Sunday 7th March

Best Ride of the Winter

Described by club run regular Howard Hirst as “A great route and the best weather this winter, Sunday’s Lune RCC ‘B’ run, lived up to all expectations. The 20 riders left Lancaster and headed north along the A6 towards Carnforth. The group turned towards Burton and followed the road to Kendal. Although cold the bright sun cheered the cyclists as they turned onto the Shap road.
Snow still lay against the field walls and on the tops of the surrounding fells as the group steadily climbed past the once famed Jungle Café and onto the open fell road. The party regrouped at the top in relatively warm sunshine before heading downhill at a brisk pace. Using a long established cycling route the group turned onto the high road to Orton and Tebay.
The Lune riders often turn onto the Fairmile road beneath the Howgills but on this occasion they climbed to Greyrigg Common before swooping down to Beckfoot and Firbank. With a café stop promised at Sedbergh the party made light work of the next few miles.
Refreshed the cyclists followed the road through Middleton and Casterton to Kirkby Lonsdale. The traditional way via Whittington and Arkholme was followed back to Lancaster. A round trip of 80 miles, day long sunshine and good company led Howard to his conclusion and hopes for more settled weather to come.