Ride Reports

Saturday 6th May 2017

C Ride to Staveley by Stuart Murray
The weather forecast was good despite a cooling northerly wind. So, an enthusiastic group of eleven wheelmen and gals set off from Sizergh Castle on one of the most popular GCC routes.
As it turned out the wind prevented us overheating as we climbed through Natland along Hayclose Lane onto Paddy Lane and onward to Mealbanks The comfortable downhill run to the Appleby Road is always enjoyable. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the next section downhill to the River Mint, the surface here is badly broken up but we survived intact and Frank was pleased to report he had no broken spoke this time!
Having crossed the A6 our route followed more or less the Dales Way which Helen and Bill enjoyed a few years ago. This took us all the way to Staveley past some wonderful Bluebell views.
We were pleased to meet up in Staveley with Yvonne & John who had driven up. I hope your muscle pain has mended Yvonne. Will, who had taken his own lower level route 10 mins behind us also joined us for the second half of the ride.
Not quite as welcome were the 2000 odd extra people who were in Staveley for a fell run and some music fest (I think). This meant we had our café stop on a bench having sourced sustenance from chip shops, Spar and Post Office! Never mind, the company made up for any lack of seating comfort.
Our new total of 12 riders quickly reduced back to 11 as Mike decided to return via a lower level route. The main group pressed on towards Crook and crossing Windermere ferry road near the Sun Inn we made our way towards Underbarrow. There were one or two committee style decisions as per the precise route but all seemed to work out well. We came out near the Black Labrador pub ( and yes there is another of the same name in Batley).
Our run for home avoided going across the Moss and we stayed to the higher ground (thanks Malcolm) bringing us safely back to our cars in 24 miles. Average speed was very comfortable! And the company was great! Thanks to everyone, see you next time.

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