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.