wpa77ca505.png

Pasts Rides Reports of 2006

 

 

January 12th: Barrowford to Gargrave

Leaving the Leeds and Liverpool canal car part at Barrowford on quite a cold but dry day our group of eight riders headed east up the canal towpath, through Foulridge to Salterforth where we were caught by Peter Kenner who had arrived late and had "hot footed'' it to catch us. Continuing up the towpath through Barnoldswick and Greenberfield to the bridge at Dodge Laithe we turned onto the cycleway to West Marton where we stopped at the tea room for coffee. Suitably refreshed we continued on the cycleway to Gargrave where we had lunch in one of the local hostelries.

Following lunch we retraced our route on the cycleway to Band Newton where we turned left to follow the track to rejoin The canal at East Marton. The towpath from here back to Dodge Laithe was extremely slippery, great care had to be taken to avoid a dunking. From here we retraced our outward route back to Barrowford, and with the exception of one puncture had another great day out with the Fellowship.

 

Brain Parkinson

 

29th Jauary: Pontins Ainsdale

It was great to see 26 turn out for our ride from Ainsdale. This didn't account for 4 people who had phoned earlier to say that they were sorry they could not make it. This is my local area, and it was satisfying to that riders had come as far a field as Lancaster and North Derbyshire to be with us on what promised to be a super day with good crisp winter weather, no wind and plenty of that sometimes missing ingredient, sunshine. We headed south on the Trans Pennine Trail for about a mile before turning into the woods at Pinfold Lane. After crossing the railway line at the unmanned level crossing we preceded down Victoria Road to the coast and stop at the now famous red squirrel reserve at Formby (Fred Lloyd recalled the story of how, many years ago he had come to photograph the squirrels, setting his camera up on remote control and being extremely careful to make no noise, after sitting fora long period with no luck, along came a bus loaded with school children all making a great deal of noise, but bearing nuts purchased from the NT site office, at which point all the squirrels made an immediate appearance.)

The National Trust do not allow cycling on this reserve, so we made our way the short distance by road to the coastal strip managed by Mersey Forest, From here the group got it first full view of the Mersey Estuary and the famous exhibition of Anthony Gomley's naked statues, strategically placed in the sand along the Crosby coast. I understand that there are over one hundred. After a short coffee break in the sunshine we proceeded along the: Promenade towards the wind turbines and dockland cranes which dominate the skyline. From here we nude our way following the Sustran

route through the back ginnels of Waterloo to reach the regenerated area known locally as Rim rose Valley. People are very surprised that such a lovely open area exists within a mile of the Liver Building on Liverpool's waterfront. What makes it even better is that specially built cycleways criss cross the area. Our route took us to the Leeds Liverpool Canal, but only for a few hundred yards. It was here (as we were running late), that I decided to take a Short cut to our lunch spot at Sefton Meadows Garden Centre Tearooms.

After a one. and a half hour stop for lunch (The cafe was not used to such a large group of cyclists descending on them), we continued on our way a the Trans Pennine Trail back to With the sun setting we arrived back at the start car park.Thanks to all who turned up to give us our biggest turnout yet.

 

Rob Burrow

 

26th March: Ribchester

The day dawned bright and sunny despite the heavy rain that had been forecast Seven of us met at the Roman Museum in Ribchester, We rode up Gallows Lane towards Hurst Green to join our first bridleway of the day. It was here that Brian and Christine (both who had cycled over from Darwen to join us) decided to take the road route to our morning coffee stop. The rest of us proceeded down the easy track towards the River Ribble. The bridleway from the farm at the bottom is always wet, although today we all managed to ride it without

mishap. The only problem being the narrow railed footbridge we had to negotiate due to the ancient ford having been fenced off. We eventually rejoined a good track to take us to our refeshment stop.

From Hurst Green we headed back to The church, taking a right on the minor road leading us up to the Greengore Camping Barn, From here we followed the bridleway taking us to the road below Longridge Fell. Ken, Christine and Peter stopped on the track to chat about the last time that they had been this way. It turned out to have been on a ride with Bob Harrison and John Matthews, on their way down to Dinkley Dell. (It was a nice reflective moment.)

The group joined me in the long pull and walk to the top of Longridge Fell using the bridleway starting at Chilsey Green and heading northwest. The descent down the north flank of the fell pave a wonderful view of the Vale of Chipping, well worth the struggle up the other side. Then taking the road above Spade Mill Reservoirs to the bridleway that led us down to Cottam House Farm and eventually onto the road. Turning right on the no through road to Hotherall Hall with Albert Winstanley now famous carriageway leading us back to Ribchester, just in time to get the bikes loaded before the forecast rain started.

 

Rob Burrow

 

6th April: Halton, Lancaster.

This Thursday morning turned out to be very wet. I had not expected as many as 13 to turn up for the ride on such  a miserable day. The day cheered up with the appearance of  Fred Lloyd who had offered to guide us the 1.5 miles to his house where Pat had kindly offered to supply the group with tea/coffee and teacakes to start the day.

After a warming brew and a chat we set off with Pat leading us away from Halton on quite lanes through  Nether Kellet and Over Kellet. This area is very dear to me as my grandfather was born in Halton, and I spent some of  my youth riding for racing stable in Over Kellet. We continued on quiet back lanes heading north before taking a bridleway over a pretty clapper bridge on towards a second bridleway at Hilderstone. Pat disclaimed all responsibility for the condition of this bridleway as she said it had been Fred’s ideal to do it. This turned out to be the most mucky and sloppy of the day. (Nice one Fred!). After un-clogging the bikes we turned left onto the busy A6 heading south for approx 1 mile before taking a bridleway on the right. This turned out to be rideable in parts, but  had hidden danger of hedgegrow thorns lurking in its muddy depths. On reaching the road at SD507757 we began to see the results of this track. Three separate punctures on three bikes, all to be fixed, and by this time it was raining and all the types were  completely caked in mud, not a pleasant job, but all all part of a day out with the Rough Stuff. Ten of the party went on ahead to the lunch stop. Eventually the stragglers all arrived at Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve Visitor Center for our lunch. The Pea and mint soup was worth waiting for. We left the reserve in a torrential down pour, and after a mild panic attack when I thought that I had lost my bike and car keys, only to find them still in the lock on the bike, we set off up road. It was then that we heard the plaintive cry ‘puncture!’ from the group behind. This time it was Peter who had not left the visitor centre car park before noticed the deflated tyre. Again we all re-grouped to attend to the type before setting off on the road Crag Foot to Warton, turning right to follow the coastal path from Cote Stones to Galley Hall and on into Crag Bank. From here we joined the canal towpath , following it as far as Bolton-le-Sands before heading down Ancliffe Lane, if  you look to right, you can see two mobile phone masts heavily disguised as trees. Here we crossed Four Lane Ends returning to village of Halton. We said goodbye to Pat and Fred before making our way back to the car park. Another evenful day with the Fellowship. We all say a big thank you to Pat and Fred for the refreshment stop, and I say thank you to all who turn up on the day.

 

Rob Burrow

 

11th May: Entwistle Reservoir

Our group assembled at Battridge Barn car park, alongside  Entwistle reservoir in bright sunshine. The weather was most welcome after our two previous Thursday rides in the wet. The route was to be over Turton and Darwen Moors with lunch at Tockholes cafe. We set out just after ten o’ clock crossing the dam to make the short climb to Edgeworth  Station  where we joined the Witton Weavers Way. The hot sunshine soon had us making in roads into our precious supplies of drink. We  continued to climb until we crossed the main A666 at Cadshaw from where we started to cross Turton Moor, Brain proved to be an excellent leader, full of information about our surroundings. He pointed out where there is an aircraft wreak from the Second World War, now an off icial war grave, also the remains of a horse drawn tramway that we crossed. We stopped for a while at Darwen Tower where some of us took the opportunity to ascend the spiral staircase to the top for spectacular views over Lancashire. Then we where off again with a pell-mell descent to Sunnyhurst well named for this fabulous day. After another two miles we arrived at our lunch stop at the Tockholes Cafe and a change to rest in the sunshine.

After lunch we continued on our way in the shade of woodland back on the Witton Weavers Way heading for Belmont. Brain continued to point out features for us as we passed many old mines that operated during the industrial revolution. We where soon on our way to Turton Tower for a final refreshment stop before finishing a great day out. Thanks to a great leader in Brian Parkinson, and the good company of my fellow riders.

 

Dave (Birkdale Cycles)

15th to 17th June: The Wayfarer Weekend at Cefin Brith Bunk House.

As Lancashire Secretary I had been asked to resurrect a traditional Wayfarer Break that had previously been a regular event in the Rough Stuff Fellowship calendar. Taking into account that a scout group now owned the YHA hostel in Cynwyd, I chose the bunkhouse complex of Tyddyn Bychan at Cefn Brith, Cerrig y Drudion SH931 504 advertised in Northern Wheel as our base. It turned out to be a super location with Lynda acting as a great hostess. The group of twenty who joined me for four days of rides, all enjoyed the great accommodation and food all at a very reasonable price.

Thursday 15th June saw a group of 15 take a leisurely ride up to the Visitor Centre at Lynn Brenig Reservoir. After refreshment in the café we headed into the Clocaenog Forest on a quiet track that gave us superb views of the Reservoir and the Snowdon Range to our southwest. We dropped down into the pretty village of Pentre Llyn Cymmer before climbing up to the main B4501, and then the lane that gave us a lovely 3 miles of downhill back to the bunkhouse.

Friday 16th June was the day scheduled for our trip to the Wayfarer, which happened to be the 49th anniversary of the unveiling of the memorial stone by Sir Hugh Rhys-Rankin BT. The stone had originally been supplied and erected by the Lancashire Section which made the ride all the more significant.

The ride was split into three sections. John and a party of two others decided that they wanted to take the route of Wayfarer’s ‘Over the Top’ but in the opposite direction, and they rode from Cynwyd to Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog. The second group led by Peter and Brian rode from the bunkhouses to Cynwyd to meet my group, which rode from Llandrillo to Cynwyd. We used the lane ascent from SJ049 397, and after a long climb and walk up the tarmac we eventually met the rough track that led us up to the memorial. We had a minute’s silence in honor of Wayfarer and our Lancashire colleagues who were no longer with us. The tin box placed by the Lancashire group 49 years ago had sadly been removed, however a new and very substantial box was now in its place made and donated by Richard of www.mill-services.com and replaced by Paul Humphrey’s from The Countryside Recreational Access Group, to whom we are very grateful. The books for visitors to write in are still in the box although many of the comments written in them are not suitable for print. (A sad reflection of the times we live in). After our group had made their entries in the book we made our way down taking a left fork onto the track down to Llandrillo. On this track we found a small stone bridge and waterfall, which made a great spot for our lunch stop. After lunch we made our way carefully down the rocky, bumpy track into Llandrillo. My party made their way by car whilst Brian and Peter’s party rode the back lanes to Bala where we had arranged to have tea together at the Leisure Centre on the lakeshore. After tea Brian’s party made their way by road back to the pub in Cerrig y Drudion where we all met up for a deserved pint before turning in for the night.

Saturday 17th June dawned warm and sunny, we made our way back to the Visitor Centre café at Llyn Brenig for morning coffee before heading into the Clocaenog Forest on forest trails that took us to our lunch stop at the small fishing lake at Rhyd Galed from there we rode more forest tracks to emerge at the lane at SJ022 565 and a steep descent down to Cyffylliog. From here we rode an undulating lane above the river Nant Gladur before rejoining the forest at SJ037 546. Taking a left at the next major crossroads to drop us steeply down into Tal Y Cefn Isaf continuing on the lane turning right to meet the B4501 back into Cerrig y Drudion for afternoon tea and to stock up with wine and beer for our Barbeque that evening. The day ended with a slide show and a great barbeque in the purpose built all weather BQ hut that kept the tenacious midges at bay. We all went to bed contentedly warm and well lubricated for a good night’s sleep.

Sunday 18th June commenced with our by now traditional coffee stop at Llyn Brenig, by this time it was raining and some of the party had decided to make for home. The remaining 14 enjoyed a leisurely ride around the reservoir (11 mile) to end what was a very successful 4 days of rides in good company and fellowship. All are looking forward to our next 4-day break at Dent YH 10th to 13 August.

 

Rob Burrows

 

Thursday Ride 13th July Worden Park, Leyland.

Seventeen of us met at the Craft center Car park in Worden Park Leyland. Especially Dick, Jim and Alan who had all been out of action in the past. After drinks at the café we made our way to the Curden Valley via tarmac. Here we rode the quiet cycle way towards the Sue Ryder café, taking the track below the café and hospital we made our way to the footbridge over the M6. From here we followed cycleways to cross the busy A6, then more cycleways to eventually join the old railway cycletrack heading towards Preston. We took a right on Watering Pool Lane heading for Hennel Lane then onto a bridlepath down to the River Darwen. Joining the cyclepath and turning left to make for Preston on the south side of the River Ribble. This is a lovely cycle route giving extensive views of Avenham Park on the far bank. The river is quite wide here but little used, and it was nice to see Grey Herons and Cormorants fishing in the shallow eddies.

When we reached Leyland Road we crossed to the north bank of the river. We crossed the busy A59 onto Strand Road, to take an immediate left onto a track, which took us again along the north side of the Ribble, all the way to the new Dockland complex. We made our way to the Take Five Café in a motor home sales complex. Five of the group headed to the river to have their sandwiches, meanwhile the rest of us had the usual cyclists fare at the café. After lunch while we waited for the picnickers to return the rest of us viewed the selection of mobile homes on display. After we had all gathered again we headed along Pedders Lane then Cottam Lane to reach the canal towpath and the now famous naked statue of the Preston Piddler. After a short stop for photo’s, we moved on, following the towpath northwest to reach the right turn ontoValentine Lane from here we followed cyclepaths to Hoyles Lane and along Lightfoot Lane to reach a lovely little bridelway and shortcut to Broughton. From here we turned right on the busy Garstang road, but only for a few hundred yards then left onto Durton Lane this quiet lane with traffic humps led us to a bridleway behind Fulwood Hall Hospital then turned left onto Longsands heading towards Longridge. Halfway along the Bluebell Way we turned right onto another disused railway track, which brought us back towards Preston town centre. This track was not so much a grassy track , but more of a glassy track, and it was a wonder that nobody had a puncture at this point. We came off the track at the West View Leisure Centre heading for Acregate and Watery Lane and eventually back to the River Ribble. Here we followed the cylepath along the Boulevard to re-cross the Ribble at the Old Tramway, now a designated cyclepath. We followed this to rejoin our outward route from the morning. We headed for the Sue Ryder café only to find that it was shut, and after filling water bottles at the information centre we headed along Shady Lane back towards Leyland and our start point at the Craft Centre. Fortunately the café was still open and eight of us partook in the delights of drinks in the sunshine to finish off the day.

Thanks to all who joined us on the day.

Rob Burrow

 

Sunday Ride 30th July 2006 from Bolton Abbey

 

The start venue for this ride was Bolton Abbey, in Yorkshire beside the River Wharf. Some members managed to avoid the £5-00 charge for the car park by using the lay-by on the road to Addingham about half a mile away, lucky people! All the access areas in this part of Yorkshire had been closed because of the increased fire risk due to the lack of rain in previous months, however this did not affect our route which had been agreed with the estate management beforehand.

Leaving the village by the road under the stone viaduct, our sixteen riders turned immediately left onto the bridleway that runs over Barden Moor and Rylstone Fell to Cracoe. Here we had our lunch stop at Jackson's Farm Shop Cafe.

Suitably rested and refreshed we then took to minor roads and bridleways to the foot of Flasby Fell, crossing this on the bridleway to join the minor road to Embsay, there we went to the station buffet at the steam railway for afternoon tea. Following this we took to the minor road through Halton East to arrive back at Bolton Abbey.

We had lovely weather for the thirty mile ride and all enjoyed the companionship of our fellow members. Thank you all again for a grand day out! Click here check out the photos of the ride taken by Simeon Orme

 

Brian Parkinson

 

Dent Weekend Resurrected, Lancashire Group Dent Break 10th to 13th August 2006

 

Thursday

Fifteen members had arrived by lunchtime at Dentdale YHA to start our Dent Break. Charlie from Preston, who was camping in his van, rode up to meet us for the ride. Brian kindly took Val’s Daughter (who was unaccustomed to our type of riding) and Danny on a lane ride into Dent village whilst I led the rest of the group up the Artengill Beck bridleway. This bridleway is a stony pull up until the Dent Fell bridleway joins it about 2miles up the valley. The Dent Fell bridleway is ridable for most parts, and has a grassy descent down to the old coal road from Dent Station to Garsdale Station over Garsdale Common. This quiet tarmac road is extremely steep and brakes where full on for the drop down to the village. Here a strategic decision was made to make the short diversion east to the Moorcock Inn for liquid refreshment. After a good recuperation period we made our way on the A684 towards Sedbergh. On reaching Dandra Garth we turned onto a bridleway and into a wooded copse, following the track for a short distance before heading out across peaty moorland where I took the wrong line only to be confronted by huge peat hags, which we had to haul the bikes over. John and half a dozen others meanwhile had followed the wall a little way and rediscovered the bridleway route. We all regrouped to continue our journey. Michelle at this point offered to carry my bike, which I of course, after a few minutes of mind wrestling had to decline. (Such is the spirit of the Lancashire group). It was on the track over Thorn Wold that Don had his second puncture of the day. He completed the repair in minutes, showing his vast experience in cycle maintenance. We won’t mention the previous patch. (Oops!). At least he chose a picturesque spot to stop. We all took advantage to absorb the view across to Dent Station and the upper reaches of Dentdale and the viaducts before continuing our journey into the valley below joining the road at Cowgill, then continuing on to the showers coffee and our evening meal at the hostel, before walking off our excess on the mile trek down to the Sportsman Arms to finish a great first day.

 

Friday

This morning somebody said that the gent’s dormitory had sounded like Whipsnade Zoo the night before. (I can’t think what they meant).

Don once again had cycled down to meet us, and Geoff and Lynne also joined us for the start this day. John Kemp had kindly agreed to set off with and advance party at 9:30am on the ascent once again up over Artenbeck Gill, but instead of taking the Dent Fell track we were continuing onwards over Widdale Fell. My party set off at 10am after waiting for any other members to join us as Charlie did once again. We met the advance party at Dairy Farm as agreed before heading on the lovely undulating road down Widdale, taking a small lane left to Appersett. This lane is a much prettier route down into Hawes than the main road. On reaching the busy market town of Hawes, Brian went with Danny to try to get some new brake pads for Danny’s mountain bike. He tried a bike shop only to be told they did not stock that particular type. The old fashioned blocks clearly have advantages over the new style disc brakes in that all bike shops stock the blocks.

The rest of the party spent their time in the cafe or walking around the shops.

After lunch we headed out towards Burtersett and the lane up to the old Roman Road turning right at SD905883. We followed the Roman Road, which gave wonderful views of the northwest end of Wensleydale and the valley around Hawes. We eventually met the tarmac again at SD863854 dropping down to SD860846 before rejoining the old Roman Road taking us over Cam Fell to Cam End and on to Gearstones then heading north on tarmac towards Newby Head and the lane on the left that dropped us down to the Hostel and a well deserved recuperation before our evening meal.

 

 

Saturday

Dave Howgate joined us this morning, having cycled over from a wild camp, setting off at 5:30 (now there is dedication for you). After a refreshing cup of tea he headed down to the campsite opposite to the Sportsman Inn to set up his tent before joining us for the ride at 10am. Don once again joined us and Simeon met us as we stopped for coffee and snacks for lunch in Dent. We headed out of Dent on the Deepdale road turning right onto the bridleway at SD719854 to meet the walled track at SD710845 here we turned right and continued on this high level track passing the right turn down to Flinters Gill and Dent continuing on until the Barbondale tarmac road was reached. Here we turned left on what is my favorite downhill in the Dales. We never touched our pedals until we reached the lunchstop at the bridge crossing Barbon Beck. Here Dave showed true rough stuff drum up, brewing up on his primus stove with stream water. After lunch we continued on the bridleway on the opposite side of the Beck down to Barbon. After a short detour to the village shop we continued on the newly tarmaced but little used leafy lane through Applegarth and Middleton to meet the B6256. We turned right here and headed towards Sedbergh, turning right again at SD630890 to follow the minor road to Holme Fell. We then joined the bridleway that follows the dismantled railway, cutting a corner off the minor road. This bridleway proved tougher that expected with a fallen tree blocking our track, shortly after negotiating this we came to a boggy patch, and I trusting in Brian completely followed his track only to end up thrown by my stead as the forks sank down into the boggy peat. Ken who was following in my slipstream also took a tumble completing it with a forward roll just for entertainment value. (Sorry Ken didn’t mean to block up your bike lock). Eventually we met the minor lane to discover we had only saved about 1/2 a mile. At least it was another Bridleway bagged. (Thanks Simeon). The road back to Gawthrop saw the party get split. As I said goodbye to Don who had parked in Sedbergh an advance group set off for Dent some of that group found the pace a little to fast for their liking and started to drop off the back, fortunately I picked them up on route whist the rest of the group were already seated in the cafe in Dent when I arrived. After refreshment some stayed in Dent to look at the craft fair, some rode with Brian on the north less hilly side of the Dale whist I took the remainder on the south side of the valley back to the hostel and our evening meal. Even those who were tired somehow found the energy to make the trip down to the Sportsman, and John even rode down. It nearly was not such a good idea as it was pitch black outside the pub when we left and he had great difficulty in getting the numbers in the correct order on the combination lock. He blamed the darkness, I however think that the bottle of wine he shared with Sol whist cooking his tea and the extra strong native brew he sampled in the Inn may had been the real reason. He did however light our way back to the hostel even if the beam did keep wandering into the trees every now and again. Click here to check out the photos of the ride taken by Simeon Orme.

 

Sunday

Our last day saw Anne leave us early but Ken’s son joined us for the day. It was nice to meet him and he is a true chip off the old block (if Ken will excuse me calling him an old block.) The weather had closed in and the tops of the fells where shrouded in mist.

John and Sol wanted to leave early and decided to ride the road to Ribblehead, Danny and Brian took the track through Mossy Bottom into Little Dale, and arranged to meet us for lunch at the pub at Ribblehead. I meanwhile wanted to do the bridleway from Whernside Manor over Great Wold to Little Dale and down into Ribblehead. Dave and Don joined us once again for the ride, and we were surprised to see two huddled bodies waiting for us on the track up from Dent, it was Geoff and Lynne (it was great that they could join us again). The track is a steep pull up from Dent totally unridable until it levels after about one and a half miles. It then becomes a ridable green lane just below the summit of Whernside over to our right. We could not see it however as the tops were still shrouded in cloud. The peace of this green lane was shattered as three off road motorbikes came noisily past. As we dropped down from our high level route we where past by large parties of ramblers making their way up the recognized route to Whernside. This is the most popular mountain to climb in the Dales and also the highest. One lady, if you can call her that, struggling up the route with a pair of alpine ski sticks, gave Ken a mouthful of abuse about bikes should not be allowed on mountains, threatening to put her sticks in his wheels. Ken informed her that we had every right to be there as it was a recognized bridleway, and she was most probably causing more damage with her sticks than we were. After this short altercation we continued down the bridleway to Ribblehead where we met up with Brian and Danny for lunch. It was nice that John and Sol called in on their way back home after their ride to say their goodbyes.

After lunch we struggled up the road to Gearstones. Michelle claiming that she had eaten too much. Eventually we reached the track to High Gayle Farm, which led us over Gayle Moor to meet the road to Dent at Mossy Bottom (I do love that name). Here we said our goodbyes to Don who had joined us for all of our rides traveling out from his home to meet us. (Thanks Don you were great company).

After leaving Don the ride finished with a super downhill to the hostel where after a last cup of tea we said goodbye to each other and to the hostel as it is the sad end of an era as the hostel is now up for sale, and we will not get the opportunity to revisit it again. It holds a lot of good memories for the Lancashire Group and no doubt many Whipsnade Zoo nights.

Thanks to all who attended the four days of rides and also those who made the decision to join us for the odd few days.

 

Rob Burrow

 

14th September, the Settle Loop.

We met for this ride on the National Parks car park at Stainforth on a very dull and wet day, however we determined that this would not tarnish our enthusiasm for day ahead. Following the first puncture of the day, we left Stainforth via the bridge over the beck and climbed the steep track beside it to join the tarmac road just before Cow Side. Here we turned right to follow the road to Clay Pits Plantation where we joined the Settle Loop Bridleway and used it to reach Settle. We had an early lunch in the Singing Kettle Cafe, and whilst dining we noticed it had stopped raining, I think at this point we began to believe the weather forecast 'rain clearing by early afternoon', however by the time we left the cafe it had begun to rain again.

We climbed out of Settle on Mitchell Lane, Lambert Lane and Stockdale Lane to reach the junction of bridleways at Langscar. Now in low cloud and increasingly heavy rain we decided that instead of going into Malham and returning to this point via Mastiles Lane we would ride around Malham Tarn instead. After the completing this we re-joined the Settle Loop to return to Clay Pits Plantation, we had our second puncture of the day along this part of the route. Whilst it was being repaired the rain became much heavier, the wind strengthened and the thunder and lightning started, there were eleven extremely wet bikers by the time we arrived at the plantation! Here Peter left us to pick his car up In Settle and Reed to catch his train home to Halifax.

The remaining group members returned to the car park at Stainforth, using our morning route out. Despite the weather we had a good ride, 22 miles in all, and are all looking forward to our next one. You checkout  photos of  ride at this link  taken by John Kemp.

 

Brian Parkinson.  

 

 24 September 2006: A ride to Haigh Hall

 

Eighteen members met up at Cuerden Park for an easy days ride to Haigh Hall north east of Wigan. Much to everyone’s amusement Dennis was riding his electric powered bike which could power him for twenty odd miles on one charge. With a fare mix of classic and mountain bikes we made our way along Cuerden Valley Park cycle route through some beautiful scenery to Whittle - le - Woods. A steady climb brought us to the A674 and then on past Heapey to ascend further to White Coppice In the meantime the heavens had opened with the sound of thunder around us. Pushing on up to Healey Nab fork lighting spat at us but undaunted we took the road to the left below the Nab until a bridleway took us over to Kays Farm. “ Keep to track and don’t go on the concrete road through the farm” Brian said, “ Or we will incur the wroth of Farmer Bloggs.”

Mr Bloggs was peeping from behind the ripe middin ready to give vent if concrete graced our feet! The tracks lead us into Adlington to the Marina café by the canal. Earlier a shot gun report pieced our ears only to find Johns tyre had blown through. Hunting around in the undergrowth Frank found a plastic bottle the same size of the offending tyre and a good repair was undertaken which lasted all the rest of the day. A lot said for leaving litter strewn about?

     Crossing the bridge over the canal after a welcome cuppa we came upon a private road leading us back onto the canal to continue our way to Haigh Hall. On arrival at Haigh Hall the views across the valley took some taking in which gave us an appetite for dinner.  Ken and his lady called in to enjoy lunch with us. The afternoon we took the lanes to Little Scotland and down a bridleway past Aberdeen Farm to join the disused railway track to Adlington again. Joining the canal once again we wended our way north bypassing Chorley to Top Lock and joined the Lancashire cycleway back to Ceurden Valley. A good day was had by all including picking up litter and running on electricity. Thanks to Brian who led the run.

 

Dick Hall

 

You can check out photos of the ride by John Kemp at this link.

 

12th October 2006: A ride from Bolton-by-Bowland to Settle

 

We met at the free car park in Bolton-by-Bowland, by the bridge (good loo’s). We proceeded to Long Preston, via quiet lanes and bridleway for our first cafe stop, where most of  us indulged in egg and beans on toast, very yummy. Then onto Settle, where a nice piece of  chocolate cake made with Wharfdale stout went down well, think it was Poppies Cafe. We headed back via Wigglesworth, where one of  us had a puncture, then eventully onto a muddy bumpy exciting bridleway to Forest Becks, to get the bikes properly dirty. Back to Bolton-by-Bowland. Ten of us turned out and it stayed fine. Thanks to Brian Parkinson for a great ride. Thanks also to Dennis for sharing his pot of tea and almond slice with me when all had gone. Dennis rode most of the 27 miles with failed front brake, brave man, as the drop into Settle was very steep. Once again a great ride with great people.

 

Charlie Hall

 

You can check out photos of the ride taken by Dick Hall at this link.

 

29th October 2006: A ride from Witton Park, Blackburn.

 

After several days of wet weather Sunday dawned bright and clear, 15 R.S.F members met at the car park. Included in our number were two ladies Christine  and Anne. Brian led us out over the busy main road onto cycle tracks through housing estates and on to the Leeds & Liverpool canal. The sun was shinning, church bells were ringing, it was a lovely morning  to be out on your bike. Leaving the cannel at Foxhill Bank, cycled hidden cycle ways to our morning stop at Scaitcliffe, where a large mill wheel cog had been erected to Aston Frost, not our usual type of stop but very pleasant. Whilst we had our break Annes puncture was mended. We left onto a tree lined disused railway line, in superb condition. Our only stretch of main road was the climb to Clough Head for our lunch. We continued along bridleways to Magnolls Farm, then along cycle way back to the canal. On our left hand side we had stone built mills on our right the hill were lit by setting sun. Our ride had been through industrial East Lancashire but with Brian’s local knowledge, he had  shown us the hidden delights of  East Lancashire. Thanks to Brian for a great day.

 

Ken Glaze

 

9 November 2006: A ride from Entwistle Reservoir

 

Fifteen members assembled at the Entwistle reservoir car park for our venture to Peel Tower above Holcombe. We left the reservoir via the dam wall and past Entwistle railway station turning right we followed the road uphill to cross the road to join a track up to Crowthorn School. Still climbing we came on to the bridleway that circumnavigated the slopes Holcombe Moor bringing us into the little village of Holcombe. Whilst crossing the slopes we past through the MoD firing range which was inactive on this particular day. Going past the Shoulder of Mutton public house a left turn was taken along a bridleway passing Hercles Hill on our left to descend to Helmshore and join the national cycle route 6 down the disused railway track through the very pretty village of  Irwell Vale to our midday watering hole at Summerseat garden centre. This was very picturesque ride Irwell Vale and very worthy of revisit. The morning ride had given us some magnificent scenery with an appetite for the afternoons ventures. Having all partaken in sustenance at the garden centre we wended our way again to Holcombe. Crossing the A676 we took the bridleway past the Nursing College and made our way up a long cobbled road (which should have been tarmaced years ago) to the foot of Peel Tower.  The climb up to the tower was stiff but the views were outstanding and well worth the effort. We took in the scenery and did a photo shoot before descending to the bridleway again to skirt around Holcombe Moor again to Enwistle Reservoir. Many thanks must go to Sarah Hullock the MoD rangewarden for permission to pass across the range and to Brian who lead the ride.

 

Dick Hall

 

You can check out photos of the ride taken by John Kemp at this link.

 

26th November. Witton Park, Blackburn

Brian Parkinson has done it again! It can rain for a fortnight, but on the day of his run out comes the sun. One can only assume that he has sold his soul. Apart from a short sharp shower we sweated the rest of the day. Upon leaving the car park we cycled up to the top of the park and invaded the public toilets. On to Pleasington Hill where we suffered our first breakdown, Peter Gawthorne snapped a chain. Upon repairing it we delved into the River Darwen wood, and by way of back lanes emerged into Wheelton where Brian Grice decided to have a puncture. From here my memory becomes slightly clouded due to lack of oxygen to the brain, but I know I walked out of Brinscall and then walked up into Tockholes to the roadside cafe. After food we skirted Darwen Hill and flew down into Blackburn, and by way of cycle tracks ended up in the Witton Park car park. The luckiest person of the day was Dennis Hiller who upon arrival leant his bike against his car and promptly had a puncture, and sun still shone!

Many thanks to Brian for another muscle straining, hill climbing, rock jumping, mud bath.

 

Dennis E. Hiller.