Today 10 riders from M & L together with friends from Ormskirk and Aughton U3A set off in blustery weather to ride to Heskin, Mawdesley and Croston. The weather brightened up as the morning went on and we enjoyed sitting in the sunshine at our brew stop at Delph Quarry. Three electric bikes amongst us had us digging deep to keep up at times as we rode along some lovely lanes in that part of West Lancs. An excellent ride of 40 miles and it was great to reunite with old friends once again.
Given the latest announcement from HM Government regarding unnecessary social contact the proposed Day Ride on Monday, 23rd April to West Kirby will not now take place due to the use of public transport.
Today’s U3A Day Riders set off from The Derby Arms for a ride to Ainsdale. We made our way via Lydiate to Maghull, passing The Nordic Walkers with a cheery wave, and down through Lunt and Thornton to reach Formby. Our usual watering hole, The Velo Cafe, was closed so our brew stop was at Formby Wetherspoons where we sat outside enjoying ‘unlimited’ coffee in the warm Spring sunshine. Soon we were off again and on to Ainsdale to ride back across the Moss to Halsall where we went our separate ways. A great ride of 35 miles in almost perfect conditions.
Next week’s ride will be to West Kirby is cancelled.
Only three Day Riders took to the roads today in the aftermath of Storm Jorge. The group met at The Derby Arms and then we made our way to Edge Hill and on to Lathom. A favourable tailwind pushed us towards Croston where we were pleased to see the Yarrow was much lower than we expected.
Croston’s lovely pack horse bridge
The Velo Cafe was full of cyclists but soon we were tucking into scones and tea cakes to fortify us for the return via Rufford, Burscough, and Ormskirk through to Maghull. Those calories were soon used up as we pushed on against head and side winds. A great ride of 41 miles with a challenging return journey.
Only 4 Day Riders met for today’s ride to Prescot. We enjoyed a favourable wind through to Bickerstaffe and along the Rainford Bypass but when we turned onto the East Lancashire Road Dennis let us have it. Fortunately we didn’t have to battle the headwind for long before turning towards Prescot with thoughts of the cafe-stop uppermost. Dennis buffeted us on the return journey and any hedgerows we encountered were welcome protection. All returned safely, a round trip of 40 miles. Next week we will ride to Croston via Lathom and return via Tarleton. Meet at 1000hrs at The Derby Arms.
I’m not sure if there is a collective noun for a gathering of cyclists but there was one yesterday at Old Racecourse Road when three U3A Cycling Groups met to go on their respective rides.
The Day Riders made our way through Lunt, Thornton and Crosby to pick up the Coastal Path through to Hightown, Formby and Freshfield where we took the by-pass route into Ainsdale where it was time for a brew and where we met up with Phil’s Breakaway Group.
We returned against a stiff headwind across The Moss to Halsall.
Next week’s ride will be to Widnes via the T.P. Trail, meeting at Aintree Station.
Hi all. Today, riders from Maghull & Lydiate U3A and Ormskirk and Aughton U3A had a breezy New Year ride to Billinge. A few inclines got the cardiovascular systems going before our cafe stop at The Fir Tree. Thanks to Mike Miller for leading the ride.
Next week the ride is to West Kirby. The train from Ormskirk leaves at 09.50hrs and 10.00hrs from Maghull. Alight at Moorfields to catch the ferry. The ride will continue from West Kirby along the Wirral Way to Hooton for the return train.
Monday’s Day Riders met at Ormskirk Station and 9 of us set off for Croston via Eccleston and Mawdesley. The weather was sunny and perfect for cycling although the temperature never rose much during the morning and we looked forward to reaching Croston’s Velo Cafe where we found a sheltered spot and sat outside enjoying the sunshine and lake view.
After our respective hot drinks it was time for the return journey towards Tarleton and on to Burscough.
For the next 6 weeks Mike Miller has kindly offered to coordinate the rides in my absence. Very Best Wishes to all.
Our U3A Day Riders today survived winds and waves along Otterspool Promenade, mushy wet leaves in Sefton Park and deceptively deep puddles along the Trans-Pennine Trail. Fortunately there were no mishaps and we all arrived home in one piece.
Hopefully next Monday’s ride to Croston will enjoy better weather. Meet at 1000am at Ormskirk Station for the first leg of the ride to The Velo Cafe.
