Eden Valley Cycling UK

Please note, due to popular demand (not a scientific survey by the way), Abbott Lodge is the venue for this Sunday and not Melkinthorpe (but coffee in one and lunch in the other - after a hard ride between the two is a possibility).

On behalf of the Club I made written representations at the end of July 2021 . Today I have had Notice that a, reduced scale application (identifying that it is a reduced scale one with intent to follow up with more) is to be considered next Wednesday in Penrith, the Agenda starting at 1000 hours. I have given Notice to the Council that I would like to attend the Meeting (on the Club's behalf) to make further representations. I would be delighted if people would come to (silently) support me - Club vests welcome. 

I have been considering methods of cleaning the chain & cassettes on my bikes that don’t involve expensive proprietary degreasers.    At my wife’s suggestion I used a mix of 1 tbsp of vinegar, 1 tbsp of washing up liquid and 3/4 pint of water, a concoction she uses to clean the inside of windows   The attached  photo is the result.    The ‘clean’ isn’t perfect but it is a massive improvement on proprietary degreasers I have used.   I intend to experiment further and may report back.

 Leaving Kirkby Stephen car park off NCN71 (fire station) at 9.30. Heading over Tan Hill to Grinton, Castle Bolton, Hawes, and Buttertubs. coffee and lunch stops en route (suggestions welcome). Weather forecast looks good, so it should be a jolly fine, rather hilly 60 miles. Phil B 07810751189 

I put this ride on at the beginning of the month but due to the bad weather no one turned up. So I'm offering it again (nowt to do with the fact I've been away & hadn't thought about a route 🤥). 62 mile ride starting at 09.30 from Dalston to Gaitsgill, Hesket Newmarket, Bewaldeth & Cockermouth (28 mile) for refreshments. Return to Dalston via Dearham, Blennerhasset & Wigton. Only one stop planned, due to distance spacing of available cafes, but very flexible or byo. Route/map/gpx  >> HERE<< Weather forecast isn't looking too bad with light winds & just a small possibility of light rain 🤞 Cheers John H  Text or WhatsApp 07855534727 

A 3 bike ride starting at 09:30 from Keswick Leisure Centre Car Park*, the route heads North around Bassenthwaite to Cockermouth, (coffee stop at The Moon & Sixpence) onto Eaglesfield, Dean, Mockerkin, Fangs Brow, Loweswater, Buttermere (lunch stop at Croft House Farm cafe) then a bit of cafe legs tester (!!) up over Newlands Hause, back down to Stair, Swinside then around Derwentwater before heading back to Keswick with an compulsory ice cream stop to look forward to before the Finish! Distance 83k with about 1350m of climbing. I hope you will be able to join me?    David Thomas Please text me on 07801 916416 so that I can advise the cafe/s re numbers. *NB there is usually free parking spaces available along Brundholme Road, Keswick Route here

 The intention is to ride to Keilder and return via the military road so calling in at the Sill. Please let me know if you are coming so we can be sure to meet up . Quite long but not many hills. John H is up for it.😂

Thanks to the good works of various members of the committee I can announce that the Group is running two 'Reliability Rides' on 30th September. These will be open to all comers but we hope there will be a good showing from members. The routes start and finish at Mungrisdale Village Hall This is an organised event of the simplest kind – A route devised by those who know the area well and refreshment at the start and end of the ride. There are two routes – 60km and 100km You will be given a GPX route for your Garmin and/or route card if you prefer.  So that we all get back at about the same time and can share the crack and enjoy 'crumble and custard' together the 100km group will start at 0830 and the 60km ride will set off at 1000 Further details and entry forms are on the website here Oh!  cost  a mere £10  Do let anyone you think might be interested know about this event.

 Well it was great weather later on😁 A fantastic day out riding. Thanks Geoff 👍

I propose to set off from Melmerby on Tuesday morning at 1100. We should arrive at Lanercost about 1300. We can then go to The Sill via the Military Road from Greenhead; we could  divert to go via Haltwistle and Barden Mill (where there is a small cafe) involving some engaging climbing (we might want to save to this for another day though). Look forward to seeing people.

I intend to get out in the good weather on Sunday. Riding from Greystoke carpark (0930) round Skiddaw returning over Whinlatter and Threlkeld 53mi. (85km 1520m of ascent)  I would be glad of company! Text or WhatsApp 07711842885 Route here

Shortish ride, c 35 miles but with a bit of climbing - 1,700 feet ascent. (First) stop at Lanercost Priory for sustenance after coming along the fellside. We may stop again, there are some ascents. Not a fast pace. We may cycle back on Friday retracing our steps, or, come back the other side of Hartside (similar mileage). If joining and participants want luggage transporting please ring and we can agree logistics for this (Alison will be driving there). If you intend coming with me, please would you let me know in advance; I am open to suggestions as to food (vegi 'Roots') and Route. Nigel 07867 840534 (landline 01768 881066)    

Next week a group of us will be staying at The Sill, a brand new Youth Hostel in Northumberland, to explore a new area by bike. Our planned rides will be appearing on the runs list over the next few days and on the blog after the weekend. There is still a private en suite room for 2 people available if anyone is interested at short notice. There are also campsites nearby.  If you don't want to stay overnight, you may wish to explore somewhere new on a day-trip, or to join us for a meal at the pub on Thursday 24th August. I will be doing some very low key exploring, taking in visits to the sites on the Roman wall but Mike, Geoff and others will no doubt be doing something more ambitious. Additionally, there may be people riding to The Sill on Tuesday and returning Friday. If you want a chat about the plan, please feel free to contact me by email or phone - 01768 881066/07500 564922. Alison

 Rosie and I are leading a joint ride to Mosedale leaving Beacon Edge cemetery lay-by at 9.30 and cycling 17 miles to Mosedale via Heggle bridge. After the cafe, Rosie is returning via Eyecott Hill (32m total), and I am going back via Pooley Bridge and Askham (44 m total).  Rosie 07818241833 Phil 07810751189.

Leaving Greystoke at 9.30 for coffee at Lowther Castle (12 miles). Then to Shap and return north via Askham. Trail to Lowther Caravan Park (30 miles) to The Lakes Bakery where you might be tempted in their cafe. Onwards through Penrith and Newton Rigg and back to Greystoke (41 miles) All welcome. Text/WhatsApp 07906896503

 61 mile ride from Burton in Kendal at 9.30am.    Meet at the staggered crossroads at the southern outskirts of the village.  Park on the grass verge.   Please do not use the car park at the village hall.   I have already enquired about there and been advised against. The route is to Kirkby Lonsdale, Casterton, Barbondale, Dent and lunch stop probably at Ingleton.   BYO may be advisable.    From Ingleton we continue to Clapham, Wray, Arkleholm and return to Burton.   The total ascent according to my Garmin is 3507ft    The forecast at the moment is favourable. I look forward to seeing some of you on the route.   route.

 Tomorrow Rosie and I are going to ride to the cafe stop, meeting at Frenchfield at 9.30 and going through the Lowther caravan park, to Bampton, Whale, Askham, Lowther to Melkinthorpe.

 Sorry, but I have been called away to look after our granddaughter as she is unwell so can t lead the Wednesday ride. Rosie 

 Since it may be quite wet tomorrow I will be flexible about the route to the Pot place and may chose a shorter more direct route there and back.