Winter Club Runs 2009

String Theory

Geoff Rushforth’s run to the Cartmell Penninsular took place on Sunday with some interesting modifications. A couple of changes were to the planned route but the most innovative was the use of string to temporarily repair a bike frame.

The 20 riders on the Lune ‘B’ run left Dalton Square in heavy mist and headed north to Crag Bank and Warton Crag. The run continued via Silverdale Station and Gait Barrows to Carr Bank and Storth. The ride followed part of the Cumbria Coastal Way to join the A6 below Leasgill. The cyclists pedalled into Levens before heading towards Gilpin Bridge and, after following the ‘old road’, reached the Lindale Roundabout. These flat roads were an appetiser before they tackled the steep climb of Lindale Hill.

The group headed towards Cartmel and then deviated towards Allithwaite before turning towards Grange and a welcome cafe stop. Once refreshed, the party followed the lanes over Meathop Moss to rejoin the ‘old’ A590 towards Levens Village. Beyond Levens Bridge they turned towards Heversham and made their way to Ackenthwaite and Holme. Here a sharp eyed cyclist noticed a widening gap in the rear of a companions frame. A bolt had become detached and lost. Fortunately a piece of string was used as an emergency fastening and the ride continued. The last few miles through Priest Hutton, Borwick and the Kellets left the riders with a swoop down to the River Lune and Lancaster. A modified route, a piece of string and nearly 70 miles left the party well pleased with their efforts.

String Theory

String is a remarkable thing.

Rope is thicker but string much quicker.

Spike Milligan

Valentine's Day

Around 20 rider's gave their respective partners the perfect Valentine's gift - a day without them.. The group left Lancaster via Caton Rd to pick up the runs leader at Bull beck, the cold morning meant that the extremities took some time to warm up yet the roads were thankfully ice free! After a steady ride towards Ingleton via High Bentham the first climb towards White Scar caves split the pack to make their ascent at various tempos regrouping to pass the Hill Inn, Ribblehead Viaduct and eventually summit at Newby head. Something other than love was in the air as mysterious happenings on this road saw 2 riders unship their chains and one freewheel disintegrate almost simultaneously resulting in roadside rescue for the latter. The roads were largely empty of traffic and the snow capped Ingleborough was a magnificent backdrop for a hot air balloon drifting effortlessly across the white landscape. The group rode down Dentdale, through Dent and on to Sedbergh for refreshments. The run back through Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale and Arkholme was brisk, the group was harmonious and even the weather became warmer as all trace of snow and ice in the hedgerows disappeared. A very pleasant and rewarding 70 miles with some outstanding winter scenery and a few more familiar miles in readiness for the Coal Road Challenge!

Des C


Sunday 7th February		The B Run String Theory Geoff Rushforth’s run to the Cartmell Penninsular took place on Sunday with some interesting modifications. A couple of changes were to the planned route but the most innovative was the use of string to temporarily repair a bike frame. The 20 riders on the Lune ‘B’ run left Dalton Square in heavy mist and headed north to Crag Bank and Warton Crag. The run continued via Silverdale Station and Gait Barrows to Carr Bank and Storth. The ride followed part of the Cumbria Coastal Way to join the A6 below Leasgill. The cyclists pedalled into Levens before heading towards Gilpin Bridge and, after following the ‘old road’, reached the Lindale Roundabout. These flat roads were an appetiser before they tackled the steep climb of Lindale Hill. The group headed towards Cartmel and then deviated towards Allithwaite before turning towards Grange and a welcome cafe stop. Once refreshed, the party followed the lanes over Meathop Moss to rejoin the ‘old’ A590 towards Levens Village. Beyond Levens Bridge they turned towards Heversham and made their way to Ackenthwaite and Holme. Here a sharp eyed cyclist noticed a widening gap in the rear of a companions frame. A bolt had become detached and lost. Fortunately a piece of string was used as an emergency fastening and the ride continued. The last few miles through Priest Hutton, Borwick and the Kellets left the riders with a swoop down to the River Lune and Lancaster. A modified route, a piece of string and nearly 70 miles left the party well pleased with their efforts. String Theory String is a remarkable thing. Rope is thicker but string much quicker. Spike Milligan Valentines day ride. Valentine's Day Around 20 rider's gave their respective partners the perfect Valentine's gift - a day without them.. The group left Lancaster via Caton Rd to pick up the runs leader at Bull beck, the cold morning meant that the extremities took some time to warm up yet the roads were thankfully ice free! After a steady ride towards Ingleton via High Bentham the first climb towards White Scar caves split the pack to make their ascent at various tempos regrouping to pass the Hill Inn, Ribblehead Viaduct and eventually summit at Newby head. Something other than love was in the air as mysterious happenings on this road saw 2 riders unship their chains and one freewheel disintegrate almost simultaneously resulting in roadside rescue for the latter. The roads were largely empty of traffic and the snow capped Ingleborough was a magnificent backdrop for a hot air balloon drifting effortlessly across the white landscape. The group rode down Dentdale, through Dent and on to Sedbergh for refreshments. The run back through Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale and Arkholme was brisk, the group was harmonious and even the weather became warmer as all trace of snow and ice in the hedgerows disappeared. A very pleasant and rewarding 70 miles with some outstanding winter scenery and a few more familiar miles in readiness for the Coal Road Challenge! Des C


	Sunday 14th February
Copyright Lune RCC 2010