Tuesday 31 July 2018

Rosie and Phils Ride London

This is just to let you know that Phil and I finished Ride  London on Sunday. We had a brilliant ride although it was very cold , wet and windy. The weather took us a bit by surprise as we thought it would be dry and hot. A few more clothes would have been good but it meant that we hardly stopped as we had to keep moving to keep warm.
 
We rode part of Leith Hill , part being shut for an accident so we rode a slightly lower route. Box Hill was open so we rode that. I was nervous of doing it as everyone said it was tough! I think those people don t know hills, as it was easier than riding Fell Lane, just a bit longer. It was lovely being cheered by the crowds as we rode through the towns even though some seemed to enjoy shouting to Phil that I wasn t pedalling. Trust me I was!!! 
We ended up cycling 96 miles of the route because of the closure but since we rode 8 miles to the start I think we deserved our 100 mile medals. 

So many thanks for supporting us with our fundraising for Alzeimers. We raised about £1,400 .

Monday 30 July 2018

Wednesday's Club Ride - 1st August

The ride will start from the bridge over the River Eden at 09.30.

The route will take us up the eastern side of the R.Eden through Cumwhitton, Great Corby, Faugh and Geltbridge to reach Brampton for the coffee stop. From there, it is via Walton, Banks, Lanercost, Naworth and Kirkhouse to Talkin Tarn for lunch.

After refreshments, the ride heads down the B6413, with deviations off through Talkin Village and Cumrew, to reach Renwick. From there we loop back to Armathwaite, joining the road from Kirkoswald for the grand descent to our start point.

The total distance will be approx. 55 miles. After the heavy rain, there are sand and gravel deposits on the road in various places, especially on the minor roads. Not too hilly with the main challenge being the 'killer' climb from Lanercost to Naworth. I trust that the ride will be of interest and hope to see some intrepid members at the start to make the ride more enjoyable!

Saturday 28 July 2018

New Runs List

The Runs List for the 3rd quarter which starts on Wednesday is now available on our web site. Download is simple so you can print it out and stick it on your fridge door and plan some great days out on the bike. Many thanks to our leaders for the varied contributions.

Friday 27 July 2018

Sunday Club Ride 29th July

As I write this the weather forecast on Sunday for Alston is strong winds & heavy rain, neither condition being condusive to good cycling! The route I had planned was to go up to Alston from Penrith via Renwick along the C2C route and then on to Hallbankgate via Slaggyford.
I will be at start of ride on Beacon Edge at 09:30 Sunday morning and will make a decision on the best plan for the day with whoever turns up.

Monday 23 July 2018

Thank you and au revoir

We had a lovely time on Saturday meeting many of our friends, and eating, drinking and talking. Thanks to everyone for their good wishes, cards and bringing such delicious food. And particular thanks to Mike and Claire who were such excellent hosts, even organising the weather which was perfect for sitting outside (well, Mike was a geography teacher!).

We were really touched that the club took the initiative to put on a farewell party for us. We've been so up to our ears in packing, house selling etc., that we would never have got round to doing it ourselves.

Anyway, it's 'au revoir', not 'adieu' and Janet (at least) will be back to lead a clubrun in October (and maybe even do some work too).

Thanks for the past 20 years and best wishes to you all,

Paul and Janet


Wednesday's Club Ride 25 July

The ride will start from The Cloisters in Kirkby Stephen at 0930.

The route will take us over Lamps Moss to Richmond, with coffee in Gunnerside on route. After lunch in Richmond we will return via Askrigg - where we may stop for afternoon tea/coffee depending on demand and time - and Mallerstang.

As this is a long ride (approx. 80 miles) the pace will be steady and hence we have planned for 3 stops. The forecast is looking good, so a grand day out in The Dales should be had by all! I hope to see some of you on Wednesday.

KeithG

Wed 25 th July - Bill Holmes Grade 2 Ride

 As per the Runs list : -

Starting at Cross Keys Carlton at 09:30. Going through Great Strckland, Morland, Temple Sowerby, to Culgaith for Elevenses ( meeting up with Grade 1 riders ). 
     Then onto Dufton via Newbiggin to the Pox Box Pantry for Lunch. 
In the afternoon going through Appleby, Drybeck, possibly Gt Asby, then Kings Meaburn back to Penrith. 
       The total distance is about 40 mileswith a few nice climbs on the way !. 
I hope to see some of you out !.

Bill H

Friday 20 July 2018

Club Ride Sunday 22nd July

This "2 bike" ride will leave Frenchfield, Penrith at 9.30. I'm suggesting any car parking is down the hill at Frenchfield and not near the Cross Keys pub which is busy at Sunday lunch time.
The route is short at about 38 miles so I'm planning a one stop ride using the excellent Maulds Meaburn village institute summer cafe (where you might be tempted to have more than the usual cup of coffee). We will then cycle south over Orton Scar and down to Orton before returning north via Shap (BYO if needed), the Lowther valley, Askham and Lowther Castle to Penrith. Undulating terrain with one longish climb up Orton Scar but all at a friendly pace.

Wednesday 18 July 2018

Cycling Shoes for sale



















Nearly new and hardly worn cycling shoes. £60 new but I will accept £20 if they go to a good home. They are no good to me and hopefully someone in the group can make good use of them. The box says size 44 Eur, 9.7 US. I normally take size 9 UK and they are a good fit.
Contact Harry on 01931 716244 if interested.

Tuesday 17 July 2018

2 bike ride on wednesday 18 July

A change to my 2 bike ride  - It will now start from Dalston at 9.30am making our way for our ONE STOP only at around 11.30 at Maes tea room or BYO.  We will head from Dalston out towards Ireby and back via Hesket New Market on the back roads.  After around 35ish miles and  few wee  hills I hope we will arrive back in Dalston around 14.30 ( I need to be back in Thursby early pm).

Hope to see you there.

Karen

Monday 16 July 2018

Wendnesday 18th 3 bike ride

As published we start in Melmerby (near the bakery cafe) and go over Hartside to Garigill from there to Nenthead where coffee can be bought at the shop/po. Thence to Allendale for lunch.
Then we go over to Bear's Bridge and Whitfield and across the A686 up onto the so called Clattering causeway. Unfortunately Eals bridge over the N Tyne is still out for repair so it will be up to Lambley and back along the A 689 to Alston with possible tea stop before retracing our pedal strokes over Hartside back to Melmerby.
Total distance 60mi ascent 2036m so quite hilly. Variations along the way are possible by mutual agreement - like for instance stopping for ice-creams. Weather ok with pos shower around lunchtime.

Wednesday 11 July 2018

Club ride - Sunday 15th July.

The ride will start at GREYSTOKE Car park instead of in Keswick.   I had forgotten that  the Keswick Convention will be in full swing and there are likely to be parking difficulties.    We will not be going over Honister.

From Greystoke the route will be to Hesket New Market, Fellside and 11's at Maes Cafe, Uldale.   Then Portinscale, Newlands, Whinlatter and a late lunch back at Portinscale.    Return to Greystoke will be via Threlkeld and Mungrisedale.    Total distance will be about 65-70 miles.    The forecast at the moment is for it to be fine.

I hope to see you at the start.


Another Thank You

Following on from Geoff's "Thank You" for the Challenge rides. Rosie and myself would like to say a big thank you to all those folks who attended todays rides, and the lunch at our house. Your generosity raised  an amazing £270 for our Ride London Alzheimers fundraising. Can I also thank all those who helped serving and tidying up, and also Rosie for preparing all the lovely food.

Challenge Rides - Thank you!

A big thank you to all those who took part in the Challenge Rides last Sunday. Weren't we lucky with the weather!
I hope everyone was adequately challenged but not slaughtered!
The views were fantastic,  anyone visiting the Lakes for the first time would get a very much skewed view of the area. Certainly the visitors all seemed to enjoy the event.
Perhaps more to the point - Thank you to all the helpers particularly to Claire and Anne who provided the wonderful food both at the start and end of the day.
Maybe we could run another event sometime? (no- not next week!)

Thanks again
Geoff
Secretary

Monday 9 July 2018

Wed rides from Greystoke

On Wednesday  the 11th,  Rosie and myself will be leading 2 rides from Greystoke car park starting at 9.30.  The aim is to arrive back at our house (15 Croft Terrace, Penrith) at 12.15 for a lunch of sandwiches, Nibbles, lots of cakes, and  tea and coffee, (gluten free options available), where you are invited to make a small donation towards our Ride London fundraising cycle for The Alzheimers Society. Afterwards we will return to Greystoke with various route options. Rosie's group will cycle about 20 miles before lunch and my group will do about 30 miles.
BYO snack for 11'ses. Hope to see lots of you there.

Sunday 8 July 2018

Cycle the Solway?! or Help?

Our biggest fundraising event ever...

Cycle the Solway 21st and 22nd July

This year Watchtree have teamed up with Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw to organise and host Cycle the Solway; a two day sportive and family cycling . To make this event a success and in turn raise lots of money for charity we need your help!
We need volunteers to help out with registration, marshalling, car parking and more - no experience necessary just a little of your precious time to make a huge difference.

If you are willing and able please click the link below and pop your details on the email which will appear. If you could include your name, contact telephone number and which day/days you are available we will be back in touch later this week with further details.
I'll help!

Monday 2 July 2018

Club Ride Wednesday 4th July

Starting from car park in Dalston at 09:30 the ride will take us over 8 bridges over the Eden from Carlisle's Western bypass to Langwathby. The route through Carlisle city will follow cycle ways so interaction with traffic will be minimal.
11's will be after 16 miles at Sally's in Warwick Bridge and BYO lunch for a picnic by the river at Lazonby after a further 16 miles or so. Return to Dalston via Salkeld Dykes after the final river crossing at Langwathby. The bridges upstream from Langwathby will have to wait for anther day! There is the option of stopping for a cup of tea at the Pot Place.
Total length of ride is about 61 miles - I hope to see some of you at the start.