Anniversary Tea Party
The pictures and the words from Malcolm really say it all, but the Celebrations at the Hockey Club exceeded all expectation with over 100 members present at some stage and enjoying some great reminiscent stories and wonderful food courtesy of Indulge to say nothing of the excellent company of members all round, both past and present. There was a real feeling of shared experiences and an enjoyment of cycling together in the room and the numbers still around at the end was an indication of how much it had been enjoyed. Those who helped organise and run it are too numerous to name but they know who they are and a great vote of thanks to them for their efforts and finally to Malcolm and Gia who are totally responsible for it all happening!
You can browse our photo gallery and read/listen to Malcolm’s speech here.
Medium Ride
It was a big turnout at the Showground to take part in the 20th Anniversary Rides. There were so many for the Medium Ride it meant we had to split up into much smaller groups and we decided to do that after the regroup at Ripley. Four other riders kindly volunteered to lead groups so we set off to climb up the Scarah Bank on the Fountains Road. Everyone behaved with good discipline leaving plenty of space for overtaking cars to slot in between the groups of riders. It was windy, but mostly a side wind as we headed for the Main NT Visitor Centre cafe. The early arrivers had sat down outside (the tough lot) while us sensible folk hunkered down in the main cafe area and had a long chat. A few photos are included. Returning home was another story with many choosing their own route while a few of us settled on the quiet rural route we had used on the way out. 24 miles, a good celebration ride!
Martin W.
Short Gentle 20th. Anniversary Ride
I got 16 W/E regulars for today’s anniversary ride, Diane kindly volunteered for the second group with John back marking and Steve back marking as well as usefully shepherding in between groups at junctions.
We had a few original members on the ride that was covering most of the very first 10 mile ride 20 years ago.
It felt a seminal moment in the club’s history and very appropriate that Malcolm rode alongside me and led the groups away from the show-ground.
We were quickly at the old meeting point and took the important group photo for the time capsule before heading for the cycle path at the end of Hornbeam park.
As we neared our starting point we turned onto the old soil track used on the original ride, ducking under branches and exiting further up the car park, then heading towards Low bridge for a re-group.
Quickly along Abbey Rd and out towards the gravel pits and quiet cycle paths I’ve not done for a while.
We then said our goodbyes to Dennis, who it was great to see out on this ride today, as he inspired me on my very first W/E ride when he was still in his seventies many years ago.
We crossed the main road and used the back roads past Jacob Smith Park and back onto the main road down to the bridge, where a lucky few led by Paul B stopped for a coffee stop, whilst the rest of us rode up Beryl Burton, saying goodbye to Steve at the top while the rest of us headed towards the Greenway and the Stray, with people departing at varying points. The last few waved Malcolm goodbye on the Stray and said their goodbyes at the start point.
A historic memorable ride for me with a great group of regular members!
Thank you all for your company today.
I had 15 miles and 719ft of climbing.
Mike W/H
Medium Steady Ride
Given the large number of riders wanting to do the Medium Ride, I led a breakaway group of seven. We set a slightly quicker pace than normal leaving Harrogate and arrived at Ripley to wait for the other group. We then decided to push on to Fountains Visitor Centre, so as to avoid “café overload”, and not wait for the second group. Surprisingly, there was no queue in the café, and so we were served pretty quickly. By this time the other groups had arrived. It was now a case of returning to Harrogate for a shower, and a change of clothing, and go to the 20th Birthday party. PCJ
Medium Plus Ride
When I saw I had been allocated Route 147 (63 miles, 4700ft ascent) to lead on the 20th Anniversary ride and rendezvous at the Hockey CLub for 14.30 I thought – you’re ‘aving a laugh. When I saw the huge turnout I thought there will be enough crazy riders here to want to do it too ! Actually, 5 of us started – Paul and James made it clear they were only going to Pateley while Yvonne, Mike and I knew we would never do the whole thing. Still we proved some doubters wrong by making it to How Stean Gorge for a coffee before hammering back via Glasshouses, Ripley and the Greenway to arrive 10 minutes early for the Party.
Every WE ride seemed to be using the Greenway today but we stole a march on several groups by utilising Woodfield Road to get us to the Bilton Lane junction with the Greenway. As often on the outward journey the Greenway and Hollybank Lane were free of pedestrians, dogs and other clutter so we were soon on the road to Burnt Yates and then Brimham Rocks where we paused and were surprised to be caught and then overtaken by the faster group (punctures, I believe). The wind was pretty strong in places on these high roads and we had to pedal downhill to Fellbeck but the pull up to the Pateley – Dallowgill Road was quite calm but still arduous and long.
After some discussion Richard and Tim(insert number here) joined us but then promptly lost us again as we chose to brave the storm channels on the road (literally) down into Wath. If ever caution was needed it was on this bit – not for the faint hearted or bikes with poor brakes. The ride to and from How Stean along the upper Nidd valley was gorgeous. The air was clear, the foliage and field colours vibrant in the sun. Yvonne remarked that people would believe any photos were enhanced as it looked so perfect.
After Pateley we turned through Bewerly and Glasshouses to emerge on the B6165 and absolutely pelt back to Ripley. We maintained a high pace but the wind was sometimes helpful and we earned a 37 mph descent of Bedlam Bank by the time we reached it. The Greenway was still pretty empty so we used it all the way back to Claro Road – only being delayed by one dapper Peter Jackson walking, albeit briskly, to The Do.
A wonderful party had been arranged and it was great to catch up with people for longer than a pre-ride 5 minutes snatched conversation and an Indulge buffet certainly knocks most cafe meals into the gutter. Earlier the Committee had thoughfully arranged for the Battle of Britain Memorial flight Dakota IV to fly over the heads of we three intrepid riders as we came through Summerbridge – thanks guys.
Peter L ( 50 miles, 3,300 ft ascent – so not far off the intended totals)
