In case you think I've gone a bit quiet...
I was planning lots of cycling April and May with a view to doing the 100 mile 'Ride to the Sun' from Carlisle to Edinburgh on 22nd June, but...
A tumble from my bike on 3rd April has kept me off my bike ever since and the gap between my current mileage and the above 100 miles is too great to bridge in the time available. I hope to be out and about and leading rides again soon. And I am mending 😃
Alison
Starting a little away from the usual......0930
The Route starts from The Texaco / Spar garage on the way into Alston - plenty of parking NY 716462 or
///wooden.tragedy.newsreel
From there we go to Garrigill Nenthead Allendale Town (lunch stop)
Whitfield Lanehead Slaggeyford and back to Alston on the N side of the S
Tyne?
At 70km this may not look much but there are a few
hills - nevertheless it is spectacular countryside typical of the
Northumbrian Penines. There is a good lunch stop in Allendale Town but
bring supplies in case. (Allendale Forge cafe say they are open 9-16)
Weather forecast is saying mild sunny showery and windy - take your pick!
It would be good to have some company?
Geoff
WhatsApp or text if you are coming 07711842885
Cumbria Cycle Mayor (Richard Ingham) has posted today information about the above. Submissions are to be in before the end of Thursday.
The proposed changes are to increase the Wattage permitted (for pedal cycles and so called EAPCs - electrically assisted pedal cycles) from 250 to 500 watts, and allowing 'twist and go' operation.
In view of the limitation in time I have drafted an outline of my thinking which I show below. I don't think my views are likely to be controversial for Club members (a brave expression).
PLEASE, please would you have a check through, even look at the regulation summary (I am not sure that you will make this link work but I am sure I have got all the right letters if not necessarily in the right .....) letting me have any contrary views.
Smarter regulation: proposed changes to legislation for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs)
(issued 29.2.24 response closing 2359 hours 25th April 24)
Questions: Suggested (abbreviated) responses
|
1 |
Support / oppose: |
Oppose |
|
2 |
Explain response: |
removal use of pedals / twist and go more akin to motorcycles .. |
|
3 |
provide relevant evidence |
Cycle Club with substantial e-cycles membership |
|
4 |
Support / oppose increase in assisted speed from 3.73 Kmph to 25 Kmph |
Oppose (current no pedal / electric max speed 3.73 km. 250 Watt has the present limit of 25km) |
|
5 |
Explain answer to 4 |
If no pedals only power is the electric motor. There are no physical exercise benefits for a cyclist (with exception for hand propelled cycles, usually 3 or more wheels, but equally they would not be exercising with EAPC). |
|
6 |
Provide evidence in support of answers 4 & 5 |
(Club cycling issues) |
|
7 |
You propose limiting to disabled ? |
No / not relevant –EAPCs are simply motor vehicles |
|
8 |
Support / limit to cargo bikes? Definition asked for (!). |
No experience but 250 watt powers large Off road bikes without apparent lack of power |
|
9 |
Evidence sought for 8 answer (Q excludes answer re vehicle insurance , Highway Code, helmets ...) |
As above |
|
10, 11, 12, 13 |
What is stock in UK and use of e-cycles ? |
Don’t know |
14 |
Change in Regs affecting ‘function and performance .. no of trips taken’ for consumers and transport users |
Imagine some irresponsible use will engage urban dwellers in perfecting side-stepping , better falling performance and First Aid practice |
|
15,16 | manufacturers' responses - costs / benefits ..... | Don't know |
Meet Kirkby Lonsdale, south side of Devils Bridge at 9.30. There is a lot of free parking.
The route is along the west side of the Lune Valley to coffee at Wray (12 miles) and then into North Craven for lunch at the Old Sawmill cafe in Clapham. Back to K.L. via Ingleton. Distance 38 miles. This is an easy ride along quiet lanes with two good refreshment stops.
Ernest. Text 07549 131994 if interested.
Note also that we are offering two ride on Wednesday, a grade 2 and a grade 3. For the latter please see David's post for the 24th below.
Hi
The outing start at the Sands, Brampton at 9.30.
11's at Longtown , Lunch at Bewcastle (no cafe so BYO) Quiet border road with a loop into Scotland and some hills
text 07810 346 838
David
52 mile 3 bike ride starting at Wetheral (lay by south of the village on the Cumwhinton Road). Heading to Walton, Bewcastle & Roadhead for refreshments (20 mile) at the village hall (soup, bacon sandwich & cake plus a hot drink £5... maybe *CASH* only). A quick foray across the Scottish border before returning via Penton, Hethersgill, Laversdale & Great Corby. Route/map/gpx file >> HERE <<
Text or WhatsApp 07855534727. Cheers, John H
I am intending riding from home to Silloth and back tomorrow and shall be leaving at about 0900 arriving at Mrs Wilson for refreshment between 1200 and 1300. Would be good to meet up along the way or if you are in the area! No pressure. Just information.
Route HERE
Geoff
You will already be aware that we propose to run Challenge rides in September (Sat 15th from Langwathby VH) See opposite if you are viewing the web version of this Blog.
We are about to hold the third planning meeting tomorrow Tuesday 16th April and it would give us more confidence if we knew that members were prepared to help in some way on the day (and before the day if you can). I have produced a list <HERE> where you can see who is involved and to which you can add your details.
Thanks
Geoff
Rosie and myself are leading 2 rides leaving Tebay sports ground at 9.30, and heading to Kirkby Lonsdale for early lunches. Rosie will be going to Sedburgh first and then direct to KL. My ride will go to KL, via Sedburgh, Dentdale and Barbondale. Return to Tebay to be decided by the groups, but probably total mileages of about 38 and 50 miles. Let us know if you will be joining us. Text or What’s app. Rosie 07818241833. Phil 07810751189
The ride will start from the Sycamore Cafe in Longtown at 9.30am. The route will be as indicated on the blog. The route as far as Langholm is gently undulating. After Langholm the route continues over Langholm Moor and eventually to Newcastleton at 25 miles where we will stop for an early lunch. In the afternoon we go into the more remote parts to Bewcastle and meander back to Longtown. The route is quite hilly. Total distance is 53 miles.
At the moment the forecast for the area is 90% chance of rain, wind strength isn’t too bad but could be gusty.
Starting a little away from the usual......0930
The Route starts from The Texaco / Spar garage on the way into Alston - plenty of parking NY 716462 or
///wooden.tragedy.newsreel From there we go to Garrigill Nenthead Allendale Town (lunch stop) Whitfield Lanehead Slaggeyford and back to Alston on the N side of the S Tyne?
At 70km this may not look much but there are a few hills - nevertheless it is spectacular countryside typical of the Northumbrian Penines. There is a good lunch stop in Allendale Town but bring supplies in case. (Allendale Forge cafe say they are open 9-16)
Weather forecast is saying mild sunny showery and windy - take your pick!
It would be good to have some company?
Geoff
WhatsApp or text if you are coming 07711842885
Wednesdays Ride will start at Beacon Edge at 9:30 to ride over Strawberry Hill to Salkeld Dykes ,Calthwaite and on to the coffee stop. Return by Skelton if not raining hard. Wednesday is looking a bit wet but hope to have some company riding to the coffee stop. Route may change if it’s very wet and route back may be more direct. Please text or What’s App if joining me. 07818241833.
Rosie
Hi All
Wed.3rd April meet Greystoke Car Park at 9.30am
Normal hills but will climb the lower part of Hartside from Renwick (I am not fit so it will be slow)
Coffee at Abbott Lodge , late lunch at Melmerby
Text 07810346838 if joining or phone for info
Happy Easter ,David
I'm changing this again (see the runs list) as the roads around my destination of Kirkby Stephen are likely to be affected by the Easter Fayre and Cumbria Easter rally (Thanks to Rachel for pointing it out)
Instead of doing the River Eden Source to Sea part one, I'm going to do the middle bit. It's more familiar to most of us but hopefully quiet. I will put on part one and part three on other days.
I'm still going to start at 9.30 am in Appleby and I think, on a Sunday, parking by the Hub is free.
Pam has very kindly stepped in to provide a venue for our stops and, as her outside decking has a fabulous view of the river, it fits in very well with the theme of the ride. You need to bring your lunch.
The idea behind the 'Source to Sea' is that you travel along one side of the river and return the other side. Roads don't always co-operate. From Appleby we will be travelling via Colby and crossing the river by the owl tree on our way to Temple Sowerby, stopping when we arrive at Langwathby (13.7 miles, eta 10.45). If you wish to join us at Langwathby that is a possibility - please let me know so that you know where to find us.
From Langwathby we cross the bridge and turn right at Toll Bar cottage travelling through Great Salkeld and on to Lazonby where we cross the river again towards Kirkoswald, turning right as we enter the village and cycle up Harrumphy Hill (which you won't find identified on the map) to Glassonby and back down to Langwathby for lunch.
After that we head up the hill out of Langwathby to pick up the Skirwith road and the higher fellside route back to Appleby.
Please remember that the clocks spring forward Saturday night. Let me know if you're coming so that I won't just be wondering if anyone has slept in or forgotten to re-set their clocks.
I still have memories of the embarrassment of turning up at the Cross Keys, Frenchfield, to lead a ride an hour late!
Alison
07500 564922
Easter Sunday 31st March 9:30am
Start and finish at the Car Park in Gretna, just off Central Avenue. Loop around some quiet roads just north of the border, not too hilly. A route I have done many times but not for a few years so that I would give it a go. Weather is looking reasonable so hopefully one or two of you can join me and leave your Easter eggs for another day 😁.
60miles, no cafes until Lockerbie which is around 45miles (and not sure if any of them will be open on 31st) so fetch some snacks with you.
Route <Here>
Text or WhatsApp 07590 605203
Hope You all have a great Easter Break.
Nigel P
This ride is back on the runs list for anyone with nowhere else to go on Easter Sunday. More details will be published later on the blog.
Great ride today - thanks to the power of Claire's magic waterproof trousers the rain stopped as we set off after lunch. Wear them next time too, please, Claire!
Alison
07500 564922
There aren't many variations possible from the usual route but it is always lovely. We will travel to Morland via Culgaith and Temple Sowerby, then on via Kings Meaburn and Colby to Appleby for lunch at the Hub. Return will be along the fellside to Skirwith then back to Langwathby. Hopefully the first half of the day will be in the dry. Leaving Langwathby at 10 am. Hope to see a few of you,
Alison
07500 564922
Another attempt to do the Barbon circuit from Tebay various stops possible including Dent and Barbon but bring supplies just in case! There will be some dirty lanes so don't bring your best bike(!) and the weather may not be perfect so bring appropriate gear! It would be great to have somebody else to suffer with! or have I put everyone off!
Route HERE
WhatsApp or message 07711842885 if you are intending joining us
Geoff
Owing to uncertainty about our movements I have removed this ride but will reinstate it if circumstances permit.
Alison
07500 564922
The attached charts show performance figures for the last 18 years : -
1. Attendance figures
a) Pre pandemic
The " Golden Years " with maximum attendances were 2013 to 2019. Here the figures were boosted by guest riders e.g. Full Cuk groups staying at Dufton YH or elsewhere in the area, Tri Vets and other challenge rides.
During this era members were not averse to undertaking car assisted outings to go further afield. These were generally longer, tougher and whole day rides.
With increased fuel costs, reluctance to travel by car and ageing membership, uptake on these rides is poor and very few these outings are offered now.
b) During the pandemic
Prior to pandemic restrictions being imposed during the first 6 months of the 2019 - 2020 year attendances of 750 were approximately half those for a typical full year.
( Note : the suppressed zero on the bar graph gives the impression of a very low attendance ).
Later during the 2020 - 2021 year with full restrictions rides and attendances were curtailed.
c) Post Pandemic
Attendances are rising and should improve with the current initiatives to increase the number of rides & requests for more active leaders.
( Note : the figure for the current year { 2023 - 2024} is a projection based on figures for the first 6 months of the year ).
( Note : the figure for the current year { 2023 - 2024 } will not be known until 30 th Sept 2024 ).
I will be leaving the Shap car park at 10 to arrive at Lowther for coffee around 11. Then the route is south to Haweswater reservoir for a picnic lunch and back to Shap. Just over 30 miles I think.
Alison
07500 564922
Apologies for the late posting. As an alternative to Mike's ride below to Upfront on Wednesday I am offering a longer ride (65miles) to the seaside. Riding west to hit the coast between Mawbray & Beckfoot before a refreshment stop in Silloth after 26 miles. Continue around the anther peninsula with possibility of further refreshments at Bowness.
Thanks to Martin for the route which can be found HERE.
Text or WhatsApp 07921 297 045
Cheers, Bill
Leave Dalston at 9.30 to reach Upfront by 11.00. Probably return to Dalston via Caldbeck where we could have another stop. Probable ROUTE HERE. About 35 miles.
If anyone would like to put on a longer grade 3 ride, please feel free to do so - perhaps from Dalston too (working on the successful model that some of us enjoyed from Lanercost on Sunday).
Phone or WhatsApp 07906896502
The Cycle Touring Festival will this year be held at John Ruskin School, Coniston from Friday 3rd May to Sunday 5th May. The programme and how to take part in the festival can be found on Facebook.
Also website here (Geoff)
50 mile 3 bike ride on Sunday at 09.30 hours from Lanercost, riding in the 'tracks' of the Romans & Reivers. Map/route/GPX file >> HERE << There is car parking at the old bridge (What 3 words location ///good.weeknight.tables) which is the start location.
There are no cafes or facilities on the route (after Birdoswald) so it's a BYO picnic at Bewcastle. However there is a 'honesty' box selling cakes & biscuits at Byers farm just before Bewcastle. IT IS CASH ONLY WITH CORRECT CHANGE NEEDED. Further refreshments can be had back at Lanercost.
Everyone welcome. Text or WhatsApp 07855534727
Cheers, John H
The plan for the 2 bike riders is to follow the Cross Border Sportive route of 30 miles into the wilds north of Lancercost. There are very few cafes and none in the right place so bring your own supplies for a stop at Bewcastle. It's a 9.30 start so even at my (slow) pace, we hope to be back at Lanercost cafe having lunch by 1 pm. I'm hoping it won't be as wet as recently...
Please text or message if you're coming. On recent form, cancellation is a possibility and I wouldn't want to miss anyone.
All welcome,
Alison 07500 564922
Hi
I need advice on how to provide a link on Blogspot to the route that I have set up on Garmin Connect
Help
david
Start in Dalston at 9:30 for a ride over the Northern Fells and around Skiddaw. Coffee at Maes in Uldale after 14 miles, further refreshments as required by mutual agreement (Keswick? Threlkeld?). Weather is forecast to be on the chilly side, but the North Easterly wind should give some assistance across Caldbeck Commons. Total distance 51 mies route >>HERE<<
It would be good to have some company
Text or Whatsapp 07921 297 045
Cheers,
Bill O
Rachel's ride starts at the pub in Great Asby at 10 am but anyone who has trouble getting there might prefer to meet for coffee at Maulds Meaburn Village Insitute. This is an unpressured ride (apart from the hills, which we can always walk) along lovely roads in an area we don't often visit.
Contact me (Alison - 07500 564922) or Rachel 07763 032740
52 mile 3 bike ride from The Community Village Hall,Wetheral (Cumwhinton Road, CA4 8HE) parking in bay off roadside.
Armathwaite, Talkin, Forest Head & Hallbankgate hub (21 mile) for refreshments. Return via Lambley, Featherstone, Gilsland, Lanercost & Brampton. Route/map/GPX file >> HERE <<
Weather forecast is for sunny intervals & a gentle breeze, reaching a balmy 10° C. So an ideal day for getting out on a club ride. All welcome.
Text or WhatsApp on 07855534727 Cheers John H
The Runs List has
been getting more and more difficult to complete.
Is the Runs List Obsolete?
Our Club members’
average age is not low.
We have had new members in the last year or so (i.e. post Covid).
Does our successful ‘Coffee Stop’ alone fulfil the needs of members?
The Coffee Stop Item was added to the Runs List several
years ago. The main activity of the Club used to be the rides put on by the
membership.
The Covid years interrupted members’ engagement with the Club.
Issues (some of):
Do we care about the future of the Club?
Is the future membership significant?
Location of rides, driving to the start of rides.
E-bikes use has risen.
Is age a factor in putting on rides?
Are there gender issues about rides?
Do members find rides too fast, too slow or both?
Is leading a ride onerous, fun?
Please start the conversation (at your next Coffee Stop or Ride)
Nigel LongworthSorry for the late post; I plan to leave Langwathby at 10 for a slightly circuitous route via Skirwith and Milburn to Morland for coffee and hopefully to meet the 3-bikers (see Geoff's post below). Direct route return
Alison
07500 564922
An aspiring '3 bike ride' but the weather may put a dampener(!) on the full route. Going out via Whale Bampton Shap etc to Morland Mill Cafe and returning along the fellside. Come prepared for anything (so'wester and wellies!?) but expect a bit of fun. (splashing around in the potholes? ...) Glad of company, text 07711842885 if you're coming. Route that I am aspiring to <HERE> or bare GPX file here
Challenge Rides - Sunday 15th September 2024
Planning is well under way for this event and an email may reach you which is being sent out to all CUK members in the area. This Flier summarises our planning so far: (Geoff can supply you with hard copies for distribution)
I appreciate that some of us may have already made arrangements to be away but we really need a full turn out of members if this is to be a success. Further details will be released in early July but it would give us more confidence to go ahead the more members let us know that they can help on the day or before. A simple email to the secretary would be great. Specific jobs will be allocated much nearer the event.
Thank you to all those that have already responded.
Geoff
Sorry for the late post. My route will depart from Langwathby at 10 am tomorrow going to Skirwith (apologies for the bit which duplicates Nigel's Wednesday ride) and along the fellside beyond Milburn to turn down to Kirkby Thore and along to Acorn Bank. The return will be up the Newbiggin hill to Blencarn and up to Kirkland (to minimise duplication of the route out) and along the fellside to Melmerby. As I'm not sure about the food provision at Acorn Bank - we know the outdoor cafe is open but it could be very busy and limited to coffee and cake - Melmerby Village Bakery is an alternative/additional cafe if needed. Probably a fairly direct return to Langwathby via Gamblesby turning left at the fork just outside Gamblesby to by-pass Glassonby.
For information, the usual Gamblesby to Glassonby road is thick with mud which I don't expect to be cleared any time soon!
Remember I am a slow rider so please wear plenty of clothes to avoid getting cold!
Looking forward to seeing some of you tomorrow - either on my ride or at Acorn Bank,
Alison 07500 564922
46 mile 3 bike ride starting at 09.30 on Sunday from the bridge at Armathwaite. Riding to Acorn Bank where, hopefully, we meet with Alison's 2 bike group & other club members for lunch. Route & GPX file >> HERE <<
Text or WhatsApp 07855534727
Cheers, John H
Sorry, rather a late post. See the Runs List, just posted category 2 ride from Langwathby to Appleby Hub (to tie into the Club coffee stop) and back via Temple Sowerby. Not a race ride, i.e. gentle pace. Please let me know if you intend to join us (07867 840534) message or phone, preferably message - the phone reception at home is not very good.
Alison 07500 564922
50 mile 3 bike ride starting 09.30 hours from Dalston. Fairly direct route to Penrith & Eamont Bridge, through Lowther caravan park & onto Lowther Castle for refreshments (22 miles). Returning to Dalston via Pooley Bridge, Greystoke & Skelton. Map/route/GPX >>HERE<<
Weather forecast, at this time, is for a mild, dry day with sunny intervals & a gentle breeze. A great opportunity to get out & enjoy a club ride after all the recent bad weather.
Text or WhatsApp 07855534727
Cheers, John H
After two days of having no electricity and given the awful weather conditions Alison is not going to lead a ride tomorrow. Obviously that doesn't stop anyone riding out to Morland for the coffee stop but I would check that the cafe is open, they may be similarly disconnected!!
Looking forward to getting this show on the road
Geoff
I have put a circuit from Langwathby on the runs list. However, with snow and ice likely Tuesday and overnight freezing temperatures, there has to be doubt about the ride going ahead. Please check the blog for details on Tuesday evening.
Pot Place is, of course, very close to the A6 which is usually gritted so even if I cancel my ride it doesn't stop people making their own way for coffee. I just don't like encouraging people to venture out in those conditions - it has to be the decision of the individual.
Good to have made it out today on an excellent ride led by Phil and Rosie (I went with Rosie - 34 miles...)
Alison
The rides will leave Beacon Edge cemetery lay-by at 10am, and will go to Threlkeld for a one stop early lunch. Going out via Skelton, Troutbeck , and south of the A66. Return via gated road and Greystoke. 30 to 40 miles depending on the attendees, and whether we ride as 1 or 2 groups.
Rosie 07818241833 Phil 07810751189
60 mile 3 bike ride from Dalston on Wednesday, leaving at 09.30, taking in the delights of the Solway coast. Silloth, Anthorn, Bowness on Solway etc.
Route/map/GPX file >> HERE <<
Brunch at Silloth (23 miles). Possible coffee stop at Bowness (46 miles) if required.
Text or WhatsApp 07855534727
Cheers, John H
There has been low cloud all day today in Penrith with very poor visibility. Tomorrow is looking the same and colder so I am cancelling my 2 bike ride. Rosie
Hi just wondering if you wanted to put this info on the EV ctc blog. Armathwaite village hall (old school hall) next to the church is starting a community cafe. It's going to be once a fortnight starting on Monday 8 Jan.
I just thought it might be a nice stop for anyone cycling in the area. 11-1.30.
Often Monday is tricky for finding a cafe.
I'd post it myself but don't know how to!😆
it will be great value for money.
Heidi
Posted for info from Heidi.
Just an idea but the route from Greystoke 0930 has a few sections of easy gravel to cheer us up! If this is the sort of thing you fancy then come with some non slick tyres (34mm + tyres). If it proves too much we can always by-pass the gravel sections - have a look at the route and see what you think?
Total route as planned 75km with 760m of climbing about 15km of off road - Coffee stop at Lowther
It would be good to have company let me know if you're coming(text or WhatsApp) 07711 842885
The weather doesn't provide an excuse so I'm planning to leave Langwathby village green at 10 am to travel via Culgaith, Temple Sowerby, Morland and Great Strickland to Lowther, probably arriving after 11.30 (15.5 miles). I will return via Penrith. Company welcome! But remember that I am slow and if you're a faster rider, wear extra clothes!
Alison 07500 564922