Participants Jim, Jackie, Chris, Sue, Marg, Steve, David and Margaret.
Eight of us set off from Hull docks to board the ferry at 5pm ready for the 9pm sailing. The weather was warm with little wind fortunately (not a good sailor!). We arrived in Rotterdam at 7am after a very early breakfast.
Day One
The weather was calm and very still. We set off alongside the Hartkanaal. Crossing over the bridge we marvelled at the cycle track and separate cycle lane to cross the canal. We made our way through the quiet Sunday misty morning to the small town of Hellevetsluis hoping to find a coffee shop open. Everywhere was very quiet with little traffic and only the occasional dog walker or jogger around. Even though we rode through the town centre nothing was open and all was very calm and peaceful. So we had a snack and then made our way East along wonderful cycle ways, the routes are well signposted using a numbered system to guide you along, though we missed some of the turnings all worked out well and it was easy to pick up the route again. We skirted Niew-Bejierland and Oud-Berjierland riding through fields full of dikes and cattle. We crossed over the Spui on a ferry called “The Queen Jacqueline” which caused much amusement. As lunch time approached, we were getting concerned over the lack of cafes and all starting to feel hungry when near the town of Westmaas, we saw a sign for restaurant we thought it might be expensive, but it turned out to be a lovely family restaurant in beautiful gardens, we were made very welcome, their homemade soup and roll was delicious. Feeling refreshed we set off, now Holland seemed to have woken up and there was more traffic and people around, though the cycle lanes felt safe, at one point we were about to turn off the main road when we heard a motor bike behind us we waited while it passed, it was followed by at least 100 bikes I have never seen so may bikers on the move together. Once peace was restored, we carried on our way to our hotel in the outskirts of Dordrecht. The hotel was very new and modern with very comfortable rooms. The plan was to get changed and catch the bus into the old town however by the time we reached the hotel there was not enough time so we settled for eating in the hotel where we had a great meal. Distance cycled 43.5 miles.
Day Two
We retraced our route but this time we called in at Puttershoek, where we had a morning snack at the windmill. On way we came across a memorial for a young Australian RAF Spitfire pilot that was shot down, this was witnessed by a young Dutch boy who now aged 77 had got the road named after him. Then on to Oud-Berjierland what a delight, it has a charming outer harbour which we explored, looking for a café, what a surprise we had when we cycled up to the old part of town we found a lovely restaurant with outside seating overlooking the canal and main old town shopping area. We had a leisurely lunch. Then carried along the bank of the Spui. We had hoped to cross by ferry but this was not running so had to carry on along the south side, back to the “Queen Jacqueline”. This time though we cycled north through the pleasant town of Spijkenisse. Then to a long thin spit of land in the Hartelkanaal into a fierce head wind, this took us to the bridge over the Hartelkanaal back to the docks. Distance cycled 39.7 miles
Thanks to Jim for organising the trip and to Jim and Chris for safely navigating our way.. We all had a great time. Holland is great for cyclists lots of cycle routes polite car drivers, while the scenery is not quite the Dales, but interestingly different. The main problem was a sore backside from sitting in one position due to the lack of hill!!! A very enjoyable few days.
Photos taken by Margaret, Steve and Chris.
Several of us spent the first weekend in Semtember in Shrewsbury, and the local area, Margaret has kindly provided the following report.
Photos courtesy Margaret Brown and Steve Foxley.
Friday 1st September 2023
After travelling down on the previous day, 4 of us set off, Jim, Jackie who were staying in their caravan in Frodsley, Roger who cycled from home the previous day then stayed overnight at the travel lodge at Bayston Hill, then camped for the rest of the holiday and me, I stayed at the travel lodge. We set off in prefect weather no wind and warm and sunny to find 2 clues for Jim and Jackie’s cycle quest.
We met at All Stretton and cycled to Church Stretton to catch the train to Ludlow to look for the first clue on the cannon in the castle gateway. Ludlow was busy being market day, so we didn’t stay long and made our way to the river and pick up the cycle route number 44 to Bishops Castle. It was as bit confusing as to which was the best road out of town so Jim asked a traffic warden, he asked about the Burnley and Pendle jerseys and said he was going to the area in a few days and was staying at a farm in Salterforth, which was very close to where I grew up!!!. After being put on the correct road we continued on to Bishops Castle for the second clue. The route was very hilly though very pleasant countryside. There did not seem to be much flat ground we were either going down hill on amazing descents or puffing up hill on very steep climbs. Like all the days we had a picnic lunch as cafes were a bit thin on the ground. The cycle quest clue was of course at the top of a very steep high street in Bishops Castle, an interesting town with lots of very old buildings. Not much time for sight seeing as we had a train to catch at Craven Arms (not a pub but a small town). We decided not to go back via the cycle routes as these meandered up hill and down dale we cycled back on the much straighter and flatter A road, which being late in the afternoon was fairly quiet. We caught the train to Church Stretton with 10 minutes to spare. As we were cycling back through town we passed a chip shop it smelt wonderful, we were all hungry so we finished off the day with a chippy tea, a prefect end.
Saturday 2nd September
9 of us set off we were joined by Steve and Marjorie, Sue (Chris arrived later) Roger, David L. & Paul The route took us around the many lanes south of Shrewsbury, again prefect cycling weather. Calling at Condover, Longden, Pontesbury where we have a picnic lunch in the church grounds, Hebberley, Dorrington. We had an evening meal at the Horseshoe pub in Dorrington. Another good day out and not as hilly as the previous day.
Sunday 3rd September
10 (Chris had now joined us) to ride to Much Wenlock and Bridgenorth. We had morning coffee in the square in Much Wenlock another old and interesting town. Steve had a puncture but fixed it quickly with a foam cannister, what a wonderful invention so we were soon on our way to Bridgenorth this too was an interesting Georgian town on top of a hill over looking the River Severn, the clue was on the information board of the small railway. We had another picnic lunch overlooking the Severn.
The holiday was prefect, the weather gorgeous, the area interesting though hilly, lots of cycle routes so on the whole we were on quiet lanes most of the time. We used Roger’s Komoot app and Jim’s downloaded maps so between them they lead us safely through the maze of lanes.
Thanks Jim for another wonderful cycling holiday.
Had a brilliant weekend at the rally with excellent weather. Friday night we went to the Quiz met Keith from Newcastle, Ian from Portsmouth and John from London a formidable team and of course we won.
Saturday morning we went to the rock and roll band The Sonics and of course being of a certain age we knew all the songs they played. In the afternoon we thought we had better do some cycling so we set off down the Planets Cycle Route to Naburn and then onto Riccall where we saw the winged wheel on the Greyhound pub to get our Cycle Quest clue which was on the planet Saturn. The cycle route is on an old railway line.
Saturday night we met up again with our new quiz friends and listened to a band who were cyclists. Sunday morning we met up with John Ramsden who had cycled up from Selby.
Everyday there are organised rides of varying degrees and abilities and anyone can join them. There are trade stands, talks by different speakers on various subject relating to cycling. There are also different catering outlets open during the day and night.
We took our caravan but there are plenty of facilities for camping, a small scale “Glastonbury”. Showers and toilets are available.
Hopefully a few more may go next year it really is a brilliant weekend.
Jim & Jackie
Over the weekend of 9-11th June 2023, one of our regular riders, Claire Hunter, single handedly, took on the Way of the Roses as a bike-packing challenge in aid of Derian House. As it was such a fantastic achievement, we asked for a short write up. Here is her story...
The decision to do this challenge all started whilst on holiday in Wales last year where I bumped into a cycle tourist, all loaded up touring Wales looking for his next campsite stay in Caernarvon. Following this, I joined Burnley and Pendle CTC, in order to help build up my miles. I’ve got to say, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, as the support I received for the challenge was fantastic, but I also made lots of great friendships in the process.
I decided to use the venture as an opportunity to raise some money for charity, and in conjunction with a fundraising effort at work I set up a JustGiving page to raise money for Derian House Children’s Hospice, in Chorley. This happened to be a charity that meant a lot to my family, who had received excellent care and respite for a very sick child.
Donations will still be open for a short time on my Just Giving page - Click Here
Day 1 – Morecambe to Appletreewick (54 miles)
Day 1 began with a car ride to Morecambe and the ride finally commenced about 9.30am on the Friday morning. The route took me from Morecambe to Lancaster initially following the National Cycleway 69 cyclepath.
From Lancaster I passed the Crook O’ Lune and then started to rise through the northern edge of the Forest of Bowland, passing through Gressingham and Wray, and on towards the southern Yorkshire Dales to Cracoe. The climb out of Settle up High Hill Lane (clue in the name!) is the toughest climb of the route! I hasten to add, it was necessary to push my bike up this incline.
From Settle I passed through Airton, Winterburn and Cracoe to conclude the day at my first campsite stop just outside Appletreewick.
Day 2 – Appletreewick to Pocklington (72 miles)
After a “reasonable” first night’s sleep in my little 1 man tent, I was faced with another steep climb out of Appletreewick, again a short section I had to walk up. This then steadily climbed to the summit of Greenhow Hill. Following an equally steep descent into Pateley Bridge, the route took me up again past Brimham Rocks and steadily flattened out for the rest of the route. A slight deviation north took me through the City of Ripon and then following the National Cycle Route 688 & 65 from Boroughbridge to York. Fortunately I bumped into a fellow cyclist completing the same challenge who had heard about the weak toll bridge at Aldwark that was closed to all vehicles and pedestrians whilst it underwent repair work. The suggested diversion would have added an extra 20 miles to the journey, but there was footpath temporarily being used that ran along the river at the side of the golf course that only added a couple of extra miles to the trip!
The route then took me along the River Ouse through York and to my 2nd night under canvas at a campsite just outside Pocklington.
Day 3 – Pocklington to Bridlington (62 miles)
The final day of the challenge meandered through the Yorkshire Wolds and was relatively flat compared to the previous 2 days.
When I finally reached Bridlington I had to walk my bike down the high street as they were having the Bridlington Vintage Festival, which entailed lots of 1940s dressing up, dancing and WW2 vehicles.
I finally reached the final destination at about 13.30 on the Sunday, had a brew on the front and then made my way back to Driffield, another 20 miles, for my final night’s stay before making my way home.
The best part of the journey, apart from the amazing scenery, was meeting others along the way doing the same challenge, hearing their stories and experiences. I’d definitely do something like this again.
Eleven of us set off to the midlands for a long weekend of cycling. The weather forecast was poor with heavy rain predicted, we were not sure what kind of area we would be cycling through or how it would work out. As it happens we had a great time, the weather improved and the countryside was lovely, lots of blossom filled lanes and reasonable quiet roads, though very low on café stops, so sadly we didn’t get to eat much cake. It seemed like all the cottages, barns and small farms had been upgraded and were hiding behind massive gateways that would not have looked out of place at Buckingham Palace, with CCTV and keypad entry. The area is fairly flat with only a few gentle uphills which made very pleasant cycling.
Dorothy and I arrived at our base for the next 4 nights, the Premier Inn Balsall Common at lunch time on Thursday the weather was warm and sunny, so we decided to make the most of the sunshine and had a short meander around the local lanes.
On Friday the weather was wet and windy so 3 of us caught the train to Coventry spending the day sight seeing. The cathedral is well worth a visit, met up with Jim and Jackie at lunch time then went to see Lady Godiva ride around the clock tower, followed by a walk on the canal bank. Most of Coventry was destroyed in the WWII bombing but there are a few old interesting buildings that survived. Met up with the rest of the party for a meal at the Premier Inn Beefeater to plan the weekend’s routes.
Saturday dawned fine and sunny so as planned 11 of us set of for Meriden to find the cycle quest clue in the ancient town cross and to see the cyclist memorial also on the village green. The fitter ones (Dorothy, Sandra and Claire) left us to do a longer loop the remaining 8 cycled north through Kingsbury lakes and back via the maze of lanes going soft to muddy at times. The weather remained kind to us, no rain. Distance around 36 miles. We met up at a local pub for an evening meal.
Sunday: Again the weather was kind to us cooler but fine and little wind. The 3 fit ones left to cycle to Warwick Castle, the 8 unfit ones went to Packwood house for the second cycle quest clue, then south over the M40 to Claverdon where we had a picnic lunch at the tennis club, very civilised. Then North back to base, again through lots of lovely quiet lanes, we stopped at 3pm so that we could hear the government alarm on our phones!! Distance around 33 miles.
All in all a very good weekend thanks Jim for organising and for everyone for their company and friendship. It shows that you shouldn’t listen to the weather forecast - just go.
Margaret Brown
by Margaret Brown
Fifteen of us went on the weekend trip to Cockermouth, some on nearby caravan site some in Premier Inn and Travel lodge.
Friday 9th September: Ride to Maryport.
We met at mid day, in the Brewers Fare, the start being delayed by heavy rain so we stayed indoors drinking extra cups of coffee until the weather improved. Fully stoked up with coffee 7 of us (Jim, Jackie, Marjorie, Steve, Paul, and me cycled into Cockermouth picking up the cycle route 71 to Great Broughton, then on to Maryport, had a look at the harbour, the lighthouse, and the very stormy seas, then a café stop on the marina, then back south on the Cumbrian Cycleway to Flimby then across back to Great Broughton and Brigham dropping Jim, Jackie Marjorie and Steve at the caravan site the rest of us continued on into Cockermouth to the hotel.
A short 13 or so miles, of a windy ride which was mainly dry. Great start.
Saturday 10th September: Whinlatter Pass to Portinscale, return over Honister Pass
After much discussion whether we could manage Honister Pass 9 of us (we were joined by Chris and Sue) decided to go for it as, there was only Chris on a normal bike and he was quite capable of riding the pass unassisted and the other 8 of us on electric. (I know its cheating somewhat but there was no way most of us would have happily ridden over the passes and as we were all electric we decided to give it a go.) The weather forecast was good with no rain or clouds.
The 5 of us staying at the Premier Inn and travel lodge picked up the 4 at the caravan site at Brigham, then looped round to Great Broughton and Eaglesfield to High Lorton then on to Whinlatter Pass, picking up route 71 to Portinscale where we found a lovely café for lunch. Here Jackie adopted a bumble bee in dire need of sustenance!! She gave it sugar and water as it rested on her jacket sleeve, success!! it finally flew off onto a nearby flower basket much to Jackies joy and Jim’s despair!!. After we were all refreshed we rode to Grange, Rosthwaite and Seatoller to start the climb over Honister. So engaging bottom gear the ascent began, the views were magnificent which made it all worth while. We slowly made our way up meeting at the slate mine at the top. Then for the fantastic long downhill to Buttermere, while we regrouped there we noticed that there was a lot of helicopter activity assuming it was the mountain rescue we were about to set off when we were told it was TOM CRUSIE !!! filming his latest action movie. So we stopped for a while to watch, the sequence involved 3 sky divers jumping out of a helicopter doing various actions before landing then the whole process repeated many times while they got the shots they needed, it was amazing to watch, though we didn’t see Tom Cruise though I am reliably informed that the middle sky diver was him doing his own stunts. When asked what the film was they wouldn’t tell us, but then general consensus was that it was his latest “Mission Impossible film” due out in 2023. After all the excitement we then had to hurry homewards carrying on down past Buttermere and Crummock Water back down the valley to Lorton and onto Cockermouth. One of those days that stand out in your memory.
42 miles and 4,000 ft of climbing. Beautiful day out.
Sunday 11th September: Ride to Silloth for lunch and return via Aspatria. Weather mainly sunny, though raining late afternoon
After the previous exertions 9 of us opted for a gentler route. We rode to Maryport the picking up the Cumbrian cycle way North. We rode to Silloth for lunch, it is a very much like Grange-over-sands, very Victorian with a long cobbled promenade and nice sea front. Again we found a lovely café on the promenade called “Mrs Wilson’s” named after a famous singer and musician from Blackburn called Kathleen Ferrier (Wilson was her married name). The food was excellent and the staff were lovely even providing a large slice of birthday cake for Chris, suitable fuelled we set off for Aspatria hoping to find afternoon tea there, but were unlucky so we rode on thinking we would have to miss out, however when we rode to Arkleby we saw posters advertising refreshments at Plumbland Church (all churches were celebrating their history this weekend and were open for visitors) as expected the cakes were delicious and plenty of tea provided. So again replenished we were off home via Bridekirk and Great Broughton and back to hotel and caravan sites. The last hour we rode in soft rain which was not unpleasant.
46 miles but this time only 2022 ft of climbing and a gentle pace.
Thanks Jim for organising a great weekend with wonderful rides I thoroughly enjoyed it all.
It's hard to believe it's two years since our last weekend away. Having got club runs up and running again in June, it was about time we had another weekend away, so eight of us opted for a couple of days in South Lakeland. basing ourselves in Ulverston, with six staying in the Premier Inn, and a further two at Bardsea Leisure Caravan site just down the road.
Saturday (A Group)
by Mark Clegg
Jim, Jackie, Chris, Sue, and myself were joined by daytrippers: John, Peter and Tina, bringing us up to eight riders, heading south to the coast at Bardsea in just a hint of mist and drizzle, but not enough to put anybody off. We followed the undulating coast road to Rampside, then along Roa Island Road to Roa Island and a photo opportunity by the Barrow Lifeboat Station.
Continuing along the coast we heading into industrial Barrow-in-Furness for lunch in Morrisons (They were completely out of Pies!) before crossing the bridge to explore Walney Island.
By this time the sun was out, and layers were discarded as is was warm enough for us to make the return journey in short sleeves. We could even make out Heysham Power Station right across Morecambe Bay.
Returning by the same route, we stopped for Ice Cream at Moat Farm enjoying clear views across for bay from their private beach.
Overall, 41 miles covered, and 1000ft of climbing. It was surprisingly undulating, considering we were hugging the coast most of the time.
Saturday (B Group)
by Jim Cooper
Three of us in the B group, Sandra, Dorothy and myself. On Saturday we climbed to Broughton in Furness and a brew stop, then a tough ride over Broughton Moor, unfortunately the fell was in the mist so we didn't get the views. Dropping down into Torver we rode along the eastern shore of Coniston Water to the Bluebird Cafe on the lakeshore. By this time light rain was falling so it was into the Cafe for a snack. Through town to Monk Coniston and then the narrow road along the eastern shore. We stopped off to see the Anthony Gormley Statue at High Nibthwaite. Returning then to Ulverston we worried about the hedge trimming going on and punctures, however we survived. Via Penny Bridge thanks to navigation by Sandra and the magic map with my missed turnings we rode back to Ulverston. A tough ride of steep hills we covered 41 miles with 3900 ft of climbing. Overcast day but warm light rain showers at times, a very enjoyable day ride.
Sunday (A Group)
by Mark Clegg
On Sunday, we split into the same two groups, and without the daytrippers, that left five riders heading north to Coniston, for a clockwise tour of the lake. Today would be a little hillier than Saturday, but the weather was pretty much the same, with low cloud and damp spells. Again nothing worth worrying about.
Arriving in Coniston village, we descended to the Bluebird Cafe for lunch, then another photo opportunity at the lakeside, before starting back along the opposide shoreline, crossing our outbound track at Lowick Bridge before dropping back into Ulverston and crossing paths with the other group in search of a cafe.
Being late Sunday afternoon, it seemed we arrived at closing time, but the Ice Cream shop was still open, so we had five happy riders.
Finally we went round to County Square for some silly poses by the Laurel and Hardy statue outside Coronation Hall.
Hillier today, but slightly shorter with 33 miles covered, and 2200ft of ascent.
Sunday (B Group)
by Jim Cooper
The three of us decided to ride up the eastern shore of Coniston Water, again another wrong turning by me and a short ride along the western shore we arrived at the south of the Lake and rode north along the shore to Brantwood House, we decided the views were even better from this direction. After stopping to view the timber pier from BBC Look North we enjoyed a brew stop at the cafe at Brantwood House, the former home of John Ruskin and now a museum with lovely gardens. We were made very welcome at the cafe and stopped for a while for a chat about the steam gondola and covid with some americans before a boat full of tourists arrived so we skedaddled.
Via Monk Coniston we climbed through the National Trust woods and up past Tarn Hows, down Hawkshead Hill. After a brief look around Hawkshead we up onto Hawkshead Moor to Grizedale Forest, an expensive coffee and cake stop at the mountain bike centre we decided it was worth the expense. Proceeding down through Oxen Park and Penny Bridge we climbed up through the village of Banstead Gates. I again missed the turning to Ulverston and rode down through the woods to the bottom of the hill. Again riding back up the ladies were waiting for me. After much leg pulling about my navigation and eyesight we continued along the right route. Bumping into the other group on the hill down to Ulverston we failed to find a cafe open and willing to serve after 4.00pm we rode back to The Premier Inn for a hot shower. 38 miles covered on lovely quiet roads with lots of steep hills with 3800 ft of climbing.