Saturday 18 February

A/B/C Ride - A mixed bag of nutters turned up in the pouring wind huddling under the arch next to the kitchen shop, 1 very plucky C rider, 2 B riders, 2 recovering A riders and 1 fully fit A rider who turned out to be a bit flighty. By the time we set off the rain had passed and a brisk splashy tour up to the gliding club, down to Broughton, into the wind and, with the sun now out, we pressed on to the caff at Catforth. 3 C riders arrived soon after ( possibly utilising public transport, I don't know ) and we refuelled around the new wood burner stove. After setting off we discovered the flighty A rider had flown, never to be seen again on the ride, having been late leaving the caff, then no doubt using a short cut to catch us up, we in fact now being behind- having stopped to go back and find him meant that he ( lets call him Rik ) could never catch us even at warp A speed. We made steady progress against a now strong wind and brilliant sunshine ,meanwhile Rik having waited for us at Cartford bridge for 20 mins gave up and went off to discover new lands that only A riders are aware of. We lost the other 2 A riders at Hambleton who decided 50 miles simply wasn't enough for them after all, and us remaining 3 whisked back through Wimarleigh to Garstang after a good and surprisingly dry cycle.

Submitted by Ian Gibson

Saturday 4 February

C Ride - Eleven of us left the Royal Oak at 9.30 on a cold, raw morning and the adventure began. After only a minute into the ride there was what sounded like a loud explosion, loud enough to reverberate all around Garstang - one of Lesley's tyres had blown. We were sorry to loose a rider and her friend so soon but if it had to happen better now than in the back woods of Bleasdale! The rest of us continued, a hard slog up Butt Hill helped to get us warmed up. Riding through Bleasdale we were graced for a few minutes by Malcom's presence, it wasn't long before he sped off into the distance taking at least one of our riders with him. It was just past what was Bleasdale P.O. That we encountered some treacherous road conditions which forced us to walk rather than risk our necks on the ice. Before long, still dodging patches of ice we reached and regrouped at my old home-stead, Hall Trees Farm. Here, purely by chance, I encountered the new owner of the farm on his quad bike. After a brief chat we continued on our way. This part of the journey brought back memories from (I hate to admit it) 40 years ago when I would cycle the very same route to Longridge Secondary on my mother's old bike, heavily laden with school books and judo or hockey kit. It was a rather ancient bike with Sturmy Archer 3 speed, so different from the bike I have today. We arrived at the Old Station Cafe, Longiridge, bacon and egg butties and a mug of good old fashioned leaf tea much appreciated, although we were all rather envious of Will's 'full English breakfast!' The way back to Garstang, with a bit of Pip's guidance, took us round the back lanes of Goosnargh and Inglewhite. By this time, we had said goodbye to the ice and were able to ride in more relaxed conditions. After 11 of us had set off had the start, we were later reduced to the 'Magnificent 7' but returned with just the 'Famous 5'

Submitted by Ruth Cowell

Saturday 4 February

C Ride to Galgate - or a Tale of Two Mittens. The four stoics who ventured out for the C ride last Saturday were rendered leaderless until Mitchells' garage! Our leader, who wimped out with frozen finger ends. and had been allowed another half hour to try and thaw out was still not a happy bunny on meeting up with the group. However a knight in shining armour was there who gave over his mittens, which along with gloves did the trick. Smiles all round and away we all sped to Cogie Hill and Pilling. The coast road to Cockerham was blowing a hoolie or perhaps it was the warm and cold fronts battling it out for supremacy and a snowy result. This we escaped but were stung by hail along Jeremy Lane. Up and over the alps to Galgate and the most welcome tea and buns by the canal. The homeward leg took us past the honey and mushroom enterprises and up to Dolphinholme. Then onto Scorton as rainclouds came over from the coast to finally test our mettle and reserve. Satisfying along with many other adjectives is how this ride could be described! But I'll be out next Saturday!

Submitted by Fiona Riley

B Ride - Brrrr! With weather like this you don't want to be stopping on a club ride for a P! The weather forecast was for snow this morning so nobody was sure if the ride would actually go ahead. Only when we woke up to dry roads and no snow was the decision made to do the planned rides. Six hardy souls left Garstang on the B ride for the climb up to Jubilee Tower, but it was a quiet first few miles before the usual banter began as everyone was pedalling hard to warm up. By the time Crosshill Four Lane Ends was reached at five miles, muscles were warmed up and fingers and toes were thawing nicely. Steady climbing up to Marshaw and then Jubilee Tower was interrupted slightly by a badly placed stretch of ice across the road - right at the bottom of the steep little climb of Cam Brow. No problem wheeling the bikes over the ice - but getting going again on a 1 in 4 ain't easy! All going well so far and not one stopped for a P! We picked up 'The Ghost' who appeared from the mists of Abbeystead Fell, just by the Tower. A fast descent to Quernmore Crossroads was soon followed by a stiff climb to LiIttlefell Road where a left turn took us on the descent to Galgate and the welome cafe stop. The weather was just turning worse as we arrived at the cafe with sleety rain now falling. After the usual brunch and banter, and a chat with the C Group (None of whom had stopped for a P), we took the road over to Glasson to start the long slog to Pilling and Eagland Hill. Icy cold rain was now hitting us head on so a group decision was made to cut the ride short and return home via Cockerham. Stopping for a P in weather like this would be bad - very bad! I knew if I had a P it would take me at least ten minutes before I could get going again. So, it was heads down and the final few miles were behind us. We arrived home just as the rain on the road was beginning to turn white. And, thankfully, not a single P between us - so no fiddling with tyre levers and inner tubes with frozen fingers!

Submitted by MIke Coleran

Saturday 21 January

B Ride - My last club ride was in October so it was a good job I was down as ride leader today or the howling wind may have been enough to keep me indoors! A good sized group of 16 headed off from Garstang towards Cockerham with a strong buffeting wind apparently hitting us from all sides. At Conder Green we made the wise decision not to ride down the muddy cycle path but instead headed on the Lancaster road before turning left through Stodday and rejoining the path at the tarmac end. The ride then passed without incident (no punctures or mishaps) and despite the wind we all managed to stay more or less together. The ride along the seafront at Morecambe was most enjoyable with the wind helping us along towards Hest Bank and very few others braving the conditions so it was a bit of a racetrack. When we arrived at the Shore café there were only 2 customers so the sudden influx of the Garstang gang filled the whole place but the staff were excellent and got all of our orders out quickly. We were hoping for a gentler wind for the return journey but no chance of that..…I think someone must have upset the gods of wind last weekend. The return journey through Caton, Quernmore and Scorton was more of the same but by then everyone was used to the wind and it was simply a case of getting your head down and keeping your legs turning. By the time we got back to Garstang we had covered 48 miles in 3 ½ hours so a good pace was kept up throughout. I know a few riders had said that, like me, they had had second thoughts about heading out this morning but they were all very pleased they had made the effort and as John Ruskin once said ‘There is no such thing as bad weather just different kinds of good weather.

Submitted by Dave Heslop

C Ride - A group of 10, made up 50/50 women to men, pedalled out of Garstang bound for Heysham. A buffeting cross wind tested and teased both strength and stamina on the ouward leg to Cockerham and Conder Green. However, not even the odd puncture picked up on the thorn-strewn cycle track into Lancaster daunted the group's endeavour, but arrival at Heysham village was met by a 'closed' notice at the cafe destination! However the 'bistro' next door did the group proud serving up hot beef sandwiches and home made custard pie. A further treat ensued with a fine rendition of 'happy birthday' for our 'birthday girl', Lesley. The return saw the group enjoy the benefit of a brisk tail wind on the promenade to Morecambe and cycle track back towards Lancaster. Following the 'circuitous' blue route through the city centre the group followed the canal tow path and then on to the University campus and back via Galgate,Dolphinholme and Scorton. About 40 miles in all, quite enough for a chilly, breezy day out in the saddle. See you next Saturday!!

Submitted by Pip Riley

A Ride - (Hest Bank Howler) - Seven riders set off from Garstang to brave straight into the howling wind to Stake Pool, a turn gave us the wind behind where we soon ramped up the speed heading for Cockerham and then the University through to the first of many climbs of the day past Forrest Hills golf course. On track we headed out over Brookhouse to Hornby, then cut back into the wind taking a new route for some back to Halton. The next climb we set a sprint to the give way sign at the top of the hill, all meeting at the crossroads to amble down to Hest Bank for lunch. Having recce’d the ride the week before I had noted the small cafe and let them know GCC were planning a ride, the B group had arrived earlier and gone to the other cafe leaving us to enjoy a relaxed, fun break with good food ( & cheap, bonus!). Back into the weather we took off for Bolton-le-Sands, climbing again to Over Kellet, Arkholme, then back in to the strengthening wind (or tired legs) up past Docker Park to meet the Borwick road. Another challenge of a hill top finish was met with a “comfort break”, perhaps knowing the wind and then Littledale were ahead, so over Lords Lot we went meeting at the top. On to the return journey through Hornby we again all mucked in to fight the wind back to Brookhouse where we turned for the Littledale hills. All over the hills we trundled safely back to Garstang with a good ride in our legs, although the average speed was only 13.6 mph, no body cared.

Submitted by Ian Tunbridge

Saturday 7 January

The first ride of the new year and what a turn out! There must have been 40 riders on the cobbles as all three groups assembled, including some we only seem to see once a year but no less welcome for that, and the odd guest. I couldn’t get an accurate count as they wouldn’t all stand still but once we got under way there were 10 C riders, soon to become 11 as we collected chief whipper-in Pip on the road. One notable absentee was Lesley who was to have made her debut as ride coordinator but unfortunately had been laid low by a bug picked up on her recent skiing trip. We meandered in very pleasant conditions through Winmarleigh towards Pilling as Paul suffered a puncture. He was ably led back to the peleton by Philip and Big-Ring Bob, who treated us to one of his breath-taking sprints just as we approached Knott End for our brew stop. Within seconds the B gang arrived and between us we filled the café although, it must be said they coped with us all extremely well. There was some confusion at the start of the return trip as both groups set off together and not everyone seemed sure which group they belonged to. Half a mile down the road, however as the two groups were jockeying for position Malcolm’s rear wheel exploded, which wasn’t much fun for him but gave us a chance to get clear. Not for long though as a couple of miles further on, on the narrowest of lanes the B group caught up again just as the A group were arriving from the opposite direction. As pleasantries were exchanged concentration was lost and one of the B group found herself kissing the tarmac – fortunately no harm done. However this left the C group back in front! Eventually the B group got going again and began the long process of hauling in the C group (are you still with me?). We parted company in Hambleton and the C group headed through Out Rawcliffe towards the toll bridge but veering left rather than paying the new, increased toll (up from 10p to 20p!). From there it was north along Lancaster Road and then east along Skitham Lane via Nateby back to base. Thanks to Kath for taking over for the last three miles as I sneaked off early.

Submitted by Phil Durrigan

Rides on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve

Both these rides attracted surprisingly large numbers of members obviously keen to enjoy the festive spirit by pedalling. On Christmas Eve a mixture of over 20 riders from A,B, and C groups went outwards against a stiff breeze towards Cartford Bridge, before enjoying a cafe stop at Bonds of Elswick. The return with a tail wind via Inskip and Eaves was easier. Some 30 miles covered, no punctures to report, only the joke of the year and a very wet right foot! On New Years Eve, a similar mix of riders, but slightly less in number, left the Royal Oak outwards to Great Eccleston via St.Michaels. The Club welcomed a rider from Lakes road club as visitor for the day. The Courtyard cafe provided the refreshments. The return via Pilling and Cockerham detoured past the local goat farm, where again the same joke teller excelled himself. [John you have a reputation to maintain] About 30 miles covered in all - happy new year to one and all.

Submitted by Pip Riley

Saturday 03 December - Figure of Eight Ride.

B Ride - The two or three not sure whether they were ready for the pace of the B Group had their confidence eroded when it was noted that the A Group had joined up, but it was this largish mixed group of indeterminate number (I am sure the RC knew the numbers but, as stand in correspondent, I don’t) and mixed ability that left the Oak safe in the knowledge that the limitations of a Figure of Eight Route meant that they would never be too far from home in the case of failing weather or energy levels. The first loop of the Figure of Eight took us past the Glider Field and around Beacon Fell to Inglewhite and back to the A6 at Claughton. Here a hiccup caused by riders nervous of traffic precipitated a split in the group as some of them sort an alternative route. Both groups were just beaten to Zumos by the C Group and re-united after apologies to the leader (RC) by the “Naughty Group”. Some were not too sure of their desire to tackle the second half loop up to Marshaw but this went smoothly (well the mood was smooth but not the terrain). We even had some sunshine before a squally rain shower caught up with us on the return from Abbeystead to Dolphinholme. At this point the group started to disintegrate as the by now wet members started to look for direct ways to their respective homes. I recorded all but 50mls home to home: ridewithgps indicated 46.4 mls and 2750’ climb from the Oak to leaving the Ride Co-ordinator on his own having shed the last man, but this included the “Naughty” variation and would vary slightly for the scheduled ride.

Submitted by Malcolm Hartley on behalf of and with thanks to the Ride Co-ordinator Dave Corless.

Saturday 26 November

C Ride - This is probably the shortest ride on the calendar and, in the event was made even shorter by a problem with flooding. Six of us set off for the Café-de-Lune and decided to put in an extra loop through Dolphinholme and then via Ellel and the University Campus to cross the A6. Will seemed to be caught out by the unscheduled detour to Dolphinholme and somehow managed to tumble into the grass verge – shaken but not stirred. This was to be something of a theme for the day as Will once again took to the grass at Lower Burrow but this time managed to stay shiny side up. I was not so lucky as I had the only puncture of the day at the end of the nadgery lane just before the café stop. This gave the girls a chance to go ahead and report back that the road to the Café-de-Lune was impassable due to a flood brought on by a combination of high tide and high winds. No problem – we diverted to Ashton Garden Centre for our nose-bag. This second unscheduled diversion, however seemed to unsettle Will once again and he duly registered his discomfort by falling off again – stirred but not shaken. The route back was as direct as possible in view of the strengthening winds and the onset of rain and it was a struggle just to get over the canal bridge without stalling. From there it was head down all the way, pausing to bid farewell to Fiona at Forton and back to base without further event. Just a short ride in inclement conditions but good to get out before the winter really kicks in.

Submitted by Phil Durrigan

A Ride - With only one A rider to persuade, it was an easy decision not to follow the planned A ride over the Cross of Greet, given the expected 50 mph cross winds on the descent. So, it then became a choice for Ian and myself, either to go with the B group to Wray, or go somewhere completely different, which is what we did. After having gone to Elaine's Tea Shop in Feizor a month previously with a friend from Barnoldswick, I felt it was the right time to open up the cycling club to the delights of this little gem. Even when I mentioned where we were going to the others in the B group, I was greeted with amazement 'Where's Feizor?', they all said. So obviously no one had been to the cafe, which is hidden in a tiny hamlet down a no through road off the A65 somewhere between Austwick and Giggleswick. So now you know! Our very appealing route out (with a mega tailwind thrown in) took us past Wray and then along Mewith Lane to Keasden. At the railway bridge with 6 miles to Settle, we headed off to Austwick and a short section of the A65 east, before taking a lane on the left to our very cosy destination. There was a welcoming coal fire, and massive portions of beans and egg on toast, which we were tucking into well before midday. We lingered as long as we could in the warm, knowing the conditions to expect. By the time we left it had already begun to rain and the wind was even stiffer than in the morning. We headed towards Giggleswick, and then took a right past the famous school and followed the signs for Rathmell and Wigglesworth. At this point I gave Ian the choice of Tosside or Bolton-by-Bowland. and he decided on the hillier but slightly shorter way back. There was now no hiding place from the gale force SW winds, which became a bit scary when they hit us from the side. However, we eventually got over Boundary Hill, and were home for 3:30 pm after 70 miles covered. And just managed to break the 13 mph barrier! A day for the barmy, I think! But, if you ever get to Feizor, the cafe stop is highly recommended. Thanks Ian for joining me on a ride that would otherwise have been very lonely.

Submitted by Phil Roberts

B Ride - It was easy to see that the late autumn weather and the forecast had a detrimental effect upon rider numbers compared with previous weeks but undaunted, 5 riders set off for Wray. A recuperating A rider was most welcome as was one of our more regular B riders on his brand new extremely red and white mountain bike, which is the latest edition to his stable of machines and with its matching very very red rims will make a perfect vehicle for Santa should his normal transport arrangements fail him. After the usual run through Scorton, 5 Lane Ends and Quernmore, the group stopped at Caton to consider options in view of the howling gale that had delivered us so swiftly thus far, but would inevitably take its revenge in due course. The decision was made to cross Crook of Lune and make to the top road through Halton Park, which would get us to altitude with wind assistance and then enable us to drop down to Gressingham with a following wind rather than battling uphill against the wind on the usual return route. All went well and according to plan and after making through Melling and Wennington, we soon arrived at Wray for our refreshments. The log burner was in full swing and we were soon stripping off to cope with the heat. On departing, we knew that we were going to battle into a headwind and it was at this stage that for once order descended upon the B group and the leader was permitted to lead without any hint of being overtaken; such a well mannered bunch of softies! I’ll not say it was hard going, but given the choice I would have opted for a turbo trainer in the British Aerospace wind tunnel. After Claughton, we took to the cycle track and continued to Lancaster, where not only did we have wind, but we also had rain as well and our final leg through Conder Green and Cockerham, where we had to wait for the one who required 6 capes, two jackets and over-trousers, all of which slowed him considerably. Still, those who rode on such a day can feel a little smug and perhaps a little barmy!

Submitted by John Spencer

Saturday 19 November

C Ride - CATFORTH- SOUNDS INTERESTING, SIX HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE PLACE FOUR HAD NO IDEA OF IT,S LOCATION,AND THEN THERE WAS THE T/C? SHOULD BE INTERESTING. THE FAST PACE TAKING US THROUGH WINMARLEIGH-STAKEPOOL-CARTFORD BRIDGE WAS GENERATED BY THE PRESENCE OF KEN ROBERTS MAKING HIS ANNUAL GUEST APPEARANCE A RIDER WITH AN ENVIABLE C/V . WHARLES AND ROSEACRE WENT PASSED IN A BLURR .OUR ARRIVAL AT BILLINGTONS THE SAME TIME AS THE B TEAM WAS A BOOST FOR EVERYONES SELF ESTEEM . FALLING LEAVES BIRD SONG AND A SERIES OF NARROW TWISTING LANES WAS THE SCRIPT FOR THE SECOND PART OF THE RIDE , CROSSING THE A 6 AT THE ROEBUCK AND THE NOW FAMILIAR ROUTE DOWN LYDIATE LANE ,THE ICING ON THE CAKE WAS AN EXTRA LOOP UP BELL LANE OAKENCLOUGH –HARRIS-END ,SCORTON , BACK TO BASE. THANKS TO KEN FOR DROPPING IN TO SAY HELLO AND EVERYONE FOR A MOST INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE DAY OUT AT CATFORTH.

Submitted by Bob Raftery

B Ride - Fifteen cyclists briskly climbed up to the gliding club in the mildly sunny morning followed by a swift tour round the rear of Beacon fell, white chapel and Inglewhite. On through Broughton, Woodplumpton and Catforth. Approaching the cafe stop at Blackleach Lane two lady pedestrians with children were alarmed to see such a large group about to beat them to the counter, One lady pleaded with me to order coffees for them! Fat chance, the pelaton had caught the scent of tomato sauce and beans and was about to commence a feeding frenzy. The C group sedately arrived soon after and monopoly of the caff was assured. I was a bit disorientated when we set off again resulting in an unscheduled tour of motorway bridges ,before rejoining the route at Hand & Dagger. We now had a very enjoyable flat ride with wind mostly helping us to Elswick,Cartford bridge, back of Hambleton and over to Pilling where a vast flock of starlings were formation flying over the moss along with the v formations of geese which seem very numerous this year. The group began to break up after Wimarleigh to head home after an excellent ride of 51 miles 1700ft of ascent and an average of 14.5mph ( very respectable for this B rider )

Submitted by Ian Gibson

A Ride - 'A Tale of Broken Spokes' - 5 riders, Rick, Michael, Ian, Euan and myself set off from the Royal Oak on a beautiful sunny day. Michael had recently sourced a new pair of wheels from Planet X. He’d had to return them for a rebuild by Planet X’s chief wheel builder. He was eager to try them out. He immediately got the opportunity to do so on the gnarly back roads past Nicky Nook as we headed north. Despite Michael grumblings about mud, gravel and fords, we trundled onwards past Scorton before heading up Marshaw Road and turning off down the steep gravelly road to Abbeystead. Groans of horror ensued as we turned right up the 1 in 5 out of Abbeystead and then up towards Jubilee Tower. The descent to Quernmore caused Michael some distress as his new wheels showed signs of loose spokage. We took a left turn off the road to Littledale and the steep climb up Stock a Bank. After rolling along and down to the University, we cut across to the Cockerham Road, looped through Glasson Dock and sat in Michael’s slipstream in the headwind towards Pilling. Just when you think you’re going to have to drop off, your prayers are answered and Michael starts to slow! But it was not divine intervention. It was a broken spoke on Michaels wheel seriously slowing him down and forcing him to call for his support car (aka the wife) with a new wheel. While he waited for the wheel to arrive we cracked on through Great Ecclestone and Inskip ready for lunch at around 50 miles. The café at Catforth was great with supersize scones, although the staff did moan a little about the massive rowdy group of cyclists who’d cleared them out of food earlier. Michael found us at the café only to tell us his replacement wheel also had broken spokes so he headed off home after lunch with his tail between his legs and his wheel rubbing dolefully. After lunch was the much anticipated Ribby Hall team time trial. Following the route of the Ribby Hall triathlon we reset our speedos (GPS’s) outside Ribby Hall and pounded our way through Wrea Green, the Ballams, skirted Lytham and back through Moss Side and Wrea Green again. Over the 10.2 mile course we averaged 19.4 mph. Not bad for a girl, two middle aged men and an OAP, all after 60 miles! We took a direct route back from Kirkham through Wharles and Inskip and made it back just before it started to get dark with around 80 miles on the clock. You’ve got to make the most of this mild November weather!

Submitted by Sue Taylor

Saturday 12 November

C Ride - Under the stewardship of Ruth Cowell the C group set off for Longridge in excellent cycling conditions. It was great to have as many men as women in the group of 12 riders, and there were no 'buts' to hear as we grunted up 'butt hill brow' on the outward leg via Bleasdale. Thereupon the skyline was dotted with handgliders on Parlick hill interspersed with flocks of geese doing their morning aerobatics over Beacon fell. Ruth then took us past her former family farmhouse home. The diversity of rural life was also revealed as we passed close to the Bowland Gliding Club located not far from the several cheesemaking enterprises in the area. Arrival in Longridge on a busy Saturday morning challenged the group as we went into traffic management mode before enjoying the refreshments provided at the Old Station cafe situated in the town centre. This cafe stop must feature as one of the Club's 'favourites' and is recommended to those wishing to try somewhere new in Longridge. The return leg took the group along quiet lanes via Stumps Cross to Inglewhite and thereafter the usual route back via Lydiate Lane and Barnacre. Less than 30 miles in good company and back in time to do the Christmas shopping!! Thanks to all for an enjoyable Saturday morning.

Submitted by Pip Riley

A Ride - The planned classic ride had a few steep tree lined climbs and with the heavy Friday night rain, would have meant wet leaves and greasy roads, so I decided on a flat start to allow the roads to dry a little before attacking any inclines. Welcoming Dave back from his summer of running, six of us, one on a single speed bike (good job it was flat ride then!!!), set off to Nateby, then over the toll bridge at Gt Ecclestone, through to Elswick, Catforth, then up to Longridge and over the fell to descend birdy brow, on through to Waddington. We were met by the departing B - Riders who declared with joy all the beans had gone, but the cafe must have found a stray tin to feed us. Dave left to make his own way back a shorter route, and the rest of us set off on the second half of the ride with plenty of climbing ahead, over Waddington fell to Slaidburn, then over the Cross of Greet. On then to Wray and despite fears of losing daylight we had made good time and arrived back at Garstang well before the sun went down, a good long ride for the start of winter. I still can’t fathom how one A rider, mentioning no names Justin, managed to beat us all up the climbs on his single speed! Perhaps we should of done the planned ride after all!

Submitted by Ian Tunbridge

B Ride - A perfect day for riding and a pleasant destination for the11 riders that left Garstang. There were a few mutterings from those who had undertaken this favoured route on numerous previous occasions and had, like me, read the route description on the website and had come to the conclusion that someone was having a laugh or trying to create heart failure. To the relief of those who asked and to the immense relief of the co-ordinator, I was delighted to say that we would stick to the usual route and forsake the delights of Marshaw, Boundary Hill, Waddington Fell and Birdy Brow for some other time or until we get sponsored battery bikes from Red Line Garage! After leaving Garstang, we made for the Kenlis and then up Butthill Lane before reaching Bleasdale and Chipping. A left turn at the War Memorial took us to Leagram and Doeford Bridge and then a right turn at Middle Lees to Cow Ark and Browsholme. We turned left along the lovely lane that passes through the woods and eventually emerges just above Waddington on the fell road. The lane is commonly known as Rabbit Lane, but some of the riders without mudguards call it something else, and those with mudguards travelling behind those without mudguards call them something else! It was on this narrow lane that our faithful back marker had his Del Boy moment as a very wide load came along. The hapless rider stopped and put his foot on to the grass verge, intending to lean over and hold a tree branch, however, the earth gave way beneath his foot (isn’t there a song along these lines?) and he sunk to his very muddy knee! As one old soldier said; “It’s the misfortunes of other that gives me the greatest fun!” After brilliant food and service at the café, we eventually departed Waddington just as the A riders arrived, and our usual route back via Higher Hodder, Chaigley, Thornley with Wheatley, Longridge and Inglewhite was soon polished off. It would be nice to report that there had been no punctures, but our cherished back marker apparently punctured just on the outskirts of Garstang, and his unfortunate predicament was not noticed due to the over excitement of all who had returned to the start. Sincere apologies to DC.

Submitted by John Spencer

Saturday 5 November

A Ride - For the first A ride of the winter programme, the weather forecast was especially promising. However, just four of us gathered at the cobbles for a route of two very different parts. The first hilly 45 miles to Galgate, bathed in golden sun against the colours of autumn, took us over Longridge Fell to Bashall Eaves and thence Boundary and Jubilee to our lunch stop, where the other two groups had been and long since gone. Thankfully, this led to no arguments about who was first in the canteen queue when the beans inevitably run out. The cafe was warm and snug and the food filling, as we recalled the steep ups and glorious descents that had brought us thus far; and plotted the epic rides of long summer days to come. Without a cloud in the sky, we got in tempo for the pan flat, and thankfully windless, final 28 mile tour of the moss roads. With miles effortlessly consumed, and compass finally set east for home the light was still kind to us - giving crisp views of the distant hills that we had traversed that morning. Thanks to Euan, Ian and Clive for the company.

Submitted by Phil Roberts

B Ride - The planned co-ordinator may not be massive in terms of stature, but it took two of us to stand in for him! Having volunteered to take over, and having looked at the planned route, I was struck by the thought that we were going to be travelling much of the same route on two consecutive weekends, which then gave me the perfect excuse to amend the route and just by chance avoid toiling up Boundary Hill on the steep side, but in any event, the chosen alternative had sufficient hilly bits to satisfy all but a demented mountain goat, and was a real challenge for one of our members who had picked a bike from his vast stable and turned up on a fixed wheel machine; perfect for hill climbing and talking of demented mountain goats……….! Those who have penned the odd ride report will understand when I say that I sit here in front of the keyboard and am asking myself, “Where on earth did we go?” After departing Garstang, we headed towards Dimples Lane and then took the normal route beyond the Kenlis and to Claughton and along Lydiate Lane before Bourne Brow, the first heart pumper of the day. A left turn into Scotch Green Lane and then towards Bleasdale which was reached after a left turn at Wickens Farm. Delph Lane was almost a joy to ascend as we soon obtained good views of the Lakeland hills. At this point we gained another rider who had cunningly read my mind and had also discounted Boundary Hill. Two riders turned left and made back home via Scorton as the remainder made up towards Marshaw, where another famous interceptor had indicated an intention to join us at that point. As the aforementioned was lurking at the top of Cam Brow, we were able to omit Marshaw and settle for a quick downhill to Abbeystead. Onwards towards Dolphinholme and then a right turn on Procter Moss Road and down into Ellel before reaching the café stop for a well deserved breather. At this point, I handed the baton to Paul, who was to lead the second half of the ride (the easy bit!). John having tired on the first leg (some excuse about building a wall, which must be the equivalent of the Great Wall of China) of the ride left me to lead an ever decreasing number of riders on the home leg from Galgate to Garstang. Six of us left the cafe stop but by the time we reached the Manor Inn at Cockerham we were down to 3 hardy souls, Ken king of the fixed wheel was nowhere to be seen and despite waiting never appeared. The second half of the ride was uneventful although the pace was kept high not by the stand-in leader I might add but by his fellow cyclists. Keith did his bit for Autumn watch as he spotted some migrating birds before we took the left turn up Longmoor Lane where the 3 became 1 and an enjoyable ride was ended. Weather good, roads wet and slippy in places but an enjoyable day was had by all even Ken who just picked the wrong bike for today’s ride, difficult when you are spoilt for choice.

Submitted (jointly) by John Spencer & Paul Robinson