May began as April had ended on Sunday morning as heavy rain led to the cancellation of our planned "A" ride to Lytham. 

Members are reminded that the next club meeting is on Monday 12th May at 8pm at the Trackside, off Bolton Street

Runs for Sunday 11th May meet Wilkinson's, The Rock:  "A" Clapham 08:30   "B" Tatton Park 09:00

April has not been a good month for our activities weather wise and so it proved again on Sunday. Our planned run to Wray was abandoned and the low turnout opted to visit our foul weather standby destination of the Clarion Clubhouse at Roughlee. Persistent rain on the way turned heavier in Burnley and we continued along main roads through Nelson and Barrowford to Blacko. Turning on to the lanes through Roughlee we opted to visit the shop at Noggarth Top for very reasonably priced pie and peas before making our way to our destination. Pints of tea were downed as we dried out wet clothes in front of the roaring coal fire and chatted to the volunteers and other visitors who, due to the inclement weather, were thin on the ground.

As we lingered the conditions began to dry up and we decided to extend our ride in the afternoon. There was still mist over Pendle as we climbed to Annel Cross and a fast descent brought us to Twiston and we continued on quiet lanes to Downham and Worston. After a brief stop at Whalley we headed for Billington and more lanes to Old Langho and Dinckley. At the De Tabley Arms the climbing began to Salesbury and Wilpshire and after the Blackburn ring road we took to the moors over Roundhills where it began to rain once again. we arrived home with 60 miles covered and the hope that May will bring better weather.

Cloud and a cold east wind greeted the riders as they left their homes to meet in Bury. A good turnout of 'A' riders set off for their ride to Burnsall.  The six strong 'B' group decided on a visit to Red House Farm at Dunham Massey as Terry and Brian were due at the Manchester City game at 4pm.  We set off with the wind on our backs through Little Lever, Tyldesley and across Chat Moss where after the unmanned railway crossing was safely traversed we hit the rough stuff.  We then crossed the Manchester Ship Canal - just getting through before the lock gates were opened for a pleasure boat.  A  little further on John suffered a front wheel puncture mainly due to his deteriorating tyre only noticed at the start of the ride.  A repair was made and some silver paper from Terry's butties inserted to strengthen the tyre fabric at its weakest point. This held out for the rest of the ride - a useful tip learnt.

Continuing on past Manchester United's training ground in Carrington some rather expensive looking vehicles passed us in the opposite direction. Their tinted windows meant recognising famous players was impossible.  Then there was more rough stuff until the open country roads leading to our destination were reached. By this time the rain was pretty steady so a lunch stop was welcome.

The rain had eased a little by the time we set off on the return route around Altrincham which eventually took us on to a perimeter path around Manchester Airport where we watched a succession of planes take off and land. We pressed on to a comfort stop at Sale Water Park. Here Terry and Brian left us to continue on a cycle path on their way to Eastlands for the 4pm kick off. For the others it was onto suburban roads through Chorlton and Whalley Range and onto Deansgate then a direct route home up Bury New Road.  An eventful day with 53 miles covered.

The planned 'A' ride to Holmfirth was abandoned due to the promise of rain over the Pennines. The weather forecast was more favourable for the west so instead six riders headed north through Edenfield and Haslingden before turning west to go over the Roundhills. From the Blackburn bypass we turned right to begin the climb up the York road. At the summit we joined the Lancashire Cycleway for a very undulating but scenic ride through narrow lanes which culminated in a stop at the cafe near Bamber Bridge.

We continued to a track on the banks of the River Ribble and then on a succession of cycle paths that only Nigel Hood could know about. Back on normal roads with Nigel still leading we passed through Lower Penwortham and Hoole at a brisk pace until we arrived at the antique shop / cafe just outside Croston Village for a late lunch. This is proving to be a popular venue as we were here only two weeks ago. 

Leaving Croston we once again joined the Lancashire Cycleway for another succession of lanes taking us towards Whittle le Woods before making our way back to Bury via Horwich with around 80 miles covered.

Our members were greeted by an overnight snowfall on Sunday morning but clear skies and a light wind made for good progress for Mark and Nigel on their run to Gargrave. Six 'B' group riders headed out of Bury through Accrington before making a tea stop at Whalley. They then continued on to Bolton by Bowland.

Conditions deteriorated later in the day but with the weather on our backs a we enjoyed a brisk return to Bury.

Windy but dry was the forecast for Sunday's rides - and so it turned out. Mark and Nigel headed for Scorton whilst the four other 'A' group riders opted for a ride out into the wind towards Rochdale so as to take advantage of a tailwind on the return.  After Littleborough we headed for the Blackstone Edge climb. We decided to take the old road to take advantage of shelter from the houses. This went to plan - until there were no more houses.  We soon rejoined the main road and climbed into the wind, but we were forced to dismount near the summit due to the strong gusts. We walked the last few hundred yards to the welcoming shelter of the walls of the White House pub. It was then on to the Cragg Vale road wher we struggled into the wind at the start of the long descent to Mytholmroyd. A group of cyclists climbing in the opposite direction went passed us descenders at a faster speed!  At Mytholmroyd we joined the valley road to a stop at Ken's Cafe in Hebden Bridge for a welcome brew.

After lunch, aided by a tailwind, we sped along the valley road to Todmorden before turning right for the Cliviger Gorge climb via Portsmouth. Then the steep little Lancashire Cycleway road was taken to bring us up onto the Crown Point road. At the summit we turned right for the long descent to Waterfoot and on to Rawtenstall for a final cafe stop at the railway station before the return home.  A very bracing 50 odd miles were covered.

This Sunday we are off to Betwys-y-Coed in North Wales for our Easter tour.

The Charlie Westlake Invitation Sportive Rides proved to be popular last Sunday with a good entry for both the 50k and 100k events. The latter was boosted by a group of 9 riders from Stockport. The early morning showers had mostly been blown away by the time the riders got under way and there were severe tests of climbing on the 50k from Lower Darwen to Guide and over the Roundhills while on the 100k the climb from Downham to Annel Cross and then Towneley to Deerplay tested the riders. Both events had a sting in the tail with the climb from Edenfield to the finish at Owd Betts. However, all participants successfully completed the rides within the time limits and will receive certificates in due course. Hopefully two of the riders from Tottington may now try our "B" rides. 

At least £125 has been raised for Bury Hospice from entry fees and donations made on the day.

Very windy conditions did not deter our members for the ride along the Lancashire Cycleway on Sunday 2nd March. From Rawtenstall we followed the Rossendale Valley to Waterfoot and from Water we climbed to Deerplay before a fast descent to Burnley cooled us down. Main roads were followed with the wind behind us to Colne and Foulridge where we turned onto quiet lanes with good views across the Pennines as we passed the Fanny Grey pub.

Lunch was taken in Barnoldswick after which we turned straight into the wind to Middop and the gated road to Downham. At least the conditions were keeping the roads quiet as followed a twisting lane to Worston and at Whalley we stopped for a well earned pot of tea. As the wind was still strong we decided to take a direct route home through Accrington and we got back to Bury in daylight with some 70-odd miles covered.

A dry start soon turned to heavy rain for the proposed run to Downham. We got as far as Rawtenstall station cafe where a halt for an early tea was decided upon. Hoping the rain would abate was to no avail and after our brew we started out on a shorter local run. We were just approaching Haslingden when Eric had a front wheel puncture. Mended, the rain eased a little as we headed for the Roundhills road before turning left at the Britannia crossroads continuing through Lower Darwen and a couple of steep climbs before arriving at Tockholes for a cafe stop at the walkers' cafe.

We had an early meal here and later,in drying conditions, rode to the Belmont road and turned off at the resevoir and took the hilly road eventually leading to Chapeltown. A bit of rough stuff to the Strawberry Duck pub and back on solid tarmac for the descent to the resrvoir and the climb to Edgworth. It was then only a short way home after an enjoyable mornings cycling.

It was a hardy group who assembled in Bury for the clubrun to Catforth on Sunday. Overnight temperatures were below zero and a chilly start with windchill on any descent made for an uncomfortable beginning to the day. Climbing up Ainsworth Road warmed us up and further climbing around Bromley Cross to Belmont generated more heat. The long descent through Abbey Village to Riley Green chilled fingers and toes and from here we stuck to the main road to Preston having decided that it was more likely to be ice free than nearby lanes. We followed the banks of the Ribble through Avenham Park before heading for Ashton-on-Ribble. Entering the flat area of the Fylde we were soon at our destination of Billington's Tea Rooms where we were glad of hot food and tea.

After lunch and with temperatures rising we followed the lanes to Broughton where we crossed the A6 and made for Goosnargh. Longridge soon passed beneath our wheels and we took a brief stop at Ribchester before climbing Barker Brow to Salesbury and Wilpshire. After the Blackburn ring road we re grouped for the climb over Roundhills and from Haslingden we covered the last few miles back to Bury in dropping temperatures as the sun set in the west.

Sunday 10^th was easily the best day of the year so far. With blue sky and sunshine all day after a crisp and frosty start the day gradually warmed up to a near perfect temperature for cycling.

So it was that we set out from Bury northwards through Accrington to Whalley where we took to quiet lanes to Worston and Sawley. From Copy Nook we took the long drag of a climb to Greaves from where there were good views forward to Stocks Reservoir and Bowland Knotts and backwards to Pendle Hill. A fast descent and steep ascent brought us to Tosside where a left turn took us down a deserted single track road with magnificent views of Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Fountains Fell. Next came the gated road to Wham where, if anything, the views were even better with not only the aforementioned Fells in view but also Settle and the fells beyond Scaleber and the Ribble Valley around Hellifield. Descending to Giggleswick we made our way to Settle for lunch and met up with other members who had made their own way to our destination.

Back on the road we made our way across the valley to Rathmell and after Wigglesworth we turned for Dunhazzles and then Bolton-by-Bowland. After a brief stop here some of our members re-traced our morning route whilst others went to Grindleton and Waddington. Re-grouping at Whalley Abbey we took more refreshments and, with the sun now setting and the temperature dropping, some returned by York village and the Roundhills while others took the direct route back through Accrington. We reached Bury after dark with some 90-odd miles covered, not a bad total for February.

A worsening forecast did not deter our members on Sunday's clubrun to the new venue of Beacon Fell Country Park. A tail wind greatly aided progress as we went out to Haslingden and over the Roundhills, then following the Blackburn ring road to Brownhills. we soon crossed the River Ribble by the De Tabley Arms where we saw evidence of how high the river has been in recent weeks. After a short stop at Ribchester we carried on to Longridge where we took to quiet lanes with our destination visible above us. we followed the one way system around the fell to the cafe at our destination, enjoying panoramic views all around.

After lunch we picked our way through the lanes again to Grimsargh, Ribbleton and Brindle. Progress was slower due to the headwind which we were now battling into so it was a great relief to stop at the Chapel Tearooms in Rivington for more refreshment. From here we took the line of least resistance through Horwich, Bolton and back to Bury.

At last we had a dry Sunday for our rides! But the wind which was supposed to have blown itself out in the early hours of Saturday morning was still with us as we set out on Sunday morning.

We headed west towards Bolton and instead of the usual route we took a traffic free Sustrans cycleway which runs alongside the railway line parallel with Chorley New Road to Lostock Junction. We then went across a golf course which brought us to Middlebrook Way after which we rejoined the roads to Blackrod and Aspull. Passing Haigh Hall we descended to Red Rock and climbed to Standish before Stan had a puncture at Wrightington. At Dangerous Corner we turned onto quiet lanes which avoided Parbold hill and then threaded our way to Croston using Martin's hand drawn map.

Lunch was taken in the Rendezvous Cafe in Croston after which we took a direct route to Euxton and Chorley, then following the A6 to Adlington. At Rivington a circuit was followed to extend our mileage. At Anglezarke we were delayed as the police and mountain rescue cleared the road and adjacent car park to allow the air ambulance to pick up a casualty. From White Coppice we went to Botany Bay, Cowling, Limbrick and back to Anglezarke before climbing over to Belmont. This roller coaster ride carried on to Chapeltown and Edgeworth, returning home with some 70 odd miles covered.

Heavy rain and high winds put off all but the most hardy of our members for Sunday's run to Sowerby Bridge. We cycled eastwards to Rochdale and Newhey where the climbing started in earnest as we went over by the Moorcock (no longer a pub) to Denshaw. After passing New Year's Day reservoir we climbed onto desolate moorland where we were totally exposed to the winds as we crossed Buckstones. There are normally good views across West Yorkshire from this high vantage point but today the clouds were down and we were more concerned about getting off the moors. A long descent followed into the Calder Valley by way of Barkisland and Norland to Sowerby Bridge where we had lunch in the usual cafe while we dried out a little.

Here the group split up with half taking the direct route through Triangle to Blackstone Edge whilst others took the West Yorkshire cycleway up to Sowerby and Cragg Vale before also going over the summit of Blackstone Edge followed by a direct route through Rochdale to Bury. Mark described the run as "a bit wet and quite breezy", quite an understatement.

Despite a poor weather forecast a hardy group assembled in Bury for Sunday's run to Catforth. The outward route took us through Ainsworth and Bromley Cross to Belmont where a fast pace was maintained alongside the reservoir and through Abbey Village to Riley Green. At Houghton we took to quiet lanes and on the approach to Preston we turned into Avenham Park. From Ashton-on-Ribble we headed straight to our destination for shelter and hot food.

The weather turned out to be better than the forecast so, after lunch, we made our way to Broughton and then along country lanes to Longridge and Ribchester. After a refreshment here we followed the usual route home through Wilpshire and over the Roundhills to Haslingden returning to Bury in Gathering gloom with around 75 miles covered.

Our 'A' group members made the most of Sunday's good weather on the clubrun to Cracoe with the only rain of the day being a heavy shower on the way up to Edenfield. Good progress was made through Burnley to Colne where we opted for the climb over Skipton Old Road followed by a steep and fast descent to Broughton. This roller coaster ride continued through drumlin country to Gargrave, Hetton and our destination.

After lunch we made our way through the lanes to Airton, Bell Busk and Hellifield. Crossing two usually busy main roads here we continued on quiet lanes to Halton West and Bolton-by-Bowland. We stopped at Whalley Abbey for refreshments before taking the York and Roundhills route home.

The last Sunday of the year was dry and quite mild and we made good progress through Accrington to Whalley. We knew that the Abbey Coffee Shop was closed so we carried on to Great Mitton where we encountered a large number of runners en route to Clitheroe. We chose to continue in the opposite direction to them and at Bashall Eaves we took a minor lane through the woods and past outlying farms to Waddington where we stopped for lunch in the cafe. Afterwards we carried on to Grindleton and Chatburn before climbing to Downham where we engaged with a steeper and longer climb under the shoulder of Pendle Hill to Annel cross. A swift descent to Barley was followed by a steep ascent to Newchurch-in-Pendle, our roller coaster ride then taking us through Spen Brook, Fence and Reedley Hallows. From Burnley there followed the 2 1/2 mile climb to Burnley summit after which we reeled the miles off back to Bury arriving in twilight with some 65 miles covered.

Sunday morning was damp, misty and very cold as we set out on our Christmas lunch ride to the Shepherd's Rest at Lumbutts. The main group went through Rochdale and Calderbrook before joining the road which runs parallel to the railway and canal as far as Walsden. Here we turned for Knowl Wood and began the long drag of a climb to our destination. Nigel led a group through country lanes around Milnrow (some of which had been blocked off and redeveloped as part of a new industrial estate resulting in cyclo-cross skills being required) followed by a ride along the shore of Hollingworth Lake before dropping to Littleborough. Another group assembled at Edenfield and went via Rawtenstall and the Cliviger Gorge to Todmorden whilst Mark Cranshaw took in Burnley, Colne, Wycollar and Widdop Moor closing in on an annual mileage of 11,500. Lunch was taken with a panoramic view of the Calder Valley and Stoodley Pike after which, with the sun and the temperature rapidly dropping, we all took a direct route back to Bury before dark.

The sub zero temperature overnight did not deter our members on Sunday and there was a good turnout for the "A" run. From Rawtenstall we took the Bacup road and at Waterfoot we turned for Water and the climb to Crown Point which warmed us up but the following descent to Burnley had our fingers and toes tingling. From Duke Bar we crossed the valley to Fence where a puncture delayed our progress and so we reconsidered our destination and headed for the Pendle Heritage centre in Barrowford.

After thawing out with hot food and tea we decided on a more direct route home and made our way through Nelson to Burnley and, finding that the temperature had risen slightly, we carried on through Hapton to Accrington. The climb to Baxenden made us generate some heat but with the sun now dipping we headed for home with around 50 miles covered.

The "B" group had what must have been one of the earliest tea stops in the club's history when we stopped at Rawtenstall railway station cafe for a warming brew after only 9 miles covered. It was then out into the cold again for the climb of Waterfoot to Crown Point and, following in the wheel tracks of the "A" group, the cold descent to Townley Hall followed by a walk and ride through the park.

Sunday morning started cold and damp so it was a hardy bunch who turned out for the clubrun to Roughlee. Good progress was made through Rawtenstall and Crawshawbooth and over Burnley summit although the misty conditions did not afford us any good views. From Burnley we made for Reedley Hallows and a fast descent was followed by a long drag up the side of the valley to Fence. We then enjoyed a traverse along to Noggarth Top before making our way up Jinny Lane to the Clarion Clubhouse at Roughlee. Here we were joined by Nigel and Steve who had made their own way to our lunch stop. As we enjoyed pints of tea patches of blue sky could be seen and the clouds miraculously disappeared to give a sunny afternoon.

Back on the road the main group went to Barley and climbed under the shoulder of Pendle Hill but Nigel and Alan opted for a sterner test taking the very steep Stang Top Lane and Black Moss Lane. We re-grouped at Annel Cross and then took the steep descent to Twiston before following a flooded road to Downham. From Worston we took to lanes parallel to the Clitheroe by-pass and at Barrow a puncture delayed us but at Whalley Abbey we took more refreshments and discussed our route home. At Wilpshire we suffered another puncture and as we crossed the Roundhills we had to light up in the gathering gloom. The last few miles to Bury were covered in darkness and we reached home with around 65 miles covered, not bad after an unpromising start!

December is here and heavy and persistent rain led to the abandonment  of this week’s clubruns. The only good news of the week is that we got a full column on the Clubs page in the Bury Times for our new monthly report. Look out for it on the last Friday of each month.

On a typical November day, cool damp and dull, a hardy group set out for Catforth. We chose a different outward route going first to Rawtenstall and by the Ski slope to Haslingden. From Guide we dropped to Lower Darwen and then tackled the steep climb and descent to Feniscowles. Turning for Pleasington there was no obvious onward route to our destination but Nigel took us along a farm a decent track which then became a bit rough and eventually turned into a quagmire! At first it was easier to walk through the field instead of along the track but a bridge had to be crossed after which the lane was flooded. There was nothing for it but to ride through the water trusting that there were no hidden potholes below.

Back on tarmac at Houghton a fast ride into Preston and out through Ashton followed. Lunch was taken at Billington's tea rooms after which we split into two groups one going south to Coppull and Rivington, the other going east along the Lancashire Cycleway to Longridge. A brief stop was made at Ribchester before tackling the Roundhills and making a damp return to Bury with around 75 miles covered.

A rainy day in prospect didn't put off a group of  'A' riders who headed north to Gargrave. On arrival the Dalesman cafe was closed which is unheard of. Pressing on to Long Preston they found the cafe there too was closed. With no reporter out on the ride this is about all that can be said of the day's cycling.

Another cool start did not deter our members who turned out in force for the "A" run to Haworth.  A fast pace was maintained through Rochdale and Calderbrook before a split saw some taking the direct route to Todmorden and Hebden Bridge whilst others climbed around Lumbutts before a sharp descent back to the main road. The long drag through Pecket Wells saw us spread out along the climb before another swooping descent brought us to Oxenhope where we re-grouped for the run in to Haworth.  We made our way cautiously up the cobbled main street to our favoured cafe for food and hot tea, lingering in the warmth and contemplating our route home.  There was more climbing to come to Stanbury and then onto the moors past the Herders Inn before another long and steep descent brought us to Laneshawbridge and some less severe roads at last. Colne, Nelson and Burnley passed beneath our wheels before we tackled the long climb to Burnley summit and, with the sun now dipping in the sky, we made a brisk dash for home as the temperature began to drop.

Members are reminded that it is the Manchester DA AGM at the Friends Meeting House, Peter Street, Manchester at 1.30pm on Saturday 17th November where a proposed name change will be discussed.

On the coolest Sunday morning of the season so far there was a good turnout for the "A" run to Dunsop Bridge.With virtually no wind and the sun breaking through conditions were virtually ideal as we took the direct route through Accrington. Most of us carried on to Whalley but Nigel, Mark and Alan decided that it was a good idea to add a few miles via Great Harwood and York Village. From Whalley we took to the lanes through Mitton to Bashall Eaves and there was another split at Cow Ark with the main group going via Whitewell with the three breakaways going over Easington fell to Newton before meeting the rest at our destination.

After lunch we took the scenic lanes through Little Bowland where we were overtaken by about 10 members of the Morris 1000 club. From Chipping we went through Longridge to Ribchester where we sampled the new cafe and gathered our strength for the climbing to come over the Roundhills before returning to Bury with around 80 miles covered.

Sunday started crisp and dry with no wind for our clubrun to Long Preston. The direct route was taken through Accrington to Whalley where we took to lanes alongside the A59. At Bolton-by-Bowland we took the climb along Hellifield Road before dropping down to Halton West. Lunch was taken at Long Preston where we discussed our afternoon route. A "B" road was taken crossing the River Ribble before Wigglesworth and then a long drag of a climb to Tosside. From here the climbs and descents became longer and steeper as we made our way to Easington Fell. Here Nick Pickup suffered a broken spoke and his wheel needed truing which took some time. The descent to Cowark was followed by a fast run down to Whalley and the Cloisters coffee shop. With the sun now dropping and the chill returning we made our way via Wilpshire to the Roundhills and Haslingden, reaching Bury with 90-odd miles covered.

The early autumn weather has been better for cycling than most of the so called summer. Runs for Sunday 21st October meet Wilkinson's, The Rock: "A" Long Preston, 09:00 "B" Knutsford, 09:00

In spite of the cool autumnal morning there was a good turnout for Sundays run to Scorton. We rode due north through Accrington to Whalley where we took to the lanes of the Forest of Bowland. After Dunsop Bridge we entered the Trough of Bowland with a steep climb and descent before taking the Marshaw turning to our destination. Lunch was taken in the Priory before we took to the lanes to Longridge and Ribchester. After the climb of Barker Brow we followed the Blackburn ring road and the Roundhills to Haslingden before re-tracing our morning route back to Bury.

The autumnal feel to the morning and poor forecast did not deter our members form the clubrun to Wrae Green on Sunday. After warming up on the climb to Ainsworth we carried on to Belmont and on the descent to Riley Green the black clouds to the north looked uninviting. After a brief stop in Avenham Park, Preston we continued through Ashton-on Ribble and Treales to our destination. By now the wind had got up and we were thankful to rest for a while in Dizzy Ducks cafe.

Refreshed and with the wind now behind us we made good progress back to Preston where we followed a cyclepath along an old railway line to Bamber Bridge where a puncture briefly halted our progress. Skirting Chorley we took to lanes to Rivington and another stop at the Old Chapel tea rooms. With rain now beginning to fall we went through Bolton and returned to Bury with around 85 miles covered.

Runs for Sunday 23rd September meet Wilkinson's, The Rock:   "A" Grassington 08:30 (Edenfield 09:00)   "B" Bolton-by-Bowland 09:00 (Edenfield 09:30)

Many members are still away on holiday, so it was a very small group that set off for Ingleton last Sunday. Not only that, but the weather forecast was dire and after only half an hour on the road the rain came. The riders split up and did their own short rides with only Mark Cranshaw making a soggy day of it.

Sunday's run was to the new destination of Airton where a cafe has recently opened. We took the direct route through Accrington to Whalley and then followed the quiet lane alongside the A59. At Bolton-by-Bowland we took the long drag of a climb up Hellifield road where the A65 was choked with holiday traffic.Back in the lanes which were virtually traffic free we passed through a tranquil Otterburn and at Airton our cafe stop was full of cyclists, always a good sign.

The stiff climb of Scosthrop lane followed and from the summit we enjoyed good views of Pendle Hill, the Bowland Fells and the Dales around Settle. A fast run brought us back to Whalley and another refreshment stop and from here we retraced our steps reaching home with 90-odd miles covered.

"B" group members were away at the Mildenhall Rally in Suffolk.

It was a cool and damp start to Sundays clubrun to Croston. Good progress was made to Bromley Cross but at Belmont the clouds were down and the rain set in. After a cautious descent to Abbey Village we took to the lanes to Brindle and then skirted Leyland. At our destination we searched out a new cafe at Bryn Marina which proved to be excellent. Back on the road we headed for Coppull and Adlington before another refreshment stop at the Chapel Tea Rooms at Rivington. From here we returned through Horwich and Bolton with 70-odd miles covered.

At last a dry Sunday and with some sunshine too.  With a chill in the air at first, the ‘B’ group set off through the cemetery and down Manchester Road for the ride to Knutsford.  Riding through Agecroft, Worsley and Irlam, the first stop was made at Irlam Locks overlooking the tranquil waters of the Manchester Ship Canal.  Here the group split with some taking an early return home, whilst the remainder continued through Carrington, passing the Manchester United training ground, before joining the country roads leading to Tatton Park.  A ride into the park led us to the café for our lunch stop.  The return route through Chorlton Water Park was taken.

A cool start on Sunday morning saw us set off at a brisk pace to Rawtenstall and Burnley. Here the rain began to fall and it became so heavy at Colne that we abandoned our destination of Otley and went to Wycoller instead.

We had the cafe to ourselves and we lingered as the rain became torrential but eventually it eased off and we made our way to Trawden. Even the high moorland roads were awash and from Worsthorne and Cliviger we climbed to Crown Point  where we turned for Waterfoot and then made our way back to Bury for an early finish with 60-odd miles covered.

Sunday started dry with little wind and the "A"group made good progress to Burnley and along the way we met Bolton Clarion at Edenfield and former member John Ashworth in Rawtenstall. We took the road through Fence to Barrowford and climbed to the Cross Gaits Inn before enjoying glorious views across to Foulridge and Earby from the Fanny Grey Inn before a steep descent into Barnoldswick and lunch.

After feeding the pigeons as well as ourselves we took to the Lancashire Cycleway which afforded another beautiful vista of the Three Peaks and the Bowland Fells. A roller coaster ride along an almost deserted gated road brought us to Downham and Worston and then minor lanes took us to Barrow and Whalley. At the Abbey we took more refreshments in the Cloisters Coffee Shop as the forecast rain began to fall. Undeterred we took the climb from Painter Wood to York village and then the Roundhills, noting that Pendle Hill was now in the clouds. At Haslingden we regrouped and made a damp return to Bury with a creditable 70- odd miles covered.

Another poor weather forecast made for a low turnout for the proposed ‘B’ ride to Eccleston.  This, combined with the lure of live Tour de France coverage on TV, meant that only two riders set out towards Holcombe Brook for an outward ride up to Holcombe Village and over Haslingden Grane at which summit the rain began to fall. A left turn was taken towards Edgworth and in drying conditions an undulating route through Chapeltown, Belmont Village and on to Rivington tested the legs.

After a brief stop the riders decided to return home via the long climb out of Horwich and taking the high road to descent back on to the Belmont road.  The remaining miles took us through Harwood and Ainsworth and home just before an almighty rainstorm started.

The 'A' group should have completed a ride to Hawes, but a report has not been posted.

This report is short because non of the usual writers were out riding. Last Sunday's 'A' ride to Knott End started out in dry weather but once again the rainy weather forecast proved correct and on more than one occasion we got a thorough soaking. The outward route was over Belmont.

The 'B' group destination was Southport which is a pleasant ride on a sunny day, but on this day rainwear was needed.  Riders are hoping for an improvement in the weather this weekend. 

With many members away at York Rally last weekend, there was still a good turn out for the ‘A’ ride to Otley.  With rain promised for later in the day it was an early start through Rochdale, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge followed by the long but scenic climb to Oxenhope Moor.  After descending to Keighley the group split, with one rider taking the homeward route via Cowling and Colne.  The main group continued with a stiff climb up the appropriately named Swine Lane then through East Morton and Menston to the lunch stop at Otley.

Refreshed, the return ride took us through Askwith, Ilkley and Skipton before hitting familiar roads in now wet weather through Colne, Nelson and Burnley arriving home with over ninety miles covered. In fact the route covered today was that of the club’s 150km Reliability Ride which used to take place annually.

On the hottest Sunday of the year so far so we left Bury early for the Bowland Fells. With riders away on Audax rides or opposed to the early start it was a different group to last week who decided to take on Tatham Fell after the planned ride to Langsett was changed.

The direct route out through Accrington to Whalley was followed by quiet lanes to Copy Nook and the climb to Greaves before a fast descent to Slaidburn. Refreshments were taken here as we knew what was to come. The Skaithe, Lamb Hill and Tatham Fell provide a big test of climbing ability at the best of times but the heat made it doubly difficult. A well earned rest was taken at the summit beside the socket stone of the Cross of Greet which has long since disappeared.

A fast descent brought us to the Lowgill turning and moorland lanes afforded us the best view of the Three Peaks that exists. Wray was quiet and we carried on to Bull Beck picnic site for lunch in the shade of a tree. With the major climbs now behind us we maintained a moderate pace creating our own cooling breeze as we carried on through the lanes to Caton, Quernmore and Scorton. Here triple scoop ice creams were enjoyed and water bottles re-filled.   

More country lanes brought us through Longridge and at Ribchester we had another refreshment stop before climbing Barker Brow to Wilpshire and then the Roundhills to Haslingden. With the temperature becoming a little more bearable we returned home with around 110 miles covered.

The well attended 'B' group including new member Sarah Collinge took to canal paths in the early part of the day on their ride to Rufford.  First it was the path from Bolton to Lostock. Then after a refreshment stop at Haigh Hall it was onto another canal path which took us to Appley Bridge. Most enjoyable in the warm sunshine.

The warmest Sunday of the year so far made for tough going on a hilly course. The direct route from Bury to Whalley through Accrington was taken, then gentle lanes to Cow Ark where the climbing began in earnest over Easington Fell with the reward of a 50 mph descent on the other side. Elevenses were taken at Slaidburn before the major climb of the day taking The Skaithe to Lamb Hill and Tatham Fell. At the summit only the socket stone remains of the Cross of Greet but there is a great panoramic view back to Pendle Hill and Lancashire and Forward to Ingleborough and the Yorkshire Dales with the Howgills and Cumbria beyond. Another fast descent brought us into the lanes around Mewith and Keasden and on to Clapham for lunch.

After Austwick and Lawkland we climbed onto the moors around Wham and Tosside before descending again to Bolton-by-Bowland and another cafe stop. Lanes through Grindleton and Waddington brought us back to Whalley from where we re-traced our outward route, arriving back in Bury with over 100 miles covered.

After a cool start the weather steadily improved all day for our run to Littondale. After Whalley we took lanes to Chatburn and Wigglesworth stopping for lunch at Settle. From Stainforth we climbed the aptly named Goat Lane onto the moors under Pen-y-Ghent, mixing with riders in the Etape du Dales . Descending to Halton Gill we enjoyed riding the full length of the beautiful and quiet Littondale before stopping at Gargrave for refreshments. A direct route home through Burnley was chosen with over 100 miles covered.

Mark Cranshaw and Mike Tattersall rode overnight in the Halifax - Alston - Halifax 400km qualifier for this years Paris -Brest - Paris 1,200km Audax.

Due to the poor forecast on Sunday morning the "A" section opted for a shorter ride to Slaidburn. Our early start made for quiet roads through Accrington to Whalley and we followed minor roads to Sawley followed by a steady climb to Threap Green before swooping down to our destination for an early lunch. After a stiff climb out of the village we came to the centre of the UK at Dunsop Bridge and fast lanes from Cow Ark brought us to Whalley for refreshments. The steady climb to York village followed and a damp crossing of the Roundhills and back to Bury before the worst of the rain set in.

Some of our members attended the Kirkpatrick Macmillan Cycle Rally near Dumfries over the Bank Holiday weekend. We met friends old and new from all over the country and enjoyed rides to Dalry, Kirkcudbright, Mitchellslacks and New Abbey. There is a network of quiet country lanes in this area which make cycling very enjoyable and it is possible to take in views which motorists would miss. Evening meals and entertainment were laid on at Shawhead village hall and on the Sunday we enjoyed a breakfast laid on for us at Keir Mill village hall, the birthplace of Kirkpatrick Macmillan who invented and built the very first bicycle at his Blacksmith's forge.

Another group of members rode (and other went car assisted) to the Manchester DA Weekend based at Dalesbridge Outdoor Centre at Austwick, North Yorkshire where three days of cycling was enjoyed in the countryside around the Settle and Clapham.

With longer days and better weather our rides are going further afield and over 100 miles was covered on Sunday. The usual route was taken to Whalley and then on to the Trough of Bowland, this severe climb was made a little easier by a stiff tailwind and we flew down the other side and on to Abbeystead and Galgate. At Glasson Dock we loitered over lunch, gathering our strength for going into the wind on the way back. From Garstang we followed lanes to Longridge and Ribchester before a final test over the Roundhills to Haslingden and back to Bury.

Many members are away at cycle rallies in Austwick and Dumfries or doing an Audax qualifier over the bank holiday weekend, for anyone not away there are two rides: "A" Ingleton, "B" Impromptu, both meet at Wilkinson's, The Ro