Saturday 3rd April 2021

I arrived late at the Bellflower to be greeted by Shane asking me to lead a B1 fast ride. I was aware that we were heading to Arnside but I had not looked at the route at all so it was like leading a magical mystery tour. I was joined by an elite team of cyclists ?? - Daniel, Louis Meyer, Ray Cassar and Trev.
I realised after setting off that I had not been informed about a cafe stop. Ray decided that Arnside woud be the best option. I was trying to keep the group to a 'slow pace' as I had been instructed not to go over 16mph average speed. We were all slightly shocked when the 'slow' B1 group came past us as we regrouped at Quernmore. Man pride came in and we soon caught them up!
The route took us through Milnthorpe and the group were slightly shocked that I had never had the pleasure of cycling through the town. Even more shock came when I said I had never cycled into the centre of Arnside. I need to get out more!
No suitable lunch venues were found in Arnside so Silverdale was the next option. It looked like the whole of Silverdale was closed until we stumbled across 'The Blossom Bird Coffee Shop'. A new cafe ...... or maybe just under new ownership? Good coffee and I recommend the Paninis.
I thought it was the usual route through Carnforth home and realised, as we headed into the Town Centre, that we had gone off route. I delegated my ride leader role and Ray guided us safely home through the centre of Lancaster!
Great day out, route and with lovely company. A big thank you to Phil Morgan and Shane Blackmore for organising the first ride of the year!