Eden Valley Cycling UK

 With a tally of 986.72 miles this year (pathetic, isn't it?!) cycling on New Year's Eve is really not optional - just 13.28 miles to reach 4 figures!😉🚲🚲 So, I'll be leaving Beacon Edge opposite the Cemetery around 10 for a leisurely ride via Yanwath and Tirril before climbing the hill to Celleron and continuing through Askham and Lowther with a view to arriving at Larch Cottage cafe Melkinthorpe soon after 11. A more direct return should allow time to tackle the 'must be completed before midnight' list when I get home! The forecast isn't brilliant but we've seen a lot worse recently so I hope I'm not alone. I haven't been out for over a month so the pace may be even more modest than my 'normal'. If you're a fast rider planning to come with me, please wear extra clothes! Alison 07500 564922

 I'll be riding to Lowther Castle for coffee & brunch on Christmas eve starting from Dalston at 09.30 hours. No 'set in stone' route but going via Penrith & possible return via Pooley Bridge, Greystoke or by discussion. 50 mile or less.  All are welcome to join me either at Dalston or en route. The pace will be moderate & suitable for all levels. The weather forecast, at this time, is for light rain & gusty winds. Please let me know if you are coming along as if no one responds I will go from Carlisle & miss out Dalston. Text or WhatsApp 07855534727  Cheers 🍻 & merry Christmas, John H P.S. Christmas jumpers & headwear optional 🎅🤶

Thank you for your generous support on Sunday. We have forwarded a grand total of £200 to Hospice at Home, Carlisle and North Cumbria. It has also been gift aided which adds another £50. Claire and Mike PS Don't miss Rosie and Phil's post below about ride to UpFront on Wednesday!

 Rosie and myself are going to ride to the Upfront coffee stop from Beacon Edge lay-by, leaving at 9.30. We will go via Lazonby and Calthwaite. Please let Rosie know if you are coming so that we can get a table for 11.15. 07818241833.

Leaving Greystoke at 10.00 for a 36 mile (round trip) grade 2 ride to Dalston and back. Hoping to reach Dalston for an early lunch of soups, mince pies etc at about 12 o'clock . A charity lunch in aid of Hospice at Home. You are very welcome to join us even if you are not on the ride, but please let us know. Text or WhatsApp 07906896503 Route  HERE

As per the Runs list starting at Frenchfields Penrith then basically going up the Lowther valley to Shap and down via Crosby R to meet others at the Hub in Appleby then back along the Fellside. Close to 50mi (77km and 1000m) and a few climbs. Opportunities for some diversions (short-cuts?!) if we feel like it. The weather is looking ok if a little windy so hope to see some 'brave souls' out 😂💨💨 Route Here Let me know (text or WhatsApp) if you are coming 07711842885

 2019/20 Scott Axis E-ride 30 About 400km from new. Not ridden since 03/20. Comes with top bag and Bike Register registration and micro dot protection. 500w battery and Bosch charger inc. Scott stand. Tyres 50/50 road/gravel. Ladies’ saddle and Egon grips. Small Garmin GPS. Equivalent to current 2023 Scott Sub Active eRide 10 retailing at £2799. Unmarked and super clean. Known range 55km. £1800 ono   contact John Whittle   07798 832509  kayandjohnwhittle@btinternet.com

 I have had an updating email from National Highways today saying that they are carrying on their work on outstanding matters in anticipation of the Government approving the scheme. The deadline for the Government decision is the 7th of March 2024. There is a strong case for its grant; included in this is the prospect of being able to cycle local routes without having your feet / tyres touch the surface of the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner.  Nigel

 You may have seen this link through to United Utilities work on Rough Crag but for those who havn't - they seem to be making some progress... https://www.unitedutilities.com/my-local-area/parks-and-reservoirs/acres-of-nature/Thirlmere/thirlmere-west-road-and-rough-crag/

 Anyone like to join me to ride to the coffee stop at Pooley? I am leaving Beacon Edge cemetery lay-by at 9.30, passing through Greystoke at 10.15, and then to Granny Dowbekins for 11.30 ish, via Ullswater. 25 miles. Return to be decided by democratic means. Phil 07810751189.

In view of the overnight freeze and the route proposed being on minor roads, Nigel is not going to lead the published ride. It may well be that the more major roads will be ice free at least later in the morning but we can't be confident of that.  Alison 07500 564922

  I am reluctantly cancelling the 3 Bike Ride from Dalston listed for today. Although there is sunshine forecast there is frost & ice here with temperatures of -2°C & only expected to rise to 3°C for the day. Which is below the threshold I like for outdoor cycling & safety. There were no 'takers' for the ride anyway (but posting this just in case anyone was thinking of turning up unannounced) so I'll probably continue my tour of Mallorca... In the garage on the turbo trainer!☹️ Cheers John H

This will now be led by Nigel as I have to be at home 😔 Same plan - to leave Langwathby at 10. Final decision will be made by 9 am tomorrow, depending on overnight frost etc. so please check the blog tomorrow after 9. Alison 07500 564922

Start Dalston 10.00 hours for route round Solway. Mileage & stops will be weather & 'mood' dependant by discussion. Not sure if the ride will go ahead due to very low forecast temperatures & possible icy conditions especially on untreated roads & in the shaded areas. Temperature isn't expected to rise above 2 or 3 ° c max. Anyway, if the ride goes ahead (please check blog beforehand) , I've decided to start at Dalston & will ride a route around the Solway coast or in that area. Text or WhatsApp 07855534727 Cheers John H

I think it better not to lead a ride if the conditions are adverse or ice is likely. It doesn't stop others cycling on the main A roads to Pot Place at their own risk. If you wish to cycle with me, be sure to let me know so that I can tell you if the ride is cancelled. There is a limit to the number of routes to be taken from Langwathby to UpFront and the Pot Place but it's a long time since I cycled round Lazonby Fell - probably not since the Thiefside garden centre closed and that was long before covid! So the plan is to meet at Langwathby at 10, follow the road through Salkeld Dykes crossing the B road and bearing left to join the A6 briefly, passing under the M6 and turning left just before Calthwaite. These roads may be icy so I will be watching the forecast... Alison 07500 564922