Autumn Tints Wednesday 28th September
Due to heavy rain and blustery wind the ride was cancelled, a good decision it turned out to be, as members made their way by car to the Melbreak.
They were Maggie, Sue, Maurice, Stewart, and the two John's, over pots of tea and coffee a good old chat was had.(bring back the good weather).
Sunday 25th September Parkside Hotel Cleator.
The Solway Sociable Cycling Club founded in January 1996 by Steve Hasson, Maurice Cowley and Brian Moore, could today have been the twentieth AGM?
Over the twenty years the AGM as been held in numerous location, but today for the first time the Parkside Hotel at Cleator was the venue.
Making it to the meeting were Maurice, Steve, Brian, Tracy, Dianne, Maggie, Stewart, Brenda, Bruce, Sue, John, Michelle, Peter, Steve and Roy.
Only four members ventured there on two wheels, starting from the Melbreak were Sue, John and Roy.
Starting in the dry after early morning rain the trio headed along the cycle path into a strong head wind.
Passing the wind farm the wind turbines were going round faster than the peddles, with Sue doing all the work on the front.
Eventually the trio arrived in Whitehaven to find Steve by the harbour about to set off having ridden as far as Distington.
The group now four followed the cycle path out Whitehaven to the Parkside Hotel, John having to stop in site of the pub with a puncture.
After a good meal and a well organised AGM members began to leave the way they had arrived, the two wheel group headed for the cycle path to Rowrah.
Joining the main road at Rowrah the group continued onto Mockerkin were they turned left to Ullock.
It was then on through Dean, where it started to rain quite heavy forcing the group to take shelter.
With rain having stopped the group moved off, Steve heading back home via Branthwaite while the rest continued onto Eaglesfield.
With the odd shower the trio made their way back to the Melbreak via Greysouthen and Bridgefoot.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 21st September.
Six members met at Dianne's they were Sue and John, Roy and Steve, plus Maggie and Stewart who had ridden from home.
Dianne provided tea coffee and biscuits before the group set off on a cool windy morning.
After negotiating their way out of Cockermouth they arrived at the A66 to join the old road through Brigham.
Because of hedge cutting's discovered on Sunday's ride they continued along the A66 to the Brigham junction.
Away from the A66 the group made their way to Bridgefoot to join the cycle path to Whitehaven.
Having had a following wind to the Melbreak it was now into a side wind towards Lillyhall, this was followed by a head wind along the sea wall from Parton.
Joining the group for lunch at the Waverley was Anita but no Steve Hasson who Dianne had informed by email.
After a good lunch and chat the group headed for the cycle path to Rowrah where they were confronted by a herd of bullocks.
They were eventually turned down a side track before the group could continue onto
Rowrah where they joined the main road.
After a short distance along the main road the group turned right to Lamplagh to continue climbing steadily to Fangs Brow.
A brief stop at the top was followed by the welcome descent to Loweswater, then on through Thackthwaite to Lorton.
Stopping on the bridge Steve discovered he had a back wheel puncture, the rest decided to carry on, leaving John as company.
Maggie and Stewart said there goodbye to make their way home via Armaside while the rest continued onto Dianne's for more tea coffee and biscuits.
Punctured mended John and Steve made their way to Dianne's just in time before it began to rain.
Sunday 18th September Stag Inn Crosby
Starting from Braithwaite on dry morning were Sue and John who had arranged to meet up with Dianne in Cockermouth.
Joining Dianne were Roy and John R both having travelled by car to Dianne's, as planned they met up by the market place.
Having decided on a route Dianne led the group out off Cockermouth to join the old road into Brigham.
On joining the old road it was evident that the hedge cutter had been busy, covering the road with debris.
It was quickly decided it was a no go area so it was back onto the A66 to the Broughton turn off.
With low gears selected it was on through Great Broughton to Broughton Moor, turning left at the crossroads to Flimby.
It was then onto Maryport, and along the promenade to join the cycle path by the golf course to Crosscanonby road end.
With Dianne and Sue on the front the road started to ramp up, with Dianne eventually showing what that electric bike can do.
With the group split up one could see Dianne disappearing up the road, only to find her bike parked up by the time the remainder reached the pub.
Already in the pub were Brian, Tracy, Joe and France's all having been and done their own thing on two wheels.
Lunch and chat over members left the way they had arrived, the Dianne group left heading for Dearham and onto Broughton Moor.
From Broughton Moor it was back through Great Broughton, then onto Papcastle before arriving in Cockermouth.
Here the group split Sue and John to continue onto Braithwaite while Dianne, Roy and John R made their way to Dianne's.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 14th September.
On a sunny but windy morning nine member made their way to the Melbreak.
They were Maggie, Stewart, Sue, John, Roy and Steve all getting their by car,
Dianne, Sue and Paul arrived on two wheels.
Sat outside the Melbreak soaking up sun and sheltered from the wind, some indulged themselves in tea and coffee.
Finally the group made a move heading in the direction of Lillyhall, at the wind farm the group turned right to Stainburn.
On arrival in Workington the group joined the cycle path to Distington, to continue onto Lillyhall, where they turned right to Branthwaite.
On the undulating road to Branthwaite the group split up, regrouping before the descent into Branthwaite.
After cool start due the strong wind coming from a northerly direction it had warmed up considerably as the group arrived at Dean for lunch.
By one get one free, sounds like a super market promotion, but that's the offer at the Royal Yew.
After a good lunch and an agreement to extend the ride the group set off heading for Mockerkin and the steep climb through the village.
This was followed by the welcome descent to Loweswater to pick up the Sea to Sea route to Lorton.
Here Maggie left the group to make her way back to Wythop Mill, leaving the rest to continue to Paddle School.
Just before Paddle School a few rain drops were felt, which within seconds turned into a down pour.
Saying goodbye to Dianne the remainder of the group, wet by now made their way through Eaglesfield, to find the roads completely dry just outside the village. It was then onto Greysouthen and Bridgefoot for the final climb off the day back to the Melbreak.
Sunday 11th September Boot and Shoe Greystoke.
Meeting at Sue and John's were Stewart, Steve, Dianne, Roy, Michelle, Sue and Paul.
After tea and coffee the group prepared to set off, leaving Braithwaite along the A66 cycle way.
At the Keswick junction the group split up, Sue, Michelle and John preferring to continue along the A66.
The remainder threaded their way through Keswick to join up with the trio waiting at the Burns junction.
After a cool start some decided to cast some clothing, having warmed up climbing out of Keswick.
Continuing on the group passed Burns Farm crossing the A66 into Threlkeld to join the Sea to Sea route to Scales.
Crossing the A66 onto the old road, where the group turned right at the bottom of the hill to Wallthwaite.
With a following wind and the sun making for a pleasant day the group tackled the steady climb to Troutbeck.
The A66 never far away had to be crossed again as the group continued on through Motherby followed the fast descent to Greystoke.
Joining the two wheelers for lunch at the Boot and Shoe was Peter having driven out, to take Michelle back.
Lunch and chat over the group left Greystoke into a head wind following the Sea to Sea route towards Berrier.
Turning left at Berrier passed Whitbarrow Village caravan park to the Sportsman Inn, where the group turned right to follow their wheel tracks back to Wallthwaite.
Half way up the climb towards the A66 the group turned left onto a heavily chipped road to Guardhouse with a wonderful view of Blencathra.
After a short steep climb the group were back onto the A66 to join the cycle path into Threlkeld.
Thanks for the back roads it was back across A66 again to Burns, only to join the A66 again before the descent into Keswick.
On leaving Keswick it was back along the A66 for final run back to Braithwaite for tea and coffee for those in need.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 7th September.
On one of the warmest mornings off the year members made their way to Dianne's, they were Sue, John and Steve.
Dianne supplied tea coffee and biscuits in the pleasant surroundings of the conservatory overlooking the fells.
Leaving Cockermouth by the green way, the group down in numbers made their way to join the road at Strawberry How.
On leaving the cycle path one is confronted by a new housing development much to the surprise of Dianne at the size of it.
Pressing on the group stopped to talk to a mother and son doing the Sea to Sea having just set of from Cockermouth.
Joining the Hundith Hill road the group turned left to Armaside negotiating the gravel strewn road to join Lorton valley road.
With a slight head wind but quite warm, was perfect for cycling, as the group tackled the climb to Lanthwaite Green.
Pausing by the cattle grid to take in the view was followed by the fast descent to Crummock Water and final run into Buttermere for lunch.
On such a warm sunny day Buttermere was bussing with tourists keeping the cafe busy, the group found a table in the sun.
Arriving when everybody had almost finished their lunch was Dave, having parked his car at Hundith crossroads.
Lunch and chat over the group left together, stopping by Crummock Water to view an object in water.
At first it looked like one would describe as the Loch Ness Monster, it turned out to be someone with rucksack on their back swimming.
Continuing on the group stopped in Lorton before continuing on through Rodgerscale, turning left at Sandy Beck Bridge to Brandlingill.
On reaching the junction they turned right to Paddle School, then onto Eaglesfield, stopping again to view the plaque above a cottage.
This was the birthplace of John Dalton (1766–1844), acclaimed chemist, meteorologist and physicist.
Leaving Eaglesfield the group stopped again to talk to some people taking photos, one of them an ancestor of John Dalton, from New Zealand.
After all the stopping and talking the group made their way back to Dianne's for more drinks and biscuits and to see the stage finish of the tour on TV.
Sunday 4th September Post House Deanscales.
Joining Sue and John at Braithwaite for the ride to Deanscales was Michelle, missing was the ever present Roy who was spending time with his family.
Leaving Braithwaite following the cycle path along the A66 the trio continued on the A66 to join the A591 at Crosthwaite roundabout.
Into a slight head wind with Sue on the front the trio turned left to Scarness, before crossing the A591 into Bassenthwaite village.
After negotiating the village it was back onto the A591 turning left at Castle Inn to meet Dianne coming in opposite direction.
With day getting warmer and the group now four they continued on over Ouse Bridge to Embleton, crossing the A66 at Lambfoot.
With Dianne setting the pace and talking at the same time the group climbed the short steep climb to join the Hundith road.
It was then onto Southwaite Mill followed by a short climb where the group turned left towards Rodgescale, turning right at the bridge to Brandlingill.
After more climbing the group reached Pardshaw Hall where they turned right, to join the main road to the Post House.
Joining the group for lunch were Peter and Dave, Dave having ridden out from home using the main road all the way from Frizington.
After a good meal and chat, Peter and Michelle left together, Michelle loading her bike into the car, while Dave headed back along the main road.
Dianne, Sue and John headed for Eaglesfield then onto Paddle School where Dianne took the main road back to Cockermouth.
The duo continued onto Low Lorton followed by the climb over Whinlatter Pass back to Braithwaite.
Due to heavy rain and blustery wind the ride was cancelled, a good decision it turned out to be, as members made their way by car to the Melbreak.
They were Maggie, Sue, Maurice, Stewart, and the two John's, over pots of tea and coffee a good old chat was had.(bring back the good weather).
Sunday 25th September Parkside Hotel Cleator.
The Solway Sociable Cycling Club founded in January 1996 by Steve Hasson, Maurice Cowley and Brian Moore, could today have been the twentieth AGM?
Over the twenty years the AGM as been held in numerous location, but today for the first time the Parkside Hotel at Cleator was the venue.
Making it to the meeting were Maurice, Steve, Brian, Tracy, Dianne, Maggie, Stewart, Brenda, Bruce, Sue, John, Michelle, Peter, Steve and Roy.
Only four members ventured there on two wheels, starting from the Melbreak were Sue, John and Roy.
Starting in the dry after early morning rain the trio headed along the cycle path into a strong head wind.
Passing the wind farm the wind turbines were going round faster than the peddles, with Sue doing all the work on the front.
Eventually the trio arrived in Whitehaven to find Steve by the harbour about to set off having ridden as far as Distington.
The group now four followed the cycle path out Whitehaven to the Parkside Hotel, John having to stop in site of the pub with a puncture.
After a good meal and a well organised AGM members began to leave the way they had arrived, the two wheel group headed for the cycle path to Rowrah.
Joining the main road at Rowrah the group continued onto Mockerkin were they turned left to Ullock.
It was then on through Dean, where it started to rain quite heavy forcing the group to take shelter.
With rain having stopped the group moved off, Steve heading back home via Branthwaite while the rest continued onto Eaglesfield.
With the odd shower the trio made their way back to the Melbreak via Greysouthen and Bridgefoot.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 21st September.
Six members met at Dianne's they were Sue and John, Roy and Steve, plus Maggie and Stewart who had ridden from home.
Dianne provided tea coffee and biscuits before the group set off on a cool windy morning.
After negotiating their way out of Cockermouth they arrived at the A66 to join the old road through Brigham.
Because of hedge cutting's discovered on Sunday's ride they continued along the A66 to the Brigham junction.
Away from the A66 the group made their way to Bridgefoot to join the cycle path to Whitehaven.
Having had a following wind to the Melbreak it was now into a side wind towards Lillyhall, this was followed by a head wind along the sea wall from Parton.
Joining the group for lunch at the Waverley was Anita but no Steve Hasson who Dianne had informed by email.
After a good lunch and chat the group headed for the cycle path to Rowrah where they were confronted by a herd of bullocks.
They were eventually turned down a side track before the group could continue onto
Rowrah where they joined the main road.
After a short distance along the main road the group turned right to Lamplagh to continue climbing steadily to Fangs Brow.
A brief stop at the top was followed by the welcome descent to Loweswater, then on through Thackthwaite to Lorton.
Stopping on the bridge Steve discovered he had a back wheel puncture, the rest decided to carry on, leaving John as company.
Maggie and Stewart said there goodbye to make their way home via Armaside while the rest continued onto Dianne's for more tea coffee and biscuits.
Punctured mended John and Steve made their way to Dianne's just in time before it began to rain.
Sunday 18th September Stag Inn Crosby
Starting from Braithwaite on dry morning were Sue and John who had arranged to meet up with Dianne in Cockermouth.
Joining Dianne were Roy and John R both having travelled by car to Dianne's, as planned they met up by the market place.
Having decided on a route Dianne led the group out off Cockermouth to join the old road into Brigham.
On joining the old road it was evident that the hedge cutter had been busy, covering the road with debris.
It was quickly decided it was a no go area so it was back onto the A66 to the Broughton turn off.
With low gears selected it was on through Great Broughton to Broughton Moor, turning left at the crossroads to Flimby.
It was then onto Maryport, and along the promenade to join the cycle path by the golf course to Crosscanonby road end.
With Dianne and Sue on the front the road started to ramp up, with Dianne eventually showing what that electric bike can do.
With the group split up one could see Dianne disappearing up the road, only to find her bike parked up by the time the remainder reached the pub.
Already in the pub were Brian, Tracy, Joe and France's all having been and done their own thing on two wheels.
Lunch and chat over members left the way they had arrived, the Dianne group left heading for Dearham and onto Broughton Moor.
From Broughton Moor it was back through Great Broughton, then onto Papcastle before arriving in Cockermouth.
Here the group split Sue and John to continue onto Braithwaite while Dianne, Roy and John R made their way to Dianne's.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 14th September.
On a sunny but windy morning nine member made their way to the Melbreak.
They were Maggie, Stewart, Sue, John, Roy and Steve all getting their by car,
Dianne, Sue and Paul arrived on two wheels.
Sat outside the Melbreak soaking up sun and sheltered from the wind, some indulged themselves in tea and coffee.
Finally the group made a move heading in the direction of Lillyhall, at the wind farm the group turned right to Stainburn.
On arrival in Workington the group joined the cycle path to Distington, to continue onto Lillyhall, where they turned right to Branthwaite.
On the undulating road to Branthwaite the group split up, regrouping before the descent into Branthwaite.
After cool start due the strong wind coming from a northerly direction it had warmed up considerably as the group arrived at Dean for lunch.
By one get one free, sounds like a super market promotion, but that's the offer at the Royal Yew.
After a good lunch and an agreement to extend the ride the group set off heading for Mockerkin and the steep climb through the village.
This was followed by the welcome descent to Loweswater to pick up the Sea to Sea route to Lorton.
Here Maggie left the group to make her way back to Wythop Mill, leaving the rest to continue to Paddle School.
Just before Paddle School a few rain drops were felt, which within seconds turned into a down pour.
Saying goodbye to Dianne the remainder of the group, wet by now made their way through Eaglesfield, to find the roads completely dry just outside the village. It was then onto Greysouthen and Bridgefoot for the final climb off the day back to the Melbreak.
Sunday 11th September Boot and Shoe Greystoke.
Meeting at Sue and John's were Stewart, Steve, Dianne, Roy, Michelle, Sue and Paul.
After tea and coffee the group prepared to set off, leaving Braithwaite along the A66 cycle way.
At the Keswick junction the group split up, Sue, Michelle and John preferring to continue along the A66.
The remainder threaded their way through Keswick to join up with the trio waiting at the Burns junction.
After a cool start some decided to cast some clothing, having warmed up climbing out of Keswick.
Continuing on the group passed Burns Farm crossing the A66 into Threlkeld to join the Sea to Sea route to Scales.
Crossing the A66 onto the old road, where the group turned right at the bottom of the hill to Wallthwaite.
With a following wind and the sun making for a pleasant day the group tackled the steady climb to Troutbeck.
The A66 never far away had to be crossed again as the group continued on through Motherby followed the fast descent to Greystoke.
Joining the two wheelers for lunch at the Boot and Shoe was Peter having driven out, to take Michelle back.
Lunch and chat over the group left Greystoke into a head wind following the Sea to Sea route towards Berrier.
Turning left at Berrier passed Whitbarrow Village caravan park to the Sportsman Inn, where the group turned right to follow their wheel tracks back to Wallthwaite.
Half way up the climb towards the A66 the group turned left onto a heavily chipped road to Guardhouse with a wonderful view of Blencathra.
After a short steep climb the group were back onto the A66 to join the cycle path into Threlkeld.
Thanks for the back roads it was back across A66 again to Burns, only to join the A66 again before the descent into Keswick.
On leaving Keswick it was back along the A66 for final run back to Braithwaite for tea and coffee for those in need.
Autumn Tints Wednesday 7th September.
On one of the warmest mornings off the year members made their way to Dianne's, they were Sue, John and Steve.
Dianne supplied tea coffee and biscuits in the pleasant surroundings of the conservatory overlooking the fells.
Leaving Cockermouth by the green way, the group down in numbers made their way to join the road at Strawberry How.
On leaving the cycle path one is confronted by a new housing development much to the surprise of Dianne at the size of it.
Pressing on the group stopped to talk to a mother and son doing the Sea to Sea having just set of from Cockermouth.
Joining the Hundith Hill road the group turned left to Armaside negotiating the gravel strewn road to join Lorton valley road.
With a slight head wind but quite warm, was perfect for cycling, as the group tackled the climb to Lanthwaite Green.
Pausing by the cattle grid to take in the view was followed by the fast descent to Crummock Water and final run into Buttermere for lunch.
On such a warm sunny day Buttermere was bussing with tourists keeping the cafe busy, the group found a table in the sun.
Arriving when everybody had almost finished their lunch was Dave, having parked his car at Hundith crossroads.
Lunch and chat over the group left together, stopping by Crummock Water to view an object in water.
At first it looked like one would describe as the Loch Ness Monster, it turned out to be someone with rucksack on their back swimming.
Continuing on the group stopped in Lorton before continuing on through Rodgerscale, turning left at Sandy Beck Bridge to Brandlingill.
On reaching the junction they turned right to Paddle School, then onto Eaglesfield, stopping again to view the plaque above a cottage.
This was the birthplace of John Dalton (1766–1844), acclaimed chemist, meteorologist and physicist.
Leaving Eaglesfield the group stopped again to talk to some people taking photos, one of them an ancestor of John Dalton, from New Zealand.
After all the stopping and talking the group made their way back to Dianne's for more drinks and biscuits and to see the stage finish of the tour on TV.
Sunday 4th September Post House Deanscales.
Joining Sue and John at Braithwaite for the ride to Deanscales was Michelle, missing was the ever present Roy who was spending time with his family.
Leaving Braithwaite following the cycle path along the A66 the trio continued on the A66 to join the A591 at Crosthwaite roundabout.
Into a slight head wind with Sue on the front the trio turned left to Scarness, before crossing the A591 into Bassenthwaite village.
After negotiating the village it was back onto the A591 turning left at Castle Inn to meet Dianne coming in opposite direction.
With day getting warmer and the group now four they continued on over Ouse Bridge to Embleton, crossing the A66 at Lambfoot.
With Dianne setting the pace and talking at the same time the group climbed the short steep climb to join the Hundith road.
It was then onto Southwaite Mill followed by a short climb where the group turned left towards Rodgescale, turning right at the bridge to Brandlingill.
After more climbing the group reached Pardshaw Hall where they turned right, to join the main road to the Post House.
Joining the group for lunch were Peter and Dave, Dave having ridden out from home using the main road all the way from Frizington.
After a good meal and chat, Peter and Michelle left together, Michelle loading her bike into the car, while Dave headed back along the main road.
Dianne, Sue and John headed for Eaglesfield then onto Paddle School where Dianne took the main road back to Cockermouth.
The duo continued onto Low Lorton followed by the climb over Whinlatter Pass back to Braithwaite.