Sunday 29th July Wheatsheaf Inn, Lorton by Maurice Cowley
10 members met at The Wheatsheaf, Lorton for lunch. They were Maggie and Stewart, Bacca and Tracy, Steve L, Tom, Roy, Dave Swift, Maurice and Steve H.
Due to the inclement weather only 2 were brave enough to ride there. Steve L and Tom started from the Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth and rode through Cockermouth and up the Lorton road to the Wheatsheaf Inn.
After a very good lunch they all left in the same transport as they came. Tom and Steve L reversed their route to Cockermouth and the Brewers Fayre with the deviation of using the Greenway in Cockermouth.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 25th July Pudding Lane Cafe, Seascale by Steve Lunt
A very low “head count” meet up as four of us: Paul C, Roy, Tom and Steve L, gathered at Summergrove Hotel, Sneakyeat and we noted that Maggie was not with us today (doesn't do rough sandy tracks).
We settled on the usual route out and back so after coffee, tea and talk, we made our way on 2 wheels out towards Moor Row and on to Woodend and on up the sharp little hill and down onto the cycleway to Egremont, through the town and passing Thornhill to reach a right turn to Beckermet. Having passed the White Mare in the village centre – a sharp right turn onto the Sustrans route 72 to pass Beckermet Church, along the narrow cycle path which fringes the lowland wet moss between this old rail route and the main rail track and the sea. Soon Sellafield Main Gate and the main line station were reached and at the station is the start of the exciting and challenging coastline cinder track comprising of some slabs, some cinder, some cleverly meshed rubber mats and a few trench sand holes (windblown sand into the pot holes on the track itself). Eventually Seascale station and village came into view: just opposite the car park was our intended Pudding Lane Cafe and lunch.
After a long lunch time and lots of “crack” – time to return, this time no fancy variations to the normal route which we kept too all the way back, Tom choosing to leave us at Moor Row to visit friends.
Good day out and weather OK.
Sunday 22nd July Ennerdale Brewery Restaurant, Rowrah by Steve Lunt
Today's start point for Roy, Tom and Steve L was Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth, so at 10.00am we set off south west turning left at the exit and soon turned off the main A5086 route and on to Eaglesfield, then on to Deanscales and back onto the A5086 main road and then to Dean taking the Ullock signpost back to the A5086 southwards to Crossgates turning in to Lamplugh. At the Inglenook camp ground we met (coincidentally) Maggie who had cycled from home at Wythop on her own. Steep uphill here to top at Kelton Fell then to Kirkland (Route 71) to find very soon the start of the cycleway which does eventually lead to Whitehaven or Egremont. This end of the cycleway is extremely rough with large graded chippings – great care required, and forcing Maggie to walk her bike a few hundred metres. Down to Rowrah turning onto the main road and passing Edgar Car Showrooms, into Ennerdale Brewery and the Restaurant/Coffee shop and our lunch stop. Long time no see, since the days of Birketts Fencing on this site.
After lunch, a right turn out of the main gate through Arlecdon Village to rejoin the A5086 soon, then in the direction in the direction of Pardshaw, to Pardshaw Hall soon to meet the A5086 road near Eaglesfield. On to Eaglesfield, rejoining the A5086 one last time which took the small group back to Brewers Fayre and the end of a short 24mile ride today. (Steve L test-riding some new Shimano dual action levers with newly taped in cable sleeves and a larger rear sprocket – great!).
Autumn Tints Wednesday 18th July Haweswater by Roy Jackson
On an overcast but warm morning, Maggie, Tom, John R, and Steve L met at Roy's house, and after a cup of tea loaded 5 bike and 5 riders into Roy's car and Maggie's camper van and drove to Askham and parked at the village swimming pool.
The group set off riding in bright sunshine, heading towards towards Haweswater and after half a mile over the River Lowther to Whale, then up the hill past Low Knipe and High Knipe, then a good freewheel down to Brampton Grange, where John R asked at the pub if they did bar meals but the answer was “no”. Then over the River again to climb up to Haweswater Dam and stopping to look at the water level.
A decision was taken to lunch at Haweswater Hotel where Tom had a “Salad Breakfast” ( a large amount of lettuce with black pudding and egg). Lunch was taken in the sunshine on the terrace.
The group then rode to the car park at the end of the road, then parked the bikes and proceeded on foot down to the lake bed, hoping to cross the old bridge but it was still under water. As yet the lake was nowhere as low as it was in 1976.
A very pleasant ride back, taking the left hand fork at Denny Hill via Hetton back to Askham. After a cup of tea and a look at the swimming pool the group returned to Braithwaite on four wheels, where they were greeted by Ruth, who had returned home a day early, thinking it was Thursday!!!!! 20 miles.
Sunday 15th Boot and Shoe Inn, Greystoke by Steve Lunt
Quite a few members away doing other things, but Roy, Tom, Steve L, Bacca and Tracy and Maurice met at the Boot and Shoe for a “good crack”.
The plan was for Roy and Tom to meet up at Roy's place and cycle from Braithwaite. Steve L also met at Roy's but he was sent off by car to Greystoke in order to cycle back westwards to meet Roy and Tom on their way out (Steve L needing a gentler return to cycling having been off the bike for a couple of weeks). We met up down the Wallthwaite route and all three of us pedalled back to Greystoke.
Maurice had also called at Roy's before he parked on the old road across from Braithwaite to ride up Dash Falls to Skiddaw House and then back to his car via Threlkeld, Burns and Keswick, after which he drove to Greystoke to meet up with the rest of the group.
Over lunch Bacca and Tracy told us that they had parked at Bampton and cycled over to Haweswater to see the lake well down along with dozens of inquisitive visitors.
This gave us an idea for a novel outing ASAP for the Autumn Tints before the rain comes!
After lunch – Steve L cycled with Roy and Tom as far as Troutbeck then returned solo to the car in Greystoke (to get some miles in!): the hardy pair, Roy and Tom cycled on to Braithwaite and Home.
Lovely day out and a 24mile return to cycling for Steve L: Long ride for Roy and Tom.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 11th July
With the good weather continuing seven members made up the ride they were Roy, Tom, Ivan, Janet, Sue and the two John's.
Steve Lunt appeared sporting his injuries and seemed in good spirits, but did not join the group on the ride.
About ready to leave Roy's someone spotted a tree surgeon taking down a large tree that created a lot of interest.
Seeing the top the tree disappear the group set of with John R on the front heading for Keswick to meet up with Roy.
On the climb out of Keswick the group split regrouping at High Briary where they joined the old road to Burns.
After descending Burns Brow the group crossed the A66 into Threlkeld, before crossing the A66 again to follow the Vale road to Thirlmere.
Joining the busy A591 at Legburthwaite it was up the hill to the lay-by overlooking the lake, where Tom and Roy enjoyed an ice cream.
It was time for some to take advantage of the stop to munch on whatever they had got, before heading to Bridge End Farm for tea and scones.
Arriving at the farm to find Maurice who had been out on his own gathering tour points, only to find no scones, but you could help yourself to drinks and cake.
Soaking up the sun in this quiet retreat before settling of back down the Vale, where the turned left to Shundraw and back into Keswick.
Saying goodbye Maurice on the way who headed up the road to Goosewell passing the Stone Circle to join A591 to Dale Botton and his parked car.
The rest on reaching Keswick followed John through the back streets to join the Borrowdale road to Grange.
From Grange it was the usual route passed Manesty followed by climb overlooking the lake before passing the Swinside Inn back to Braithwaite.
Sunday 8th July. Club Run The Wellington Inn Great Orton.
Members gathered in the Allonby Cafe having arrived in Allonby by car on an overcast morning with a strong breeze coming of the sea.
The group included Maurice, Sue, Paul, Tom, Roy, Sue, John and John R.
After the usual beverage Maurice made it known it was time to leave, with Sue having booked a table for twelve o'clock.
Leaving Allonby with a following wind and Maurice setting his usual fast pace they made their way towards Westnewton.
Stopping in Westnewton to regroup, gave some time to remove clothing as the sun started to make an appearance.
It was then onto Langrigg and Blencogo before joining the B5302 to Waverbridge, turning left after crossing the river to Lessonhall.
Following quieter roads the group still following Maurice who would disappear down the road each time we regrouped. (Must be something about I want to be alone).
Collecting a tour point passing MartinTarn it was on through Moorhouse following the Eden Valley Hospice route familiar to some, to the Wellington Inn.
Having arrived in good time and the place at their disposal the majority decided to eat outside leaving Maurice and Roy inside, although a table was booked.
After a good lunch and Maurice ready to go the group made a move although enjoying the sun and the outdoor surroundings.
Again Maurice led the way following a route that was new to most collecting tour point at Black Brow following the lanes to Wiggondy and Aikton.
Turning at left at the junction in Aikton led to Drumleaning and back to Lessonhall and then onto Abbeytown.
A brief stop by the Abbeytown before setting of again to follow the lanes to Tarns to join the B5301 for a short distance, turning right to Jericho and Edderside.
Having ridden into the wind most of the way back it got stronger as they approached the coast road at Oldkiln.
Turning left onto the coast road for the final mile back to Allonby for coffee and cake in the cafe before loading the bikes.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 4th July Lazonby.
Members made their way to Greystoke on another glorious morning they were Sue, Paul, Roy, Dianne, Tom, Sue, Maggie and the two John's.John having done a route that included a coffee stop at the Pot Place was agreed by all.
Slightly delayed waiting for Maggie who had a dental appointment, Sue and Paul left first while the rest followed ten minutes behind.
Leaving Greystoke they followed Sustrans route 7 as far as Laithes where they turned down a narrow lane to Catterlen
After crossing the motorway they turned left to follow the West Coast Main Line to the Pot Place to find Sue and Paul and the Eden Valley CTC.
Among the CTC group was an old friend Joe Burrows who joined the Solway on a trip to Brugge in 2012.
After tea coffee and cake it was of again to Lazonby for a picnic lunch, as the sun got warmer so did the terrain as they climbed out of Plumpton.
This was followed by a long descent into Lazonby for lunch by the River Eden, to be joined later by another group from the Eden Valley CTC out on a 60 mile ride.
Eventually the group made a move after losing a few pounds sweltering in the sun it was back into Lazonby taking a left turn towards Little Salkeld.
Climbing out of Lazonby John R realised he had left his sun glasses by the river, who did a u-turn back to the picnic spot where he found his glasses.
With point hunters in the group and passing the road end it was down to Eden Lacy leaving Dianne in the shade.
Having secured the points it was back up the hill to regroup only to find Tom had broken a spoke in his rear wheel that was fixed with a bit of tape.
A few yards after setting of the group turned right to North Dykes to join a road that's quite undulating all the way to Penrith.
Joining the A6 into Penrith the group took a right turn down Thacka Lane following the Sea to Sea route through Newton Rigg College.
Leaving the Collage grounds it was onto Newton Reigny still following the Sea to Sea route back to Greystoke and parked vehicles.
Sunday 1st July Parkside Hotel Cleator.
With the weather continuing to be hot and sunny and the chosen route quite hilly Sue and John decided to use their e-bikes.
Joining them for the ride was Tom who had driven over from Whitehaven also with his electric bike.
First obstacle of the day Whinlatter Pass, but first a couple of laps round the village to get warmed up.
Climbing at a steady pace the trio reached the summit in twenty minutes; this was followed by the fast descent into Lorton to meet up with Dianne.
Dianne having cycled from home was waiting on the bridge over the River Cocker.
All on e-bikes Dianne and Sue took up the position on the front as they made their through Thackthwaite, stopping at Foulsyke to take in the view looking out towards Crummock and the fells beyond.
It was then along the shores of Loweswater before the second obstacle of the day Fangs Brow, stopping at the top to help a lady in distress, her car would not start.
A couple having got lost appeared on the scene, who asked Dianne for directions, they eventually finished up giving the lady in the car a lift to Cockermouth to get help.
Back in the saddle they continued on to Lamplugh deciding to avoid the main road they followed Sustrans route to Kirkland.
At the junction at the top of the hill a bullock was spotted grazing the verge that had obviously got out of a field.
It was decided to try and get it back where it came from, giving Dianne the task of opening the field gate while the rest rounded it up.
Dianne the one, who doesn't like cows close up, didn't realise how close she came to the bullock as it was ushered into the field.
Job done it was back on the bikes, after all the climbing it was mostly all downhill passing through Kirkland to join the cycle track, the first section being covered in loose chipping.
Sue not liking rough tracks fell behind, as Dianne and Tom disappear only to regroup on the Tarmac section that falls steadily to Parkside.
On arrival already having lunch were Maurice, Roy and Dave sat outside soaking up the sun, while the new arrivals decided to eat inside.
Over lunch Dave broke the news over Steve Lunt’s mishap (that's another story and we all wish him well) after a good meal and chat members prepared to leave.
Maurice headed back towards Whitehaven while Dave decided to join the Dianne group as far as Rawrah where he joined the main road back to Whitehaven.
The rest continued along the main road taking a left turn to Ullock to follow the lanes through Dean and Eaglesfield to Paddle School.
Here Dianne and Roy said goodbye while Tom, Sue and John made their way to Lorton and Hope Beck for the final climb of the day.
After brief stop and mode selected (an e-bike term) the trio set of to negotiate the gates before joining the pass, for the final push to the summit.
From here it was all downhill into Braithwaite hoping to get an ice cream on the way down, only to find the ice cream van had gone.
10 members met at The Wheatsheaf, Lorton for lunch. They were Maggie and Stewart, Bacca and Tracy, Steve L, Tom, Roy, Dave Swift, Maurice and Steve H.
Due to the inclement weather only 2 were brave enough to ride there. Steve L and Tom started from the Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth and rode through Cockermouth and up the Lorton road to the Wheatsheaf Inn.
After a very good lunch they all left in the same transport as they came. Tom and Steve L reversed their route to Cockermouth and the Brewers Fayre with the deviation of using the Greenway in Cockermouth.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 25th July Pudding Lane Cafe, Seascale by Steve Lunt
A very low “head count” meet up as four of us: Paul C, Roy, Tom and Steve L, gathered at Summergrove Hotel, Sneakyeat and we noted that Maggie was not with us today (doesn't do rough sandy tracks).
We settled on the usual route out and back so after coffee, tea and talk, we made our way on 2 wheels out towards Moor Row and on to Woodend and on up the sharp little hill and down onto the cycleway to Egremont, through the town and passing Thornhill to reach a right turn to Beckermet. Having passed the White Mare in the village centre – a sharp right turn onto the Sustrans route 72 to pass Beckermet Church, along the narrow cycle path which fringes the lowland wet moss between this old rail route and the main rail track and the sea. Soon Sellafield Main Gate and the main line station were reached and at the station is the start of the exciting and challenging coastline cinder track comprising of some slabs, some cinder, some cleverly meshed rubber mats and a few trench sand holes (windblown sand into the pot holes on the track itself). Eventually Seascale station and village came into view: just opposite the car park was our intended Pudding Lane Cafe and lunch.
After a long lunch time and lots of “crack” – time to return, this time no fancy variations to the normal route which we kept too all the way back, Tom choosing to leave us at Moor Row to visit friends.
Good day out and weather OK.
Sunday 22nd July Ennerdale Brewery Restaurant, Rowrah by Steve Lunt
Today's start point for Roy, Tom and Steve L was Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth, so at 10.00am we set off south west turning left at the exit and soon turned off the main A5086 route and on to Eaglesfield, then on to Deanscales and back onto the A5086 main road and then to Dean taking the Ullock signpost back to the A5086 southwards to Crossgates turning in to Lamplugh. At the Inglenook camp ground we met (coincidentally) Maggie who had cycled from home at Wythop on her own. Steep uphill here to top at Kelton Fell then to Kirkland (Route 71) to find very soon the start of the cycleway which does eventually lead to Whitehaven or Egremont. This end of the cycleway is extremely rough with large graded chippings – great care required, and forcing Maggie to walk her bike a few hundred metres. Down to Rowrah turning onto the main road and passing Edgar Car Showrooms, into Ennerdale Brewery and the Restaurant/Coffee shop and our lunch stop. Long time no see, since the days of Birketts Fencing on this site.
After lunch, a right turn out of the main gate through Arlecdon Village to rejoin the A5086 soon, then in the direction in the direction of Pardshaw, to Pardshaw Hall soon to meet the A5086 road near Eaglesfield. On to Eaglesfield, rejoining the A5086 one last time which took the small group back to Brewers Fayre and the end of a short 24mile ride today. (Steve L test-riding some new Shimano dual action levers with newly taped in cable sleeves and a larger rear sprocket – great!).
Autumn Tints Wednesday 18th July Haweswater by Roy Jackson
On an overcast but warm morning, Maggie, Tom, John R, and Steve L met at Roy's house, and after a cup of tea loaded 5 bike and 5 riders into Roy's car and Maggie's camper van and drove to Askham and parked at the village swimming pool.
The group set off riding in bright sunshine, heading towards towards Haweswater and after half a mile over the River Lowther to Whale, then up the hill past Low Knipe and High Knipe, then a good freewheel down to Brampton Grange, where John R asked at the pub if they did bar meals but the answer was “no”. Then over the River again to climb up to Haweswater Dam and stopping to look at the water level.
A decision was taken to lunch at Haweswater Hotel where Tom had a “Salad Breakfast” ( a large amount of lettuce with black pudding and egg). Lunch was taken in the sunshine on the terrace.
The group then rode to the car park at the end of the road, then parked the bikes and proceeded on foot down to the lake bed, hoping to cross the old bridge but it was still under water. As yet the lake was nowhere as low as it was in 1976.
A very pleasant ride back, taking the left hand fork at Denny Hill via Hetton back to Askham. After a cup of tea and a look at the swimming pool the group returned to Braithwaite on four wheels, where they were greeted by Ruth, who had returned home a day early, thinking it was Thursday!!!!! 20 miles.
Sunday 15th Boot and Shoe Inn, Greystoke by Steve Lunt
Quite a few members away doing other things, but Roy, Tom, Steve L, Bacca and Tracy and Maurice met at the Boot and Shoe for a “good crack”.
The plan was for Roy and Tom to meet up at Roy's place and cycle from Braithwaite. Steve L also met at Roy's but he was sent off by car to Greystoke in order to cycle back westwards to meet Roy and Tom on their way out (Steve L needing a gentler return to cycling having been off the bike for a couple of weeks). We met up down the Wallthwaite route and all three of us pedalled back to Greystoke.
Maurice had also called at Roy's before he parked on the old road across from Braithwaite to ride up Dash Falls to Skiddaw House and then back to his car via Threlkeld, Burns and Keswick, after which he drove to Greystoke to meet up with the rest of the group.
Over lunch Bacca and Tracy told us that they had parked at Bampton and cycled over to Haweswater to see the lake well down along with dozens of inquisitive visitors.
This gave us an idea for a novel outing ASAP for the Autumn Tints before the rain comes!
After lunch – Steve L cycled with Roy and Tom as far as Troutbeck then returned solo to the car in Greystoke (to get some miles in!): the hardy pair, Roy and Tom cycled on to Braithwaite and Home.
Lovely day out and a 24mile return to cycling for Steve L: Long ride for Roy and Tom.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 11th July
With the good weather continuing seven members made up the ride they were Roy, Tom, Ivan, Janet, Sue and the two John's.
Steve Lunt appeared sporting his injuries and seemed in good spirits, but did not join the group on the ride.
About ready to leave Roy's someone spotted a tree surgeon taking down a large tree that created a lot of interest.
Seeing the top the tree disappear the group set of with John R on the front heading for Keswick to meet up with Roy.
On the climb out of Keswick the group split regrouping at High Briary where they joined the old road to Burns.
After descending Burns Brow the group crossed the A66 into Threlkeld, before crossing the A66 again to follow the Vale road to Thirlmere.
Joining the busy A591 at Legburthwaite it was up the hill to the lay-by overlooking the lake, where Tom and Roy enjoyed an ice cream.
It was time for some to take advantage of the stop to munch on whatever they had got, before heading to Bridge End Farm for tea and scones.
Arriving at the farm to find Maurice who had been out on his own gathering tour points, only to find no scones, but you could help yourself to drinks and cake.
Soaking up the sun in this quiet retreat before settling of back down the Vale, where the turned left to Shundraw and back into Keswick.
Saying goodbye Maurice on the way who headed up the road to Goosewell passing the Stone Circle to join A591 to Dale Botton and his parked car.
The rest on reaching Keswick followed John through the back streets to join the Borrowdale road to Grange.
From Grange it was the usual route passed Manesty followed by climb overlooking the lake before passing the Swinside Inn back to Braithwaite.
Sunday 8th July. Club Run The Wellington Inn Great Orton.
Members gathered in the Allonby Cafe having arrived in Allonby by car on an overcast morning with a strong breeze coming of the sea.
The group included Maurice, Sue, Paul, Tom, Roy, Sue, John and John R.
After the usual beverage Maurice made it known it was time to leave, with Sue having booked a table for twelve o'clock.
Leaving Allonby with a following wind and Maurice setting his usual fast pace they made their way towards Westnewton.
Stopping in Westnewton to regroup, gave some time to remove clothing as the sun started to make an appearance.
It was then onto Langrigg and Blencogo before joining the B5302 to Waverbridge, turning left after crossing the river to Lessonhall.
Following quieter roads the group still following Maurice who would disappear down the road each time we regrouped. (Must be something about I want to be alone).
Collecting a tour point passing MartinTarn it was on through Moorhouse following the Eden Valley Hospice route familiar to some, to the Wellington Inn.
Having arrived in good time and the place at their disposal the majority decided to eat outside leaving Maurice and Roy inside, although a table was booked.
After a good lunch and Maurice ready to go the group made a move although enjoying the sun and the outdoor surroundings.
Again Maurice led the way following a route that was new to most collecting tour point at Black Brow following the lanes to Wiggondy and Aikton.
Turning at left at the junction in Aikton led to Drumleaning and back to Lessonhall and then onto Abbeytown.
A brief stop by the Abbeytown before setting of again to follow the lanes to Tarns to join the B5301 for a short distance, turning right to Jericho and Edderside.
Having ridden into the wind most of the way back it got stronger as they approached the coast road at Oldkiln.
Turning left onto the coast road for the final mile back to Allonby for coffee and cake in the cafe before loading the bikes.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 4th July Lazonby.
Members made their way to Greystoke on another glorious morning they were Sue, Paul, Roy, Dianne, Tom, Sue, Maggie and the two John's.John having done a route that included a coffee stop at the Pot Place was agreed by all.
Slightly delayed waiting for Maggie who had a dental appointment, Sue and Paul left first while the rest followed ten minutes behind.
Leaving Greystoke they followed Sustrans route 7 as far as Laithes where they turned down a narrow lane to Catterlen
After crossing the motorway they turned left to follow the West Coast Main Line to the Pot Place to find Sue and Paul and the Eden Valley CTC.
Among the CTC group was an old friend Joe Burrows who joined the Solway on a trip to Brugge in 2012.
After tea coffee and cake it was of again to Lazonby for a picnic lunch, as the sun got warmer so did the terrain as they climbed out of Plumpton.
This was followed by a long descent into Lazonby for lunch by the River Eden, to be joined later by another group from the Eden Valley CTC out on a 60 mile ride.
Eventually the group made a move after losing a few pounds sweltering in the sun it was back into Lazonby taking a left turn towards Little Salkeld.
Climbing out of Lazonby John R realised he had left his sun glasses by the river, who did a u-turn back to the picnic spot where he found his glasses.
With point hunters in the group and passing the road end it was down to Eden Lacy leaving Dianne in the shade.
Having secured the points it was back up the hill to regroup only to find Tom had broken a spoke in his rear wheel that was fixed with a bit of tape.
A few yards after setting of the group turned right to North Dykes to join a road that's quite undulating all the way to Penrith.
Joining the A6 into Penrith the group took a right turn down Thacka Lane following the Sea to Sea route through Newton Rigg College.
Leaving the Collage grounds it was onto Newton Reigny still following the Sea to Sea route back to Greystoke and parked vehicles.
Sunday 1st July Parkside Hotel Cleator.
With the weather continuing to be hot and sunny and the chosen route quite hilly Sue and John decided to use their e-bikes.
Joining them for the ride was Tom who had driven over from Whitehaven also with his electric bike.
First obstacle of the day Whinlatter Pass, but first a couple of laps round the village to get warmed up.
Climbing at a steady pace the trio reached the summit in twenty minutes; this was followed by the fast descent into Lorton to meet up with Dianne.
Dianne having cycled from home was waiting on the bridge over the River Cocker.
All on e-bikes Dianne and Sue took up the position on the front as they made their through Thackthwaite, stopping at Foulsyke to take in the view looking out towards Crummock and the fells beyond.
It was then along the shores of Loweswater before the second obstacle of the day Fangs Brow, stopping at the top to help a lady in distress, her car would not start.
A couple having got lost appeared on the scene, who asked Dianne for directions, they eventually finished up giving the lady in the car a lift to Cockermouth to get help.
Back in the saddle they continued on to Lamplugh deciding to avoid the main road they followed Sustrans route to Kirkland.
At the junction at the top of the hill a bullock was spotted grazing the verge that had obviously got out of a field.
It was decided to try and get it back where it came from, giving Dianne the task of opening the field gate while the rest rounded it up.
Dianne the one, who doesn't like cows close up, didn't realise how close she came to the bullock as it was ushered into the field.
Job done it was back on the bikes, after all the climbing it was mostly all downhill passing through Kirkland to join the cycle track, the first section being covered in loose chipping.
Sue not liking rough tracks fell behind, as Dianne and Tom disappear only to regroup on the Tarmac section that falls steadily to Parkside.
On arrival already having lunch were Maurice, Roy and Dave sat outside soaking up the sun, while the new arrivals decided to eat inside.
Over lunch Dave broke the news over Steve Lunt’s mishap (that's another story and we all wish him well) after a good meal and chat members prepared to leave.
Maurice headed back towards Whitehaven while Dave decided to join the Dianne group as far as Rawrah where he joined the main road back to Whitehaven.
The rest continued along the main road taking a left turn to Ullock to follow the lanes through Dean and Eaglesfield to Paddle School.
Here Dianne and Roy said goodbye while Tom, Sue and John made their way to Lorton and Hope Beck for the final climb of the day.
After brief stop and mode selected (an e-bike term) the trio set of to negotiate the gates before joining the pass, for the final push to the summit.
From here it was all downhill into Braithwaite hoping to get an ice cream on the way down, only to find the ice cream van had gone.