Autumn Tints Wednesday 29th March Chairman’s Ride.
Having been plagued by bad weather twice today was no exception with more bad weather.
Maurice determined to get members to the start, was not let down, six members made it to the cafe in Egremont.
They were Roy, Maggie and Stewart having arrived by car, while Steve cycled from home rather wet on arrival.
Sue and John parked their car at John's in Whitehaven, also arrived looking wet, John having a puncture on the way.
Steve decided to cycle back home and change into some dry clothing, to return by car for lunch.
Maggie and Stewart left for Singletons to look for plants for their garden, leaving the rest to drink more tea and coffee.
Eventually Maurice, Roy, Sue and John made a move, the rain having eased off slightly they made their way out of Egremont heading for Nethertown.
On arrival they found Shirley, Dianne, John, Joe, Martin, Maggie and Stewart sat round the table to be joined later by Sue, Paul and Dave.
After lunch Maurice left to walk the dog’s home, while Shirley transported his bike back to Thornhill.
The rest left the way they had arrived; leaving Sue, John and Roy to brave the elements back to parked cars in Egremont and Whitehaven.
Sunday 26th March Fox and Hounds Ennerdale
Sue and John parked their car at the Melbreak, and with the clock's having gone forward an hour meant an early start.
Although in the early morning sun it felt quite warm, there was a cold breeze coming from a westerly direction.
After the usual cup of coffee the pair set off following the cycle path to Egremont, leaving Egremont the pair followed the road past Black How farm to emerge just below Wath Brow.
It was then along the valley road with the River Ehen on their left to the lunch stop at Ennerdale Bridge, to find the rest, most of them having had lunch.
Thirteen made it for lunch they were Dianne, Michelle, Peter, John R, Stewart, Roy, Tracy, Brian, France's, Joe, Maurice, Sue and John, turning up later for the chat Dave.
Lunch and chat over members began to leave the way they had arrived, Roy and Stewart back to parked cars at Bowness Knott, having been to Black Sail.
Dianne, Sue, John and Dave left together to claim tour points on the way at Ennerdale Lake and Croasdale, taking in the views with snow on the tops towards Pillar.
At Croasdale Dave turned back not wanting to follow the rest up the climb out off Croasdale known as Cauda Brow.
Having reached the top it was almost all downhill to Lamplugh, stopping at Felldyke car park to find Stewart just having been to Cogra Moss. (tic tic)
It was then onto Fangs and along Loweswater before turning left to Thackthwaite and Lorton to say goodbye to Dianne at Paddle School.
The duo then pressed on through Eaglesfield and Greysouthen to join the road just before Bridgefoot for the final climb of the day up Chapel Brow.
Addition to Sunday 26/03/2017 By Maurice Cowley
Maurice parked at the Fox and Hounds at Ennerdale Bridge and set off for his ride to Black Sail Hostel.
He rode passing Croasdale Village and onto Bowness Knott where he met Stewart and Roy who were just off loading their bike from their cars. After a short chat Maurice left them not wanting to get cold while waiting for them. While passing Ennerdale Lake he noticed that it was like a mirror reflecting the fells surrounding it. Onwards up the first set of inclines passing Gillerthwaite Hostel and after reaching the next gate he decided to remove his wind proof as by then he was rather warm and there was worse uphills further on to keep him warm. Further on on his right was Pillar Rock and behind was majestic Pillar. Onwards uphill and the vista of the end of the valley with snow capped fells and a welcome Black Sail Hostel where he sat outside with biscuits and coffee which was bought from the the hostel.
While sitting outside Stewart and Roy arrived and obtained their coffee and biscuits and sat chatting with Maurice.
After a while it was time to depart and they all set off together and retraced their tracks to Bowness Knott where Roy and Stewart left their cars and decided to ride on to The Fox and Hounds at Ennerdale Bridge to meet up with the rest of the cycling members and where Maurice had left his car.
After lunch and talk was finished Roy and Stewart Rode back to Bowness Knott to their individual cars and left to go home, but while passing Felldyke, Stewart with the Tour Competition on his mind parked up and rode to Cogra Moss Tarn for and extra 2 points!!!!
Sunday 19th and Wednesday 22nd March Chairman’s Ride.
Sunday’s ride cancelled due to rain and strong winds, put forward to Wednesday, this was also cancelled due to poor weather.
Wednesday 22nd March 2017 By Joe Kendall
Joe and Martin set off from his house at High Walton weather damp with fine rain heading for the cycle track to Cleator Moor. After a hot drink we left the bowling club back to the cycle track towards Egremont in fine weather. From Egremont we then headed for Singletons cafe via Bookwell. After we had ordered our lunch we were told that the booking had been cancelled due to bad weather.After a nice lunch and hot drink we headed back to High Walton into a head wind and the damp weather had returned 14 miles covered..
Autumn Tints Wednesday 15th March Craggs Bothel By Dianne Moyes
Wythop Mill was the start point for Wednesday's ride on a cool but bright morning with a stiff south westerly breeze. As well as our hosts Maggie and Stewarts, gathered round the kitchen table were John and Sue who had ridden from home, Roy, Dianne, Steve, Anita and Peter. Maurice had been seen briefly but was off with the dogs. We headed out to Dubwath, past the Distillery and onto the Isel Road, turning right to Isel Bridge. A quick stop had to be made to look for sand martins, one of our first spring arrivals, but a bit early yet. We then took a well used route ending up in Sunderland. On the way there are some some new signs for the 196 mile Lakes and Dales Loop which has been developed by the County Council and which runs right round Cumbria and includes the Lakes, the Eden Valley and the Dales in the SE. The permanent signage has recently been put up and has an oval loop logo on. In places the route uses the NCN National Cycle Network and they share signs. The route is not to NCN standards and includes that bit of main road between Calder Bridge and Gosforth.
Our destination was the Craggs Cafe at Bothel. Already there, were Joe and his son Martin who had ridden from Cockermouth via Isel Bridge on a similar route to us. Maurice joined us after a good walk to make a total of 12. A bit later Janet and Ivan arrived having come through Whitrigg. Joe and Martin headed back via Castle Inn but as the weather was still fine we decided to take a longer way back. We went to Bothel, Torpenhow and then took a very narrow road to Ireby. It climbed steadily but was sheltered by high banks and hedges, a really lovely quiet road. From Ireby there was the long uphill slog to the black and white house before joining the road to Castle Inn and dropping down through Robin Hood to Bassenthwaite Village. John and Sue left us there to make their way back to Braithwaite while the rest made their way to cars at Maggie's or home to Cockermouth.
Sunday 12th March Coledale Inn Braithwaite. By Maurice,John,Dianne and Steve.
Due to this Sunday not being a club together ride, it turned out to be a do-it-yourself outing with various groups/pair/singles riders doing their own thing before all arriving at the Coledale Inn, Braithwaite.
Maurice was first out, he arrived at John and Sues abode at 0900hrs to get a look at their electric bikes and very nice they were too. After the usual coffee with Sue and John he set off on his ride in the sunshine that the radio weather watcher for Keswick area had said was in that area. However he had got the wind wrong as he had it down as windless.
Starting off along the main road into Keswick and then down the Borrowdale Valley with the intention of going as far as Stonethwaite but with the wind as strong as it was, at Grange he turned up to the cafe and if it had been open he would have spent some time there and missed out Stonethwaite. It was still shut - so he decided he might as well struggle on to Stonethwaite and maybe it would be open on his return, and it was and the coffee was very welcome!!
With the wind now behind him he climbed up the backside of the lake to drop down “S” bends off Cat Bells and then climbed back up to Swinside and then lost height once more to Stair to turn uphill to Little Town only to descend once more to view Newlands Church after which another hill was climbed to reach Gillbrow road end. Then it was downhill mostly to reach his car at Braithwaite and then to the Coledale Inn for dinner with the other riders out for the day.
Leaving Braithwaite around nine thirty Sue and John made their way to Embleton to meet up with Maggie and Stewart.
Meeting at the cross road on the A66, they then continued along the A66 to Lambfoot, where they turned left to Hundith.
It was then onto the Lorton road to follow the lanes to Hopebeck for the start of the climb along the gated road to the summit of Whinlatter Pass.
With time in hand they decided to browse in the bike shop, only to find mountain bikes on display plus a good selection off hire bikes, including e-bikes.
Leaving the centre it was all downhill to the Coledale to find everyone else sat at the table.
Dianne left home early at 9.30, heading into the wind up the Lorton valley and then turning towards Buttermere. In Buttermere village there were only a couple of people in the Croft Farm Cafe where she had a coffee and warmed up. She then headed out of the village and onto Newlands Pass. The first section was really steep and required both the lowest gear and maximum electrical assistance as did 2 or 3 other bits of the climb. On the gentler sections she could admire the views. Up ahead were 3 black clad young men who turned out to be visitors from Preston in training for the Fred Whitton ride in May. She passed them on the summit where they were resting but they then overtook her on the descent, she then continued into Braithwaite and to the Coledale Hotel.
Joe rode in from Cockermouth and Frances joined him for lunch at the Coledale by car.
Bacca and Tracy clad in cycling gear had parked up at the lay by at Dubwath and rode using the closed part of the dual carriageway to get to the Coledale for lunch with the rest.
Steve L and Roy started from Roy's house in Braithwaite and cycled into Keswick along the A66 cycle path the took the Borrowdale road to Grange and was surprised that the traffic situation wasn't too frantic as they had feared. (half term hols well and truly over) On the way up the back side of the lake, below the Catbell range of hills they marvelled at the lovely view, sunlit, across the top end of Derwentwater towards Keswick Town, with the back drop of Skiddaw and co. majestically standing behind, this must be the archetypal of typical lake land, he thought.
While sitting in the Coledale the rain started just in time for some of the return journeys!!
Autumn Tints Wednesday 8th March.
With the good weather continuing eleven members made it for coffee at the newly opened Premier Inn on the site of the old Sheep Centre.
They were Dianne and John, Sue and John, Maggie and Stewart, Paul and Sue, Roy, Steve and Anita.
What a transformation with a long bar and large seating area and as much coffee as you can drink for two pound fifty, that you help yourself too.
If the coffee had been alcoholic, some would have not made for the ride, but a place to start future Wednesday rides.
After a good chat the two wheel group gathered outside to say goodbye to Sue and Paul who were heading off to Spain the following day.
John Moyes was again having to head off to the driving range, because the golf course at Cockermouth was closed due to the overnight rain.
With Dianne leading the group they headed for the A66 and High Brigham, saying goodbye to Stewart on the roundabout, who had other business.
On reaching Bridgefoot Pat and Johnny joined the group for the climb up Chapel Brow and onto the cycle path.
With Dianne and Anita setting the pace the group began to split, coming together again before Lillyhall.
With the sun out made for a pleasant morning as the group headed into the wind that became stronger as the group headed towards the coast.
On reaching Lowca the group met up with Dave who joined them for the short ride back to Whitehaven, only to puncture on the way.
Leaving Johnny and Steve to assist Dave, the rest continued onto Whitehaven for lunch at the Waverley Hotel, to find Maurice, Joe and John Moyes.
The usual good meal along with the chat was had, before members decided on a way back to Cockermouth leaving Dianne to plot a route.
Saying goodbye to John and Joe who had arrived by car, the rest took to the cycle way out of Whitehaven heading for Rowrah.
At Moor Raw Maurice said goodbye, to make his way back to Thornhill having cycled to the Waverley.
The rest continued onto Rowrah, with the sun quite warm, along with a following wind found some of the group warm on arriving at Rowrah.
Dave having ridden this far decided to make his way back to Whitehaven, leaving the rest to join the main road.
It was then onto Asby followed by the climb to Dean Cross where the group turned left to Ullock, saying goodbye to Pat and Johnny just before Dean.
Leaving Dean it was then onto Eaglesfield to join the main road at Paddle School and back to the Premier Inn and parked cars.
Sunday 5th March Club Run Allonby to Cups and Saucers Café. Seaville by Steve Lunt
Meeting up at Allonby Cafe were: Mo, Roy, Dianne, Steve L, Sue and John M, Sue and Paul C, Stewart and Maggie, Peter P, and John Rowell.
All ridding out to Cups and Saucers with the exception of Paul and Sue, who had opted for a stroll around Allonby on foot.
We took the turn off the main road to Westnewton and then following a series of narrow, muddy farm lanes always in the general direction of Wigton (NE direction) passing Woodraw and Brackenlands. On the outskirts of Wigton a switch of direction northwards under the railway then across the A596 main road to Moorhouse and Lessenhall, taking the Abbey Town road direction (NW), we soon passed the Holme Cultram Abbey and so into town. Turning north very quickly – close encounter with the River Waver – brought us to the hamlet of Seaville and the “Cups and Saucers” cafe where we met up with Joe and Frances already in the café.
Homewards later from Seaville, south westwards along a remarkably straight “yellow” road arriving at Wolsty Hall, quite close now to the coast but kept left on our route we didn't have to brave the fast coast road traffic: behind Beckfoot to Newtown, Cowgate then rounding onto Mawbray's “backdoor” route but still another mile south via Salta and onto the coast road with only the last 11/2 mile or so to the end of our ride, Allonby (34Miles)
Autumn Tints Wednesday 1st March.
A much better morning greeted members as they arrived at Dianne's by bike and car.
They were Maurice with the dogs, Sue, John, Roy, Peter, Anita, Maggie, Stewart, Pat and Johnny.
Dianne provided the tea and coffee while John was seen chipping golf balls on the lawn before jetting off to the golf driving range.
Eventually after a long chat and a route suggested by Dianne the group made a move, with just a few yards covered it began to rain.
Anita and Peter stopped before the main road, as the others disappeared out of site, John stopping to tell them the way the group had gone.
A couple of phone calls later from Anita to say they had taken a different route, and rather than hold the group up, they would make their own way to Dean.
With the rain getting heavier the group stopped at Brigham to add extra waterproofs, hopping to see Anita and Peter.
All togged up the group set of again crossing the A66 to Great Broughton, the rain having stopped before reaching Camerton.
Crossing the river was followed by the climb to Great Clifton that forced some to dismount to regroup at the top.
It was then onto Little Clifton with more climbing before the group arrived in Dean, waiting in the pub (The Royal Yew) were Maurice, John Moyes, Anita and Peter, John having discharged hundred golf balls on the driving range.
After a good lunch and good old natter, the group posed for a group photo outside the pub for Maurice's archives.
John and Maurice left on four wheels, leaving the group some with full stomach's heading for Pardshaw, saying goodbye to Pat and Johnny.
A bit of welcome downhill as the group made their way to Brandlingill (a tour point for some) followed by more climbing before saying goodbye to Maggie and Stewart.
Down to five the group followed the narrow lane to Sandy Beck bridge were they turned right to Low Lorton.
Maggie and Stewart having decided to go via Southwaite Mill and Hundith back to Wythop Mill.
With Dianne on the front on that e-bike, she began to split the group as they headed for Hundith crossroads, only to wait to regroup.
It was then into Cockermouth to join the greenway back to Dianne's for more tea and coffee, that was most welcome.
Having been plagued by bad weather twice today was no exception with more bad weather.
Maurice determined to get members to the start, was not let down, six members made it to the cafe in Egremont.
They were Roy, Maggie and Stewart having arrived by car, while Steve cycled from home rather wet on arrival.
Sue and John parked their car at John's in Whitehaven, also arrived looking wet, John having a puncture on the way.
Steve decided to cycle back home and change into some dry clothing, to return by car for lunch.
Maggie and Stewart left for Singletons to look for plants for their garden, leaving the rest to drink more tea and coffee.
Eventually Maurice, Roy, Sue and John made a move, the rain having eased off slightly they made their way out of Egremont heading for Nethertown.
On arrival they found Shirley, Dianne, John, Joe, Martin, Maggie and Stewart sat round the table to be joined later by Sue, Paul and Dave.
After lunch Maurice left to walk the dog’s home, while Shirley transported his bike back to Thornhill.
The rest left the way they had arrived; leaving Sue, John and Roy to brave the elements back to parked cars in Egremont and Whitehaven.
Sunday 26th March Fox and Hounds Ennerdale
Sue and John parked their car at the Melbreak, and with the clock's having gone forward an hour meant an early start.
Although in the early morning sun it felt quite warm, there was a cold breeze coming from a westerly direction.
After the usual cup of coffee the pair set off following the cycle path to Egremont, leaving Egremont the pair followed the road past Black How farm to emerge just below Wath Brow.
It was then along the valley road with the River Ehen on their left to the lunch stop at Ennerdale Bridge, to find the rest, most of them having had lunch.
Thirteen made it for lunch they were Dianne, Michelle, Peter, John R, Stewart, Roy, Tracy, Brian, France's, Joe, Maurice, Sue and John, turning up later for the chat Dave.
Lunch and chat over members began to leave the way they had arrived, Roy and Stewart back to parked cars at Bowness Knott, having been to Black Sail.
Dianne, Sue, John and Dave left together to claim tour points on the way at Ennerdale Lake and Croasdale, taking in the views with snow on the tops towards Pillar.
At Croasdale Dave turned back not wanting to follow the rest up the climb out off Croasdale known as Cauda Brow.
Having reached the top it was almost all downhill to Lamplugh, stopping at Felldyke car park to find Stewart just having been to Cogra Moss. (tic tic)
It was then onto Fangs and along Loweswater before turning left to Thackthwaite and Lorton to say goodbye to Dianne at Paddle School.
The duo then pressed on through Eaglesfield and Greysouthen to join the road just before Bridgefoot for the final climb of the day up Chapel Brow.
Addition to Sunday 26/03/2017 By Maurice Cowley
Maurice parked at the Fox and Hounds at Ennerdale Bridge and set off for his ride to Black Sail Hostel.
He rode passing Croasdale Village and onto Bowness Knott where he met Stewart and Roy who were just off loading their bike from their cars. After a short chat Maurice left them not wanting to get cold while waiting for them. While passing Ennerdale Lake he noticed that it was like a mirror reflecting the fells surrounding it. Onwards up the first set of inclines passing Gillerthwaite Hostel and after reaching the next gate he decided to remove his wind proof as by then he was rather warm and there was worse uphills further on to keep him warm. Further on on his right was Pillar Rock and behind was majestic Pillar. Onwards uphill and the vista of the end of the valley with snow capped fells and a welcome Black Sail Hostel where he sat outside with biscuits and coffee which was bought from the the hostel.
While sitting outside Stewart and Roy arrived and obtained their coffee and biscuits and sat chatting with Maurice.
After a while it was time to depart and they all set off together and retraced their tracks to Bowness Knott where Roy and Stewart left their cars and decided to ride on to The Fox and Hounds at Ennerdale Bridge to meet up with the rest of the cycling members and where Maurice had left his car.
After lunch and talk was finished Roy and Stewart Rode back to Bowness Knott to their individual cars and left to go home, but while passing Felldyke, Stewart with the Tour Competition on his mind parked up and rode to Cogra Moss Tarn for and extra 2 points!!!!
Sunday 19th and Wednesday 22nd March Chairman’s Ride.
Sunday’s ride cancelled due to rain and strong winds, put forward to Wednesday, this was also cancelled due to poor weather.
Wednesday 22nd March 2017 By Joe Kendall
Joe and Martin set off from his house at High Walton weather damp with fine rain heading for the cycle track to Cleator Moor. After a hot drink we left the bowling club back to the cycle track towards Egremont in fine weather. From Egremont we then headed for Singletons cafe via Bookwell. After we had ordered our lunch we were told that the booking had been cancelled due to bad weather.After a nice lunch and hot drink we headed back to High Walton into a head wind and the damp weather had returned 14 miles covered..
Autumn Tints Wednesday 15th March Craggs Bothel By Dianne Moyes
Wythop Mill was the start point for Wednesday's ride on a cool but bright morning with a stiff south westerly breeze. As well as our hosts Maggie and Stewarts, gathered round the kitchen table were John and Sue who had ridden from home, Roy, Dianne, Steve, Anita and Peter. Maurice had been seen briefly but was off with the dogs. We headed out to Dubwath, past the Distillery and onto the Isel Road, turning right to Isel Bridge. A quick stop had to be made to look for sand martins, one of our first spring arrivals, but a bit early yet. We then took a well used route ending up in Sunderland. On the way there are some some new signs for the 196 mile Lakes and Dales Loop which has been developed by the County Council and which runs right round Cumbria and includes the Lakes, the Eden Valley and the Dales in the SE. The permanent signage has recently been put up and has an oval loop logo on. In places the route uses the NCN National Cycle Network and they share signs. The route is not to NCN standards and includes that bit of main road between Calder Bridge and Gosforth.
Our destination was the Craggs Cafe at Bothel. Already there, were Joe and his son Martin who had ridden from Cockermouth via Isel Bridge on a similar route to us. Maurice joined us after a good walk to make a total of 12. A bit later Janet and Ivan arrived having come through Whitrigg. Joe and Martin headed back via Castle Inn but as the weather was still fine we decided to take a longer way back. We went to Bothel, Torpenhow and then took a very narrow road to Ireby. It climbed steadily but was sheltered by high banks and hedges, a really lovely quiet road. From Ireby there was the long uphill slog to the black and white house before joining the road to Castle Inn and dropping down through Robin Hood to Bassenthwaite Village. John and Sue left us there to make their way back to Braithwaite while the rest made their way to cars at Maggie's or home to Cockermouth.
Sunday 12th March Coledale Inn Braithwaite. By Maurice,John,Dianne and Steve.
Due to this Sunday not being a club together ride, it turned out to be a do-it-yourself outing with various groups/pair/singles riders doing their own thing before all arriving at the Coledale Inn, Braithwaite.
Maurice was first out, he arrived at John and Sues abode at 0900hrs to get a look at their electric bikes and very nice they were too. After the usual coffee with Sue and John he set off on his ride in the sunshine that the radio weather watcher for Keswick area had said was in that area. However he had got the wind wrong as he had it down as windless.
Starting off along the main road into Keswick and then down the Borrowdale Valley with the intention of going as far as Stonethwaite but with the wind as strong as it was, at Grange he turned up to the cafe and if it had been open he would have spent some time there and missed out Stonethwaite. It was still shut - so he decided he might as well struggle on to Stonethwaite and maybe it would be open on his return, and it was and the coffee was very welcome!!
With the wind now behind him he climbed up the backside of the lake to drop down “S” bends off Cat Bells and then climbed back up to Swinside and then lost height once more to Stair to turn uphill to Little Town only to descend once more to view Newlands Church after which another hill was climbed to reach Gillbrow road end. Then it was downhill mostly to reach his car at Braithwaite and then to the Coledale Inn for dinner with the other riders out for the day.
Leaving Braithwaite around nine thirty Sue and John made their way to Embleton to meet up with Maggie and Stewart.
Meeting at the cross road on the A66, they then continued along the A66 to Lambfoot, where they turned left to Hundith.
It was then onto the Lorton road to follow the lanes to Hopebeck for the start of the climb along the gated road to the summit of Whinlatter Pass.
With time in hand they decided to browse in the bike shop, only to find mountain bikes on display plus a good selection off hire bikes, including e-bikes.
Leaving the centre it was all downhill to the Coledale to find everyone else sat at the table.
Dianne left home early at 9.30, heading into the wind up the Lorton valley and then turning towards Buttermere. In Buttermere village there were only a couple of people in the Croft Farm Cafe where she had a coffee and warmed up. She then headed out of the village and onto Newlands Pass. The first section was really steep and required both the lowest gear and maximum electrical assistance as did 2 or 3 other bits of the climb. On the gentler sections she could admire the views. Up ahead were 3 black clad young men who turned out to be visitors from Preston in training for the Fred Whitton ride in May. She passed them on the summit where they were resting but they then overtook her on the descent, she then continued into Braithwaite and to the Coledale Hotel.
Joe rode in from Cockermouth and Frances joined him for lunch at the Coledale by car.
Bacca and Tracy clad in cycling gear had parked up at the lay by at Dubwath and rode using the closed part of the dual carriageway to get to the Coledale for lunch with the rest.
Steve L and Roy started from Roy's house in Braithwaite and cycled into Keswick along the A66 cycle path the took the Borrowdale road to Grange and was surprised that the traffic situation wasn't too frantic as they had feared. (half term hols well and truly over) On the way up the back side of the lake, below the Catbell range of hills they marvelled at the lovely view, sunlit, across the top end of Derwentwater towards Keswick Town, with the back drop of Skiddaw and co. majestically standing behind, this must be the archetypal of typical lake land, he thought.
While sitting in the Coledale the rain started just in time for some of the return journeys!!
Autumn Tints Wednesday 8th March.
With the good weather continuing eleven members made it for coffee at the newly opened Premier Inn on the site of the old Sheep Centre.
They were Dianne and John, Sue and John, Maggie and Stewart, Paul and Sue, Roy, Steve and Anita.
What a transformation with a long bar and large seating area and as much coffee as you can drink for two pound fifty, that you help yourself too.
If the coffee had been alcoholic, some would have not made for the ride, but a place to start future Wednesday rides.
After a good chat the two wheel group gathered outside to say goodbye to Sue and Paul who were heading off to Spain the following day.
John Moyes was again having to head off to the driving range, because the golf course at Cockermouth was closed due to the overnight rain.
With Dianne leading the group they headed for the A66 and High Brigham, saying goodbye to Stewart on the roundabout, who had other business.
On reaching Bridgefoot Pat and Johnny joined the group for the climb up Chapel Brow and onto the cycle path.
With Dianne and Anita setting the pace the group began to split, coming together again before Lillyhall.
With the sun out made for a pleasant morning as the group headed into the wind that became stronger as the group headed towards the coast.
On reaching Lowca the group met up with Dave who joined them for the short ride back to Whitehaven, only to puncture on the way.
Leaving Johnny and Steve to assist Dave, the rest continued onto Whitehaven for lunch at the Waverley Hotel, to find Maurice, Joe and John Moyes.
The usual good meal along with the chat was had, before members decided on a way back to Cockermouth leaving Dianne to plot a route.
Saying goodbye to John and Joe who had arrived by car, the rest took to the cycle way out of Whitehaven heading for Rowrah.
At Moor Raw Maurice said goodbye, to make his way back to Thornhill having cycled to the Waverley.
The rest continued onto Rowrah, with the sun quite warm, along with a following wind found some of the group warm on arriving at Rowrah.
Dave having ridden this far decided to make his way back to Whitehaven, leaving the rest to join the main road.
It was then onto Asby followed by the climb to Dean Cross where the group turned left to Ullock, saying goodbye to Pat and Johnny just before Dean.
Leaving Dean it was then onto Eaglesfield to join the main road at Paddle School and back to the Premier Inn and parked cars.
Sunday 5th March Club Run Allonby to Cups and Saucers Café. Seaville by Steve Lunt
Meeting up at Allonby Cafe were: Mo, Roy, Dianne, Steve L, Sue and John M, Sue and Paul C, Stewart and Maggie, Peter P, and John Rowell.
All ridding out to Cups and Saucers with the exception of Paul and Sue, who had opted for a stroll around Allonby on foot.
We took the turn off the main road to Westnewton and then following a series of narrow, muddy farm lanes always in the general direction of Wigton (NE direction) passing Woodraw and Brackenlands. On the outskirts of Wigton a switch of direction northwards under the railway then across the A596 main road to Moorhouse and Lessenhall, taking the Abbey Town road direction (NW), we soon passed the Holme Cultram Abbey and so into town. Turning north very quickly – close encounter with the River Waver – brought us to the hamlet of Seaville and the “Cups and Saucers” cafe where we met up with Joe and Frances already in the café.
Homewards later from Seaville, south westwards along a remarkably straight “yellow” road arriving at Wolsty Hall, quite close now to the coast but kept left on our route we didn't have to brave the fast coast road traffic: behind Beckfoot to Newtown, Cowgate then rounding onto Mawbray's “backdoor” route but still another mile south via Salta and onto the coast road with only the last 11/2 mile or so to the end of our ride, Allonby (34Miles)
Autumn Tints Wednesday 1st March.
A much better morning greeted members as they arrived at Dianne's by bike and car.
They were Maurice with the dogs, Sue, John, Roy, Peter, Anita, Maggie, Stewart, Pat and Johnny.
Dianne provided the tea and coffee while John was seen chipping golf balls on the lawn before jetting off to the golf driving range.
Eventually after a long chat and a route suggested by Dianne the group made a move, with just a few yards covered it began to rain.
Anita and Peter stopped before the main road, as the others disappeared out of site, John stopping to tell them the way the group had gone.
A couple of phone calls later from Anita to say they had taken a different route, and rather than hold the group up, they would make their own way to Dean.
With the rain getting heavier the group stopped at Brigham to add extra waterproofs, hopping to see Anita and Peter.
All togged up the group set of again crossing the A66 to Great Broughton, the rain having stopped before reaching Camerton.
Crossing the river was followed by the climb to Great Clifton that forced some to dismount to regroup at the top.
It was then onto Little Clifton with more climbing before the group arrived in Dean, waiting in the pub (The Royal Yew) were Maurice, John Moyes, Anita and Peter, John having discharged hundred golf balls on the driving range.
After a good lunch and good old natter, the group posed for a group photo outside the pub for Maurice's archives.
John and Maurice left on four wheels, leaving the group some with full stomach's heading for Pardshaw, saying goodbye to Pat and Johnny.
A bit of welcome downhill as the group made their way to Brandlingill (a tour point for some) followed by more climbing before saying goodbye to Maggie and Stewart.
Down to five the group followed the narrow lane to Sandy Beck bridge were they turned right to Low Lorton.
Maggie and Stewart having decided to go via Southwaite Mill and Hundith back to Wythop Mill.
With Dianne on the front on that e-bike, she began to split the group as they headed for Hundith crossroads, only to wait to regroup.
It was then into Cockermouth to join the greenway back to Dianne's for more tea and coffee, that was most welcome.