21/08/2010 by Simeon Orme.

We thought that we would be few on the ground due to illness and holidays but in the event we had a good turnout, though we were outnumbered by visiting members from other groups! The Macclesfield Old Road out of Buxton is steep and stony and for most of us it meant a walk. As usual I was the last to breast the summit for I find walking not easy these days! A pleasent descent to Derbyshire Bridge was followed by a climb to the 1700 foot high Cat and Fiddle where we took a short rest. The one and a half mile bridleway across the moor to the A54 is an easy and pleasant track. A mile along the A54 we took a lane and bridleway to pass some walkers. However we were soon re-passed by them as we sttruggled down the steep, rocky and sandy track to arrive at Three Shires Head. This is an idyllic and popular spot where we stopped to take photos.The track from here is not steep but deep sand and stones make it difficult to ride until it approaches Hawk’s Nest. From here thebridleway is a difficult deeply entrenched and narrow defile dropping through woods to a ford before climbing to meet the tarmac. The road for most of us was a very steep walk to Flash - at over 1500′ the highest village in England. We passed the pub and continued to the recently open cafe at Flash Bar. Three hours had passed and we had covered little more than eight miles. In the old days we could have run it quicker, but alas no more! After  lunch we pased along Axe Edge to take a most pleasent green bridleway which descends beside a tributary of the infant Dove. Reaching Fairthorn we climbed over the ridge to take another grassy bridleway which took us over the moor before descending toHarpur Hill. Here the weather forecast proved correct. The predicted heavey shower arrived and we were forced to shelter under a railway bridge before making a rapid return to the start. Not many miles - a toughish morning,  an easier afternoon - but quality views and company!

John Kemp

To see the rest of photos of the ride click this link.

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02/08/2010 by Simeon Orme.

We met at Langsett Barn on a rather grey day but at least it was not cold or raining. The start was delayed as we tried to convince a cyclist that he would be better off if he joined the RSF. We dropped below the reservoir to cross the stream and follow a right of way up the hillside. Passing along the edges of fields on what was technically a footpath we throught it prudent to walk. Soon it became a wide and well used track with signs of numerous bike tracks, so we started to ride. At Midhopestones we had to walk a steep and enclosed bridleway which took us up to road to Strines after we had passed through a field of cows with an enormous bull. Fortunately we did not notice him until we were safely through a gate, and judging by the number of calves he must have had an enjoyable springtime. A short on-road climb took us Whitwell Moor and a long descent to Bolsterstone. Here a byway led around Townend Common with a steep stony descent from Hollin Edge Height to Ewden. After crossing the valley the ascent proved too much and, except for Grayham, we were reduced to walking. At Brightholmlee we followed Storth Lane around the hillside. This turned out to be a delightful bridleway with a steepish descent at the end. Then instead of dropping directly to Oughtibridge we took a gut wrenching walk and climb over the ridge to Onesacre. The reward was a super drop to our lunch stop. There is no cafe at Oughtibridge and we were directed to “The Pheasant” that proundly displayed a sign “food now being served” We locked the bikes and went inside only to be told that they were not doing food! So, we found the “Cock Inn” and what super spot this turned out to be - highly recommended. “Is it Yorkshire Tea?” Sol asked “Nothing else!” was the reply. South Yorkshire always seems to come up trumps in terms of food stops, as even Frank had to admit! Fed, we entered Whamcliffe Woods and followed the Trans Pennine Trail to Wortley. After a little difficulty we managed to locate a ford across the infant River Don where Frank and Grayham posed for photos. Then we had to walk a steeply rising and slippery track through woods and fields to reach the road to Green Moor. We followed the road for 3 to 4 miles to a highpoint near Hartcliffe where a bridleway drops to A616. After stopping to look at a field full of deer and to admire the panorama over Langsett we thought it better to walk. There was no track and if it had not been for the blue markers we would not have found it easy to locate the route. The ground was steep, hard and badly churned up by cows and we did not fancy going over the handlebars. The final kilometre back along the A616 was distinctly unpleasant - narrow with fast moving heavy traffic - not to be recommended and the only downside to what had been a super day with lots of new ground in a area I thought I knew well - even if for me it was a knee knacking one.

John Kemp

Click this link to see rest of the ride photos.

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23/07/2010 by Simeon Orme.

Twelve days ago a hosepipe ban was imposed and we have had nothing but heavy rain ever since! So what should we do? Go up into the clouds or take the easier valley alternative? We opt for the former. Foul Clough Road lives up to its name for it is unrelentingly steep - 1 in 5. On reaching the lip of the valley the tarmac ends and the gradient eases. We are able to remount and still climbing conutinue up to the high moor. We are surprised to find that apart from the final push to the watershed it has been possible to ride the rest of the way. At the top we have climbed 850ft in 3 miles. No wonder it is named Hades Hill! The northern slopes are heavily quarried and we descend wide but very rough tracks to Shawforth where we discover a newly opened cafe - Lizzie Lumb’s. Fortunately the threat of rain seems to have pased and we are able to lunch outside. Fed, the clouds and mist return, so this time we take the easier alternative. Capes on we follow Sustrans route 92 through Healey Dell, stopping to peer over the 100ft high viaduct. Skirking Rochdale we reach the canal at Clegg Hall. At Littleborough we find another new cafe where we have a final drink before continuing back along the canal - amazingly in bright sunshine. Driving home there is a cloudburst. How lucky we have been!

John Kemp

Click here to see rest of the photos of the ride.

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03/11/2009 by Simeon Orme.

On Wednesday the 18th of November 2009  the Northern Peak and South Pennine Group will at Edna’s cafe in Delph (Grid Ref SD 985078) at 9.30am to 10.00am ish for a pre-ride coffee. Delph is about 5 miles east of Oldham just north of the A62, the Oldham to Huddersfield road. As last year, we will follow this with a morning ride to finish at The Old Original Inn (Grid Ref SD 972063) for lunch. Typically a main course cost about £7 to £8 inclusive of complimentary soup and can be ordered on the day. After lunch you enjoy a short and rapid downhill ride back to Delph.

You are welcome to join the Group for the day or just for lunch.

However, it would be helpful if you could let John( Secretary of the Group) know by phoning on  01457-852090 by Sunday 15th November weather you intend to join them so that he can give the Inn some idea of numbers to expect.

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22/06/2009 by Simeon Orme.

Unfortunately John the area secretary of the group will unable lead the ride due to family committments and he has been unable to arrange an alternative leader since the other two members who lead rides for the group have family committments.

So he asking members wishing  go on this ride, you need to plan your own route and if any member willing to lead the ride get in touch with John on 01457 852090 as soon as possible.

John apologize to members for unable to find someone to lead the ride and point out this first time its happen in last three years and looks forward to seeing members on the next Northern Peak & South Pennine Group ride on the 15th July starting in Tong at the church  GR: SE 219305 (OS map 104)  at 10.00am.

I must point out to lead RSF ride you must be approved RSF run leader see this link for more  information and if would like your name to be added to list RSF runs leaders please contact Peter the National Secretary on 01524 383593 for information.

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02/03/2009 by Simeon Orme.

I f you have Twitter account (Twitter is free to join) you can now follow South Lakes Website updates at this link on Twitter and make a short rely about the updates or send me direct message  but you limited to 140 characters or less, so its useful to me post short updates on whats happening on the South Lakes Website and let more people know about the website, plus  increase the number of visitors to the site which may lead to more people coming out on Group rides and joining the Rough-Stuff Fellowship.

Posted in Northern Peaks and South Pennine Group, Lancashire Group, General, South Lakes Group | Print | No Comments »

02/01/2009 by Simeon Orme.

First I like to wish you all a Happy New Year and thank you for supporting the South Lakes, the Lancashire, the North Wales and North Peak & South Pennine Groups websites over the past year.

In 2008 the sites had 480,964 pages view(With 157,140 pages view on the South Lakes Group website, 160,954 pages view on this blog, 54,920 pages view on the Lancashire Group website, 34,030 pages view on North Peak & South Pennine Group website, 25,773 pages view on the North Wales Group website and 48,147 pages view on other subdomain parts of the South Lakes website.) and 321,259 unique visits.

Posted in North Wales Group, Northern Peaks and South Pennine Group, Lancashire Group, South Lakes Group | Print | No Comments »

25/12/2008 by Simeon Orme.

“Members of the North Peak and South Pennine Rough-Stuff Fellowship were assisted by exceptionally good weather the help of the local police and a wonderful grannie who gave unstinting helpwhen one of them had a severe problem a bike wheel”

From the Gatliff Trust Crofters Newsletter 2008

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18/06/2008 by Simeon Orme.

A little bird told me that our General Secretary had celebrated his 35th birthday again  last week, it should had click that it was Peter birthday when he bought the morning tea and cakes a fortnight ago on the ride anyway congratulations from your friends at the South Lakes Group.

Anyway I will come clean after embarrassing Mr K. about his birthday, I will be 44 year old on the 23rd of next month so plenty birthday cards please! Also its important year for my parents with my Mum celebrating being 70 years old in September and Fred celebrated his 80th birthday in May plus both of them are still cycling so hope you come to the party they holding for members after committee meeting on the Saturday evening of the Autumn Meet weekend.

Yes we will be having stand at York Cycle Show and this year it will be manage by Peter Kenner(This section as be edited for reasons why click link) So if you going to show this weekend if you are please go and say hello to Peter and offer to help out behind the stand for hour or so!

One thing that was highlighted at last year’s York Cycle Show that allot of visitors to the stand would have join the RSF if there was local RSF group in the North Yorkshire Area. This is major problem for the RSF in most parts of the UK finding members willing to start area groups up if there no area groups operating where they live visitors to the stand will not join, has I said before on this blog there only few members who join just to read the Rough-Stuff Journal most join to go out with the local group.

So if you live in the York area and you are member why not go have chat with Peter about starting area group for the York Area.

Our New Membership Secretary just e-mail the updated membership list today it was disappointing to see that membership was down to 540 members from 561 members in March. Again this highlight another problem at national level the RSF is not very good at marketing itself you just have to look at the RSF national website to see why! You now know why the South Lakes, Lancashire, North Wales and North Peak & South Pennine Groups have their own web sites for! yes you correct for marketing and selling them self’s, also show visitors to each site what each group get up to on day out. Yes its major step for visitor to the site to phone or e-mail the Area Secretary and ask can he or she can come out with the group but I wish more visitors to sites would ring me or John or Brian or Stuart and ask!

You may have notice that I have now post up the Members Area on the South Lakes Group website this will be link in other three group websites to access this area you first click the sign up button(that below the log in area) on the home page of the members area which take you to the sign up page choose screen name ie this could be your own name and password once you done this the email address you specified on the Signup page will receive an email with the subject Account Activation (Forum Account) then click the link to activate account, then go back to the login area on the members area home and in the login dialog type your e-mail address and password once you done this you can access the other pages in the members area and also use the members forum.

If you not going to York Cycle Show I hope to see you on Sunday in Kirkby Stephen at the start of South Lakes Group ride we will do some tracks around the Upper Eden Valley.

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12/06/2008 by Simeon Orme.

The South Lakes Flickr Group is up and running at this link with myself and Barrie posting several photos up already! The ideal of starting flickr group for the South Lakes Group was give members of the Group opportunity to post photos up on to flickr group which offer different take of what the South Lakes Group rides are about from those seen in the photo gallaries of South Lakes Group Website. To join the Flickr group, send me or Barrie a e-mail so that we can send you e-mail inviting you to join from Flickr.

Few members having been asking me posting photo of each member of the South Lakes Group up on site with their name and phone number or e-mail address so other members can contact them. The only way of doing this is having password protected area which I set up on the South Lakes Group Website as the ‘members area’ and issue each member with user name in case of those members on the Where the Cafe? e-newletter mailing list this will be your e-mail address and for other South Lakes Group members who don’t have e-mail address for this will be your full name on the RSF membership list and password will your RSF membership number. Only members who have User Name and password for this area is myself and Barrie,  the only thing so far in the members area is photo of Nick Lay, so in coming week I will issue user name and password for each member of the group so they can view this area.

I will add members area  to other area group sites if requested to do so my Area Secretary of that Group.

I would welcome some feedback from members what they like to see in members area!

Now getting on to the weekly rant about something or nothing, I wish alot more people when e-mailing a group of friends would use the bcc setting in the e-mail address box in Outlook Express or Thunderbird or what e-mail client you use. If you use this setting it send blind copy of the e-mail to each of your friends and does not show list of e-mail address you sent it to as does in the cc: or to: settings in the e-mail address box of the e-mail client you use. If we all did this bit more often we cut down on the amount of spam we all receive each day!

Hope to see you all on the South Lakes Group ride on Sunday!

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