Wednesday 29 November 2017

Sunday 3rd December. Nigel's ride

I had hoped that we would ride up Great Dunn Fell, for several, for the first time. Today the snow was on the fell tops including Cross Fell and the Golf Ball on the top of Great Dunn Fell. The weather forecast I have (usually one of the most optimistic ones) shows that between now and Sunday it is not likely to be particularly hot. At least the forecast does not suggest there will be further precipitation in the same span.
I still intend to lead a ride from Appleby Cloisters starting at 10.00 a.m. I hope we will get through to Melmerby Village Bakery  for the food stop. It is possible that we will not be attempting the Fell (though we might - it is due to be a little milder on Sunday).
I may post another blog nearer the time.

Monday 27 November 2017

Rides on Wed 29th Nov

Myself and Rosie are leading 2 rides starting at 10am from Beacon Edge cemetery lay-by. Rosie is going to The Pot Place Plumpton for an early lunch at 12. I will be doing a longer slightly faster ride. The lunch stop is down as Pooley Bridge, but if people want to be sociable I could change it to the Pot Place but just do a longer route. The other problem could be ice on the roads, as the weather looks good, but it will freeze overnight. So if you were intending to meet either of us on route its probably best to phone Rosie on 07818241833 at 10am. Hope to see you there.

Sunday 26 November 2017

John Roelich’s Club Ride - Sunday 10th December

John Roelich’s Club Ride Sunday  10th December. I am very sorry but I will not be able to lead this ride as we have to travel to Shipley for the weekend. The ride is due to start from Greystoke with a stop for 11s at the Mill Inn then to Pooley Bridge. If anyone is able to lead the ride for me that would be brilliant. I would be happy to swap rides if this is acceptable. Please contact me on 07879 436153 if you are able to help out. John Roelich

Celebration of the life of Helen Charlton on Saturday 2 December

click on images to enlarge

I know some people will be making their own way, but I will be at Greystoke car park at 10 am to lead a ride to Mungrisdale. I am planning to follow the route Mike led on 20 September, which is the last ride I did with Helen. This takes us to Hesket Newmarket (past Helen's house which she pointed out to me at the time) then along the fellside to Mungrisdale. There will be a vehicle travelling from Greystoke car park which can carry any contributions for the bring and share lunch which don't fit in panniers. If anyone wishes, they could wear the club shirt as it is brightly coloured and may help to identify us at the event.
I look forward to seeing anyone who wishes to join me. Guests are welcome - all they will have to do is to complete our guest rider form.
Alison

Saturday 25 November 2017

Ride on Sunday 26th November

I am reluctantly cancelling my ride tomorrow. The Met Office have issued a weather warning for our area of rain, sleet and hail showers. "As temperatures fall, icy patches are likely to form in places, especially on untreated roads, pavements and cycle tracks, leading to slippery surfaces and tricky driving conditions". I'm unwilling to lead a ride with this warning. Of course, it may not be nearly as bad and you may individually decide to ride - perhaps on treated roads to Brougham Hall which is the alternative café stop.

Friday 24 November 2017

Christmas Lunch 16 December









Christmas Lunch at Mrs Miller's Culgaith
16th December at 1230



I think it's time we set a deadline so that we can get everything sorted - please complete the form below (or contact me) by next weekend (Dec 2nd latest) - thanks

The dinner this year is at Mrs Millers .... it could be the last opportunity at the present site.... (but that's another story!)

the menu is here: click/tap to enlarge

Please select what you would like and fill in the form at this link (click) - I will gather it all together and pass it across to James.

Please pay me cash when you see me, or via online banking at 40-45-11  61270761 and mark it Xmaslunch  Tips and drinks will be sorted individually on the day.

If you forget what you ordered then you can see the list here










Tuesday 21 November 2017

Wednesday's Ride Cancelled

Given the horrendous forecast for tomorrow I have cancelled the ride from Burneside. Hopefully some of you may get out with either Ian or Dallas.
Keith G.

Monday 20 November 2017

Moderate ride 22nd November

The weather forecast looks dire but Dallas is prepared to lead a very much reduced ride if anyone wants one or Ian's ride will be longer depending on the wishes of anyone who turns up.
Rather than wait in the carpark where there is no shelter come to number 37 from 9.30 onwards.

Club Ride Wednesday 22 November

Weather permitting, the ride will start from Burneside Church at 1000 and will be a one stop route heading out to Leighton Moss via Underbarrow, Brigsteer, Burton in Kendal and Over Kellet. The afternoon return leg will take us to Silverdale and Arnside before returning via the Kendal cycle path. The total distance will be approx. 50 miles on predominantly kind terrain.

At the moment the forecast is for heavy rain all day and strong winds. I will monitor this with a view to:
a) go ahead with the ride as outlined if the forecast improves significantly
b) shorten the ride if necessary
c) cancel the ride if the forecast remains unchanged.

I will update this blog tomorrow afternoon when we will have a more up to date  - and hence more reliable - forecast.
Keith G.

Saturday 18 November 2017

Short Ride on Sunday 19 November

Please note that my short ride tomorrow (Sunday 19 November) starts from LANGWATHBY VILLAGE GREEN and not Greystoke as shown on the Runs List (an error!).

For further info, see my Blog for Monday 13 November.

Friday 17 November 2017

Club ride - Sunday 19th November

The ride will start from Greystoke at 9.30am.     Having ridden part of the planned route today I have decided to change it completely.  

The revised ride will be to Keswick, Whinaltter, Embleton and back to Greystoke via Uldale and Hesket New Market.     The distance will be about 55miles.   The forecast is for it to be dry and cold.   Frost is  possibility.    We will make a decision about refreshment stops as we go.  Portinscale and the Whinlatter Visitors Centre are possibilities.

Hope to see some of you at the start.   Remember - it is a 9.30am start.

 

Tuesday 14 November 2017

Vote for Watchtree Wheelers

We need your help in the Aviva Community Fund to upgrade our bike fleet for you!

Please Vote to help us win £10,000!





Please follow this link to Vote.

We are trying to win £10,000 in order to upgrade our fleet of adapted cycles, ensuring our members get the best value from our new cycle trails in 2018! 
  • By spending 2mins of your time in voting you can help us secure these much needed funds to upgrade our adapted cycle fleet.
  • Watchtree is committed to providing fun, affordable and accessible opportunities to everyone.
  • By helping us secure funding like this, it ensures we can keep our costs as low as possible.
  • These new bikes will be a revelation for making the most from our new cycle trails under construction this winter
www.watchtree.co.uk

Thank you very much for your time!

Dan, Ryan & the rest of the Watchtree family :)
Find Out More
WEDNESDAY 15th RIDE FROM GREYSTOKE ***

Weather looks ok.
Please bring lights incase we get delayed
See you tomorrow
David

Wednesday 15 November 2 bike ride

When I looked at the draft runs list, I thought I could see David and his 3 bike riders at Greystoke Car Park at the start of the ride, head through to meet the cafĂ© people at Melmerby then meet David and co again at Plumpton (depending on pace obviously) - sort of joining the dots. Then when I came to working out a route which avoided the A roads, I realised it was - WARNING - nearly 20 miles to coffee! At least it means we will have done most of the mileage (and some of the hills) by then (plan is via Laithes, Catterlen, Stoneybeck, Bowscar, Langwathby, Skirwith, Ousby to Melmerby). From Melmerby we will go to Gamblesby /Glassonby /Kirkoswald/Lazonby and that big hill (sorry) to Plumpton then just a short ride back to Greystoke car park. I hope I haven't put you all off!

Monday 13 November 2017

Amendment to Runs List for 19 November 2017

Please note that the start venue for my short ride on Sunday 19 November 17 is LANGWATHBY VILLAGE GREEN and not Greystoke as shown on the Runs List recently published. (Problem due to spreadsheet program self-populating column.........!)

This is a short, easy-going winter ride, stopping for a drink & cake at Morland followed by another short leg to Appleby for lunch. After lunch, an easy-going ride along the fellside back to Langwathby. (Obviously not a ride for lung-busting climbs and time-trial speeds!!)

See you there, Socialites.......

Pete M

Saturday 11 November 2017

Sunday 12 November - impromptu 2 bike ride

With thanks to Peter for his ride a month ago, I plan to adopt the same route leaving Langwathby at 10 am and cycling via Bowscar, Stoneybeck, Catterlen, Laithes, Greystoke, Hutton John, Wreay and Brackenrigg to Pooley Bridge. It is just under 20 miles to 'coffee' at Pooley Bridge (I know - hardly a 2 bike ride, that) but we will be rewarded when we get to Granny Dowbekins and will then do a similar length circuit back to Langwathby via Celleron, Askham, Lowther Village, Hackthorpe, Great Strickland, Morland, Temple Sowerby and Culgaith. Obviously the route may be curtailed depending on the wishes of the group and the weather and we aim to be back in Langwathby well before dark.
Alison

Thursday 9 November 2017

3 Bike Ride Sunday 12th November

Sunday’s Ride is a one stop ride as advertised on the runs list, leaving Raughton Head House at 10am for Pooley Bridge for lunch. I’ve planned a roughly circular route of 50 miles or so, however the actual route taken will depend on the weather and the frostiness of the roads on the day.
There is ample parking beside the village school - walk up to the T junction (20m) and our house is about 10m to the left of the phone box through gap in the stone wall. Come to house at 9:30 if you’d like a coffee before the ride and there’s tea and cake at end of the ride.

Celebration of Helen's life on Saturday 2 December

I know that a few of us would like to attend this. And the club is very good at 'bring and share'. I am thinking along the lines of meeting at Greystoke car park around 10 and cycling through to Mungrisdale for lunch. Those that can't carry their 'bring and share' contributions in their panniers can transfer them to a car which will be driven through. Anyway, look out for more details nearer the time.

Tuesday 7 November 2017

Celebration of Helen Charlton's life

Shereen a friend of Helen's from their teenage days advised me today [ 7th Nov ] ( via her mobile phone ) that a Celebration of Helen's life will be held as follows : -

Venue- Mungrisdale Village Hall 
Date - Sat 2 nd December 
Time - 10:00 to 16:00

Celebration -  In line with Helen living a simpe life amongst the Society of Friends there will be silent thoughts with spoken recollections by those who feel moved to speak.
Dress style - No black or sombre dress please wear normal clothing. Cyclists should wear their normal bright coloured clothing.
Breakfast / Lunch - Some friends will partake of breakfast porridge prior to going on a short walk. There will be a communal Bring & Share Lunch at about 13:00.

I understand that notice of the gathering has been placed somewhere on facebook ( but I don't know wher it appears ).
I will place a further notice if the plans above change.

3Bike ride Wednesday 8th Nov

As per the ride list, the route is a one stopper to Orton for lunch and will be taking in a few bumps along the way (short hills) going clockwise around the route in the map below. despite todays weather the forecast for tomorrow is quite good! Look forward to seeing some of you from both 2 & 3 bike rides at the start! Greystoke 10.00am
Click image to enlarge!

Stats: 96 km (60 mi) 1409 m (4620 ft)

Monday 6 November 2017

Club 2 Bike Ride: 10am Wednesday 8th November

The 'slower paced' ride on Wednesday will leave Greystoke and take the lanes down to Ullswater and Pooley Bridge. The venue for coffee is Moreland which we should reach via Great Strickland at about 11.30am. (17 miles).The onward journey includes Temple Sowerby, Culgaith, Langwathby to a revised late lunch stop at Plumbton.(further 17 miles). We will then take the direct route back to Greystoke arriving hopefully around 3.30. The total ride distance is 40 miles.
Come along and enjoy the fine autumn weather. There are options for varying the route if it is appropriate.
Please be sure to bring bike lights.

Ernest.

Sunday 5 November 2017

Folding Multitool

I have just discovered a very desirable folding multitool on the floor of our conservatory.
I assume it dropped out of someone's pocket last Sunday.

If who ever has lost it lets me know I will return it at the first opportunity.

Dallas

Saturday 4 November 2017

Club run Sunday 5th November

I'm not expecting any gunpowder or treason, but here's the plot:

9.00 a.m. start from Cotehill X-roads as advertised. This should allow us to get to Eden gallery tearoom in plenty of time to meet the self-guided ride there (and be early enough to make sure they've not scoffed all the scones).

After that, meander through the lanes to lunch at Upfront, then back to Cotehill.

I have been poorly lately, so not up to (my definition of) normal fitness. I may have to desert the run after 11's, so could be looking for a volunteer leader.

Friday 3 November 2017

Trending......Motorists aren't the only ones who pay for our roads!



Motorists aren't the only ones who pay for our roads!


I feel sorry for some recent correspondents.
There's Kevin from Aughton who is still paying 'Road Tax' despite it being abolished in 1937! He probably meant the emissions-based Vehicle Tax, of which bicycles are exempt.
His 'privilege of driving down roads' is paid for by everyone (including people with bicycles) who pay income tax, council tax, even VAT. Bit let's not let facts get in the way.
The there's Doug and Frank who've had their important journeys momentarily inhibited by 'lycra-clad' cyclists. I trust they will write in to inform everyone each time they suffer a temporary delay.
Heaven forbid they get stuck behind a jodhpur-clad horse rider, or some hi-viz-clad bin men, or an overall-clad farmer in a tractor, white and red-clad level crossing.
Or a fur-clad dog being led across a zebra crossing, a chino-clad Sunday driver dawdling down a country lane, or a beige-clad pensioner confused at a busy junction.
Or a leather-clad teenager on a 50cc scooter, or school uniform-clad children crossing the road with a lollipop lady.
Or a handcuff-clad drunk being arrested after crashing into a lamppost, suit-clad office workers rubber-necking at a motorway pile-up
Or paramedics tending to a 'lycra-clad' mother-of-two still in the road having been knocked down by a reckless car driver with a dangerous attitude towards other human beings because of their chosen mode of transport.

Let's look out for each other.

D Gordon, Ormskirk

spotted by Dallas

Thursday 2 November 2017

Helen

I am very sad to tell you that Helen died last night in hospital.
Less than a month ago she was golfing in Spain in 87 degrees and was due to go on another golfing holiday next week. In the meantime, she loved her cycling and was talking about buying a new bike without electric assistance. She certainly lived life to the full. She only joined the club recently, although she had been a cyclist all her life and had, I think, been a CTC member in the past. We will all miss the opportunity to get to know her better.
Our thoughts are with her next of kin and with all her friends at this difficult time.
Alison