Wheel Easy Ride Report 900
Alternative Medium Ride
There were just a few riders at Hornbeam this morning. For whatever reason, I felt like a more local ride rather than climbing up to Yeadon. Liz F and Sally were happy to stay local too. So, we set off with the aim of visiting Spa Gardens, via Littlethorpe and Ripon. Spa Gardens cafe was efficient and friendly. We decided to return via Sawley and Brimham. The views were as lovely as ever. After a swoop down the Rabbit Hill farm route we were soon back at Ripley and onwards to Harrogate. A pleasant 36 miles with plenty of chat. Alison
Medium Plus – Steady Ride
Quite a low turnout this morning which was a little surprising as although a bit chilly it was dry and only a slight breeze and no rain forecast. At one point the medium ride was going to be just Eric and yours truly but after some discussion and soul searching the medium plus riders :- Peter J, John C and Steve decided to join us and off we went. There was plenty of climbing to look forward to but we made our way through Kirby Overcoat to Dunkeswick and on to Pool at a decent pace to keep warm. The first real challenge was Creskeld Lane all the way up to Bramhope (John C made friends with a sad looking horse while waiting for us.) and then through the lanes to Yeadon tarn which was a first for some, very calm and quite warm in the sunshine. Backtracking we set off for Otley and some free speed down into the town where we stopped at the Milk Bar cafe, a new venue for three of us but not Eric and Peter who knew it of old. After Otley Peter and John left us at Farnley Lane to head home via Askwith and Pennypot Lane so they didn’t dodge any climbing! Eric told us to let him continue at his own pace after Farnley which left the two Steve’s to return home via Lindley and Brackenthwaite and we parted at Leadhall Lane. Thanks to all for a good work out and good company, 37 miles and 2,800 feet for me. Steve B.
Medium Plus – Brisk Ride
Boy it was ‘nippy’ this morning at the Showground. There weren’t many cyclists gathered but plenty of alternative’ routes on offer. The four of us decided to head for Tate’s via Ripley, Birstwith, Stripe Lane, Brimham, Sawley, deer park and Tate’s. It was absolutely ‘perishing’ cycling down the Greenway and the leaves made it tricky. Good job it was dry plus we saw a group of wheel easy lady riders. There was a bit of mud guard adjustment but other than that we made good progress with Andy mainly on the front. We had a good coffee stop and the temperature was definitely stuck at ‘cold’! To make matters worse Zoe sent us a ‘sunny’ photo from Malta- cruel! We took the usual Markington route back to avoid the dreaded hill. All in all I’m glad I made the effort – 40 miles and back in time to sort out my compost bins. Janet G
