Our November ride was very well attended, considering the riders didn’t know where we were going, what the route would be like, and how far we would go! In fact, 20 riders turned up, 9 tandems and 2 solos at Kendal Leisure Centre, on this sunny and mild Sunday morning.

At this point, I would also add that many of our riders are travelling considerable distances to attend the rides, so thank you for your support, especially if you are in this category.

From Kendal town centre, we climbed over Scout Scar towards Brigsteer, stopping at Helsington, to observe the view of the Lyth valley.  The drop down into Brigsteer is a steep one, better done this way round, in my humble opinion! From here, we headed south to Levens, for elevenses at Levens Hall restaurant, for drinks and welcome cakes.  Levens Hall is the home of the Bagot family.

The route then took us through Arnside, always a lovely piece of road, with views over Morecambe Bay, before arriving at the lunch stop at Leighton Moss café, operated by the RSPB.  This is near Silverdale.  The sun enhanced the changing autumn colours, yellows, orange and browns on our return route of quiet lanes, heading north, towards our starting place at Kendal. It was on the very same lanes, while on our tandem, that my wife and I witnessed a Dutch HGV get totally stuck, while trying to deliver flowers to a local garden centre.  We really felt for the driver, who damaged his truck trying to free it, which took a considerable time and a lot of stress.

Well, back to today’s ride, we all arrived back at the start at around 3.30pm, which is late enough this time of year, now the clocks have been turned back, having completed 31 enjoyable miles.

Paul Rodman