CYCLE RIDE TO BANKS

Last Monday (19-06-17), eight Day Riders met at Aughton Station, on an incredibly sunny day.   The ride was planned and led by Alan Carr.  We cycled via Clieves Hills to Barton, thence across country to the start of the Coastal Road. Picking up the cycle track alongside the Coastal Road the riders headed for Southport and on to Crossens.  The Botanic Gardens Cafe provided a welcome, and for Phil (Hot Pants) Hughes a memorable, cuppa.  Whilst Phil was buying the teas, the whole tray tipped up and he was drenched from the waist down with scalding hot tea. The waitress apologised and gave him an ice cold drink pack in order to soothe the burning to his mid section, whilst we drank our tea. Steam could be seen coming from him and there was strange looks in his direction from old ladies sitting close by.  After our break we cycled through lovely Churchtown, whilst poor Phil cycled frantically to Southport train station, in order to catch the first train home. We wish him well and hope he recovers in time for next Monday’s bike ride.

The remaining riders returned to Ormskirk along quiet lanes to Scarisbrick and then after taking in the wonderful scarecrow collection in Halsall it was back over Clieves Hills to Aughton having covered 30 miles.

Ian Gent & Alan Carr

NEW SEFTON CIRCULAR CYCLE ROUTE

This Monday (12/06/17), we set off from Old Racecourse Road, Maghull with 9 riders. Using the Old Cheshire Lines and Liverpool Canal paths and then through Rimrose Valley.  We then made our way to Crosby sea front and on to Formby. From there we took the path alongside the railway line, crossing onto Fishermans Path.  From there we joined part of the newly opened Sefton Circular cycle route, through the pine woods ending up at the Mecycle Café in Ainsdale, where we stopped for tea.

The new Sefton Circular cycle route covers 24 miles, 20 miles of which is traffic free and was officially launched on Sunday, May 21.  The launch of the route coincides with ‘2017 the year of Sefton’s Coast’ a celebration campaign to recognise, promote and enjoy the superb Sefton Coastline; the Sefton Circular route takes in many miles of the coastal path, before heading inland along the Cheshire Lines towards Maghull and eventually the Leeds Liverpool canal, bringing you back to Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre via Rimrose Valley.

One of our riders was able to use the repair facilities at the Mecycle Café/Shop, whilst we took a break, in order to have his cycle repaired, due to minor damage sustained to the gears whilst riding through the woods.

From Ainsdale, some of the group made their own way back home using different routes.

Ian