New Runs List

Just a reminder that the new Runs List is now up here on the website.
Thanks Mike and all our ride leaders!
......by the way it's the second of the two on the page as the January list doesn't run out until next week but at least you can begin to plan ahead!

Ride Wednesday 30th

Due to the warning of ice until 11am and freezing temperatures tonight after rain and sleet today I have decided to cancel the ride; we would be restricted to main salted roads which would not be pleasant during the week.
For those hardy ones who want to get out on the roads the coffee stop is Mrs Millers!
There's always the mountain bike?

Sunday 27 th Jan - 1 Bike ride VENUE

I understand that the Upfront Gallery is closed until Monday 28 th Jan.
   In view of this, an alternative venue would be the Pot Place at Plumpton.
Since Bill H has cancelled his 2 Bike ride, I may do a short local ride eventually taking me to Plumpton.

Sunday 27 th Jan - 2 Bike ride CANCELLED

Have decided to cancel to day's 2 Bike ride from Frenchfield.
   The forecast is for gusty winds of between 30 mph and 50 mph. 
I think that it's best to err on the side of caution.

Trivets 2019 - Wednesday 12th June 2019

Hard to believe that its been 3 years since the last Trivets event. Planning has started for this year's Trivets & we would welcome input & help from all club members to make the event a success. The event will start & finish from Brambles Cafe at Newton Rigg College and offer a choice of 2 rides (100km & 100m).
Please come along to Daffodils Coffee House in St Andrews Churchyard at 10:30am on Friday 22nd February for a bit of planning - all welcome!
Cheers,
Bill

Sunday 27th January - 3 bike ride???

I am not down to lead a ride on Sunday but if anyone would like to join me for what will probably be the equivalent of a 3 bike ride, I will be cycling  from Gretna to the community cafe at Eskdalemuir for lunch.    I will not decide the route until Sunday but the total distance is unlikely to exceed 55 miles.

I will leave  Central Avenue, Gretna at 10am.   If you need further information, phone me on 077097 10301.

Sun 27 th Jan - 2 Bike Ride

10 am Frenchfield.
    Starting at bottom of hill. Have decided to make this a one stop ride to Lunch at Appleby.
( Not Stopping at Morland for 11's )
    Distane to Lunch about 20 miles and after Lunch 18 miles.
In case of heavy frost Sat night and roads have been wet, please check Blog Sun morning in case I have to cancel.
    Lets hope not !.
Hope to see some of you at the start.

Bill H

This is what happens when you use...

...Google translate without any underlying knowledge of the language.
The old bike specialists (e.g. Bill H., Keith S., Clive, Chris P.) might be interested in working out the source of the old image / make of  bike that they have chosen. The image used is from a signed advertisement.

 

 

2 Bike Ride January Wednesday 23rd Cancelled

Decided to cancel due to ice warning and -4˚ C forecast.

Cycling Books - Dick Philips

Dick wishes to leave his collection of cycling books to someone in EV if possible.

Don't know what the collection comprises, but suspect will include many interesting and rare cycling books.

Recipient was to be Paul (Parker) Harrison, but Dick was unaware he and Janet had moved to Corsica. Have just contacted  Paul who says it is impractical for him to now collect and have the books.

So if anyone in EV is interested in acquiring them to enjoy and cherish, please make contact with Dick and/or me (01768 881894 lesandruth@gmail.com) so I know what is going on and can hopefully help Dick to find the books a home.

Road Rage in our Area

Some of you may be interested in this article from the News & Star about the conviction in Carlisle Magistrates Court of a local farmer of a road rage assault on a cyclist.

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/17368327.farmer-convicted-of-road-rage-assault-on-cyclist/?ref=mrb&lp=28

Sunday 20 January 2 bike ride

To the best of my knowledge, there is no white stuff forecast on the roads tomorrow (though we will look out for ice given the low temperatures). The plan, as the runs list, is to meet at 10 am at the bottom of the hill at Frenchfield to avoid annoying the Cross Keys by parking in the way of their Sunday lunchtime trade. Yes, it's then up that hill, back roads to Catterlen, Laithes, Greystoke, Hutton John and along the lakeside to Pooley Bridge - this is a one stop ride. The planned return is Celleron, Askham, Lowther, Great Strickland, Morland, Cliburn, Brougham but as I am struggling a bit with a cold (not to mention that this is only my second ride this year) Nigel and I might split into a shorter and a longer route from Pooley Bridge. Hope to catch up with some of you tomorrow,
Alison

Dick Philips - Latest Information

Have just visited Dick in the Alston care home.  He is more or less confined to bed with very little physical energy, but mental facilities and humour undiminished -  although sadly enthusiasm for reading, current affairs etc has pretty much evaporated.  He is not expecting to return to his house in Nenthead and is sorting out 'things'.

Paraphrasing his own words (which he is happy for EV members to be aware of), Dick was not expecting to still be alive today, following diagnosis of prostate and other problems a while back and being given just months to live including a period in hospital at Carlisle.

But he's still here, feeling better than before and without much in the way of outward appearance suggesting inner issues, so who knows how long the future holds for Dick at 85. Thankfully he is unruffled about how and when .....

..... but he would like more visitors in the meantime! Being somewhat stoical, Dick hasn't made much effort to make contact with acquaintances such as us in EV. However if anyone can find the time to visit occasionally (20 minutes drive from Melmerby over Hartside), Dick would much appreciate it -plus visitors can expect interesting reminiscences on cycling and Iceland.

He does have a mobile phone 07851 762703 in his room, but being somewhat of a Luddite struggles to use it properly, so missed calls seem to be the norm!

Reminder, visiting at Grisedale Croft, Church Road, Alston (half way up the now partly cobbled street turn right and it's on your left) without appointment, but avoid meal times 12-1 and 4-5.

Any more information, just ask me.

Dick Philips Update

Dick has unfortunately been off EV's radar for a while now and none of us seemed to know how he had been faring. Tried phoning him several times in Nenthead recently, recalling had heard on the grapevine he had been ill a while back.

Managed to track him down via a call to the Nenthead village shop.

He is in Grisedale Croft (Church Rd, Alston CA9 3QS) care home in Alston and although staff can't give me non-family information, likely to be there for a while and quite ok to receive visitors. Visiting any time except 12 to 1 (lunch) and 4 to 5 (supper) - no need to phone in advance.

We will pop over the hill to visit him in the next week or so and hopefully others who have known this long-term EV member and 'activist' for  local cycling (also the first to rough stuff cycle across Iceland) will call and see him too.

2 Bike Ride: Wednesday 16th January

The ride starts at 10am from Morrison's car park in Kendal.
    The route is south through the South Westmorland lanes to the Brief Encounter Cafe at Carnforth Station for coffee. From Carnforth we head to the RSPB Centre at Leighton Moss via the Yealand villages for lunch. The return to Kendal will either be through Silverdale and Arnside or the Silverdale Woods.
    The ride will be at a moderate pace on relatively easy riding roads. The total distance is about 42 miles.

Ernest.

3 Bike Ride; Wednesday 16th January

The forecast is for showers with a westerly breeze and mild. So I shall start from Wetheral at 10am, cross the viaduct to Great Corby and on to Brampton via Faugh, Townhead and Lower Geltbridge. We leave Brampton on the B6413 for Talkin Tarn, arriving there for 11am. After a short stop the route continues along the B6413 to Cumrew where we veer off on minor roads past Croglin Low Hall, climb up Whin Fell and rejoin the B6413. Carry straight on this road through Kirkoswald, Lazonby and on to Plumpton for lunch. How much we do in the afternoon depends on the weather  but will involve High Hesket, Armathwaite, the Low House level crossing and Wetheral Pasture before arriving back in Wetheral. Not too many unnecessary hills, so hopefully the ride will appeal and I will see you at the start.

Mull 2019?

Our former Treasurer, Cecilia Fry, has moved to Scotland and is organising a trip for friends exploring Mull 8 - 15 June 2019. It involves an average mileage of 30 - 40 each day, staying in self-catering accommodation with 2 nights B & B in Iona. If anyone is interested, please let me know and I can pass on more details.
Thanks for inviting us Cecilia,
Alison

Today Sunday 13th cancelled

Reluctantly with the winds showing 40mph until 1pm, we are going to have to cancel todays rides.

Rides on Sun 13th

Rosie and myself will be leading 2 rides from Beacon Edge cemetery leaving at 10am. Rosie is going to Lowther and then Pooley Bridge about 25 miles. I am heading for Aira Force and then Caldbeck. Apparently the Smithy cafe is shut, but the Priest mill is open. About 45 miles. All this is weather dependent, and it could be wet and windy, but hey ho it is January. Hope to see lots of you out.

Sunday 13 th Jan - Update on Self Led Cafe

To day ( Fri 11 th Jan ), I observed a notice at the Magic Bean cafe that the premises will be closed until Feb 16 th since the propreitors are taking their annual holiday.
   Riders could go to the Gallery Cafe beside that parish church that the club have used previously.
Another alternative ( possibly with faster service than the Gallery ) would be The New Squares Cafe at 6 Bowling Green Lane in the New Squares development near to the Sports Direct shop.

Alternative Cafe on Sunday 13th January

As Betty Ann's Tea Room at Brougham Hall is now closed, we are proposing that we meet at The Magic Bean, Poet's Walk, CA11 7HJ, Penrith on Sunday 13th January.
Advance notice: I have checked the Mill Yard Cafe's website at Morland and it appears to be open for our scheduled visit on the 23rd January.

Mabie mtb ride Friday 11th

Hello mtbers. Fridays ride is around the trails at Mabie Forest near Dumfries. Post Code DG2 8HB, and grid ref NX 950 709. The ride will start at 11.30 from the car park, and I am going to carry some lunch with me. Its probably the easiest of the Staines routes so eminently suitable for beginners who want a challenge. We should be back at the cars by 3.30 at the latest. Google says its 1hr 17min from Penrith, so I am leaving home at 9.50. I have room to take another 2 bikes and riders so get in touch if you want a lift. Hopefully see some of you there.
Phil 01768868642

2 Bike Ride Wed 9 th Jan - Modified routes

Due to frost overnight with the risk of icy roads, I intend to use roads that will probably have been gritted as follows : -
    From Cross Keys - A686 ( Langwathby road ), B6142 to Lazonby and B6413 to Plumpton. Alternatively use A6 directly to Plumpton.
    From Plumpton take A6 to the Stoneybeck roundabout, then the B5305 Wigton road to Untank.
If the lane routes are not too icy, some of them could still be used with care.
    I hope that the ride is able to proceed albeit with shortened routes.

2 Bike Ride Wed 9 th Jan

The ride will be as published with a 10:00 start at the Cross Keys.
     Elevenses at the Pot place will be via Beacon Edge, Roundthorn, Strawberry Bank, Gt Strickland, Lazonby, Thiefside and Calthwaite ( a distance of 16 miles ).
     Lunch at the Upfront Gallery will be via Fieldhead, Hay Close, Low Braithwaite, Hurst, Skelton transmitter ( a distance of 12 miles ).
     The return to Carleton will be via Laithes, Newton Reigny, Newton Rigg college lane, Thacka Lane, Drovers Lane and Pategill ( about 8 miles ).
     The overall distance of 36 miles involves some 2070 ft ( 632 m ) of ascent.
I hope to see some of you at the start.

3 Bike Ride from Dalston Wednesday 9th January

The ride will go ahead as per the runs list from the car park in Dalston at 10:00. It's about 25 miles to Pooley Bridge via Raughton Head, Skelton, Greystoke etc and another 26 miles back to Dalston via Askham, Lowther Park & Penrith. The weather forecast looks to be good but on the cold side so wear your best gloves, wrap up well and enjoy the ride!

See you on Wednesday.

Bill

Sun 6 th Jan 2 bike ride - offer to lead from CJ

I propose to lead a ride based on Alison's modified route.
   Starting in the vicinity of the motorway bridge at Plumpton at 10:00. Anyone coming by car could park in Plumton village east of the railway and river Petrill bridges where the road is broad enough to park safely.
   The distance to the single stop at Hawksdale is about 18 miles via Catterlen, Skelton, Raughton Head & Limehouse School.
If Hawksdale is not open, Dobbies Garden Centre at Orton could be used instead.
   Returning via Dalston, Wreay, Southwaite, High Hesket, Pettril Green, Theifside, Lazonby, & Plumpton the full circuit would be 42 miles.
A more direct return could be made if Dobbies is used as a " feeding station ".
   I hope to see some of you tomorrow.

Website

Hi all,
The website may go off line for a short period this weekend as I am changing hosts to save a bit of cash. The Blog is not affected.
Geoff

Two bike ride Sunday 6 January - new leader requested

I am really sorry but owing to illness of my Mum I need to visit her.
I was going to moderate the ride anyway - two reasons; Caldbeck Old Smithy Café is shut until the end of January, but in any event I wasn't sure I was up to leading this ride which I did in summer 2016 and it took 2 hours 20 minutes to get to Dalston!
My revised plan was to set off from Plumpton as advertised (but parking on the road not at the Pot Place which would be rather cheeky) and meander along the lanes to find the Woodside Welcome Cycling Café near Hawksdale, south of Dalston which is only open Saturday and Sunday OS map 85 GR 370474 phone number 01228 710764.
If someone else would like to lead, or a group of you get together to find your own way, that would be great. Otherwise there is Ludo's ride (see blog below) or the 11.30s stop at Abbott Lodge.
Best wishes for the New Year,
Alison (and Nigel)

Club ride (3 bike) Sunday 6th January

The ride will be a one stop ride starting from the Sycamore Cafe, Longtown at 10am.   The route will include Kershopfoot, Newcastleton, and lunch at Langholm.    The ride will continue towards Eskdalemuir but where exactly remains a mystery!   The ride will be about 50 miles and moderately hilly in places.

The Sycamore Cafe at Longtown is usually open from 7am.  They do an excellent breakfast.

The forecast is quite good - cool but dry.

I hope to see one or two of you at the start.

John R’s rearranged Mtb Ride on Friday 4th 10am Helton

* Note the Grid Ref is for the NYsheet
As promised I am posting final arrangements for Friday’s mtb ride. The weather looks to be very much like Phil B’s ride from Askham before Christmas; Cold, light winds  with sunny intervals. 

I propose to start at 10 00 from the Open fell outside Helton Village. NY 499 217*.  Follow the road out of the village, up the hill to the wall corner. There is off road parking at the brow of the hill. I plan to go to the Cockpit, thence to Howtown via  the Bridleway and up to Martindale via another bridleway. We will return to Pooley Bridge for a morning coffee at Granny Dowbekins before crossing Askham Moor and returning to Lowther via Whale Moor. Please bring something to eat and wear warm clothing as it is likely to be bracing on the ride.

At present I am without a car, as a kamikaze pheasant smashed the from headlight of my Mazda. The garage have promised ne that it should be ready by tomorrow afternoon. In the event of me not having a car to transport my mtb (the courtesy car I have wouldn’t fit a child’s bike in it!!) is there anyone int he Carlisle area who could give me a lift?

I would be quite happy to cycle to a convenient place. Hope to see lots of you, the views over Ullswater are splendid