Eden Valley Cycling UK

Now that we're going out for bike rides on our own (or as family groups) I thought it might be an idea if members of our club could see what other members were doing. Quite a number of us already record our rides on Strava and already connect to a greater or lesser extent, so I've set up a Strava club which members can join so members can see each other. The Strava app is free and is available from the App Store. It works on any smart phone. You can add comments about your ride & upload photos taken during your ride for others to see. Find & join the club (Eden Valley Cycling UK) in the club menu. Bill

I did suggest last week that I would post a map of my intended ride into the Bewcastle Fells. However, I have just read the latest advice from CUK. It's quite long and detailed but particular relevant bits include: " Instead, we should take the opportunity to seek out quiet and uncrowded places to cycle close to home, preferably places we can cycle to from our own doorstep." " Our advice is to go out for long enough to keep yourself in good shape physically and emotionally, but avoid doing more than this. Use common sense when planning your route: for example, ride a loop close to home rather than a long out-and-back route, so that in case of a mechanical you should be able to walk home unaided." " Anyone doing so should observe recommended social distancing and hygiene advice and also take even more care than normal to make sure they don’t put further pressure on the emergency services. For the full detail follow this link for  Cycling UK'

David Wilson used to be active in EV with lady friend Maria and many of you will know him.  Now in his 80's there are symptoms of dementia. Presently with c-virus he cannot meet up with Maria who lives south of London or take part in activities such as Scottish dancing. So living alone and lonely in Penrith he would appreciate a phone call and chat from those that knew him, we are making contact a couple of times a week, His number is 01768 895709 but note he knows nothing about computers, email etc! David had a couple of falls when trying cycling in the last couple of months and feels he can no longer manage a bike with a crossbar.  He would like to try or buy a stepthrough 'ladies bike' with no cross tube  of any sort. To be honest not sure long term how well he will manage cycling if at all, but has anyone got something suitable he could try, have on semi permanent loan or buy? Pointless for David to spend a lot of money on a new or recent used model from eg Arragons t

Germany is now advising people to stock up on sausage and cheese.  This is known as the Wurst Kase scenario.

See below copy of email I received this email yesterday which echos what was reported on the news about groups of people (not just cyclists) spending time in parks and on beaches over the weekend. I would urge our members to follow the guidelines and avoid cycling in groups, however people should not avoid cycling altogether as it remains a great way to keep fit and active and is a good way to boost immunity. We are really lucky to live in North Cumbria where we can cycle mile after mile along quiet roads without seeing another soul!

You've guessed - cancelled by popular group demand! Anyway all the cafes will be closed. The venue is keeping our deposit towards rebooking at an unscheduled later date this year or next, which is entirely acceptable as it is our group's choice to cancel. I have refunded individuals accordingly. When we reschedule is up for grabs when the situation settles. Could be later this year (but note Ruth & I are away all of September so couldn't coordinate for then, would need another volunteer). Or post Easter 2021 of course. Plenty of time to discuss whilst we count our hoarded bog rolls, pasta, rice and spuds ... and get out on our bikes or walking the lovely fells.

Good article in today's Guardian by Peter Walker setting out case for cycling during current crisis https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2020/mar/20/why-not-encourage-cycling-during-the-coronavirus-lockdown Cheers, Bill

In line with the advice given to us by Cycling UK and referred to by Bill in the blog below, I will not be leading the ride on Sunday. The map produced here was to be the intended route so please feel free to ride it at your leisure. It's about 38 miles and fairly hilly. A bigger target to keep you occupied and fit might be to look at our website  http://www.edenvalleyctc.org.uk/rides.html  where there are 25 rides varying in length from 10miles  to over 80miles. Maps, route cards and gpx files are included. These rides are centred on Penrith and stem from 2015 when we - as a club - put together day rides for the CTC Holiday Birthday Rides that were held that year at Newton Rigg College near Penrith. Before Sunday 29th March I will blog the route I intended which goes north into the Bewcastle fells. Certainly appropriately remote!

Cycling UK is advising the cancellation of all group rides and activities following the latest Government guidance and is urging everyone to follow best practice to minimise risk. Follow this LINK to Cycling UK's statement & advice. Follow this LINK to coronavirus Q&A. This advice does not stop us from cycling as individuals but it does effectively mean that we have to suspend the runs list for the time being. Stay safe everyone and keep cycling as it remains a great way to keep fit and active and is a good way to boost immunity! Cheers, Bill

I will join you if you can bear my company!   I have no symptoms.

Hi Bill That sounds sensible. I will join you, (if no illness). I hope that we can still manage adhoc club rides while following government advice. That is along the pattern that you suggest. Best wishes David

After discussions with other club members,  in the light of the latest guidance on coronavirus to avoid non-essential social contact and avoid pubs, clubs & other social venues (and given the demographic of many of our members) I am of the opinion that for the foreseeable we can cannot continue with club rides. That being said I, myself am still planning to go out for a bike ride on Wednesday (50 or 60 miles leaving from Dalston 09:30) and if anyone would care to join me they would be most welcome (providing you're not coughing & don't have a temperature). I will be bringing a sandwich as I will be avoiding cafes. Cheers, Bill

I am thinking of riding from Melmerby Green starting at 0900, going to Morland Great Strickland Hackthorpe and Lowther Castle (from where Alison and Jane B are starting), Askham to Pooley Bridge for 11s (new time from previous 1130) about 23 miles. Anyone wanting to join me / us very welcome (the more so if you let me know in advance). Look forward to seeing people tomorrow (I will respectfully bow, not hug).

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Hi Folks Huge apologies but I am unable to lead my planned ride for this Sunday 15th March. So my plan is to reschedule it to Sunday 5th april as it looks like no ride is proposed for that day. Sorry for the change but hope to see you all on 5th April at Caldbeck. Regards Karen

Hi Weather looks a bit grim but no ice forecast. 9.30 start. at Greystoke. First stop  at The Old Smithy, Caldbeck or if it is closed The Priests Mill Cafe. Until tomorrow David

We (that is EVCUK) have made a donation of £200 from our annual grant from CUK to Rebike in Carlisle. The money will go towards fitting out the new workshop for the Carlisle Community Cycling Hub which is due to open in May. The workshop also provides storage space for another new community project "Rebike - Bikes for Africa". Follow this LINK for article in the "News & Star" showing John R presenting the cheque to Rebike's Managing Director Geoff Tunstall.

The route planned is to set off from Appleby Cloisters at 9.30 and to take the left turn at Burrells following the road towards Soulby but taking a right turn to Warcop. We will then do a slightly circuitous route via Little Musgrave and Soulby across a ford (there is a small footbridge and assistance will  be given to those with heavier bikes) and into Kirkby Stephen for coffee (15.5 miles, 666 feet of ascent). From coffee we will explore the Northern Viaduct route (off road but not a problem for a road bike) and travel via Hartley, Winton and Great Musgrave into Brough for lunch at the Brough Castle Ice Cream Parlour and Tea room (a mere 8.5 miles). After lunch it is a 11.8 mile (466 feet of ascent) journey back to the start. Let’s hope the weather is kind. Alison

For anyone interested, there is a discussion on Cycling UK forum about Corona Virus. Included in it is some mention of our proposed sportive - here's the link:- https://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=135861

Hi We start at 9.30am from Aspatria central car park (free). That is at the junction of the A596 & B5301. There is a chance of ice on the road. This morning was ice free so it will be best to review the situation tomorrow. In any case I will go out to Aspatria and make a final choice on site. Best wishes David