Eden Valley Cycling UK

  The ride : the two loops from Melmerby I didn't do 19 December because of frost. NOTE START TIME IS 11 AM The first loop is just 10 miles, taking in Ousby, Winskill, Hunsonby and Gamblesby - ideal for people who have just made their New Year's Resolution to get out and ride more often. The second loop after lunch is a bit more hilly; Gamblesby, Renwick, Kirkoswald and back via Harrumphy Hill. Still early days for me - only my 5th ride since September The charity lunch : my friend is raising money for Jigsaw, the Children's Hospice. I will be offering soup (2 choices), bread, cake, tea and coffee. I should be in the kitchen by 12. I will be serving it outside - the Bakery has given me permission to use their tables and chairs. All welcome. It would be good to have some idea of numbers for lunch in advance, if possible. Happy New Year

Rosie will lead a ride from Beacon Edge cemetery lay-by Penrith leaving at 10am, and heading for the coffee stop at the Pot Place, Plumpton. About 30 miles. Route to be decided. 

This Fridays mtb ride will is in Mabie Forest near Dumfries. We will meet at the trailhead at 10am to ride at 10.15. The plan is flexible, but certainly includes the Phoenix Trail which is 12 miles long and probably the easiest of the Seven Staines reds. Lots of fast flowing single track. The forecast is mild with light rain, so pretty good for December. Lots of information on the Forestry Commission website. Bring food. Hope some of you can make it.

It doesn't matter how hard I stare at the forecast on my phone; it still has heavy rain from 8 am until 12 noon. However, if we leave Melmerby a bit later, we have a chance of a dry(er) return journey. This ride was originally put on to coincide with 11.30s at Appleby Hub. I am now going to leave Melmerby at 11 am . That means we won't be at the Hub until after 12. I think the Hub may be open and I will try to check in the morning; if it isn't, we will head to Bojangles instead for lunch. The route is the familiar one along the fellside via Milburn and Long Marton. Return route to be determined depending on the weather and how tired I feel - this is just my 4th outing in the last 3 months so it will be gentle. Anyone is welcome to join us for the ride or you can make your own way to Appleby. If you drive there, that's fine, but you won't get a point from CJ. Alison 😊

Rosie has received an email from Karen B who lives at Rookhope (between Allenheads and Stanhope). She has cycled with us a few times before Covid. Karen has provided a link to a short video of last summer's Tour of Britain as it passed through the Alston area. It's rather good and can be viewed on this link   https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F659304839%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3XOBa2uW7URiW2F4qf7wW8WIS-b_ryuXnB-qAcB9pRyRrvfyeSpunSx8s&h=AT1CeEg35RixYt2VS-zti7WyQzjfOYqZKP56My4OYXttmTxxHPy_0VADDZ8wERGje7qzEudyJh4uxWAbUR50pG76B4jo0NWTA5FmzwnE_purRbP3_uCZKCE6I7dXshEV_891Ow

  Twas the night before Christmas, but Covid was here So we all had to stay extra cautious this year. Our masks are well hung by the chimney with care In case Santa forgot his and needed a spare. With Covid, we couldn’t leave biscuits or cake So we just left Santa hand sanitiser to take.   The children were sleeping, the brave little tots The ones over 12 had just had their first shots, And mum in her nightie and me in my cap Had just settled in for a long winter’s nap. But we tossed and we turned all night in our beds As visions of variants danced in our heads.   Gamma and Delta and now Omicron These Covid mutations that go on and on I thought to myself, “If this doesn’t get better, I’ll soon be familiar with every Greek letter”.   Then just as I started to drift off and doze A clatter of noise from the front lawn arose. I leapt from my bed and ran straight down the stair I opened the door, and an old gent stood there.   His mask made hi

 Thank you to the hardy bunch who came for lunch as your contributions raised £137.50 (with gift aid) to Hospice at Home.

Meet at Greystoke at 10.00 for a ride to Dalston for lunch. Soup and mince pies on offer. Outside and well ventilated inside available (you'll have plenty of warm clothes on anyway!). Collection for Hospice at Home. Ride will be short for the shortest day at about 35 miles with a different return route to the one out. Text /Whats App on 07906896503. We'd like to know expected numbers anyway. Non-riders welcome too - lunch will be after 11.30.

Best to be cautious! Still frosty here and shady hollows could be dangerous. The ride will be there another day... Whoops - meant to post that earlier but somehow I lost it in drafts - whoops! Well done to Les, John R and Mike K for turning out - I will enter their names. Stay safe

It's been another clear night and there is frost on the cars and a bit of mist around. However, the forecast is for temperatures above freezing and the roads look pretty clear. We aren't due to start until 10 so I'm optimistic that we can ride safely today as long as we exercise appropriate caution in shady areas. Alison

Weather review - my principle is not to cycle on white roads whether it be snow or frost and looking out first thing this morning gave me pause for thought. However, bearing in mind that it is due to be a bit warmer overnight and in the morning than it was last night, I am optimistic that ice won't be a problem and intend to go ahead as planned. Looking forward to seeing you, Bill, and anyone else who might wish to come. Alison

I'm going to cycle up to Melmerby tomorrow morning and will hopefully meet up with Alison's ride for coffee. Let me know if you would like to join me - suggest meeting in Dalston at 09:30. I need to be home early afternoon, so it will be a one stop ride. Cheers, Bill 07921 297 045

 I know I said 30 miles - well, I lied! Maybe I didn't so much 'lie' as change my mind. It will be nearer 24 miles as it will only be my 4th ride in over three months! The first loop will be just over 10 miles; Melmerby/Ousby/Hunsonby and return - a nice saunter along quiet country roads. We should be back at the start for coffee/cake at the Bakery around 11 so missing their lunchtime rush. We won't be calling into Langwathby (another lie I put on the runs list) The second loop is just under 13 1/2 miles; north to Renwick with a lovely run back down into Kirkoswald and a return via Harrumphy Hill into Glassonby/Gamblesby and then Melmerby. A bit more climbing but nothing too serious... From experience Nigel can recommend the festive baguette at the Bakery but it may be a bit heavy to be eaten at coffee time. By the end of the ride, you might be ready for one. You are welcome to join us for either or both loops or even just for coffee. Alison

 I am going to ride from Car Park NY 518242 Lowther near lower cattle grid (you can park outside church at top of hill) to Howtown (via Whale Helton & The Cockpit) over Askham Moor then back along the road to Pooley Bridge (stop for coffee/lunch) and back to Askham .(25km 500m) Anyone interested in joining me would be very welcome just send a text so I don't leave without you! 07711842885 Leaving at 10.00   Geoff

Rosie will lead a ride on Wednesday to the coffee stop at Granny Dowbekins at Pooley. Leaving Beacon Edge cemetery lay-by at 10 am, and going via Greystoke, Wreay, and Ullswater. Return from Pooley via Lowther. About 25 miles.

 This will be a gentle ride as it will only be my second outing in 3 months. We will leave Melmerby at 10.15   - note later start time - and follow a fairly direct route via Culgaith to Temple Sowerby for their memorable brunch - they really do the best veggie  breakfast roll I have ever had! Return journey will be decided at the coffee/brunch stop - either a loop back via Langwathby or back up to the fellside  and via Blencarn. Looking forward to getting out with you all again, Alison

Hello All. This ride will start from Greystoke village car park at 9.30, and we will do a clockwise round of Winlatter and the northern fells. ie Keswick, Lorton, Ulldale, Hesket Newmarket. Weather could be damp, but not as cold as it has been, and lights are advised. 53 miles and 4500 feet.  Now you may see a map below, or you may not. This all depends on my IT skills!. Here goes. route-38161755-map-full.png

There were 33 responses to the recent questionnaire and the results have reviewed and make for interesting reading. As far as possible I have anonymised the results and you can follow this LINK to the results in spreadsheet format (you may find it easier to follow by copying into Excel and adjusting column widths etc as required. The main points as discussed by the committee are summarised in the table below. Bill QUESTIONNAIRE  -  RIDES 1.1    (Item 1) effect of Covid: significant that c 1/3 of members had felt affected in so far as cycling concerned (‘lost habit’ common to some). 1.2    (Item 5) suggestions for Club rides: several contributors entered ideas such as club provision for: 1.2.1 shorter rides 1.2,2 accessible rides 1.2.3 One club day a month include the ‘coffee stop’  1.2.4 longer, slower than ‘3’, for ‘2’ level rides 1.2.5 introductory rides 1.3    Issues arising on club rides:  1.3.1 the difficulty for members, ride leaders and Rides Officer, in determining what sort o

In the light of the Omicron Covid variant I think it would be a good idea if we all do a lateral flow test before coming to the Christmas lunch on Saturday. Thanks very much & looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday. Bill

 Sue has submitted one of her mounted cycle prints signed by Eddy Merckx in an on line auction. The auction is part of a Rheged exhibition of pictures raising funds for an Eden Valley Dementia Nurse. The exhibition of professional and other pictures is on from Wed 8th Dec. to Sunday 19th Dec .The attached article from Cumbria Life has more information about the event.   Contact _ evfdukinfo@gmail.com or tel 0176888469

Starting from Frenchfields and taking a route to Lowther castle for Coffee. The route will depend on the weather both on the way to the coffee stop and on the way back! so could be a straight there and back! or if the weather is not too bad as per image below. Unlikely second stop so come prepared for everything - rain, snow, plagues of frogs nightfall etc Route below is 75km and 1000m ascent

In the absence of a published ride & as the weather forecast (at this time) looks not too bad anyone fancy a 'Solway flatty' ride on Sunday? Starting from Dalston 10:00 hours going round the Solway coast through Burgh by Sands, Bowness on Solway & Anthorn area (definitive route & direction TBD). About 50 miles with one stop for refreshments (again TBD) or BYO for a picnic on the coast. The route will be fairly flat & the pace should be suitable for most riding abilities. Text or WhatsApp 07855534727 Cheers, John H Edit: Route >>  HERE  << 45 mile. One stop at Bowness on Solway (choice of 2 cafes, probably too early for pub 😁 or picnic overlooking the Solway to Southern Scotland. View weather dependent so not guaranteed) around 20 mile.

The weather looks ok if a bit windy for Wednesday but not yet as cold as the weekend. The ride starts at Shap carpark at 10.00 and goes to Abbot Lodge for coffee and Haweswater hotel for lunch BUT David has not made contact with the Hotel as yet so come prepared! bring lights as usual for this time of the year.  David is still 'off grid' (no electricity) so he has asked me to publish this! No doubt the hardy ones will be out?!

  I need to confirm final numbers for Christmas Lunch at Four & Twenty on Saturday 11th December at 12:30 by the end of this week. If you intend coming, then please  FILL IN THIS FORM  and pay by direct online transfer (preferred)  to: Account name - Eden Valley Cycling UK Sort Code - 16-52-21 Account No - 53608033 Please use your name as reference. (or send me the appropriate money made out to "Eden Valley Cycling UK" Drinks & tips will as usual be separate on the day. Hope to see you all on the day. Bill

 Ride 09.30 start  Dalston car park  100km loop, flat ride can be shortened as required, please message me if riding 07531 211 513  stops @ Brampton and Bowness, please put lights on just in case !! route below Routes · Ride with GPS Regards Martin 

Hello All. The mtb ride on Friday leaves Moor Top carpark at 10.00 am, GR 343965. The meter was bust last week, but if its working there is free parking about 100 yds north. The ride takes us south overlooking Coniston Water to High Parkamoor then Satterthwaite and back. Should be 5hrs maximum. We may stop at the visitor centre, but bring food just in case. Its forecast to be cold and showery so plenty of layers needed. 

54 mile ride from the (free) car park at Central Avenue & Union Road crossroads, Gretna. Westerly to Rigg then north to Hollee towards Kirtlebridge & turning south to Annan. Onto Powfoot, Caerlaverock Castle & Glencaple returning via Bankend, Ruthwell, Powfoot, Annan, Eastriggs to Gretna. Refreshment stop at either Caerlaverock Castle (last time I was there the shop was open but cafe closed) or the Boathouse at Glencaple & (if needed on return leg) cafe at Powfoot caravan park or BYO. A very flat route plus fairly straight roads make this ride suitable for all riders. At present the weather forecast, though cold, is looking ok.  Click  >>HERE<<  to view map. Text or WhatsApp 07855534727  Cheers, John H

Hi everyone, It appears that we're going to have a popular ride tomorrow and I'm conscious that we are aiming to stop at Melmerby Bakery around lunchtime. Just in case they are already thronged when we arrive I am suggesting riders might like to bring emergency provisions.  There may well be outside seating available for hardy types but securing a seat inside might be an issue too.... Looking forward to seeing you.... best wishes, Gill and Bob

 Hi. I am going for a bike outing on Wednesday 10.00 am Greystoke Car Park The same outing as a couple of weeks ago. Coffee at Langwathby, via Renwick to Melmerby for lunch. Bring lights as it gets dark early. Text me 078103346838 or just turn up Best wishes David H

  Plan is to coincide with coffee stop at Melmerby - but not too sure when we will arrive! Here's hoping for kind weather! Please text if you're coming 07437217187

 Note Starting at 0930   at Lazonby bridge carpark (Recycling) GR NY 550402 we go up onto the fellside and then down to Temple Velo for coffee at 11.30 - this may be the only stop, but possible quick stop elsewhere if time allows. Weather looking good so hope others may come and keep me company! Good steady 105km (65mi) and a bit of climbing.

 The Big Bike Film Night is coming to the RBCFT (Robbie Burns Centre Film Theatre) Wednesday 24 November at 7.00pm The Big Bike Film Night is a collection of short and documentary films that has everything a cycle-centric audience could want - action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration; the evening is unashamedly designed and devised for the two wheel devotee! These short films are a wonderful reminder of why we love to ride our bikes with films that celebrate the fun, adventure and inspiration that cycling enables, whatever your ride is. Come along and meet fellow cycling enthusiasts as well as host Ollie Hawkley of Treeline. Book Here   

Start at 10.00 am.  A 38 mile ride via Pooley Bridge from Greystoke to the Cafe at Lowther Castle. This is about halfway and will be the only planned stop. Return via Culgaith and Langwathby. All Welcome! Text or WhatsApp: 07906 896503

The consultation period for the plans to dual the A66 ends at 11.59 pm on Saturday 6 November. Personally I have been impressed at the attempts which are being made to reach the best compromise between the various interest groups and environmental considerations.  Walking cycling and horse riding provision (WCH) is given quite a bit of attention. Two areas of concern about the provision for cyclists at the western end of the route have been identified (you may find more): There is no provision for WCH between Countess Pillar and the Center Parcs junction. Both employees and visitors would surely benefit from a direct link to Penrith which has the capacity to reduce more polluting means of transport (from the new Center Parcs junction travelling east, a network of minor roads and the decommissioned A66 will form a good route through to Appleby) There is no provision for WCH between cafe 66 and the Sandford junction. This is just a 2 mile stretch of road. The only safe cycling alternativ

Sarah from the Big Breakfast has ask Rosie to give her numbers for the Breakfast at 11.30. Can you text Rosie on 07818241833 if you intend to go for the breakfast, and Sarah will reserve a table for us. To this end Rosie and I will lead a ride from Beacon Edge cemetery lay-by to Maulds Meaburn  leaving at 10am. All welcome to join us.

 Wednesday 3 Nov 10.am Greystoke car park Coffee at Langwathby ( may be from the shop) Then halfway up Hartside and back down to Melmerby for Lunch 45 miles approx. text me on 017810346838. Best wishes.    David H

 Club Rides will now start at 10.00 unless otherwise stated. Coffee meet ups will now be at 11.30. These arrangements continue until the end of March.

  Hello Everyone, I hope that everyone is well and managing to get out on your bikes.  I have made a provisional booking for Christmas lunch at "Four and Twenty" in Penrith  (42 King Street)  on Saturday 11th December at 12:30. It will be good to catch up with people in a social setting.  I need to get an idea of numbers so I can finalise the booking, so if you intend coming along can you please let me know either by text or follow this  LINK   and make your choices. Bill 07921 297 045

55 mile ride starting from The Green, Wetheral. Heading north through Little Corby, Irthington & Walton. Then westwards to Gilsland, Greenhead & Haltwhistle before turning south & up & down to Knarsdale. Return via Lambley, Hallbankgate, Talkin & Great Corby. Cafe stops possible at Gilsland & Talkin Tarn or BYO. View or download the route  >> HERE << If you fancy coming along text or WhatsApp me on 07855534727. Cheers, John H 

Hello All. There is a mtb ride planned for the Winlatter trails this Friday. Meet at the Noble Knott car park which is on the left going up from Braithwaite, just past where the ice cream van parks on the right, at 10.30.  Blue route first followed by whichever bits of red the group fancies, with a  lunch stop at the cafe at some point, or BYO. Hard tails are perfectly adequate for the trails. 3 going so far. Text me on 07810751189 if you are joining us.  

3 Bike Ride from Glendale Cotehill on Wednesday 20th October 9.30 Start from Glendale, 11's at Pooley Bridge,  BYO lunch Dockray, return via Mungrisedale, Hesket New Market etc.  50 miles Please let me know by 'phone or text if you intend joining me. 07802415607 Cheers James

 Hi Start at Greystoke car park at 9.30. Ride up to top of Hartside and back. Coffee at Langwathby green. Not sure about lunch Melmerby or Lowther depending on weather so bring some food. 40 miles wet.  50 if dry Please let me know David text 07810 346 838

Thanks to all who attended our charity rides and lunch, and for your generous donations. £160 has been sent to the homeless charity Crisis. A good bike ride, good company and good conversation. Thanks again. Rosie and Phil

Hello All. Rosie and I are leading rides from Greystoke village carpark, leaving at 9.30. The routes will lead us to our house at 15 Croft Terrace, Penrith, for a charity lunch off soup, rolls and cake in aid of the homeless charity Crisis, at about 11.45. After lunch various routes will take us back to Greystoke.  Please join us for the rides, or just turn up at the house. We will have a well ventilated dining area, to keen those nasty bugs at bay. Please text Rosie if you intend to come on 07818241833.

  This is a repeat of a gravel ride we did in June(11th) 40 ish miles of mainly easy tracks suitable for any bike but >32mm tyres. Suspension not necessary but maybe an advantage. Could see it as an easy intro to MTB / Gravel, that saying there are a few hills but nothing technical! Stop for refreshments at Orton possible but bring your own as well! 68km and 1612m up! But this can easily be edited  Weather light winds and sunny but 10°C Come and enjoy the last of the summer!! Start at Crodundle beck Bridge GR NY608282 - there's parking for a few cars on the road that goes to Acorn Bank Let me know if you are coming Text ( with name ) on 07711842885

Rosie will lead a ride from Beacon Edge cemetery lay-by, Penrith, leaving at 9.30, and heading to Lowther for coffee at 11 ish. Please text to say you are coming. 

Good morning all - I am proposing a ride around the northern fells on Wednesday starting from Dalston at 09:30. Coffee at Maes in Ulldale and lunch in Threlkeld. Total distance about 55 miles. Text me if you are coming along. The weather forecast looks to be OK - a bit cloudy but low percentage chance of rain. Bill 07921 297 045

Beginning at 9.30 at Kirkby Stephen Cloisters, Rachel will be leading a ride with BYO coffee en route, BYO lunch at Reeth and tea at Tan Hill. Total distance is 47 miles and I'm told there is a hill that's very hard to climb without pushing your bike. It will be fun. Go for it!

 A number of groups around the country are planning cycle rides to Glasgow arriving on 6th November for a 'Global Action Day for Climate Justice' at COP26.    Details of how to join one of the rides can be found at  www.pedalonparliament.org  if anyone is interested.

Rachel is putting on two rides this week. On Sunday she will lead a ride from Kirkby Stephen Cloisters to Reeth and Tan Hill - I will blog nearer the time. On Friday 8 October Rachel will be leaving Alston railway station at 9.30 to follow the railway line to Haltwhistle and return. BYO coffee and lunch. A lovely scenic route about 25 miles long taking you out of Cumbria. Plenty of parking in the lane leading to the station. There is also a station car park although this is locked later in the day. Enjoy!

 3 Bike ride Wednesday 6th October from Shap.  9.30am start  from  Shap car park.  The route goes via the Lowther valley to Askham, then on to Pooley Bridge, then down the side of Ullswater to Glenridding for 11's.  Next over Kirkstone and round to Staveley for lunch then back over Shap Fell. Approx 55miles at a steady pace. Please let me know if you are joining me by phone or text.  07802415607 James

 Weather forecast quite good (the odd shower but bright and breezy) Route from Langwathby along the fellside to Hallbankgate for stop at the hub and then on to Alston and back over Hartside. details  55mi and 1251m ascent. See below and GPX It would be good to have some company! Start 0930 Langwathby Green  Text: 07711 842885  

Note 10.00 start from Langholm Townhead car park by river.  North west to cross the river at Bentpath then back over  at Westerkirk Mains for Balliehill and Castle O'er to Eskdalemuir and  lunch at  Eskdalemuir Community Hub (open...for snacks, soup etc. or BYO) then return via Sandyford, Boreland and Paddockhole.   40 miles, quiet roads. Please TEXT if you'd like to join us!  07437 217187, Cheers, Gill S

 A 70 mile, fairly flattish, ride starting at 09:30 from Dalston & heading, on quiet roads, over to the coast at Allonby. Then following the coast north through Silloth, Abbeytown, Anthorn, Bowness on Solway, Great Orton & back to Dalston. Lunch at Silloth. Coffee at Bowness on Solway.  Map & GPX file  >> HERE << Let me know on 07855534727 (text or WhatsApp) if you fancy joining me. Cheers, John H

Highways England (HE) want our views on its proposals for making the A66 dual carriageway from Penrith to Scotch Corner. HE do not want cyclists on the A66 once the works are complete. The changes will also affect our local riding. The proposals can be seen on HE's website "www.highwaysengland.co.uk/A66-NTP". From the website you will see there are consultation meetings at various places starting on Monday the 27th September (in Penrith) running through most days to Thursday the 14th October at various places. Please have a look. Please tell me of your thoughts, if you like.

 3 Bike Ride on Wednesday 22nd September. If anyone would like to join me for a ride tomorrow either from Cotehill or Dalston please contact me this evening and we'll fix something up. 01228561561  or  07802415607 Cheers James

Rosie will lead a ride from Beacon Edge cemetery lay-by. Leave at 9.30 and ride about15 miles to Morland for coffee/brunch.  Returning by a different 15 miles. Route yet to be decided!

 Leaving Dalston at 9.30 and heading out to Talkin Tarn via Wetheral. BYO elevenses and either BYO lunch or cafe at Talkin. Return via Armathwaite. 43 miles at a moderate pace and all welcome.  Text 07906896503

 Having a clear out and have two rear Altura Arran 46l panniers to give away to a good home (give something to charity if you have a conscience!) Gussetted closure - Rixen and Kaul fitting to rack - external pocket and lid pocket. Waterproof extra cover folds into back. Ring or text geoff  07711842885

Hi folks, Gauging interest in a post Easter meet as we used to have in those Halcyon pre-covid days! Please advise answers / comments / insults to:   lesandruth@gmail.com Note this will be sent to all via email and also posted on the blog.   ATTENDANCE – Very Likely / Possible / Very Unlikely DATES – Easter April 15-18 th   and bank   holiday   May 2 nd which suggests April   23 rd to 30 th (Sat changeover, though some places Friday) or pre Easter eg 11 th to 18 th ; earlier in April could be cold!   May 7 th to 14 th also possible. Please advise   preference / comments. VENUE: for   those who are likely to attend, confirm ok with Ellesmere which was the venue we cancelled due to covid, but if not state at least   one other preference. Note I have not checked availability with the Ellesmere lodge venue.   Finally due to a clash I am unlikely to attend. Though happy to organise the booking (help / suggestions always appreciated) and do the up front finances, will n

Rosie is leading a 2 bike ride from Beacon Edge Cemetery lay-by, Penrith at 9.30, going by Newton Rigg to Greystoke and Pooley Bridge for 11ses/early lunch. returning by Lowther. 30 miles. I am leading a 3 bike ride from Kirkby Stephen public carpark, off Christian Head near the Grammar School, starting at 9.30. Going over Tan Hill to Grinton, Castle Bolton, Hawes, Buttertubs, and back to Kirkby Stephen. 60 miles and a bit hilly! 

 I'm going up to Kilhope Cross (hopefully) to watch the tour go through if anyone is interested text me and maybe meet up on the way or out there. They are due to go through at 1330 ish Geoff

 Rosie and myself are going to lead a 2 bike ride to the picnic leaving Beacon Edge cemetery lay-by at 9.30. We will do a loop through Skelton and Armathwaite, to arrive at the stone circle in time for the club gathering. About 28 miles to get there.

Sunday 12th September Club Picnic - I'm cycling from Carlisle to Brampton, Hallbankgate, Alston, over Hartside & onto Long Meg Stone Circle. If anyone wants to cycle with me, or meet somewhere on route, that would be great. I don't mind travelling 'off course' to meet. Message me 07855534727 to make arrangements. Cheers. John H 

 Meet at Long Meg stone circle by Little Salkeld on Sunday from 12:30 for a picnic. Come by yourself, or better still, come along with others. There are spaces on the  Runs List  (or use WhatsApp) to publicise your plans and let others know. Bring your own food, enjoy some good company and catch up with people you haven't seen for a while. Bill

Newcastleton & Kielder Lakeside Way Trail (with options) Option 1 09:30 from Newcastleton, Scottish Borders, to Kielder Castle (15 miles) & then around Kielder Water on the Lakeside Way trail (26 miles) returning to Newcastleton by same route. 56 miles total. Free parking at Douglas Square, Newcastleton. There are 2 cafes, convenience stores, pubs & public toilets available.  Option 2. Just the round Kielder Lakeside Way route, (26 miles) meet at Kielder Castle (approx) 11.00 hours for coffee. There are also options to trim a few miles off the Lakeside Way trail if required. The Lakeside Way follows the 26 mile Kielder Water shoreline. A unique, beautiful cycling experience accessing the most scenic parts of the lake shore on a multi-user, traffic free, trail for walkers, cyclists, horse riders & wheelchair users & clearly signposted all the way. The surface is finely crushed, heavily compacted, well drained gravel & is rideable on any type of bike though, in m

Starting from Greystoke 09.30, south to cross the A66 down to Bennet Head, along to Cove to reach Ullswater. Along the lake for minimal distance to Aira Force and NT tea shop. North to A66 between the Mell Fells and up to Berrier for Mungrisdale...fell road to Hesket N and along to Caldbeck for a choice of (late) lunch options...back to HN and finally the return Greystoke via How Hill and Johnby. Light rain forecast - perhaps a refreshing change! Hope to see a few of you!  43 miles Gill Please message if coming: 07437 217187

Sorry to disappoint but I have decided to slightly moderate the ride as posted. Still starting behind Keswick Swimming Pool at 0930 but then doing the three passes Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter plus a bit! Totals 80km and 1900m ascent - hope to see some of you out the weather is dry and likely to be sunny later on. Stops likely to be Buttermere cafe and shop in Braithwaite. There will be time for the Gosforth round before the days draw in if after Wednesday there are any takers - let me know! Geoff  message if coming? 07711842885

      We are selling my Dad’s collection of 1950/60s classic bikes and a classic trike. There are some lovely examples of the era with some quality and rare components. The collection is a Hetchins Hellenic frame, Hobbs Blue Riband, Jack Taylor Flying Gate recreation, Holdsworth Whirlwind, Bates BAR, Gillott taper tube and Higgins Ultralite trike. If you are interested, see Ebay for detail and photos initially or contact us.   Simon and Debbie B Ebay seller ‘debands’   click to link through to ebay site