Some years ago, Chris of Yorkshire Coast Clarion challenged me to organise an Easter Meet in Barrow in Furness. Now, not much organisation was actually required, and it came to pass at Easter 2022.
With Euston Station closed over the whole weekend, the London Clarion contingent had an arduous journey on Thursday evening. We met for breakfast on Friday morning at the Furness Railway (Wetherspoons), and soon gathered a goodly group of riders. We did a morning traffic free coast ride to Roa Island, and an afternoon ride on Walney Island, visiting the nature reserve at the south end, with a walk to the lighthouse. Between the two we had lunch at Peace and Loaf, an excellent bakery near the college. In the evening we had dinner, organised by Colin Urmston, at Dhaba Indian Restaurant, and attended by 17.
Saturday, we rode a low traffic route to Ulverston, with a break at The Milk Hut on the coast road. We had lunch in a pub recommended by Labour activists who were canvassing in the square in Ulverston. Sadly, some of our number had to return home early, so only 11 of us attended pizza night at Peace and Loaf, and then had beer at The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel. It is owned by Lancaster Brewery and the beer is excellent. On a busy and crowded evening the staff opened a room for us so we could sit together.
Sunday, we rode a gently hilly circuit to Dalton in Furness and nearby villages including Askham. We met riders from Barrow Central Wheelers, and they led us to a café at an old water mill in Gleaston where we had lunch. We later visited Furness Abbey, and had an afternoon beer at The Kings Arms, on a hillside above Barrow. Sunday dinner was in a town centre bar named the Odd Frog. Nice food at a good price but blighted by a band doing sound checks and tuning up.
On Monday morning we went our separate ways. The Bolton/London contingent of Bisset, Southern and Kiddle took a boat trip to Piel Island on a fast-rising tide, and after another Milk Hut visit walked to the Hoad Monument on the hill above Ulverston.
Easter Meets seem to last for ever and be over in a flash. We had an excellent weekend of cycling and good fellowship. Thanks to all who attended: from Blackburn, London, Barnoldswick, Stockport, Scarborough, Salford and Bolton. Special thanks to the 4 women, regular riders on the Bolton Clarion Fellowship ride, who joined us for part of the weekend. We were happy to learn you enjoyed your trip to the Abbey before you took your train home. Before we left, we agreed that in 2023 we shall meet in Leicester and planning of rides has already started.
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