking rather flat.
Helped by John R, Anita showed her skills at removing the tyre, which was quickly repaired, having picked up a thorn.
Finally the group arrived at Bankmill for that welcome hot drink to meet up with Dianne, Roy and Maurice.
Leaving Bankmill Roy and Maurice decided on a flat route to Silloth, while the rest took a longer route, meeting up with Ivan just after leaving Bankmill.
There route took them through Tarns, Pelutho and Highlaws before arriving in Silloth to find Roy and Maurice in the Fairydust Emporium Tea Room.
A venue not used before, was one to note down for future use, Roy and Maurice left first to take the direct route back to Allonby.
The rest decided on a more challenging route, thought up by John that would take them via Holm St Cuthbert, Jericho, and New Cowper.
Joining the B5301 at Mealrigg was followed by the climb up Hayton Brow to Westnewton, and the remaining miles back to Allonby.
Sunday 1st January Wheatsheaf Lorton
Eight members made it for lunch they were Dianne, Maurice, Tracy, Brian, Janet, Ivan, Sue and John.
After heavy overnight rain that had moved south, member were greeted to a clear morning with a cold northerly wind.
Sue and John eager to get the New Year started on two wheels, cycled out to the lunch venue via Embleton and Cockermouth.
Dianne, Janet and Ivan also rode out, although not together, Janet and Ivan catching up with Sue and John just before the pub.
Janet and Ivan hit the deck has they entered the pub car park, damaging Janet's back wheel.
Round a warm stove in the pub some off the two wheel group managed to get some feeling back in their fingers.
Over lunch all John could talk about was electric bikes, having seen the potential off going up hills.
Eventually after a good meal and chat members made a move for home, Janet having to be taken home by Maurice.
The two wheel group set off heading for Cockermouth with Dianne on the front, unknown that Ivan and John had not set off.
Ivan's chain had jammed in the fall, Dianne and Sue stopped up the road, to be told by Maurice that Ivan was back on his bike.
The four then continued on together saying goodbye to Dianne by Hundith Hill, the trio then made their way to Lambfoot.
After crossing the A66 Ivan turned left to make his way back to Cockermouth,while Sue and John turned right back to Braithwaite.