Sunday 30th July Wheatsheaf Inn, Low Lorton by Steve Lunt
Fantastic turn out!!16 members attended the venue. They were John and Sue M, Maurice and Steve H, Brian and Tracy, Roy, Joe and Frances, Pete and Michelle, Anita, Steve L, Dave Swift, John R, Pete (from Bolton Low Houses).
John and Sue and Roy – rode from Braithwaite (via Bass Lake) to Dubwath, Embleton, Cockermouth, Lorton Road, Rogerscale and Low Lorton and the Wheatsheaf Inn. Homeward their route went via Hundith Hill.
Pete and Michelle – out on their bikes today, did a route from home at Little Clifton – Greysouthen, Eaglesfield, Southwaite, Lorton Valley and on to The Weatsheaf Inn, Low Lorton.
Brian and Tracy – Parked up at Low Lorton and did a circuit of Lorton Valley with a “sideways” look at the Buttermere approach road before returning to the Wheatsheaf Inn at Low Lorton.
Maurice – Did a ride local to home at Thornhill - route taking in St. Bees, Nethertown, Braystones, Beckermet and back to Thornhill before picking up his car to collect Steve H (nice to see him out with us again and coming to join us).
Steve L, Anita, John R and Dave Swift – met up at Steve L's place and cycled from Padstow , onto Cleator Moor and northwards towards Rowrah where they left the cycleway to join the A5086 and so to the Loweswater sign at Lamplugh- up this way, eventually topping Fangs Brow and down to Loweswater and a group decision to take the Scale Hill road and turn into the attractive Thackthwaite road, the usual way. Big effort required to mount Scale Hill but not too long before a long and gradual downwards run into the Lorton Valley bottom and so to the Wheatsheaf Inn at Low Lorton.
Returning home, the group of Steve L, Anita, John R, and Dave S had agreed to look at the Cockermouth Show in Fitz Park only to be confronted with tents and marquees in a state of dis-assembly: they were a day to late! So they cycled on to Cockermouth outlet junction roundabout where they left the busy traffic to take the Brigham old road – Broughton Cross – Chapel Brow – Great Clifton but not before a brief stop at the Melbreak Hotel.
Onwards southerly, the headwind up and over Winscales Moor was unforgiving and very exhausting; on via Lillyhall, Distington, A595 to Howgate, the Longmile, and a most welcome cup of tea at John R's house. Then home for the final 3 rider to Steve L's patch. Mileage by Steve L, John R, Dave S and Anita was 37 miles.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 26th July
Due to bad weather the ride was cancelled, but Maurice, Steve, Sue and John met for coffee and chat at the Melbreak.
Sunday 23rd July Fox and Hounds Inn, Ennerdale by Maurice Cowley
On a cloudy day with very little wind 7 Members met for lunch at the Fox and Hounds Inn, Ennerdale, they were Brian and Tracy, Joe and Frances, Roy, Maurice, Dave Swift. Brian and Tracy, France and Joe Came by car and the others on their bikes.
Maurice rode from home at Thornhill crossed the A595 up Thorny Lane and through Carleton to turn right onto Egremont/Haile road and then down and then a climb up to Haile Village. A right turn was then taken to reach the edge of the village to turn left to reach the Cold Fell road just above the Calder Abbey (on the outskirts of Calderbridge). The long climb to the top of Cold Fell seemed to be easier than the last time he did it this year. (Must be getting used to the uphill grind) His route then passed over the cattle grids at Cold Fell Gate and the another climb up Swarth Fell to the top at Lowther Park, then the descent to Ennerdale bridge to the dinner stop at the Fox and Hounds Inn.
Roy left home at Braithwaite and rode along the A66 to turn left at the Pheasant Inn at Dubwath and climbed up the hill to reach Wythop Mill. After climbing the hill out of Wythop Mill Roy took a left up a track called Green Lonning to reach Highside Farm after which he was again on tarmac and and passed Armaside Farm to reach the Lorton Valley. He then rode to Loweswater to ride up Fangs Brow and then passed Lamplugh to use the main road (A5086) to turn left to take in Kirkland before the long downhill to Ennerdale Bridge and the lunch stop at the Fox and Hounds.
Dave Swift rode from home at Whitehaven through Hensingham and Cleator Moor to the cross Roads at Wath Brow where he took the Ennerdale Road to Ennerdale Bridge and the Fox and Hounds.
After Lunch and a good chat Brian and Tracy, Joe and Frances left for home in their cars.
Roy went home by climbing up to Kirkland and then along the A5086 to turn right to Brandlingill and onto Southwaite, Hundith Hill and Embleton to finish his ride along the A66 to Braithwaite and home,
Maurice and Dave S rode together to Wath Bridge where the left each other for Maurice to to take the Fell Road to Egremont and then up to Thornhill and home. After leaving Maurice Dave S climbed up to Wath Brow and rode down A5086 to Woodend to climb up to the A595 at Bigrigg to ride to Whitehaven and home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 19th July.
Starting from Dianne's were Roy, Sue and John, the four then rode up to Paul's at Eaglesfield to meet up with the rest.
They were Anita, Steve and Ivan, Paul provided tea and coffee in the back garden sheltered from the wind.
About ten thirty the group made a move following a route done by Paul, heading towards Paddle School.
Crossing the busy A5086 it was then onto Low Lorton stopping on the bridge over the River Cocker before carrying on to Armaside.
Avoiding the gravel and potholes the group finally reached the road at Hundith Hill were they turned right to Wythop Mill.
Leaving Wythop Mill it was along the ridge below Sale Fell to Dubwath to join the old road over Slate Fell to Cockermouth.
Following the Greenway the group then made their way through the back streets before crossing the A66 to Brigham.
Running behind schedule Paul decided to shorten the route by going up the quarry road out of Brigham to Eaglesfield.
It was then on through Deanscales to the Royal Yew at Dean for lunch to find Bruce and Brenda.
After a good lunch (still buy one get one free) the group left with black clouds threatening, a last minute decision the group split.
One half going back to Pauls while the other half decided to go to Calva Bridge (no points for guessing why).
Ride and walk for some down the gravel strewn track to the bridge before hitting the Tarmac again to Greysouthen.
In Greysouthen Anita and Steve headed back to Paul's while Sue, John and Roy made their way back to Dianne's via Brigham.
Sunday 16th July Club Run Allonby to Kings Arms, Bowness on Solway by Steve Lunt
A great turnout on what turned out to be a splendid day out of wall to wall sunshine! Those who turned up to ride were:- John and Sue M, John Rowell, Roy, Janet and Ivan, Paul and Sue C, Steve L.
Took the road to West Newton road to a junction we know well as “sandpit”, turned into it in “Roman” style (very straight) took them right into Abbeytown. Still following the same compass direction via Raby and Moss Side they soon passed through Newton Arlosh to a cross roads where they took the northwards route to Kirkbride and it's airfield and so to Whitrigg bridge to go over the River Wampool. Decision time then, to make it a worthwhile ride left via Anthorn and it's forest of transmitter masts. There Steve L's bike computer (being non hard wired) went to sleep and stubbornly refused to register anything for about 10miles. Next village was Cardurnock and rounding onto the Solway Coast we soon arrived at our lunch venue, The Kings Arms, Bowness on Solway.
There we met up with Michelle and Peter and also Brian and Tracy, the latter having parked their van at the Whitrigg Bridge and ridden around in a large local loop.
After lunch our route back to Allonby was the road south from the back of the Kings Arms directly to Whitrigg Bridge and turned right to reach Newton Arlosh and so eventually to Abbeytown.
There we decided to “stop and look” - so we took a breather and looked into the Abbey itself with it's superb internal renovation after such a devastating fire and damage a few years ago. They now have a wonderful larch/oak wooden roof.
From Abbeytown the route passed near to Tarns Dub and so to Mawbray where a left at the Lowther Arms took them to Salta and to the coast road with just a hop back to Allonby – the end of the ride at 46miles.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 12th July Mae's Cafe Uldale.
On warm sunny morning nine members met at the Brewers Fayre, they were Sue, John, Paul, Roy, Peter, Janet, Ivan, Anita and John R.
After coffee in the bar the group set off for the greenway out of Cockermouth to join the road over Slate Fell to Ouse Bridge.
Having been pre warned by Janet the bridge was closed, the group took the chance to find on arrival it was completely blocked.
The only option was Isel Bridge, so it was about turn to Isel taking the first right after crossing the bridge.
Not the best of road surfaces as road climbs steadily, following Sustrans route 10
that becomes undulating towards Bewaldeth.
Crossing the A591 the road climbs again with a steep section just before Fell End farm eventually joining the road to Ireby.
Regrouping at the junction Paul decided to go straight to Uldale while the rest made their way to High Ireby.
Tour point collected was followed by the descent into Ireby and the gradual drag to Uldale for lunch, to meet up with Paul again.
With sun out the group opted for lunch outside with views from an elevated seated area towards Little Cockup and Great Cockup.
The route back had to take a different view with Ouse Bridge being closed, it was eventually agreed to take a longer route back.
Paul decided to head back via Isel Bridge, leaving the rest heading towards Ireby where they turned left up a narrow road to Torpenhow.
It was then onto Bothel following the lanes to Gilcrux turning left at Greengill to Tallentire.
Regrouping the group then continued on to Cockermouth to Janet and Ivan's for tea, coffee, cake and biscuits.
With the sun at its warmest the group sat out in there well stocked vegetable garden.
Sunday 9th July Parkside Hotel Cleator.
Starting from the Melbreak were Sue, John, Ivan, Janet and Roy all arriving on four wheels.
With a strong wind blowing from the Winscales direction it was decided to go via Workington and join the cycle track.
Only one obstacle Steve Lunt was riding out meet us, a number of calls to his mobile and land line got no response.
Eventually after a brief discussion on whether to go via Lillyhall or Workington, the later was decided.
Crossing the roundabout onto the old road to Stainburn to find it had been newly chipped all the way to Curwen Park.
What a disgrace obvious the work of contractors, having to take great care where in places the chipping's were in large heaps.
Arriving at Curwen Park in one piece, it was then onto the cycle way into Workington for a brief stop to answer a phone call from Steve.
After an exchange of words, Steve having got as far as Lillyhall would turn round and meet the group at Distington.
Steve deciding to carry on met up with the group at Harrington, now six strong it was on through Whitehaven still following the cycle way to Parkside.
Finding on arrival round table were Maurice, Shirley, Joe, Steve H, later to be joined by Tracy and Brian having cycled round Bass Lake.
Lunch and chat over the Melbreak group with a following wind headed up the cycle way to Rowrah to join the main road to Ullock.
A brief stop in Ullock to decide which way to go, it was ether Dean or Branthwaite, Branthwaite seemed the quickest way back.
Branthwaite it was, not giving a thought to all the climbing before reaching Lillyhall, where the group said goodbye to Steve.
It was now all downhill to parked cars at the Melbreak on what had been a warm dry day with a strong westerly wind.
Sunday 9th July Maurice ride
On an overcast day but warm and the forecast said the sun was going to appear, Maurice started from home at Thornhill again in shorts and ready to strip off his long sleeved top when the sun appears.
His route took him through Beckermet , Braystones, Nethertown, St. Bees, and then the climb over to Rottington and Sandwith before arriving up on Kells ( a suburb of Whitehaven) to drop down on the track behind the Beacon Museum and then along the Marina to enter the town and reach Steve H's abode for coffee. After that welcome break Maurice rode up the Cycleway to the Parkside Hotel to have lunch with the rest of the riders.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 5th July The Fairy Dust Emporium Silloth By Steve Lunt - Maurice Cowley
Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding of time/place Steve L left Workington railway station to ride solo as fast as possible (due to 35min late start) north up the coastal route via Flimby, Maryport, Allonby, Blitterlees and so into Silloth town centre. Dave S caught up to Steve L just short of Silloth – but he had driven to Maryport to make it!
Earlier Maurice had parked on the Maryport Promenade car park to start his ride. His route took along the Prom, then along the cycleway way to Allonby (where he stopped for coffee in Allonby Cafe) and then left through Edderside to turn right to New Cowper and then a left and a right finally to pass through Abbeytown. Partway through Abbeytown Maurice turned off to visit Seaville before the last stretch through Calvo and onto Silloth and the Fairy Dust Emporium for lunch.
Plenty of riders/members arrived at the Fairy Dust Emporium, just about simultaneously – most of them starting from Di's place at Cockermouth after the usual tea and biscuits. Those there were Maurice (ahead of them all), Ivan and Janet, John Rowell, Dianne, John and Sue M, Steve Lunt, Dave S, and Roy. Joining us as we sat down was Bob Mclean of Border City Wheelers in earlier years.
Maurice left first as he had to get back to visit Steve prior to going out. His route was main road to Blitterlees then into the lanes via Wolsty, Newtown, Cowgate, Mawbray, Salta, Allonby and to Maryport prom using the Maryport/Allonby Cyclepath to reach the car transport for home.
Returning home, at Blitterlees junction, Dave S decided to do the straight run along the coastal main road to reach his car at Maryport Cemetery; the rest took a more inland route – the Pelutho road and at a crossroads the major group veered off into the lanes. Steve L (solo again) took the Tarns Dub road via Holme St. Cuthbert and so to Mawbray and the coastal road through Allonby, Maryport to Workington Station.
After a bleak strong breeze in the morning what a super change to get back to to Workington with its lovely new car park layout and station frontage in the sunny warmth.The rest having left Steve at the crossroads above Tarns carried on to West Newton following the B5301 into Aspatria.
Crossing the A596 the group made their way to Arkleby where they turned right by Ellenbank Hall to Gilcrux.Turning left at Greengill was followed by the drag up to Tallentire and onto Bridekirk and parked cars at Dianne's.
Sunday 2nd July Post House Inn, Deanscales By Steve Lunt and Maurice Cowley
Riders coming to the Post House Inn from different directions. So Dave S and Steve L started from the “far west” Padstow and cycled as far as Rowrah on the Cycleway then transferred to the Egremont/ Cockermouth road for the remainder of the distance.
Maurice had started off earlier, riding from home at Thornhill and then took to the Cycleway up to Kirkland school and then along the Egremont/Cockermouth road for a short distance to turn off up towards Loweswater and then to turn left at the top of Fangs Brow to climb over to Mockerkin Village. At the cross roads in the centre of the village he took the Sossgill road to emerge at Mosser Mains and then road up to cross the the Egremont/Cockermouth road to finally reach The Post House.
Members meeting in the Post House were Stewart and Maggie, Sue and John M, Dianne, Roy, Steve L, Dave S, and Maurice, also Joe and Frances along with Grandson Matthew (by car).
Returning home – all as a group left but split up at the first junction, the “Braithwaite bunch” turned off northwards, whereas Steve L, Dave S, and Maurice headed to Dean (by big uphill) to Branthwaite and further west to Lillyhall then turning south to Whitehaven enabling Steve L and Maurice to visit Steve H. Leaving Steve H's it was home using the cycleway with Steve L to Cleator Moor and Maurice to Egremont and then Thornhill.
Roy, Sue and John left Braithwaite at ten o'clock along the old A66 through Thornthwaite, becoming badly potholed with excessive traffic avoiding the traffic lights on the A66.
It was then onto the A66 as far as Dubwath to join the old road to Cockermouth, then onto Brigham, turning left just before Bridgefoot to Greysouthen.
Leaving Greysouthen was followed by the climb to Eaglesfield and the narrow lanes to Deanscales for lunch.
Having left the Whitehaven group Dianne, Sue, Maggie, Roy, Stewart and John headed for Eaglesfield, Southwaite Mill saying goodbye to Dianne at Hundith crossroads.
The five then pressed onto Embleton where Maggie and Stewart said goodbye leaving the trio to carry on to Braithwaite.
Fantastic turn out!!16 members attended the venue. They were John and Sue M, Maurice and Steve H, Brian and Tracy, Roy, Joe and Frances, Pete and Michelle, Anita, Steve L, Dave Swift, John R, Pete (from Bolton Low Houses).
John and Sue and Roy – rode from Braithwaite (via Bass Lake) to Dubwath, Embleton, Cockermouth, Lorton Road, Rogerscale and Low Lorton and the Wheatsheaf Inn. Homeward their route went via Hundith Hill.
Pete and Michelle – out on their bikes today, did a route from home at Little Clifton – Greysouthen, Eaglesfield, Southwaite, Lorton Valley and on to The Weatsheaf Inn, Low Lorton.
Brian and Tracy – Parked up at Low Lorton and did a circuit of Lorton Valley with a “sideways” look at the Buttermere approach road before returning to the Wheatsheaf Inn at Low Lorton.
Maurice – Did a ride local to home at Thornhill - route taking in St. Bees, Nethertown, Braystones, Beckermet and back to Thornhill before picking up his car to collect Steve H (nice to see him out with us again and coming to join us).
Steve L, Anita, John R and Dave Swift – met up at Steve L's place and cycled from Padstow , onto Cleator Moor and northwards towards Rowrah where they left the cycleway to join the A5086 and so to the Loweswater sign at Lamplugh- up this way, eventually topping Fangs Brow and down to Loweswater and a group decision to take the Scale Hill road and turn into the attractive Thackthwaite road, the usual way. Big effort required to mount Scale Hill but not too long before a long and gradual downwards run into the Lorton Valley bottom and so to the Wheatsheaf Inn at Low Lorton.
Returning home, the group of Steve L, Anita, John R, and Dave S had agreed to look at the Cockermouth Show in Fitz Park only to be confronted with tents and marquees in a state of dis-assembly: they were a day to late! So they cycled on to Cockermouth outlet junction roundabout where they left the busy traffic to take the Brigham old road – Broughton Cross – Chapel Brow – Great Clifton but not before a brief stop at the Melbreak Hotel.
Onwards southerly, the headwind up and over Winscales Moor was unforgiving and very exhausting; on via Lillyhall, Distington, A595 to Howgate, the Longmile, and a most welcome cup of tea at John R's house. Then home for the final 3 rider to Steve L's patch. Mileage by Steve L, John R, Dave S and Anita was 37 miles.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 26th July
Due to bad weather the ride was cancelled, but Maurice, Steve, Sue and John met for coffee and chat at the Melbreak.
Sunday 23rd July Fox and Hounds Inn, Ennerdale by Maurice Cowley
On a cloudy day with very little wind 7 Members met for lunch at the Fox and Hounds Inn, Ennerdale, they were Brian and Tracy, Joe and Frances, Roy, Maurice, Dave Swift. Brian and Tracy, France and Joe Came by car and the others on their bikes.
Maurice rode from home at Thornhill crossed the A595 up Thorny Lane and through Carleton to turn right onto Egremont/Haile road and then down and then a climb up to Haile Village. A right turn was then taken to reach the edge of the village to turn left to reach the Cold Fell road just above the Calder Abbey (on the outskirts of Calderbridge). The long climb to the top of Cold Fell seemed to be easier than the last time he did it this year. (Must be getting used to the uphill grind) His route then passed over the cattle grids at Cold Fell Gate and the another climb up Swarth Fell to the top at Lowther Park, then the descent to Ennerdale bridge to the dinner stop at the Fox and Hounds Inn.
Roy left home at Braithwaite and rode along the A66 to turn left at the Pheasant Inn at Dubwath and climbed up the hill to reach Wythop Mill. After climbing the hill out of Wythop Mill Roy took a left up a track called Green Lonning to reach Highside Farm after which he was again on tarmac and and passed Armaside Farm to reach the Lorton Valley. He then rode to Loweswater to ride up Fangs Brow and then passed Lamplugh to use the main road (A5086) to turn left to take in Kirkland before the long downhill to Ennerdale Bridge and the lunch stop at the Fox and Hounds.
Dave Swift rode from home at Whitehaven through Hensingham and Cleator Moor to the cross Roads at Wath Brow where he took the Ennerdale Road to Ennerdale Bridge and the Fox and Hounds.
After Lunch and a good chat Brian and Tracy, Joe and Frances left for home in their cars.
Roy went home by climbing up to Kirkland and then along the A5086 to turn right to Brandlingill and onto Southwaite, Hundith Hill and Embleton to finish his ride along the A66 to Braithwaite and home,
Maurice and Dave S rode together to Wath Bridge where the left each other for Maurice to to take the Fell Road to Egremont and then up to Thornhill and home. After leaving Maurice Dave S climbed up to Wath Brow and rode down A5086 to Woodend to climb up to the A595 at Bigrigg to ride to Whitehaven and home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 19th July.
Starting from Dianne's were Roy, Sue and John, the four then rode up to Paul's at Eaglesfield to meet up with the rest.
They were Anita, Steve and Ivan, Paul provided tea and coffee in the back garden sheltered from the wind.
About ten thirty the group made a move following a route done by Paul, heading towards Paddle School.
Crossing the busy A5086 it was then onto Low Lorton stopping on the bridge over the River Cocker before carrying on to Armaside.
Avoiding the gravel and potholes the group finally reached the road at Hundith Hill were they turned right to Wythop Mill.
Leaving Wythop Mill it was along the ridge below Sale Fell to Dubwath to join the old road over Slate Fell to Cockermouth.
Following the Greenway the group then made their way through the back streets before crossing the A66 to Brigham.
Running behind schedule Paul decided to shorten the route by going up the quarry road out of Brigham to Eaglesfield.
It was then on through Deanscales to the Royal Yew at Dean for lunch to find Bruce and Brenda.
After a good lunch (still buy one get one free) the group left with black clouds threatening, a last minute decision the group split.
One half going back to Pauls while the other half decided to go to Calva Bridge (no points for guessing why).
Ride and walk for some down the gravel strewn track to the bridge before hitting the Tarmac again to Greysouthen.
In Greysouthen Anita and Steve headed back to Paul's while Sue, John and Roy made their way back to Dianne's via Brigham.
Sunday 16th July Club Run Allonby to Kings Arms, Bowness on Solway by Steve Lunt
A great turnout on what turned out to be a splendid day out of wall to wall sunshine! Those who turned up to ride were:- John and Sue M, John Rowell, Roy, Janet and Ivan, Paul and Sue C, Steve L.
Took the road to West Newton road to a junction we know well as “sandpit”, turned into it in “Roman” style (very straight) took them right into Abbeytown. Still following the same compass direction via Raby and Moss Side they soon passed through Newton Arlosh to a cross roads where they took the northwards route to Kirkbride and it's airfield and so to Whitrigg bridge to go over the River Wampool. Decision time then, to make it a worthwhile ride left via Anthorn and it's forest of transmitter masts. There Steve L's bike computer (being non hard wired) went to sleep and stubbornly refused to register anything for about 10miles. Next village was Cardurnock and rounding onto the Solway Coast we soon arrived at our lunch venue, The Kings Arms, Bowness on Solway.
There we met up with Michelle and Peter and also Brian and Tracy, the latter having parked their van at the Whitrigg Bridge and ridden around in a large local loop.
After lunch our route back to Allonby was the road south from the back of the Kings Arms directly to Whitrigg Bridge and turned right to reach Newton Arlosh and so eventually to Abbeytown.
There we decided to “stop and look” - so we took a breather and looked into the Abbey itself with it's superb internal renovation after such a devastating fire and damage a few years ago. They now have a wonderful larch/oak wooden roof.
From Abbeytown the route passed near to Tarns Dub and so to Mawbray where a left at the Lowther Arms took them to Salta and to the coast road with just a hop back to Allonby – the end of the ride at 46miles.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 12th July Mae's Cafe Uldale.
On warm sunny morning nine members met at the Brewers Fayre, they were Sue, John, Paul, Roy, Peter, Janet, Ivan, Anita and John R.
After coffee in the bar the group set off for the greenway out of Cockermouth to join the road over Slate Fell to Ouse Bridge.
Having been pre warned by Janet the bridge was closed, the group took the chance to find on arrival it was completely blocked.
The only option was Isel Bridge, so it was about turn to Isel taking the first right after crossing the bridge.
Not the best of road surfaces as road climbs steadily, following Sustrans route 10
that becomes undulating towards Bewaldeth.
Crossing the A591 the road climbs again with a steep section just before Fell End farm eventually joining the road to Ireby.
Regrouping at the junction Paul decided to go straight to Uldale while the rest made their way to High Ireby.
Tour point collected was followed by the descent into Ireby and the gradual drag to Uldale for lunch, to meet up with Paul again.
With sun out the group opted for lunch outside with views from an elevated seated area towards Little Cockup and Great Cockup.
The route back had to take a different view with Ouse Bridge being closed, it was eventually agreed to take a longer route back.
Paul decided to head back via Isel Bridge, leaving the rest heading towards Ireby where they turned left up a narrow road to Torpenhow.
It was then onto Bothel following the lanes to Gilcrux turning left at Greengill to Tallentire.
Regrouping the group then continued on to Cockermouth to Janet and Ivan's for tea, coffee, cake and biscuits.
With the sun at its warmest the group sat out in there well stocked vegetable garden.
Sunday 9th July Parkside Hotel Cleator.
Starting from the Melbreak were Sue, John, Ivan, Janet and Roy all arriving on four wheels.
With a strong wind blowing from the Winscales direction it was decided to go via Workington and join the cycle track.
Only one obstacle Steve Lunt was riding out meet us, a number of calls to his mobile and land line got no response.
Eventually after a brief discussion on whether to go via Lillyhall or Workington, the later was decided.
Crossing the roundabout onto the old road to Stainburn to find it had been newly chipped all the way to Curwen Park.
What a disgrace obvious the work of contractors, having to take great care where in places the chipping's were in large heaps.
Arriving at Curwen Park in one piece, it was then onto the cycle way into Workington for a brief stop to answer a phone call from Steve.
After an exchange of words, Steve having got as far as Lillyhall would turn round and meet the group at Distington.
Steve deciding to carry on met up with the group at Harrington, now six strong it was on through Whitehaven still following the cycle way to Parkside.
Finding on arrival round table were Maurice, Shirley, Joe, Steve H, later to be joined by Tracy and Brian having cycled round Bass Lake.
Lunch and chat over the Melbreak group with a following wind headed up the cycle way to Rowrah to join the main road to Ullock.
A brief stop in Ullock to decide which way to go, it was ether Dean or Branthwaite, Branthwaite seemed the quickest way back.
Branthwaite it was, not giving a thought to all the climbing before reaching Lillyhall, where the group said goodbye to Steve.
It was now all downhill to parked cars at the Melbreak on what had been a warm dry day with a strong westerly wind.
Sunday 9th July Maurice ride
On an overcast day but warm and the forecast said the sun was going to appear, Maurice started from home at Thornhill again in shorts and ready to strip off his long sleeved top when the sun appears.
His route took him through Beckermet , Braystones, Nethertown, St. Bees, and then the climb over to Rottington and Sandwith before arriving up on Kells ( a suburb of Whitehaven) to drop down on the track behind the Beacon Museum and then along the Marina to enter the town and reach Steve H's abode for coffee. After that welcome break Maurice rode up the Cycleway to the Parkside Hotel to have lunch with the rest of the riders.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 5th July The Fairy Dust Emporium Silloth By Steve Lunt - Maurice Cowley
Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding of time/place Steve L left Workington railway station to ride solo as fast as possible (due to 35min late start) north up the coastal route via Flimby, Maryport, Allonby, Blitterlees and so into Silloth town centre. Dave S caught up to Steve L just short of Silloth – but he had driven to Maryport to make it!
Earlier Maurice had parked on the Maryport Promenade car park to start his ride. His route took along the Prom, then along the cycleway way to Allonby (where he stopped for coffee in Allonby Cafe) and then left through Edderside to turn right to New Cowper and then a left and a right finally to pass through Abbeytown. Partway through Abbeytown Maurice turned off to visit Seaville before the last stretch through Calvo and onto Silloth and the Fairy Dust Emporium for lunch.
Plenty of riders/members arrived at the Fairy Dust Emporium, just about simultaneously – most of them starting from Di's place at Cockermouth after the usual tea and biscuits. Those there were Maurice (ahead of them all), Ivan and Janet, John Rowell, Dianne, John and Sue M, Steve Lunt, Dave S, and Roy. Joining us as we sat down was Bob Mclean of Border City Wheelers in earlier years.
Maurice left first as he had to get back to visit Steve prior to going out. His route was main road to Blitterlees then into the lanes via Wolsty, Newtown, Cowgate, Mawbray, Salta, Allonby and to Maryport prom using the Maryport/Allonby Cyclepath to reach the car transport for home.
Returning home, at Blitterlees junction, Dave S decided to do the straight run along the coastal main road to reach his car at Maryport Cemetery; the rest took a more inland route – the Pelutho road and at a crossroads the major group veered off into the lanes. Steve L (solo again) took the Tarns Dub road via Holme St. Cuthbert and so to Mawbray and the coastal road through Allonby, Maryport to Workington Station.
After a bleak strong breeze in the morning what a super change to get back to to Workington with its lovely new car park layout and station frontage in the sunny warmth.The rest having left Steve at the crossroads above Tarns carried on to West Newton following the B5301 into Aspatria.
Crossing the A596 the group made their way to Arkleby where they turned right by Ellenbank Hall to Gilcrux.Turning left at Greengill was followed by the drag up to Tallentire and onto Bridekirk and parked cars at Dianne's.
Sunday 2nd July Post House Inn, Deanscales By Steve Lunt and Maurice Cowley
Riders coming to the Post House Inn from different directions. So Dave S and Steve L started from the “far west” Padstow and cycled as far as Rowrah on the Cycleway then transferred to the Egremont/ Cockermouth road for the remainder of the distance.
Maurice had started off earlier, riding from home at Thornhill and then took to the Cycleway up to Kirkland school and then along the Egremont/Cockermouth road for a short distance to turn off up towards Loweswater and then to turn left at the top of Fangs Brow to climb over to Mockerkin Village. At the cross roads in the centre of the village he took the Sossgill road to emerge at Mosser Mains and then road up to cross the the Egremont/Cockermouth road to finally reach The Post House.
Members meeting in the Post House were Stewart and Maggie, Sue and John M, Dianne, Roy, Steve L, Dave S, and Maurice, also Joe and Frances along with Grandson Matthew (by car).
Returning home – all as a group left but split up at the first junction, the “Braithwaite bunch” turned off northwards, whereas Steve L, Dave S, and Maurice headed to Dean (by big uphill) to Branthwaite and further west to Lillyhall then turning south to Whitehaven enabling Steve L and Maurice to visit Steve H. Leaving Steve H's it was home using the cycleway with Steve L to Cleator Moor and Maurice to Egremont and then Thornhill.
Roy, Sue and John left Braithwaite at ten o'clock along the old A66 through Thornthwaite, becoming badly potholed with excessive traffic avoiding the traffic lights on the A66.
It was then onto the A66 as far as Dubwath to join the old road to Cockermouth, then onto Brigham, turning left just before Bridgefoot to Greysouthen.
Leaving Greysouthen was followed by the climb to Eaglesfield and the narrow lanes to Deanscales for lunch.
Having left the Whitehaven group Dianne, Sue, Maggie, Roy, Stewart and John headed for Eaglesfield, Southwaite Mill saying goodbye to Dianne at Hundith crossroads.
The five then pressed onto Embleton where Maggie and Stewart said goodbye leaving the trio to carry on to Braithwaite.