Sunday 30th September Allonby Cafe by Steve Lunt
From the start point today, meeting up: John and Sue M, Clive, Roy, Steve L, and Maurice.
The route was the usual, Great Clifton, Workington (Stainburn) and through Curwen Park, over the River Derwent to go over the river again on the Cycleway and the northwards passing the Siddick Wetlands to arrive at Maryport Harbour and Marina. Onto the Prom cycleway (1 point on the Tour Points list) and leaving by the Golf Course service road to cross the main road and ride along the cycleway alongside, all the way to Allonby Cafe.
Homewards: same way today except taking the rough unsurfaced new path from Allonby, southwards (1 point on the Tour Points list) Very windy for the remainder of the run with flurries of cold rain; then sun. Arrival at Melbreak Hotel 3:45PM
Autumn Tints Wednesday 26th September Buttermere by Steve Lunt
Meeting up at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth were Sue and John M, Roy, Tom, Steve L, and new member Clive, Maggie and Stewart, Paul and Sue C (not riding today).
Our route was into Cockermouth and onto the Green Road/Cycleway to emerge at Lorton road over bridge. Then the usual route, diving under the A66 and down until the junction with the Hundith Hill Holel was encountered. Straight on down into the Lorton Valley and into Low Lorton taking the Buttermere turn at the “Y” junction just before Scale Hill. Now a general uphill finally 'topping' at Lanthwaite Green before the long downhill swoop to meet the Crummock shoreline and eventually Buttermere Village was reached.
Later: returning was by the reverse of the outward route with low cloud all round with little if any wind. When we reached Lorton Village we decided to take the Rogerscale route (for a change) out of the valley instead of the Cockermouth road we used earlier. Lovely quiet lanes here until Paddle School reached where our turn right at the crossing took us to Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth and the end of our ride. Surprising us all was the menacing cloud but little trouble from the westerly wind. (Distance 32 miles)
Sunday 23rd September AGM at Parkside Hotel, Frizington by Steve Lunt
AGM time of year again! We never have a problem with room space for our members, whether coming for lunch or solely for the AGM at the Parkside Hotel.
Steve L and Roy agreed to meet at the Melbreak Hotel, Crossbarrow by car and cycle the A595 cycle route from Crossbarrow southwards via Lillyhall, Distington, Lowca then Whitehaven Harbour. Close to the A595 over bridge (under the Distington By-pass road) we met up with John R, Anita and Tom coming northwards to meet us – we all then turned south and headed below the cliffs at Parton being caught from behind by John and Sue M on their electric bikes having cycled from home. Through Whitehaven Marina and via Mirehouse , passing it's playing fields and up the gentle slope to Moor Row, Cleator Moor to the Parkside Hotel.
At the hotel already were Maurice, Maggie and Stewart, Peter and Michelle, Tracy and Brian, Dave S, Paul and Sue, Janet and Ivan, and also new member Stuart P. Then for the meeting only – Bruce and Brenda.
Much later homeward bound, by the same route today with a brief stop at Whitehaven, Stuart P informing us Dave Swift had had a saddle clamp disaster and had limped home not far away. Sue and John continued on having to cycle back to Braithwaite. We tried to find a cup of coffee at the Beacon cafe – but full to the rafters; then we were turned away from Tesco (just closing). So Stuart decided on a more direct run back to Cockermouth along the main road, leaving Roy and Steve L to cycle in duo to Parton, Lowca, Distinton to join the A595 cycle path (alongside the A595) up to Lillyhall, Winscales Moor and down to Crossbarrow and the Melbreak Hotel – end of our ride. Very clear all round due to the north westerly air flow but chilly!!
Wednesday 19th September Ride Cancelled Due To Weather
Sunday 16th September Wheatsheaf Lorton.
After a wet and windy night and the prospect off abandoning the bike for the car, by nine o'clock the weather had change dramatically.
Sue and John had arranged with Roy to cycle out to Lorton leaving at ten o'clock, just before ten Roy arrived at Sue and John's with his daughter Sue.
After an introduction not having met his daughter before, they set off along the A66 into Keswick to join the A591, turning left after Mire House to Scarness.
The overnight wind had littered the roads with small branches and leaves, one small branch getting caught up in Roy's rear mech.
Crossing the A591 it was then along the narrow lane into Bassenthwaite village, before joining A591 again to the Castle Inn.
Turning left at the Castle Inn it was mostly downhill to Ouse Bridge followed by the undulating road to Lambfoot where they crossed the A66.
Having been a mostly flat ride the first steep climb was in the way, Sue M reaching the top first although Sue, Roy's daughter mist a gear.
Continuing on with the group split they came together again at Hundith crossroads for the fast downhill ride into Lorton.
On arrival already in the car park were Dianne and John, John having his first ride out since his hip operation, also Maurice and Steve H. Joining the two wheelers for lunch were Maggie and Stewart plus Tom and his girlfriend Ivy followed later by Sue and Paul on their bikes.
After a good lunch and chat members began to leave first Maurice and Steve then John Moyes of to watch the TV.
Sue, Roy's daughter left to cycle back to Braithwaite over Whinlatter that left the rest to make their way home the way they had arrived.
The Braithwaite trio followed their wheel tracks back to Embleton to join the A66 at Dubwath and back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 12th September Cups and Saucers Seaville.
Seasonal weather greeted members as they made their way to the Melbreak by car they were Sue, Dianne, Anita, Tom, Roy, John, John R and Adam.
After the usual tea and coffee the group set off with John R on the front heading for Great Clifton.
Just before Stainburn the group caught up with Paul and Sue who were cycling to Bankmill to meet up with the Eden Valley.
Taking the usual route through Curwin Park they headed to the cycle way past Siddick Ponds then alongside the A596 towards Flimby.
Having negotiated the gated section it was along the muddy lane into Flinby to join the cycle way again into Maryport.
Coming in the opposite direction to meet the group were Maggie and Stewart having parked there van by the promenade.
A brief stop at the Aquarium before setting off again along the promenade with a strong following wind that split the group along the coast road.
Regrouping by the bridge in Allonby the group continued on turning right at Dubmill Point to Maybray to follow the lanes to the lunch stop at Seaville.
Sat having had lunch were Janet and Ivan having parked there van at Allonby, after a good old natter they departed on their own.
The rest seemed to be in no hurry to leave as the wind could be heard blowing outside the warmth of the conservatory.
Eventually the group started to move, John having suggested a route back to try and avoid the strong wind.
About to leave Adam discovered a soft front tyre that took some time to inflate trying to find a suitable pump.
After the slight hiccup they set off heading for Abbeytown turning right onto the main road, before joining the more sheltered lanes to Highlaws and Tarns.
From Tarns they picked up the route coming out through Mawbray and Salta to join the coast road to Allonby into the wind coming directly off the sea.
Stopping at the cafe in Allonby for a drink, leaving Maggie and Stewart to carry on to Maryport to their van.
Back on the bikes, again into the wind they made their way along the coast road to Maryport, saying goodbye to Dianne at Mealo House.
Still following their wheel tracks, stopping occasionally to pump up Adams tyre they eventually reached Workington.
Anita decided she would ride back home from Workington following the cycle way to Whitehaven, the rest continued to follow their tracks back to the Melbreak.
Sunday 9th September Ennerdale Brewery, Rowrah by Steve Lunt
Meeting up to ride from The Melbreak Hotel, Crossbarrow were John and Sue M, Roy, Steve L, soon to be joined by Maurice, John R, and Tom, (who had cycled from the from Whitehaven Hub, Harbourside), Dianne (who had cycled in from Cockermouth), and also Paul and sue C.
Setting off soon after 10 o'clock down Chapel Brow and passing through Bridgefoot to turn right up to Greysouthen, onto Dean, then Ullock to reach the A5086 and to ride down it until the approach road to Lamplugh turn off. Passing through Lamplugh itself to keep off the main road for a short stretch but had to join the A5086 again to reach a little back road to Rowrah with it's twists and turns to arrive at the Brewery and our lunch stop. Also joining us for lunch was Dave S, Anita, and Peter and Michelle: by now quite a big headcount!
Departing later (still damp from heavy rain storm) Paul and Sue took their own route directly towards their home at Eaglesfield. Dianne also set off on her own return route to Cockermouth. Other riders heading out – John and Sue, John R, Maurice, Roy, Steve L, and Tom set off towards Whitehaven along the cycleway. Shortly before leaving the cycleway John R left us at an exit from the cycleway up to Hensingham. At Esk Avenue poor Tom had a slow puncture (not that slow!) and after a brief discussion decided that it would not be too far to walk his bike home and then fix it . John Sue, Roy, Maurice and Steve L cycled on to Harbourside where John M and Roy chose an ice cream break, a few minutes later all went to the Tesco cafe just prior to closing: coffee for Steve and Sue. Maurice had left us at the Harbourside Hub.
Suitable refreshed the remaining four all pushed on northwards towards Parton and Lowca. Steve L meeting up with old pal Craig and his wife Margaret collecting blackberries. Few minutes of chat then onto catch up with the other three SCC friends at the overbridge at Distington. At this point John's suggestion for an extra loop giving us a few extra miles seemed OK – so we took the left hand branch of the cycleway taking us into Workington town, over the cycle bridge, along the riverside path and crossing the A596 to go through Curwen Park and along a hilly route to Stainburn and Great Clifton and finally a downward stretch to the Melbreak Hotel, Crossbarrow and the end of the ride. (321/2 miles)
Autumn Tints Wednesday 5th September The Gather Cafe, Ennerdale Bridge by Steve Lunt
Meeting up at Anita's house at Sandwith were John R, Steve L, Roy, John and Sue – but only having first started from John R's place to ride via Mirehouse up a very steep hill to the outskirts of Greenbank to Anita's house at Sandwith. Also meeting here were Paul and Sue C (but not riding today) Maurice who had ridden from home at Thornhill to visit Steve H first and then rode up to Anita's through Kells, and of course Anita. Coffee and teas (care of Anita) and lots of discussions prior to starting off.
The cycling set left via Mirehouse pond road to join the cycleway in the valley at an entry point at the concrete bridge crossing. Now the usual route up the cycleway to Kirkland (as we so often do). In Kirkland Village a steep downhill run to Ennerdale Bridge and lunch at the Gather – lovely.
Later, the home route taken was out of the village to the Cold Fell road junction. Here, Maurice and Anita took the road to Wath Bridge, Anita to relatives in Cleator Moor and Maurice home at Thornhill by the Dent Fell Road and Egremont. The remainder of the riders – Sue and John, John R, Roy, and Steve L believed it may be fun to put in an extra loop. However It was quite tough pull up to the first part of the fell road below Blakeley Raise on one side and the back view of Dent on the other. The gradient eased on the flanks of Swarth Fell and afterwards a downhill stretch to cross the cattle grid at Cold Fell Gate at up onto the flanks of Cold Fell itself. Now a welcome long downhill towards Calderbridge to turn right before reaching Calder Abbey which took the group the outskirts of Haile Village where a left was taken to reach Blackbeck Roundabout. Negotiating this roundabout the group took the Beckermet turn and rode through the village to get to the cycleway which took them passed the top of Thornhill, then Egremont town centre to pick up the cycleway to Woodend and Moor Row. Having had enough of hills, the group elected to turn left at Sneakyeat to pass Summergrove Hall, over the rough farm track and at the hospital road down to to the roundabout – John R, John and Sue via Hensingham to John R's place to collect cars, Roy and Steve L took the Mirehouse input road – poor Roy having to ride up the steep hill beyond Mirehouse pond to get to Sandwith and his car. Steve L – easier route into Whitehaven (to collect prescription) to cycle home – via the cycleway of course!!
Sunday 2nd September The Gather Cafe, Ennerdale Bridge by Steve Lunt
The reason for last minute change of venue was due to a large family event at the Ennerdale Brewery Restaurant (which was as stated on the website programme). However the change to the Gather in Ennerdale Village was a sensible idea and with great food.
Our club members today on wheels came in directions, all different: John and Sue on E-Bikes from Braithwaite, Dianne on E-Bike from Cockermouth, a nice surprise as Maggie and Stewart travelled to Ennerdale from Lorton where they had left their car and negotiated Fangs Brow; well done Stewart in his recovery process!
Maurice arrived having left Thornhill and rode over Cold Fell and Swarth Fell via Beckermet, Haile and Calderbridge in lousy cloudy, drizzle!!
That left Roy and Steve L on ordinary bikes, they both met at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth by car – miserable drizzling weather, but set off by bike to Paddle School and turned up to Eaglesfield and through it to arrive at Dean. Taking the Ullock road they soon arrived at the A5086 Egremont/Cockermouth road close to Mockerkin Tarn. A mile or so up the road a turn to go uphill to Kirkland Village and a relief at last for the downhill all the way to Ennerdale Bridge and lunch at the Gather, a community run shop, Cafe, and fitness centre.
After lunch, a universal agreement between them resulted in Dianne, John and Sue taking off quickly (power assisted!!).
Maurice rode up to Kirkland also pedalling fast and furious but left Maggie and Stewart, Steve L and Roy, to ride down the Cycleway into Whitehaven. (to visit our old friend Steve Hasson). After his visit he rode back up the cycleway to Moor Row to reach home at Thornhill via Egremont.
From Kirkland, Maggie and Stewart, Steve L and Roy cycled on to get to the B5806 and at a junction signing Lamplugh, Maggie and Stewart turned off in order to reach Loweswater and the Lorton Valley and their vehicle. (it had been the Loweswater Show so hopefully they managed to get by okay). That left Steve L and Roy to reach the Ullock turn off (opposite Mockerkin Tarn) and onto Dean. Casting a “mere shadow” on Deanscales – straight on to Eaglesfield, and to Paddle School on the A5086 cross roads. Their last turn was a left to to Cockermouth and the Brewers Fayre – and the end of the ride, now a non – stop, steady drizzle but warm. (24miles)
Sunday 2nd September The Gather Ennerdale.
A dry morning as Sue and John left Braithwaite on their e-bikes heading for Whinlatter Pass, to be used latter in the week for the Tour of Britain.
Making the most of the assistance on their bikes made the ascent more pleasing as they caught up three mountain bikers.
On passing them it turned out they were also ridding e-bikes obviously heading for the Whinlatter mountain trails.
Reaching the summit it began to rain this continued on and off to the foot of Fangs Brow again the e-bike showed its use on the climb.
Reverting to pedal power from the top of Fangs it was back into Eco mode for the climb past Felldyke, before turning right at Cross Rigg to Kirkland.
As they arrived at the junction in Kirkland, Dianne, Roy and Steve were spotted just down the road, having cycled out from Cockermouth.
Having made contact they all made the fast descent into Ennerdale together, to meet up with Maurice who had just arrived.
Not far behind were Maggie and Stewart who had parked there camper van in Lorton to take the hard route to Ennerdale via Thackthwaite, Fangs Brow, Felldyke and Croasdale.
Making up the number for lunch at The Gather, was Dave having driven from home on what was turning out to be a wet afternoon.
After a good lunch the two wheel group left together heading for Kirkland,leaving Dave to drive back home.
With the rain quite heavy the e-bike members (Dianne, Sue and John) decided to leave the rest on the climb to Kirkland with Sue and John having to ride back to Braithwaite.
Catching Dianne on the climb the trio then joined the A5086 to Mockerkin then along a narrow lane to Pardshaw, with the rain having stopped.
Still following the lanes they made their way through Brandlingill past Sneckyeat saying goodbye to Dianne at the crossroads to Paddle School.
Sue and John then continued onto Braithwaite via Southwaite, Embleton to join the A66 at Dubwath for the remaining miles to Braithwaite.
From the start point today, meeting up: John and Sue M, Clive, Roy, Steve L, and Maurice.
The route was the usual, Great Clifton, Workington (Stainburn) and through Curwen Park, over the River Derwent to go over the river again on the Cycleway and the northwards passing the Siddick Wetlands to arrive at Maryport Harbour and Marina. Onto the Prom cycleway (1 point on the Tour Points list) and leaving by the Golf Course service road to cross the main road and ride along the cycleway alongside, all the way to Allonby Cafe.
Homewards: same way today except taking the rough unsurfaced new path from Allonby, southwards (1 point on the Tour Points list) Very windy for the remainder of the run with flurries of cold rain; then sun. Arrival at Melbreak Hotel 3:45PM
Autumn Tints Wednesday 26th September Buttermere by Steve Lunt
Meeting up at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth were Sue and John M, Roy, Tom, Steve L, and new member Clive, Maggie and Stewart, Paul and Sue C (not riding today).
Our route was into Cockermouth and onto the Green Road/Cycleway to emerge at Lorton road over bridge. Then the usual route, diving under the A66 and down until the junction with the Hundith Hill Holel was encountered. Straight on down into the Lorton Valley and into Low Lorton taking the Buttermere turn at the “Y” junction just before Scale Hill. Now a general uphill finally 'topping' at Lanthwaite Green before the long downhill swoop to meet the Crummock shoreline and eventually Buttermere Village was reached.
Later: returning was by the reverse of the outward route with low cloud all round with little if any wind. When we reached Lorton Village we decided to take the Rogerscale route (for a change) out of the valley instead of the Cockermouth road we used earlier. Lovely quiet lanes here until Paddle School reached where our turn right at the crossing took us to Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth and the end of our ride. Surprising us all was the menacing cloud but little trouble from the westerly wind. (Distance 32 miles)
Sunday 23rd September AGM at Parkside Hotel, Frizington by Steve Lunt
AGM time of year again! We never have a problem with room space for our members, whether coming for lunch or solely for the AGM at the Parkside Hotel.
Steve L and Roy agreed to meet at the Melbreak Hotel, Crossbarrow by car and cycle the A595 cycle route from Crossbarrow southwards via Lillyhall, Distington, Lowca then Whitehaven Harbour. Close to the A595 over bridge (under the Distington By-pass road) we met up with John R, Anita and Tom coming northwards to meet us – we all then turned south and headed below the cliffs at Parton being caught from behind by John and Sue M on their electric bikes having cycled from home. Through Whitehaven Marina and via Mirehouse , passing it's playing fields and up the gentle slope to Moor Row, Cleator Moor to the Parkside Hotel.
At the hotel already were Maurice, Maggie and Stewart, Peter and Michelle, Tracy and Brian, Dave S, Paul and Sue, Janet and Ivan, and also new member Stuart P. Then for the meeting only – Bruce and Brenda.
Much later homeward bound, by the same route today with a brief stop at Whitehaven, Stuart P informing us Dave Swift had had a saddle clamp disaster and had limped home not far away. Sue and John continued on having to cycle back to Braithwaite. We tried to find a cup of coffee at the Beacon cafe – but full to the rafters; then we were turned away from Tesco (just closing). So Stuart decided on a more direct run back to Cockermouth along the main road, leaving Roy and Steve L to cycle in duo to Parton, Lowca, Distinton to join the A595 cycle path (alongside the A595) up to Lillyhall, Winscales Moor and down to Crossbarrow and the Melbreak Hotel – end of our ride. Very clear all round due to the north westerly air flow but chilly!!
Wednesday 19th September Ride Cancelled Due To Weather
Sunday 16th September Wheatsheaf Lorton.
After a wet and windy night and the prospect off abandoning the bike for the car, by nine o'clock the weather had change dramatically.
Sue and John had arranged with Roy to cycle out to Lorton leaving at ten o'clock, just before ten Roy arrived at Sue and John's with his daughter Sue.
After an introduction not having met his daughter before, they set off along the A66 into Keswick to join the A591, turning left after Mire House to Scarness.
The overnight wind had littered the roads with small branches and leaves, one small branch getting caught up in Roy's rear mech.
Crossing the A591 it was then along the narrow lane into Bassenthwaite village, before joining A591 again to the Castle Inn.
Turning left at the Castle Inn it was mostly downhill to Ouse Bridge followed by the undulating road to Lambfoot where they crossed the A66.
Having been a mostly flat ride the first steep climb was in the way, Sue M reaching the top first although Sue, Roy's daughter mist a gear.
Continuing on with the group split they came together again at Hundith crossroads for the fast downhill ride into Lorton.
On arrival already in the car park were Dianne and John, John having his first ride out since his hip operation, also Maurice and Steve H. Joining the two wheelers for lunch were Maggie and Stewart plus Tom and his girlfriend Ivy followed later by Sue and Paul on their bikes.
After a good lunch and chat members began to leave first Maurice and Steve then John Moyes of to watch the TV.
Sue, Roy's daughter left to cycle back to Braithwaite over Whinlatter that left the rest to make their way home the way they had arrived.
The Braithwaite trio followed their wheel tracks back to Embleton to join the A66 at Dubwath and back to Braithwaite.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 12th September Cups and Saucers Seaville.
Seasonal weather greeted members as they made their way to the Melbreak by car they were Sue, Dianne, Anita, Tom, Roy, John, John R and Adam.
After the usual tea and coffee the group set off with John R on the front heading for Great Clifton.
Just before Stainburn the group caught up with Paul and Sue who were cycling to Bankmill to meet up with the Eden Valley.
Taking the usual route through Curwin Park they headed to the cycle way past Siddick Ponds then alongside the A596 towards Flimby.
Having negotiated the gated section it was along the muddy lane into Flinby to join the cycle way again into Maryport.
Coming in the opposite direction to meet the group were Maggie and Stewart having parked there van by the promenade.
A brief stop at the Aquarium before setting off again along the promenade with a strong following wind that split the group along the coast road.
Regrouping by the bridge in Allonby the group continued on turning right at Dubmill Point to Maybray to follow the lanes to the lunch stop at Seaville.
Sat having had lunch were Janet and Ivan having parked there van at Allonby, after a good old natter they departed on their own.
The rest seemed to be in no hurry to leave as the wind could be heard blowing outside the warmth of the conservatory.
Eventually the group started to move, John having suggested a route back to try and avoid the strong wind.
About to leave Adam discovered a soft front tyre that took some time to inflate trying to find a suitable pump.
After the slight hiccup they set off heading for Abbeytown turning right onto the main road, before joining the more sheltered lanes to Highlaws and Tarns.
From Tarns they picked up the route coming out through Mawbray and Salta to join the coast road to Allonby into the wind coming directly off the sea.
Stopping at the cafe in Allonby for a drink, leaving Maggie and Stewart to carry on to Maryport to their van.
Back on the bikes, again into the wind they made their way along the coast road to Maryport, saying goodbye to Dianne at Mealo House.
Still following their wheel tracks, stopping occasionally to pump up Adams tyre they eventually reached Workington.
Anita decided she would ride back home from Workington following the cycle way to Whitehaven, the rest continued to follow their tracks back to the Melbreak.
Sunday 9th September Ennerdale Brewery, Rowrah by Steve Lunt
Meeting up to ride from The Melbreak Hotel, Crossbarrow were John and Sue M, Roy, Steve L, soon to be joined by Maurice, John R, and Tom, (who had cycled from the from Whitehaven Hub, Harbourside), Dianne (who had cycled in from Cockermouth), and also Paul and sue C.
Setting off soon after 10 o'clock down Chapel Brow and passing through Bridgefoot to turn right up to Greysouthen, onto Dean, then Ullock to reach the A5086 and to ride down it until the approach road to Lamplugh turn off. Passing through Lamplugh itself to keep off the main road for a short stretch but had to join the A5086 again to reach a little back road to Rowrah with it's twists and turns to arrive at the Brewery and our lunch stop. Also joining us for lunch was Dave S, Anita, and Peter and Michelle: by now quite a big headcount!
Departing later (still damp from heavy rain storm) Paul and Sue took their own route directly towards their home at Eaglesfield. Dianne also set off on her own return route to Cockermouth. Other riders heading out – John and Sue, John R, Maurice, Roy, Steve L, and Tom set off towards Whitehaven along the cycleway. Shortly before leaving the cycleway John R left us at an exit from the cycleway up to Hensingham. At Esk Avenue poor Tom had a slow puncture (not that slow!) and after a brief discussion decided that it would not be too far to walk his bike home and then fix it . John Sue, Roy, Maurice and Steve L cycled on to Harbourside where John M and Roy chose an ice cream break, a few minutes later all went to the Tesco cafe just prior to closing: coffee for Steve and Sue. Maurice had left us at the Harbourside Hub.
Suitable refreshed the remaining four all pushed on northwards towards Parton and Lowca. Steve L meeting up with old pal Craig and his wife Margaret collecting blackberries. Few minutes of chat then onto catch up with the other three SCC friends at the overbridge at Distington. At this point John's suggestion for an extra loop giving us a few extra miles seemed OK – so we took the left hand branch of the cycleway taking us into Workington town, over the cycle bridge, along the riverside path and crossing the A596 to go through Curwen Park and along a hilly route to Stainburn and Great Clifton and finally a downward stretch to the Melbreak Hotel, Crossbarrow and the end of the ride. (321/2 miles)
Autumn Tints Wednesday 5th September The Gather Cafe, Ennerdale Bridge by Steve Lunt
Meeting up at Anita's house at Sandwith were John R, Steve L, Roy, John and Sue – but only having first started from John R's place to ride via Mirehouse up a very steep hill to the outskirts of Greenbank to Anita's house at Sandwith. Also meeting here were Paul and Sue C (but not riding today) Maurice who had ridden from home at Thornhill to visit Steve H first and then rode up to Anita's through Kells, and of course Anita. Coffee and teas (care of Anita) and lots of discussions prior to starting off.
The cycling set left via Mirehouse pond road to join the cycleway in the valley at an entry point at the concrete bridge crossing. Now the usual route up the cycleway to Kirkland (as we so often do). In Kirkland Village a steep downhill run to Ennerdale Bridge and lunch at the Gather – lovely.
Later, the home route taken was out of the village to the Cold Fell road junction. Here, Maurice and Anita took the road to Wath Bridge, Anita to relatives in Cleator Moor and Maurice home at Thornhill by the Dent Fell Road and Egremont. The remainder of the riders – Sue and John, John R, Roy, and Steve L believed it may be fun to put in an extra loop. However It was quite tough pull up to the first part of the fell road below Blakeley Raise on one side and the back view of Dent on the other. The gradient eased on the flanks of Swarth Fell and afterwards a downhill stretch to cross the cattle grid at Cold Fell Gate at up onto the flanks of Cold Fell itself. Now a welcome long downhill towards Calderbridge to turn right before reaching Calder Abbey which took the group the outskirts of Haile Village where a left was taken to reach Blackbeck Roundabout. Negotiating this roundabout the group took the Beckermet turn and rode through the village to get to the cycleway which took them passed the top of Thornhill, then Egremont town centre to pick up the cycleway to Woodend and Moor Row. Having had enough of hills, the group elected to turn left at Sneakyeat to pass Summergrove Hall, over the rough farm track and at the hospital road down to to the roundabout – John R, John and Sue via Hensingham to John R's place to collect cars, Roy and Steve L took the Mirehouse input road – poor Roy having to ride up the steep hill beyond Mirehouse pond to get to Sandwith and his car. Steve L – easier route into Whitehaven (to collect prescription) to cycle home – via the cycleway of course!!
Sunday 2nd September The Gather Cafe, Ennerdale Bridge by Steve Lunt
The reason for last minute change of venue was due to a large family event at the Ennerdale Brewery Restaurant (which was as stated on the website programme). However the change to the Gather in Ennerdale Village was a sensible idea and with great food.
Our club members today on wheels came in directions, all different: John and Sue on E-Bikes from Braithwaite, Dianne on E-Bike from Cockermouth, a nice surprise as Maggie and Stewart travelled to Ennerdale from Lorton where they had left their car and negotiated Fangs Brow; well done Stewart in his recovery process!
Maurice arrived having left Thornhill and rode over Cold Fell and Swarth Fell via Beckermet, Haile and Calderbridge in lousy cloudy, drizzle!!
That left Roy and Steve L on ordinary bikes, they both met at Brewers Fayre, Cockermouth by car – miserable drizzling weather, but set off by bike to Paddle School and turned up to Eaglesfield and through it to arrive at Dean. Taking the Ullock road they soon arrived at the A5086 Egremont/Cockermouth road close to Mockerkin Tarn. A mile or so up the road a turn to go uphill to Kirkland Village and a relief at last for the downhill all the way to Ennerdale Bridge and lunch at the Gather, a community run shop, Cafe, and fitness centre.
After lunch, a universal agreement between them resulted in Dianne, John and Sue taking off quickly (power assisted!!).
Maurice rode up to Kirkland also pedalling fast and furious but left Maggie and Stewart, Steve L and Roy, to ride down the Cycleway into Whitehaven. (to visit our old friend Steve Hasson). After his visit he rode back up the cycleway to Moor Row to reach home at Thornhill via Egremont.
From Kirkland, Maggie and Stewart, Steve L and Roy cycled on to get to the B5806 and at a junction signing Lamplugh, Maggie and Stewart turned off in order to reach Loweswater and the Lorton Valley and their vehicle. (it had been the Loweswater Show so hopefully they managed to get by okay). That left Steve L and Roy to reach the Ullock turn off (opposite Mockerkin Tarn) and onto Dean. Casting a “mere shadow” on Deanscales – straight on to Eaglesfield, and to Paddle School on the A5086 cross roads. Their last turn was a left to to Cockermouth and the Brewers Fayre – and the end of the ride, now a non – stop, steady drizzle but warm. (24miles)
Sunday 2nd September The Gather Ennerdale.
A dry morning as Sue and John left Braithwaite on their e-bikes heading for Whinlatter Pass, to be used latter in the week for the Tour of Britain.
Making the most of the assistance on their bikes made the ascent more pleasing as they caught up three mountain bikers.
On passing them it turned out they were also ridding e-bikes obviously heading for the Whinlatter mountain trails.
Reaching the summit it began to rain this continued on and off to the foot of Fangs Brow again the e-bike showed its use on the climb.
Reverting to pedal power from the top of Fangs it was back into Eco mode for the climb past Felldyke, before turning right at Cross Rigg to Kirkland.
As they arrived at the junction in Kirkland, Dianne, Roy and Steve were spotted just down the road, having cycled out from Cockermouth.
Having made contact they all made the fast descent into Ennerdale together, to meet up with Maurice who had just arrived.
Not far behind were Maggie and Stewart who had parked there camper van in Lorton to take the hard route to Ennerdale via Thackthwaite, Fangs Brow, Felldyke and Croasdale.
Making up the number for lunch at The Gather, was Dave having driven from home on what was turning out to be a wet afternoon.
After a good lunch the two wheel group left together heading for Kirkland,leaving Dave to drive back home.
With the rain quite heavy the e-bike members (Dianne, Sue and John) decided to leave the rest on the climb to Kirkland with Sue and John having to ride back to Braithwaite.
Catching Dianne on the climb the trio then joined the A5086 to Mockerkin then along a narrow lane to Pardshaw, with the rain having stopped.
Still following the lanes they made their way through Brandlingill past Sneckyeat saying goodbye to Dianne at the crossroads to Paddle School.
Sue and John then continued onto Braithwaite via Southwaite, Embleton to join the A66 at Dubwath for the remaining miles to Braithwaite.