Tuesday 29 December 2015

Wednesday 30 th Dec Ride

In spite of the predicted storm conditions, I intend to be at The Cross Keys Inn at Carleton at 10:00 to assess the weather situation and if anyone else appears may ride to Morland for 11's as planned.
   Since the River Eamont bridge adjacent to Brougham Castle is unusable there is no point in meeting at Frenchfield and having to have to climb back uphill to the Cross Keys.
   The A6 and Cliburn road can be reached using the metal footbridge at Eamont Bridge. Provided that Morland is not underwater the situation could be reassessed after 11's to consider if it is practical to proceed further or retreat for home.

Club Ride Sunday 3rd

The first official EV outing of 2016, so will Storm Gerbil (or something starting with a G) await us? Assuming not .... struggling to find cafes or garden centres open in Brampton, so here's Plan B.

Meet at our house in Ousby from 9.30 as advertised for pre start tea & coffee, then on the road 10 to 10.15. Aim for approx 30 miles before lunch, so BYO elevenses unless a better ad hoc opportunity materialises en route.

Melmerby, Gamblesby,  Kirkoswald, Lazonby,  over Baronwood to Armathwaite, west of river to Wetheral, over Eden on tooth rattling railway bridge, Hayton then Brampton. If nowt open there, further 3 miles to Talkin Tarn Cafe for lunch 1 to 1.30 - the lady I just spoke to said it is open!

For those joining en route,  no devious loops, so intercept on the long straights. Or Armathwaite 11.15 to 11.30, Wetheral 12 to 12.30 all being well.

After lunch, straight down the Fellside via Castle Carrock, Croglin, Renwick and for those doing the full monty, back to ours for tea, cakes and idle chatter.

Meantime enjoy your New Year celebrations - we'll be living it up in Langdale!

Monday 28 December 2015

Ride Tomorrow (Tuesday)

A few of us are going for a ride from Bowston - starting at 1000 - and heading out over Cartmell Fell, and taking in the Rusland Valley, Hawkshead and Ambleside before returning via Troutbeck. The total distance will be 51 miles and it is envisaged we will have one stop. You are most welcome to join us.
There is parking for a few cars on our drive and there will be refreshments post ride.
If we don't see you tomorrow we will take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year.
Cathy and Keith

Sunday 27 December 2015

ECO Friendly Minimalist Wallet - Great for Cyclists

I received this useful little wallet as a Christmas gift. What a clever idea for " recycling " punctured inner tubes !. 
For other ECO friendly locally and UK sourced products visit the Cherrydidi store at 2-4 St Johns St, Keswick or buy online from - www.cherrydidi.com or email info@cherrydidi.com.




Thursday 24 December 2015

New Years Day Ride and/or Social Lunch - Cliburn Village Hall

Start your new year with a leisurely bike ride around the quiet roads in the Eden Valley then enjoy a social lunch at about 1pm with your club mates.

Leaving Cliburn Village Hall at 10.30am a pleasant 23 mile ride over Whinfell passing Acorn Bank, New Biggin, Knock (with optional 4 mile detour up and down Great Dun Fell for the hill addicts), Dufton, Appleby, Colby, Bolton then lunch at Cliburn.

Or just drop in for the soup and cold buffet lunch at 1pm.

Donations/Proceeds will be donated to Cumbria Flood Appeal 2015 

To be sure we have enough lunch please let me know if you are coming.
lanceg999@gmail.com or call 01931 589110 or text/call 07432 627480

BEFORE (Purple) AND AFTER (Green) LUNCH RIDES NOW PROPOSED .....














Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Lance
​Greenhalgh​

Tuesday 22 December 2015

Suggestion for Sunday 27th

For those who may be interested, a suggestion for a ride on Sunday to work off your Xmas excesses  Start 10.00 Greystoke carpark. Round Skiddaw massif via (to be decided) stopping once for lunch perhaps in Bassenthwaite village. Distance about 50mi. Join us!

Monday 21 December 2015

Wednesday 23rd December



Anybody wanting a ride on Wednesday is welcome to join me leaving from Glendale, Cotehill at 9.30
Parking available in the drive, please let us know in advance.

We will go to Penrith via a different route to last time and to Booths for elevenses,  from there we could go to Mungrisedale for lunch, I intend being back here by 3.30pm

Pooley to Dalemain road River Eamont crossings by footpath bridges

The attached map shows two footpath / river bridge crossing of the Eamont that could be used while Pooley Brige is rebuilt. Our intrepid explorer Rachel took the 1 st crossing on Fri 18 th Dec ( see photo of her trusty steed at the footbridge crossing). Ian B & CJ followed her knobbly tyre tracks on Sun 20 th Dec. Ian & CJ also surveyed the acces point for the route via Sockbridge Mill and are not sure whether Rachel also made this crossing last week ?. It is hoped that the Pooley Bridge crossing is reinstated as soon possible even with a "temporary" bailey bridge or similar structure. What remains of Pooley bridge is shown in last picture.

                                                                           Foothpath Routes
                                                                 At Dalemain road crossing
                                                                Remains of pooley Bridge

Pete's ride Wed 23rd December

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I will not be able to lead the ride shown in the Runs List on Wednesday 23 December. My apologies to all who were anticipating the chance to get away from the chaos of pre-Christmas! 
Merry Christmas to all Club Members and I look forward to riding with you in the New Year.
     Pete M
 
PS(Sec.)  Feel free to blog alternates for this date if you feel moved!  I think some extra exercise before the excesses (I can't help it) of Xmas might be a good thing?

Saturday 19 December 2015

ALT Ride Sunday 20 th Dec



I phoned Granny Dowbekins Tea Rooms to day to confirm that they are fully open for business and intend to ride there tomorrow for late 11’s / early Lunch as per the ALT list.
    Although the A6 road bridge at Eamont Bridge may still be closed ( pending the results of safety checks ), cyclists & pedestrians should be able to use the adjacent metal footbridge.
Since Pooley is cut off from Ullswater one would have to retrace the outward route via Tirrel & Yanwath.
    On my way out, I will survey the situation at Frenchfield and the condition of the River Eamont Bridge downstream of Brougham Castle – this may still be closed. If passable I would proceed to Eamont Bridge via Brougham Hall. Another option would be to walk on the grass verge of the A66 on the Brougham Castle side of the carriageway with care from Frenchfield underpass to cross the River Eamont and then turn right on the lane to Brougham Castle and Hall.
     Depending upon how long it takes to establish a bridge at Pooley ( maybe a footbridge downstream of the destroyed road bridge ? ); when the low lying water meadows have dried out the River Eamont could possibly be crossed on a footbridge near Barton that crosses to the Dalemain road between Dalemain and a turn off to Dacre  [ Bridge at 90 / NY 477 260 – approached via footpaths off the B5320 at 90 / NY486 255 or 90 / NY 486264 at Barton ].

Merry Christmas from Paul & Janet

We'd like to wish all our friends in Eden Valley CTC a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and lots of happy cycling miles in 2016.

Best wishes

Paul and Janet

PS You'll be tucking into your Christmas dinner as I write, so:
Bon Appétit!

Friday 18 December 2015

Sunday 20 December

The good news is that Langwathby bridge is open and it should be easy to get to the start. So, no disappointment there.  It could be said that Sunday's weather is not looking that great, still our route does not take us that high and there are cut outs for shortening if we want.
Pleasingly there are also opportunities for extending the ride if anyone wants.
We look forward to seeing you, and if not you, someone you have persuaded to come in your place, by the Green in Langwathby on Sunday
Nigel and Alison

Tuesday 15 December 2015

Diana Harrison

I have the sad news that Diana's Motor Neurone Disease has overwhelmed her and she died yesterday.   Fortunately her wish to stay at home was achieved and she will remain here until her funeral at Matterdale Church 1.30pm on Friday 18th
Best wishes
David Harrison

Wednesday 16th - Change of start of ride

Unfortunately the bridge at Brougham castle is still closed and there are large barriers to stop anyone getting over the bridge so I intend to move the start of tomorrow's ride to Culgaith (Station House) but basically do the same 50mi ride stopping for lunch in Orton as advertised.
First comers are welcome to park on our driveway and if you arrive early have a cuppa! There is also a small layby just over the rise above the level crossing and plenty of room to park up in the village.
Hope to see some of you tomorrow.
Incidentally Peter M assures me that pedestrians (and therefore cyclists) can get through and so over the bridge at Langwathby.

Sunday 13 December 2015

Something to take your mind off floods, ice, rain etc

Lots of serious stuff on the blog lately so here's something to brighten the gloom... CLICK ME

Enjoy :)

Sunday 13th. ICE

Still -1.5 C here and I've ridden down and across White Bridge at Dalston. Roads have been very wet and now ice makes riding look hazardous. Alternatives are (a) meet at Coral Cafe or (b) come here for a walk.

Friday 11 December 2015

Rides from Dalston on Sunday 13th December

Cups & Saucers is unfortunately closed for the winter until February, so we are re-arranging the rides as follows: With Mike: Leave Dalston at 10 and ride out to the Solway at Brough-by-Sands and Beaumont. No elevenses planned. Return for lunch at Dalston, followed by a loop to the south of Dalston in the afternoon. About 45 miles in all. With Claire: Start at 10 and ride out to the 'alternative' meet at the Coral Cafe (eta 11.15). Return to Dalston for a later lunch. About 30 odd miles. Lunch Arrangements: We will provide tea/coffee/hot chocolate and a hot pudding (something with custard). If you want a sandwich - bring your own.

Thursday 10 December 2015

The jerseys have arrived!

If you would like to arrange collection of your jersey I have received the shipment from SLB(Impsport).
I can always bring them to the Christmas lunch.
Let me know.
Geoff

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Road Closure for Joining Ride 9th December

Please be aware that, as of tonight, Hall Road, Burneside is CLOSED.  There is no mention of it on any of the traffic news websites but we think its due to potential damage to the bridge over the Sprint.  This means for those coming South down the A6 that there is no access through the lane from the A6 direct to Burneside to join the ride. I would advise going via Kendal:
  1. Go right down Shap Road into Kendal, under the railway bridge and turn right at the mini roundabout in front of the County Hotel, following signs for Windermere A591
  2. Go over the bridge, keep in the right lane to the traffic lights.
  3. The road swings round to the right passing Evans Cycles on the corner followed by the turning to the Police Station, take the right turn for Burneside at the traffic lights.
  4. After approx 2.5 miles you will come into Burneside with the church on your right, after the staggered crossroads by the School.
An extra 10 minutes is likely to be added to journey time.  All other routes in to Burneside are open.

Monday 7 December 2015

Club Ride Wednesday 9 December

The ride will officially start from Burneside Church at 1000 on Wednesday, and as usual there will be parking for a few cars on our drive.
 I will check the route for flooding tomorrow and modify things if necessary, but the plan is to head for The Brief Encounter Café, Carnforth Railway Station for lunch via Underbarrow, Burton in Kendal and Over Kellet. The return leg will be coastal, taking in Silverdale and Arnside for a total distance of 52 miles.
The forecast is better for the Lancaster area, so we should be heading in to decent weather.
Tea and refreshments post ride at Bowston. Hope to see you Wednesday.
Keith G

Saturday 5 December 2015

Ride Sunday 6th

Alas in view of the weather I think we do what we can individually. I can't guarantee getting to Dalston! Unfortunate as it looks like being quite a good day. I will probably stay local and call in at Brougham Hall.
Good luck in the floods - I hope you are not affected by them.

Friday 4 December 2015

Christmas Lunch - again!

For those who find it difficult to make their minds up!

We are holding our Christmas lunch again this year at Mrs Millers Culgaith and it is to be on the 19th December. (Sorry we could not get the 12th it was booked up even back in August when I made the provisional booking) Like last year it will be 12.15 for 12.30pm

I should be grateful if you would let me know whether you are coming by completing the form. And choosing your options from one of the menus (one is specifically for vegetarians) If you have special dietary requirements please state this and James(the chef) can accommodate these.

if this presents a problem in terms of IT skills(!) just give me a ring and I'll put the menu and form in the post or you can tell me there and then.

I would be grateful (as it makes payment and making changes so much easier) if you could make cheques payable to me G. C Anderson. If you want to transfer electronically - send me a message and I'll let you have our account details. If you use this method please mark it 'Xmas lunch'.


Thursday 3 December 2015

Ride Sunday 6th

As the weather was rather too severe last Sunday we didn't make it to the coast so in the absence of a ride this Sunday Chris and I thought we would set out again from Dalston at 0930 and have coffee at Wheyrigg Hotel and then on to the Bank House Garden Centre near Mawbray. This will be a steady ride (except back in the wind - only 16mph no gusts) so anyone is welcome to join us or meet us along the way. Exact route on the day but will be about 50mi and flattish.

Only a suggestion - feel free to organise another!!

Geoff

ALT stop on 27 December

Abbot Lodge is closed on the 27th Dec so another venue will be needed!
Suggest Booths or if closed Macdonalds! Penrith if you are out.

Rachel

Wednesday 2 December 2015

CTC Discussion Forum

Many members will already be aware of this discussion Forum where you can seek help on matters technical, legal or just comment/discuss cycling related matters. It is hosted by the CTC but is quite independent in its administration being moderated by volunteers.
Have a look!

From the Chair


John and I were made very welcome at our first Committee meeting last night. John will be conducting his next official engagement at the Christmas lunch – while you are all tucking into your Christmas pudding, your Chair will be the elf guiding Father Christmas and his llamas to Melmerby Village Hall Christmas party.
We have fixed the date for the Trivets next year as 15 June and there will soon be more detail on the blog from Geoff about how you can get involved and help to make this the successful event it has been in previous years.

Our next committee meeting is on 16 February at our house – you can imagine I have some tidying up to do before then. Please do not hesitate to contact any Committee member if there is something you think we should be discussing.
Given the current weather patterns – wind and rain could soon become ice and snow – please remember to check the blog or ring the runs leader if you think a ride may be in doubt.

Am I too early to wish you all a very Happy Christmas?
Alison

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Club run - Wednesday 2nd December.

The route will be as indicated on the runs list.   The forecast is for the weather to be less than perfect.   Rain!  The route can obviously be changed if required.   I hope to see not too many of you at the start!

Wed Alternative

Having looked at the weather forecast Claire and I have decided that we would rather go to Abbott Lodge on  Thursday when it looks comparatively good with very little wind. We  plan to be there around 11.30 but watch the Blog for any further developments.

Dallas