RSF Tandem Guild Wheel Run

The tandem has had it's first proper Rough Stuff Fellowship ride. It has been christened (though still doesnt have a name yet).
Our RSF winter rides tend to be more in the Western areas of Lancashire (where it's a bit flatter) to avoid any adverse Pennine Winter Weather that might make a winter ride need to be cut short.  Although west Lancs winter rides can be very muddy, which can feel a lot like hill climbing... not on the Guild Wheel! The 21 mile route is well surfaced and signposted, so anyone can enjoy the route. 
Stephen & I have done the GW a couple of times already, so to make things more interesting we cycled to and from the meet, making a 45 mile round trip.

The lunch stop near Catforth

cyclists infront & more behind

For a cool, grey Northern day we had a great turn out and there were smiles for the whole ride.  Finally someone from my work took us up on the invitation to join a ride and I'm pleased to say that she was still smiling by the end. Phew.

Brian's pic of us all

One rider had come all the way from Derbyshire for the day! 

Other riders had cycled from Chorley and Southport. Cycle routes to the Guild Wheel are great from all directions (Sustrans mapping shows the National Cycle Network routes)

Brian's pic of S, me near the Docks

Brian's pic of W Lancs lanes

we said our goodbyes

After a leisurely few hours, we took the tandem back to the hills.  Last time we tried an off-road route home, which was not rideable on the tandem, so we tried a new route (to us) following part of the Lancashire Cycleway and were rewarded with some beautiful evening sunshine.

Lancashire Cycleway

It's slightly uphill

sunset looking towards Ribble Valley