The Meanderthals: MIKE the BIKE'S ALTERNATIVE HIKE

GLASSON TO LANCASTER 19 Miles

Pedallers :- Mike, Dave, Frank, John W, Danny.
Mick, Anthony, Jim C, James, Martin.

A Map of our cycling route

After returning for James forgotten Helmet and turning up outside Anthony's house where we were NOT meeting, John W finally arrived (on time) at the agreed meeting point. Mike's house ! It was not long before all our intrepid, excited but inexperienced cyclists were gathered ready for off. With each car sporting a bicycle tailpiece we drove to the car park alongside Glasson's freshwater dock.

It took us a little while to extract bikes. (There was even a "Bike-in-a-Bag !"

Bikes had to be lifted from a variety of racks and the day's essentials put into panniers and saddle bags. Hi-vis gear was donned and then we were off wobbling uncertainly across the road and onto the old railway track, now a superb bicycle route up to Lancaster,

It was but a few minutes before we arrived at the Condor Green Car park where we stopped to make adjustments to several bikes and avail ourselves of the last toilets we would encounter for most of the day.

You will notice that the bike in the foreground has an unusually coloured saddle. It's owner has put special padding on it. (provided by Martin) This is an essential precaution to protect the rear ends of us amateurs.

With fields to our right and a swollen river Lune to our left we cycled swiftly and easily along the cycle track till we came to an opening in the overgrown edge to our left. This proved to be an unexpected but welcome picnic spot. Meanderthals, even mechanised ones, never miss a coffee opportunity........ WE STOPPED !

At the start of this report I mentioned our rather "Wobbly" start. Unfortunately one of our members had more than a wobble and a tangle with bicycle parts caused a tumble. Rather a painful one.

Disinfectant gel had been applied and the wounded rider opted for fresh air as the best treatment thereafter.

The cycle track now continued towards Lancaster at times being alternately muddy then stony . In places the plants of the overgrown sides reached out to narrow our way. This was not good when the plants were nettles and they brushed against bare knees.

The track eventually arrived at a junction. Mike explained that the way to the right led to Aldcliffe and that we would be returning that way but for now we should continue straight on.

The track, as you can see, now had a tarmacked surface as it proceeded towards the quayside at Lancaster. Such a surface aided our steady progress and before long we were riding alongside the brown, boiling surface of the in-flood Lune immediately on our left.

As we approached the Millennium Bridge we stopped briefly to gather ourselves together and receive further instructions from our "Spokes-man" (Oh Dear ! That's awful !)

He particularly warned us about the tricky negotiation of an impending "Underpass" . In spite of his warnings J W managed to graze into both walls (rough concrete) which took exception and grazed him back. Ouch !

The track now took us through a neat little park and then onwards up the Lune Valley towards the Canal Aqueduct and the Motorway Bridge. We were, by now, all cycling with some degree of confidence.

A Leeds United Baseball cap does not count as a safety helmet Mick.

An unusual whirring noise emanated from some of our bikes . Hmmm .....?

Mike's original plan had been to leave the cycle track when we arrived at the Aqueduct and follow the canal back towards Glasson. Being the democratic gent that he was he now asked the group if they might like to extend the ride and keep on till we arrived at the "Crook O' Lune". The vote was to carry on. The writer noticed that the most enthusiastic "Carry on-ers" were those with "Power Assisted Pedalling".. Ahem !

On arrival at the "Crook o' Lune" we posed for a group photograph. Taken as it happens, by a passing, very helpful, stranger. THANK YOU !

Just past this bridge was another bridge after which we left the track and climbed up to where several picnic tables marked the place at which J M W Turner set up his easel to paint the glorious view up the Lune Valley with Ingleborough looming on the distant horizon. (Where one of or missing members, Vic, was supposed to be walking with his cousin).
Bikes parked and lunchboxes opened.

No original "Turner's" were to be seen but a concrete work of art was ????

We had reached the limit of our ride and now turned back towards Lancaster and Glasson. As we cycled down towards Lancaster we passed the rather attractive old station buildings at Halton

This time when we arrived at the Aqueduct we turned off the track and climbed up to the canal.

Oh dear another "Mishap !" One of our riders, possibly distracted by a lady with a dog, missed the tight turn leading to the canal side ramp and plunged off the path into a patch of nettles and brambles. After a few minutes to recover and settle nerves he was able to continue with everyone else.

Frank helpfully wheels our friend's bike up the lengthy ramp to the canal.

Our road was now the canal towpath. We would stick to this until we arrived at Aldcliffe.

As we progressed along this stretch of the Lancaster canal there was much to admire. The old bridges and the buildings which provided almost romantic backdrops.

Mike and Martin bringing up the rear

The view as we approach the catholic Cathedral.

Once past the cathedral we encountered two obviously popular canal side pubs and areas of modern development. Both entirely sympathetic to the area.

At one point during the ride someone commented that John W had a large "Hooter". He agreed entirely but pointed out that he also had a large "Hooter" on his bike,

"Warning pedestrians....For the use of."

Big Hooter ! Me ?

Arriving at Aldcliffe we left the canal and after a short, stiff, gasp inducing climb, dropped steeply down to reach the old rail track we had passed along earlier in the day. As we did this drop some sailed serenely and rapidly down whilst others clung nervously to their brakes. (me !)

We had arrived at the cycleway junction mentioned earlier in the report.

"Go right young men ." "Young men ? Ho! Ho! Ho! "

Before we finally reached Glasson we stopped again at our first coffee spot to finish our flasks.

Then it was only a brief pedal push before we were putting bikes back on racks, enjoying Martin's ever welcome shandies, and presenting the "Walker of the Week" trophy. To Whom ?

Who else. MIKE of course. For arranging a great day. Sorting out transport arrangements and being adviser and bike mechanic throughout the journey. Well Done Mike. "BIKER ! of the Week.