Conditions in this bridleway near Dinas Powys, South Wales were interesting when recently, I looked for a bit of rough-stuff cycling and found the cold early winter conditions provided some smooth going. I'd thrown the folder into the car on a recent visit in the hope of doing a little exercise. I wasn't sure what to expect but once off the tarmac, it coped amazingly well. This lane receives a lot of run-off water draining from the neighbouring fields. It had created a thick layer of ice along most of its length, which made progress slow but interesting - I was glad I was going uphill. I got some strange looks, perhaps because onlookers were amazed anyone would ride what is essentially a shopping bike on a bridleway, also because I don't think many cyclists explore bridleways around this part of South Wales.
The Vale of Glamorgan Rights Of Way Improvement Plan acknowledges that there are limited opportunities for cycling. It has only 27km of bridleways in its 550 km network of public rights of way and many are still poorly signposted or maintained. Their Local Access Forum represents all types of users of rights of way including the Cyclist Touring Club. In their survey they concur that signposting and maintenance is a problem. I didn't have to go far to find an example. This bridleway on Pen-y-turnpike road isn't signposted and has a locked gate.
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The Public Spending Review is likely to have an adverse effect on the future of public rights of way with maintenance and signposting receiving less funding as local authorities try to balance their books in the face of reduced budgets. I do hope it won't become a case of 'use 'em or lose 'em as there are many ancient ways that have been lost in the past and not all authorities treat them with equal priority.
Keep exploring - on two wheels.
I love the run up to going cycle touring. Now that I have most of the kit, well, most importantly, a bike, preparation this year has come down to gathering the small number of possessions required and some fitness training. Unlike last year, the planning and arrangements have been done by others, which has helped enormously. Adding small refinements and new equipment adds to the pleasure and anticipation, with past experience helping to provide some confidence that plans will turn out OK and be fun rather than too challenging or problematic. I would have liked to have done more long rides beforehand to help with training but I've had limited time available this year due to other commitments. Even so, I think we're fit enough to enjoy the 60 odd miles planned each day.
Recent runs for testing and training included a loop in the Bowland Fells with a climb up Beacon Fell (the one on the left in the picture). It doesn't look much, but it has nice steady climbs approached from most directions and commands impressive views of the Fylde coast, since it sits on the eastern edge of the coastal plain. It has a visitor's centre and forest trails and was very busy on the bank holiday. The cafe had tea and sandwiches in reward for the climb. I was trying out a birthday present of a Carradice saddlebag. I am very pleased with it and feel it is going to work much better than panniers for our short tour.
A previous weekend we did a ride around the Lune Valley taking in Barbondale. What a fine spot that is. We had hoped to meet up for the RSF ride that weekend but time didn't allow.
One of the joys of touring for me is the freedom knowing two wheels are going to carry us to a new destination each day with scenery and wildlife to enjoy along the way. A bike makes places more accessible and it is easy just to stop and take in the sights.
We'll be following NCN72 Hadrian's cycleway, which provides a mixture of traffic free paths and country lanes across the country as an alternative sea to sea (C2C). Extensive details are available on Doug Ridgway's excellent Hadrian's Cycleway web site. The route follows Roman antiquities across the north of England, starting at Glannaventa Roman bath house in Ravenglass, it works its way up the west coast of Cumbria and follows Hadrian's wall from Bowness on Solway. After Carlisle, the route visits Roman signal posts and forts along the wall and ends at Arbeia fort in South Shields.
The route is in the GPS, the bikes just need a last clean and lube and we're good to go. If this high pressure lasts it should be splendid riding in the sun with friends. On the other hand, if it is raining, we might be miserable, but I doubt it.
Blackburn increased in size and population during the 1800's due to expansion of the cotton industry. The town became famous for the many mill chimneys dominating its sky line. Now, nearly all the chimneys are gone, along with most of the weaving and spinning. Many of the mill buildings are still standing but are used for other purposes.
My cycle route to work passes a couple of mills, one of which is Carr Cottage Mill. Part of the building has been derelict for some time. In July, the roof collapsed leaving the road-side boundary wall unstable. This is the part adjoining Florence Mill but the other (undamaged) part of Carr Cottage Mill houses a process plant business. One carriageway of the main A666 Whalley New Road has been closed for safety whilst the owners of the building sort it out. It looks like the whole lot is coming down but it's too early to tell. We'll have to wait and see. Meanwhile the traffic lights mean a small to delay to commuters, including me (he wrote, being a good law abiding citizen).
I looked for some information on the history of the mill. It appears previous owners of the mill were bankrupted in the 1800's when there was a cotton famine caused by supply shortages during the American civil war. During that time, many workers existed on welfare handouts of food and fuel and temporary jobs labouring.
I got to the Lake District and back to Lancashire again in one piece. A total of 119 miles over two days. Some great countryside and very quiet lanes.
I know about it now though. Partly I think the heat was tiring, but distance, long hours in the saddle and my lack of training on that particular bike were big factors. Not that I'm exhausted, just enjoyably tired after all the exercise and looking forward to some food. 
Whilst I was heading north, the South Lakes Group of the RSF crossed east and had a good day out on the Bowland fells.
My original plan took in a return via Dent, Deepdale, Kingsdale, Tatham Fells and home, but that would have been 7000 ft of climbing on day 2 after the near 3000ft on day 1, so I decided to stay west of the hills and come down by the coast for the return trip/
Whilst having a brew at the Cafe D'Lune some guy drove past with his family's mountain bikes on the roof of his 4x4 and didn't notice the gantry barrier at the entrance to the car park. It took some time to sort the mess out after he hit it and stopping a good car's length the other side. It looked like most of the damage was to the roof rack, though his expensive looking bikes took a fair wallop.
I got off early this morning to avoid the heat of the day, but might as well have enjoyed more recovery time since the football didn't go our way. There were a few dog walkers out first thing plus a balloon flight, a deer, a dead grass snake and some other wildlife that made the journey interesting.Later there were plenty of cyclists out for their Sunday run including a guy who looked like he was doing a time trial that passed me as though I was standing still, and at that time I was actually going reasonably quickly!
The sting in the tail was crossing the Ribble Valley and climbing up the other side. Back in the saddle for a short ride to work tomorrow.
There's so much going on at the moment but there isn't much evidence of it on here. The cycling summer is firing away full bore with events and rides all over the place and I've been occupied too much to write anything. Seeing my previous entry showing a picture of snow reminds me how absent I've been. That's got to change. With long daylight hours, it's possible to cram a lot into a day, so no excuses.
My recent non-commute riding has been off-road, exploring the countryside. I've joined a couple of the Rough Stuff Fellowship rides recently. One with the Lancashire Group and one with the South Lakes Group. A smashing bunch of folk with so much to share. They have rides going on most weekends including family rides. For example, this weekend:
- Saturday 26th Lancashire Group Family Ride: Cocklet Hill car park, Gisburn Forest, map ref SD745550. Meet at 10-00am for a cuppa, the ride will start at 10-20am
- Saturday 26th South Lakes Group ride to Dunsop Bridge: Meet at 10am at the Cafe d' Lune at Conder Green.
- Sunday 27th Lancashire Group ride: At 10-00am. Meet on the public car park near Wycoller Village, SD 925394.
- Sunday 27th Welsh Borders Group ride: Meet at 10am at Tudor Tea Room , North Gate, Bridgenorth.
- Sunday 27th Home Counties Group ride: Meet at 10am at the Polly Tearooms, High Street, Marlborough, Wilts.
More details and plenty of great photos up on the RSF web sites including glorious cake shots. Did you spot a theme to the rides? Yes - cafes.
I decided a while ago that I needed a long road ride around the time of the solstice and so that's what I'm doing this weekend. I'm heading up to the Lake District tomorrow from Blackburn. It means I miss the RSF rides and also the Pendle national road race with famous names from elite racing and the cyclo sportive, but I figure I'll enjoy doing more than watching. I'll likely cover some of the same route as the cyclo sportive but, because of a lack of preparation and fitness, I'll be taking it easy. Steady away.
Hopefully it'll be a good ride to end bike week.
Happy pedalling.
