Autumn Tints Wednesday 31st October Craggs, Bothel.
On a dull cold morning thirteen members made it to the Brewers Fayre for the usual coffee and chat. They were John Moyes, Maurice, Clive, Sue, Paul, Tom, Roy, Stewart, John R, Sue, John, and Pat and Johnny.
Maurice feeling the cold decided to give the ride a miss, Sue and Paul also did their own thing meeting up with the group later for lunch.
Having rained while inside by the time they made a move the rain had stopped as they headed to Parkside to pick up Dianne.
With Dianne on the front it was onto the Greenway to join the Isel Road with group splitting on the climbs, coming together again on Isel Bridge.
Having viewed the river for wild life the group took the first right that climbed steadily to the T junction at High Calfshaw Wood.
Here the group turned right on a more level road with views to the right looking down on Bass Lake.
With the construction of the water pipe track road closures signs appear when you don't expect them.
Approach Howgill Wood the road ahead to Bewaldeth was closed, thankfully here the group turned left to Sunderland.
On reaching Sunderland a right turn was followed by more climbing albeit with a following wind evident from the wind farm at Bothel.
Joining the A591 the tail end of the group were joined by Johnny as the front end of the group disappeared up the road.
Sat in their usual spot a good mix was ordered from the menu along with the usual banter before making a move back to Cockermouth.
With rain forecast for the afternoon it came as no surprise to find it raining quite heavy outside.
Leaving the Craggs it was decided to head back the same way the group splitting on the descent through Sunderland to regroup again before Isel Bridge.
After the short steep climb from Isel Bridge it was ride at your own speed back to the Brewers Fayre with some of the group soaked to the skin.
Sunday 28th October Club Prize Giving at the Hundith Hill Hotel.
On a cold, cloudy day, saw members and friends make their way to Hundith Hill Hotel for the annual prize giving dinner by car.
Earlier that morning the club had held the downhill competition, where three members took part they, were Brian, Tracy and Roy.
Back at the hotel 27 members and friends sat down to a good meal, that included our members from the north east two of whom have ridden across on their bikes from the north east.
A good selection of raffle prizes, were on offer organised by Tracy and Shirley who were our ticket sellers. Maurice organised the raffle distribution quite ably between courses of the meal.
The final job of the day, the prize giving, was again down to Maurice assisted by Dianne.
THE DOWNHILL
Gents Cup. Brian Moore
Ladies Cup. Tracy Moore
Nearest Pica Roy Jackson
BIG URN TRIKE TROPHY
Brian Moore
WOODEN SPOON
Maurice Cowley and John Murphy
TOUR COMPETITION
Gents
Gold Medal Maurice Cowley 193 pts
Silver Medal Roy Jackson 113 pts
Bronze Medal John Murphy 103 pts
Stewart Grant 26 pts
Ladies
Gold Medal Sue Murphy 103 pts
Silver Medal Maggie Grant 56 pts
Autumn Tints Wednesday 24th October Fairy Dust Emporium. Silloth by Maurice Cowley On a grey day with only a small southerly breeze (the forecast said northerly) 5 riders met at the Allonby Cafe for refreshment prior to the ride, they were Steve L, Maurice, John R, Clive and Tom. This was after threading their way through the road blocks due to the road works being carried out!!!
Their outward route took them north, with a tail wind, to turn through Edderside and Jericho and up the hill to emerge on the Silloth/Aspatria road to pass through Tarns and turn up to Pelutho and then to take a left at Highlaws to Parkhead to turn right and then a left through to Causeway Head road end. After this it was down the Silloth/Wigton road towards Abbeytown to turn left along the road that crosses the saltmarsh to Skimburness and then into Silloth to the Fairy Dust Emporium for Lunch. No-one else joined the five at lunch.
The return journey took the group out from Silloth on the A5300 coast road as far as Blitterlees where they turned left onto the Aspatria road and after a short stretch took a left turn to go via Wolsty and Newtown after which Clive kindly offered the group refreshments at his home at Holme St. Cuthbert. Tom, John R and Steve L accepted the kind offer but Maurice, needing to get home, declined and rode on through Mawbray and Salta and entered Allonby using the coast road once more to reach his car.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 24 October by Maggie and Stewart
Building on Stewart’s improving fitness after cycling in Mallorca, Maggie and Stewart decided to have one of Maurice’s ’Garbo’ rides. Instead of joining the group at Allonby they cycled from Wythop over the track and down to Beck Wythop, following diversions round the forestry works. From there they went on to Braithwaite and over Whinlatter. More diversions here round the work on the stream at Braithwaite. Although the road is officially closed, beware cars speeding downhill just checking that the signs are accurate. They stopped for coffee at Lorton café and then rode back to Wythop via the Highside track. Only 20 miles but it felt like a lot of climbing.
Sunday 21st October Club Run The Stag Inn, Crosby by Steve Lunt
Today the comment when we arrived at the Stag lunchtime venue: 6 fellas - “must be a first in memory!”
Although at the start point, the Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth, we had the company of Dianne and John Moyes, Stewart and Maggie, Maurice, John R, Tom, Clive, Roy and Steve L.
John and Di, Maggie and Stewart had other plans on this cloudy, cool and drizzly morning. So six of us: John R, Roy, Tom, Maurice, Clive and Steve L set off down the A66 to pick up the old road to Brigham to reach the junction to Great Broughton to make a turn north, glancing past great Broughton but heading for Dovenby and Bridekirk School (1 point on the Tour Competition). Still cycling in a grey, cool, cloudy with drizzle climate we came to Tallentire then Gilcrux (often used by the SolwaySCC). As we were well ahead of time, someone (probably our leader?) suggested a little loop to take in Oughterside before reaching the A596 main Carlisle road at Prospect. A suggestion from our leader for consideration of the people who had not got another Tour Competition already, to take in Hayton and then Hazel Mount road end (the point on the Tour Competition list) loop which swung us back round to the A596 at Crosby Villa, and then up the hill to Crosby and the Stag Inn for lunch. No one else from the Solway came to the pub this day, only ourselves.
On leaving to a brighter climate we travelled downhill to Crosby Villa and with a right turn (south) via a sharp uphill through Bullgill; straight through to Tallentire to Bridekirk and so to Cockermouth. We as a group leave the town centre to its traffic and after rounding the junction at Gotes Bridge, we take a quiet route through a housing estate to reach the brow of the hill at Parkside Avenue exit and then down to end our wet day out, at Brewers Fayre. (Only 23miles covered but it seemed like 36!)
Autumn Tints Wednesday 17th October Eskdale and Duddon Valley by Maurice Cowley The weather forecast gave cloudy but no rain?? They lied!!
Anita , John R and Maurice met up in the Eskdale Valley just over the bridge below the George the 4th pub. They rode down Eskdale Valley with a stop and the Dalegarth Laal Ratty Station for a comfort break and then onwards passing Boot and the Woolpack Inn to reach the climb up Hardknott Pass. All three got of their bikes at the cattle grid or just afterwards to have a pleasant but hard walk up, to the Roman Fort. Just here the cloud obscured all the views and the rain started. All three were able to get on their bikes here and ride on to the bottom of the 1in3 where a walk was again carried out to gain the top of the pass. The rain now had abated slightly for the steep downhill. Maurice on his new bike now with disc brakes felt very confident on the wet steep 1in3 downhill and was the first to reach Cockley Beck and the Wrynose Bottoms and waited for the other two who found it rather hairy with their brakes. The ride up Wrynose Bottoms to the bottom of Wrynose Pass was quite easy but Maurice and John R again dismounted partway up the pass to again walk but Anita managed to climb all the way. By this time the rain had stopped and coats were packed away.
Again the Three Shires Stone was nowhere to be seen so Maurice and Anita counted the cross roads of a path crossing the road as the area it would be for the Tour Point.
The descent down Wrynose and down Wrynose Bottoms was fast but then the rain started once more and foul weather gear was again put on and for Maurice never the be taken off (only at lunch). There was a fast pace again from Cockley Beck to Seathwaite through the lovely amber and green colours in the valley riding alongside the River Duddon and at Seathwaite was the lunch stop at the Newfield Inn.
After lunch they carried on down the Valley to Ulpha where they turned right up another 1in4 passing the old Travellers Rest (now a private house). Another walk for Maurice and John and again Anita rode all the way up and waited for the other two just prior to Crosbythwaite to ride over the top of Birker Fell and ride down the track to Devoke Water. Now it was mostly downhill to the cars except for a steep little click just prior to the hound dog kennels in the valley bottoms.
Even though it rained it was a lovely picturesque day out!!
Sunday 14th October Kirkstile Inn, Lowes Water by Maurice Cowley
Maurice's intention was to park his car at the Kirkstile and take in Mosser track and Whinfell prior to lunch at the Kirkstile but due to the heavy rain over the past two days that was out of the question!! He took the decision to park at the Brewers Fayre at Cockermouth and ride to the Kirkstile.
Having off loading his bike and riding up towards Paddle school he felt extremely cold and with a marked lack of enthusiasm turned back to the Brewers Fayre and drove to the Kirkstile to have lunch and meet up with whoever was going to turn up, no-one turned up by 12:30pm so Maurice left and drove home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 10th October Trip into the Lakes by Maurice Cowley
On a brilliantly sunny day with very little wind, Maurice, Anita and John R met up at Gramere to start their run into the lakes.
They started by travelling down the main road passing Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water, with different colours from the fells mirrored in the still waters. A right turn into a quiet lane passing Fox Ghyll Wood which led them to the junction leading to Lake Windermere for a visit. After a photo call at the lake they retraced their route to turn up to Clappersgate where they turned up the Hawkshead road and after a few miles turned down to Low Wray and stopped for a coffee break at the National Trust Campsite. They then again retraced their route back to the main road and back to a left turn to climb up to pass the “Drunken Duck” pub on their way to Tarn Hows. The road was quite lumpy and on the last hill Maurice found himself defeated and had to walk up the last couple of hundred yards before dropping down to Tarn Hows. Another break and a sandwich beside the tarn watching the birds and enjoying the magnificent view. Another photo call for John. The start to Coniston was much easier which was down a 1in4. After Coniston it was up the main road towards Skelwith Bridge but prior to that a left turn to reach Elterwater, While contemplating the climb up Red Bank to take them back to Grasmere another break for refreshments to give them strength or was it just to put off the inevitable for a time??Finally the climb up Red Bank was started, Anita climbing all the way up while Maurice and John R rode and walked to get to High Close YHA before the drop down another 1in4 to Grasmere and their cars. A hard but lovely day out.
In addition to the intrepid three above, on this lovely sunny day, Dave Swift had ventured out on his bike. From his home in Whitehaven he rode up the cycle path to Moor Row then took to the mainroads to Gosforth. Then he used the new cycle path to ride through Seascale and onto Drigg where he wanted to visit a friend. There was no answer when he knocked on the door so he rode onto the outskirts of Drigg and had his sandwiches on a seat by the road sitting enjoying the sun.His return to Whitehaven was along the A595 main road.
Sunday 7th October The Wild Duck, Branthwaite by Maurice Cowley
Due to most of the riding members of the “Solway” being in Majorca only 5 members met at the Wild Duck, Branthwaite. They were Bacca and Tracy, Maurice, Anita and a little late came Dave Swift.
The weather was all the time threatening rain and the weather forecast gave southwesterly winds of 41+ miles/hr after 1pm so Anita and Maurice decided they would arrive at the “Wild Duck” by mid day and would leave just prior to 1pm. When Dave S rang Maurice that was what he was told.
Anita and Maurice parked cars in Whitehaven to ride along the Whitehaven/Parton cycleway after which climbed up to Lowca to ride along the cycleway passing Distington and through Workington and Seaton to Camerton. They then descended the steep hill into Camerton to cross the River Derwent by the walkers bridge to climb up to Great Clifton and then to the A66/A595 roundabout. Being a little early (half an hour) both decided to take refreshments in the Melbreak. It was after this they felt the strong wind picking up as they rode up the cycleway to Lillyhall roundabout and then took the left turn to reach The Wild Duck in Branthwaite to have lunch with Bacca and Tracy.
Bacca and Tracy had been out riding on their Tandem Trike in the Maryport area, arriving at the “Wild Duck” in their van.
Dave S arrived 40 minutes later having rode there straight along the main road from his home in Whitehaven.
Just after 1pm Bacca and Tracy left for home in their van. Maurice and Anita left at the same time just as the rain was starting – but it never got any worse than just starting, however the wind was getting stronger and the going got extremely hard as the two of them rode into a headwind down the cycle path to Distington to the pick up the WorkingtonWhitehaven cycle route all the way to Whitehaven and their cars.
Dave S after finishing his meal retraced is route back to his home in Whitehaven.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 3rd October Brewers Fayre. by Steve Lunt
Meeting up at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth were Maurice, John and Sue M, John R, Clive, Roy, Steve L, Tom, and Anita. With the original intention of riding out to the Craggs Cafe at Bothel: having not been there for some time. Thanks to the early warning from John Barton we found out the the Craggs was closed for a week due to staff holidays. We therefore chose to use our meeting place, Brewers Fayre as our lunchtime venue and for this – a circular run out with a return at lunchtime seemed a sensible option.
We set off taking the A66 to the “old road” via Brigham and Broughton Cross to Bridgefoot (our usual route west) to climb up and use the Chapel Brow roundabout to cross the A595. using the cycle path parallel to the A595 and passing the Melbreak Hotel and at the lower reaches of Winscales Moor turned right along a quiet road to the “back door” of Stainburn crossing a new bridge in the process (1 point on the tour comp.) and then into Workington and through Curwen Park, alongside the River Derwent, over the new cycleway bridge, passing the new Sports and Leisure Centre to ride up the cycleway to Distington. Here we took the left fork to reach the A595 parallel cycleway passing the college and northwards until the long downhill over Winscales Moor brought our group out once again at Chapel Brow and the cycle route on the “old road” to Brigham ato the Cockermouth roundabout to finally ride the last stretch to Egremont/Cockermouth roundabout on the noisy main road itself for directness. Lunch at the Brewers Fayre: enough cycling for today. (distance 23miles)
On a dull cold morning thirteen members made it to the Brewers Fayre for the usual coffee and chat. They were John Moyes, Maurice, Clive, Sue, Paul, Tom, Roy, Stewart, John R, Sue, John, and Pat and Johnny.
Maurice feeling the cold decided to give the ride a miss, Sue and Paul also did their own thing meeting up with the group later for lunch.
Having rained while inside by the time they made a move the rain had stopped as they headed to Parkside to pick up Dianne.
With Dianne on the front it was onto the Greenway to join the Isel Road with group splitting on the climbs, coming together again on Isel Bridge.
Having viewed the river for wild life the group took the first right that climbed steadily to the T junction at High Calfshaw Wood.
Here the group turned right on a more level road with views to the right looking down on Bass Lake.
With the construction of the water pipe track road closures signs appear when you don't expect them.
Approach Howgill Wood the road ahead to Bewaldeth was closed, thankfully here the group turned left to Sunderland.
On reaching Sunderland a right turn was followed by more climbing albeit with a following wind evident from the wind farm at Bothel.
Joining the A591 the tail end of the group were joined by Johnny as the front end of the group disappeared up the road.
Sat in their usual spot a good mix was ordered from the menu along with the usual banter before making a move back to Cockermouth.
With rain forecast for the afternoon it came as no surprise to find it raining quite heavy outside.
Leaving the Craggs it was decided to head back the same way the group splitting on the descent through Sunderland to regroup again before Isel Bridge.
After the short steep climb from Isel Bridge it was ride at your own speed back to the Brewers Fayre with some of the group soaked to the skin.
Sunday 28th October Club Prize Giving at the Hundith Hill Hotel.
On a cold, cloudy day, saw members and friends make their way to Hundith Hill Hotel for the annual prize giving dinner by car.
Earlier that morning the club had held the downhill competition, where three members took part they, were Brian, Tracy and Roy.
Back at the hotel 27 members and friends sat down to a good meal, that included our members from the north east two of whom have ridden across on their bikes from the north east.
A good selection of raffle prizes, were on offer organised by Tracy and Shirley who were our ticket sellers. Maurice organised the raffle distribution quite ably between courses of the meal.
The final job of the day, the prize giving, was again down to Maurice assisted by Dianne.
THE DOWNHILL
Gents Cup. Brian Moore
Ladies Cup. Tracy Moore
Nearest Pica Roy Jackson
BIG URN TRIKE TROPHY
Brian Moore
WOODEN SPOON
Maurice Cowley and John Murphy
TOUR COMPETITION
Gents
Gold Medal Maurice Cowley 193 pts
Silver Medal Roy Jackson 113 pts
Bronze Medal John Murphy 103 pts
Stewart Grant 26 pts
Ladies
Gold Medal Sue Murphy 103 pts
Silver Medal Maggie Grant 56 pts
Autumn Tints Wednesday 24th October Fairy Dust Emporium. Silloth by Maurice Cowley On a grey day with only a small southerly breeze (the forecast said northerly) 5 riders met at the Allonby Cafe for refreshment prior to the ride, they were Steve L, Maurice, John R, Clive and Tom. This was after threading their way through the road blocks due to the road works being carried out!!!
Their outward route took them north, with a tail wind, to turn through Edderside and Jericho and up the hill to emerge on the Silloth/Aspatria road to pass through Tarns and turn up to Pelutho and then to take a left at Highlaws to Parkhead to turn right and then a left through to Causeway Head road end. After this it was down the Silloth/Wigton road towards Abbeytown to turn left along the road that crosses the saltmarsh to Skimburness and then into Silloth to the Fairy Dust Emporium for Lunch. No-one else joined the five at lunch.
The return journey took the group out from Silloth on the A5300 coast road as far as Blitterlees where they turned left onto the Aspatria road and after a short stretch took a left turn to go via Wolsty and Newtown after which Clive kindly offered the group refreshments at his home at Holme St. Cuthbert. Tom, John R and Steve L accepted the kind offer but Maurice, needing to get home, declined and rode on through Mawbray and Salta and entered Allonby using the coast road once more to reach his car.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 24 October by Maggie and Stewart
Building on Stewart’s improving fitness after cycling in Mallorca, Maggie and Stewart decided to have one of Maurice’s ’Garbo’ rides. Instead of joining the group at Allonby they cycled from Wythop over the track and down to Beck Wythop, following diversions round the forestry works. From there they went on to Braithwaite and over Whinlatter. More diversions here round the work on the stream at Braithwaite. Although the road is officially closed, beware cars speeding downhill just checking that the signs are accurate. They stopped for coffee at Lorton café and then rode back to Wythop via the Highside track. Only 20 miles but it felt like a lot of climbing.
Sunday 21st October Club Run The Stag Inn, Crosby by Steve Lunt
Today the comment when we arrived at the Stag lunchtime venue: 6 fellas - “must be a first in memory!”
Although at the start point, the Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth, we had the company of Dianne and John Moyes, Stewart and Maggie, Maurice, John R, Tom, Clive, Roy and Steve L.
John and Di, Maggie and Stewart had other plans on this cloudy, cool and drizzly morning. So six of us: John R, Roy, Tom, Maurice, Clive and Steve L set off down the A66 to pick up the old road to Brigham to reach the junction to Great Broughton to make a turn north, glancing past great Broughton but heading for Dovenby and Bridekirk School (1 point on the Tour Competition). Still cycling in a grey, cool, cloudy with drizzle climate we came to Tallentire then Gilcrux (often used by the SolwaySCC). As we were well ahead of time, someone (probably our leader?) suggested a little loop to take in Oughterside before reaching the A596 main Carlisle road at Prospect. A suggestion from our leader for consideration of the people who had not got another Tour Competition already, to take in Hayton and then Hazel Mount road end (the point on the Tour Competition list) loop which swung us back round to the A596 at Crosby Villa, and then up the hill to Crosby and the Stag Inn for lunch. No one else from the Solway came to the pub this day, only ourselves.
On leaving to a brighter climate we travelled downhill to Crosby Villa and with a right turn (south) via a sharp uphill through Bullgill; straight through to Tallentire to Bridekirk and so to Cockermouth. We as a group leave the town centre to its traffic and after rounding the junction at Gotes Bridge, we take a quiet route through a housing estate to reach the brow of the hill at Parkside Avenue exit and then down to end our wet day out, at Brewers Fayre. (Only 23miles covered but it seemed like 36!)
Autumn Tints Wednesday 17th October Eskdale and Duddon Valley by Maurice Cowley The weather forecast gave cloudy but no rain?? They lied!!
Anita , John R and Maurice met up in the Eskdale Valley just over the bridge below the George the 4th pub. They rode down Eskdale Valley with a stop and the Dalegarth Laal Ratty Station for a comfort break and then onwards passing Boot and the Woolpack Inn to reach the climb up Hardknott Pass. All three got of their bikes at the cattle grid or just afterwards to have a pleasant but hard walk up, to the Roman Fort. Just here the cloud obscured all the views and the rain started. All three were able to get on their bikes here and ride on to the bottom of the 1in3 where a walk was again carried out to gain the top of the pass. The rain now had abated slightly for the steep downhill. Maurice on his new bike now with disc brakes felt very confident on the wet steep 1in3 downhill and was the first to reach Cockley Beck and the Wrynose Bottoms and waited for the other two who found it rather hairy with their brakes. The ride up Wrynose Bottoms to the bottom of Wrynose Pass was quite easy but Maurice and John R again dismounted partway up the pass to again walk but Anita managed to climb all the way. By this time the rain had stopped and coats were packed away.
Again the Three Shires Stone was nowhere to be seen so Maurice and Anita counted the cross roads of a path crossing the road as the area it would be for the Tour Point.
The descent down Wrynose and down Wrynose Bottoms was fast but then the rain started once more and foul weather gear was again put on and for Maurice never the be taken off (only at lunch). There was a fast pace again from Cockley Beck to Seathwaite through the lovely amber and green colours in the valley riding alongside the River Duddon and at Seathwaite was the lunch stop at the Newfield Inn.
After lunch they carried on down the Valley to Ulpha where they turned right up another 1in4 passing the old Travellers Rest (now a private house). Another walk for Maurice and John and again Anita rode all the way up and waited for the other two just prior to Crosbythwaite to ride over the top of Birker Fell and ride down the track to Devoke Water. Now it was mostly downhill to the cars except for a steep little click just prior to the hound dog kennels in the valley bottoms.
Even though it rained it was a lovely picturesque day out!!
Sunday 14th October Kirkstile Inn, Lowes Water by Maurice Cowley
Maurice's intention was to park his car at the Kirkstile and take in Mosser track and Whinfell prior to lunch at the Kirkstile but due to the heavy rain over the past two days that was out of the question!! He took the decision to park at the Brewers Fayre at Cockermouth and ride to the Kirkstile.
Having off loading his bike and riding up towards Paddle school he felt extremely cold and with a marked lack of enthusiasm turned back to the Brewers Fayre and drove to the Kirkstile to have lunch and meet up with whoever was going to turn up, no-one turned up by 12:30pm so Maurice left and drove home.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 10th October Trip into the Lakes by Maurice Cowley
On a brilliantly sunny day with very little wind, Maurice, Anita and John R met up at Gramere to start their run into the lakes.
They started by travelling down the main road passing Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water, with different colours from the fells mirrored in the still waters. A right turn into a quiet lane passing Fox Ghyll Wood which led them to the junction leading to Lake Windermere for a visit. After a photo call at the lake they retraced their route to turn up to Clappersgate where they turned up the Hawkshead road and after a few miles turned down to Low Wray and stopped for a coffee break at the National Trust Campsite. They then again retraced their route back to the main road and back to a left turn to climb up to pass the “Drunken Duck” pub on their way to Tarn Hows. The road was quite lumpy and on the last hill Maurice found himself defeated and had to walk up the last couple of hundred yards before dropping down to Tarn Hows. Another break and a sandwich beside the tarn watching the birds and enjoying the magnificent view. Another photo call for John. The start to Coniston was much easier which was down a 1in4. After Coniston it was up the main road towards Skelwith Bridge but prior to that a left turn to reach Elterwater, While contemplating the climb up Red Bank to take them back to Grasmere another break for refreshments to give them strength or was it just to put off the inevitable for a time??Finally the climb up Red Bank was started, Anita climbing all the way up while Maurice and John R rode and walked to get to High Close YHA before the drop down another 1in4 to Grasmere and their cars. A hard but lovely day out.
In addition to the intrepid three above, on this lovely sunny day, Dave Swift had ventured out on his bike. From his home in Whitehaven he rode up the cycle path to Moor Row then took to the mainroads to Gosforth. Then he used the new cycle path to ride through Seascale and onto Drigg where he wanted to visit a friend. There was no answer when he knocked on the door so he rode onto the outskirts of Drigg and had his sandwiches on a seat by the road sitting enjoying the sun.His return to Whitehaven was along the A595 main road.
Sunday 7th October The Wild Duck, Branthwaite by Maurice Cowley
Due to most of the riding members of the “Solway” being in Majorca only 5 members met at the Wild Duck, Branthwaite. They were Bacca and Tracy, Maurice, Anita and a little late came Dave Swift.
The weather was all the time threatening rain and the weather forecast gave southwesterly winds of 41+ miles/hr after 1pm so Anita and Maurice decided they would arrive at the “Wild Duck” by mid day and would leave just prior to 1pm. When Dave S rang Maurice that was what he was told.
Anita and Maurice parked cars in Whitehaven to ride along the Whitehaven/Parton cycleway after which climbed up to Lowca to ride along the cycleway passing Distington and through Workington and Seaton to Camerton. They then descended the steep hill into Camerton to cross the River Derwent by the walkers bridge to climb up to Great Clifton and then to the A66/A595 roundabout. Being a little early (half an hour) both decided to take refreshments in the Melbreak. It was after this they felt the strong wind picking up as they rode up the cycleway to Lillyhall roundabout and then took the left turn to reach The Wild Duck in Branthwaite to have lunch with Bacca and Tracy.
Bacca and Tracy had been out riding on their Tandem Trike in the Maryport area, arriving at the “Wild Duck” in their van.
Dave S arrived 40 minutes later having rode there straight along the main road from his home in Whitehaven.
Just after 1pm Bacca and Tracy left for home in their van. Maurice and Anita left at the same time just as the rain was starting – but it never got any worse than just starting, however the wind was getting stronger and the going got extremely hard as the two of them rode into a headwind down the cycle path to Distington to the pick up the WorkingtonWhitehaven cycle route all the way to Whitehaven and their cars.
Dave S after finishing his meal retraced is route back to his home in Whitehaven.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 3rd October Brewers Fayre. by Steve Lunt
Meeting up at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth were Maurice, John and Sue M, John R, Clive, Roy, Steve L, Tom, and Anita. With the original intention of riding out to the Craggs Cafe at Bothel: having not been there for some time. Thanks to the early warning from John Barton we found out the the Craggs was closed for a week due to staff holidays. We therefore chose to use our meeting place, Brewers Fayre as our lunchtime venue and for this – a circular run out with a return at lunchtime seemed a sensible option.
We set off taking the A66 to the “old road” via Brigham and Broughton Cross to Bridgefoot (our usual route west) to climb up and use the Chapel Brow roundabout to cross the A595. using the cycle path parallel to the A595 and passing the Melbreak Hotel and at the lower reaches of Winscales Moor turned right along a quiet road to the “back door” of Stainburn crossing a new bridge in the process (1 point on the tour comp.) and then into Workington and through Curwen Park, alongside the River Derwent, over the new cycleway bridge, passing the new Sports and Leisure Centre to ride up the cycleway to Distington. Here we took the left fork to reach the A595 parallel cycleway passing the college and northwards until the long downhill over Winscales Moor brought our group out once again at Chapel Brow and the cycle route on the “old road” to Brigham ato the Cockermouth roundabout to finally ride the last stretch to Egremont/Cockermouth roundabout on the noisy main road itself for directness. Lunch at the Brewers Fayre: enough cycling for today. (distance 23miles)