16°C,
The Ormskirk cycle club write regular diarys for each club run, chain-gang and race. Here’s what they said about Sunday’s ride@

Surprisingly low numbers at the shop this morning, but still 40 odd people there. As the Captain was otherwise detained there was no real plan for A groupers. John Hesketh was leading a fairly large group to Beacon Fell. Alternately Wilko was planning on a run to Scorton, although given the planned return time, there appeared to be few takers. Titch had suggested local Hills part 2. Finally Mark Brownett offered up the Southport run. Decisions made the large B group left, Wilko and Titch combined and headed to what in the end was a pretty speedy ride to Brindle I think. Meanwhile, 8 mixed ability riders, including Mike-an interloper ex of Litchfield City Cycling Club- on a fixed wheel 42-16 and Adam a first timer in group riding with a previous max of <10 miles in his legs, set off to Southport. Mark and Mike lead out via the cricket club, Town Green, passed The Swan and out to the Church on the Southport Road. A left here and out down Punnels Lane, picking up the Formby Cycles road. Straight over at the lights and right turn through Formby, and onto Formby Hall. A ‘comfort break’ was taken by some and then on to the Coast road proper. Kev and Jeff now lead until traffic forced the group to single file until passed the cinema in Southport. The paced upped a little out onward Banks but a general regroupment occurred by Ralph Wife’s Lane. Onwards via Hesketh Bank and Tarleton, out to Croston and Mawdsley. The approach to the cafe was brightened by Mark Brownett and his dodgy knee taking a jump and pushing the pace somewhat. He was however caught at the right turn whereupon Kev shot passed and lead all the way to the cafe despite a little chase. Coffee was taken, the A group riders already at the cafe. Tour discussed. And back as one over Hoscar moss. Charlotte left at the Ring O Bells, to get her bag packed for Ibiza tomorrow- watch out Ministry of Sound! The Dark Lane Drag resulted in a little tussle, Cameron jumping early, although I suspect Kev or Wilko got there first! Good well paced and directed ride 50 miles for me, 16.7mph average and very nice it was too. Credit to Adam for cycling further than he’d ever done before and Mike for getting round on a fixed wheel- although he bounced around down the coast road pedalling at 120 rpm….. See you in a couple of weeks — at work next Sunday!

The low rolling section in the middle is the Southport coast road.