Short Gentle
On a clear calm chilly morning six of us set off to do a few hills to warm us up. Liz, who was returning to cycling after her operation, Sue, Leighton, Paul B and Gordon who volunteered to back mark for the group. We nearly didn’t make it out to Knox as we became separated at Bower Road but I managed to herd everyone back together. Once we got to Hampsthwaite we started with the hills, nobody but me had the route so all the climbs were a nice surprise to everyone ( I’m sure that’s what they said!). We stopped at Kettlesing to observe the two minutes silence for remembrance day and could hear the last post being played further up the valley. Onward and upward and upward and upward until we made our way through the woods to our stop at Ripley and I detected a few sighs of relief. After refreshments and a good long break we returned via the Greenway where we said our goodbyes. Many thanks to Gordon for excellent back marking again, about 24 miles and 1700ft for me. Steve B.
Medium Steady
Route 31 revised (in a good way) A “magnificent seven” riders opted for today’s Medium ride on Route 31. By virtue of his outstanding leadership skills and the fact that he’d downloaded the route to his Garmin, Gordon was, unanimously, elected as our leader for the day. With myself as back marker, we book ended our enthusiastic septet which consisted of Russell, Sam and new boys Nelson, Junas (both pals of Sam) and Roger, all the way from Bradford! Gordon set a lively pace and we burst out of the Showground and descended Hookstone Chase in linear formation. Arriving at Low Bridge a quick head count revealed a missing member! It took just a couple of minutes, and a quick phone call, to reunite Junas with the rest of the group and we set off along the Nidd with renewed vigour. With Knaresborough behind us we headed onwards through Farnham and, ignoring the “Road Closed” signs, sped downhill towards Copgrove. Fences across the road indicated that, indeed, the road was closed! Retracing our tracks we followed the diversion to Ferrensby and, subsequently, to Copgrove and Bishop Monkton. In an uncanny piece of timing we arrived into Bishop Monkton to observe our 2 minute silence outside St John’s church. As the Reveille sounded we replaced our helmets, mounted our steeds, and headed off towards Ripon. Turning down Pottery Lane we revelled in the splendour of the red kite beautifully carved into the tree trunk at the farm. Soon we were through Littlethorpe and over the bypass and into Ripon. Gordon’s plan to stop at Tates bore fruit as we acquired a table for seven and set about coffees, hot chocolates & scrambled eggs with gusto. Conversation, as always, was eclectic and somehow we bounced between shift work (Sam is working tonight!) right through to the “kindness of coppers” a real positive vibe in this group! Gordon displayed further exceptional leadership skills with delegation of the ride report!
With some decent climbs to come the group set off in good time to attack them, six of us on analog bikes with just Roger on electric. The haul from Studley Roger offered us close encounters with many stags and a herd of deer and our ascent of Fountains Lane afforded splendid views of the hall and abbey. The homeward route, rather longer than anticipated, took us through Bishop Thornton, Shaw Mills, Clint and Ripley. All seven cycled down the Greenway with Nelson first to break rank at the railway bridge then myself, Sam and Junas at Sanders Walk.
A splendid, well led (and followed) ride. 61km (38 miles in old money) and 656 m (2100ft) climbing. Well done to all seven riders, it was a joy to share the adventure with you! Howard
Plus Steady
There were three riders who chose the medium plus steady ride out to Grewelthorpe on route 312 – Steve K, Yvonne and James. The weather was forecast to be cloudy and dry but you could feel it was getting decidedly chilly – even the Geordie lad on the greenway had put his T-shirt on!
Riding north on this route has a surprising amount of ramps and when James reminded us that 11th Nov is Armistice day, we found ourselves a suitable high point to observe 2 minutes of silence and reflection at 11.00. I was pleased I had packed my bugle although my rendition of “Last Post” and “Reveille” leaves a lot to be desired. We then remembered the coffee stop at Grewelthorpe had a hard stop for serving food at 13.00 so we headed to the cafe at best speed.
Hackfall Cafe is a community facility in the heart of Grewelthorpe (between the pub and the duck pond) run by volunteers. I had not been there before but I would say it is traditional “Yorkshire.” It sold Christmas cake with Wensleydale cheese! I am told this cake/cheese combination is lovely… maybe next time!
The good thing about climbing hills is that you have to come down. There are some exhilarating downhill stretches through Mickley and onwards to Ripon which certainly helped to bump up the average speed. On the return journey we had to deviate slightly from the route around Copgrove as the guys repairing the roads are currently observing the “thy shall not pass” vibe. It was not too difficult to navigate round via Staveley and Ferrensby.
In summary, there were no buzzards spotted but we had some great clouds, nice photos, good company and I thought it was a really good route. Look forward to seeing you on the next ride!
Stats: 51 miles, 3,314 ft. Average speed was a respectable 13mph. Steve Knott
Wanderers
Today’s wanderers ride was well attended.
As requested 5 riders set of in an advance party (Rachel, Mike W, Rob, Roger and myself). Otley was the destination. Out through Beckwithshaw and up to the high ground. What views! It was cold but beautiful, with the sun out.
Rachel left us at Farnley, for a lunchtime appointment. 4 plodded on to Otley, only to find the Milk Bar closed. Back to the park cafe then. We saw the rest of the group sail by. Mike contacted them by phone to say where we were but they’d already found their alternative.
After ref’s (bargain butty and drink combo) we kept to the main road to Poole. Castley, then said goodbye to Mike, as he went via Weeton to get home. Photo taken (Inuendo corner).
Roger then led the last 3 up (and down?) the hills via Beckwithshaw and home into Harrogate. Job done . 33 miles, 2800ft of ascent, av speed 11.5 and max 38.. Richard Abbott
15 rolled up for the Wanderer’s jaunt to Otley in glorious autumn sunshine. 5 speedy souls set off in an advance party with Mike WH wondering why he hadn’t come on his e-bike, especially as Rachel was escorting them on the ride.
The remaining 10 headed by myself and Bridget included Margaret, Nicci, Liz, Gia, the other Mike W, Dave, Paul and Colin.
After a brief pause to regroup at Little Almscliffe we sped down to Jack Hill Lane. Though narrow, a little gravelly and very steep in places, the road was expertly navigated by all and offered spectacular views down Wharfedale.
We found a suitable stop to pause for 2 minutes’ quiet reflection before joining the gated road past Stainburn Forest.
On to Farnley, arriving in Otley, only to find the Milk Bar unexpectedly closed. After a tour of the centre and lots of advice from locals we settled on The Rumblin Tum where we were cordially received and quickly served by very friendly staff.
Suitably replenished we continued in good spirits (with Nicci leading us out through Otley’s back alleys ) to rejoin our route and trundled back up Farnley Lane, continuing on to Castley, North Rigton and Burn Bridge.
One glorious ride with great company and perfect weather.
Sally C.
EG’s Ride
As we drifted along at a steady pace along the downward slope from Bramham towards Tadcaster we were absorbed by the unexpected pleasant dry & sunny atmosphere, as we browsed over the adjacent hedgerows enjoying the relaxing views.
We had gathered at our usual time & place before setting off on yet another undeclared route this time in a southerly direction towards Wetherby with intent to meandering towards Thorp Arch for lunch, having in mind the shorter daylight hours now available for our rides.
Passing through Little Ribston, aiming for Wetherby, we were pleasantly reminded that, as the road surface through Kirk Deighton had recently been renewed, it would be rude not to enjoy the relaxing downhill sensation following so many years dodging the numerous potholes. Entering Wetherby, this time passing straight through along the high st, dodging the increasing traffic. Joining the cycle path south of Wetherby, glad to get away from battling with four wheeled road users we aimed for the roundabout leading us to Woods Road. It was at this point I was informed of a pending strike because, being unaware of our intended way they, jokingly challenged my leadership. Continuing towards Thorner Rd. north of Bramham the time was approaching 11.00am, the appointed hour for “Remembrance” (Armistice Day) as we agreed to pause at a convenient offroad location.
With a perplexed look on my co-riders as we circled Bramham we went on our way towards Tadcaster, swinging right to include a short loop before descending down past “Watson Lane” along the joining the cycle path to cross the river on the adapted bridge introduced for pedestrians & cyclists. As we stopped to take in the view we spotted a “rapture ” skirting across the river surface to settle in the tree branch opposite. As is to be expected it’s flight was to quick to follow and make any positive identity. Pausing to once again, enjoy the quite winter atmosphere we continued towards our chosen lunch cafe.
We we’re a little short of direction from here on but following a steady pace we looped our way around Tockwith, Cattal & Hunsingore. Reaching Little Ribston, Eric, joined by Phil, decided to head for Harrogate via Spofforth, whilst the two remaining “Dave’s” made their way directly to Knaresborough. It was satisfying and perhaps surprising that the ride had gone so well, helped by the calm, dry & sunny weather, albeit at a less than optimal pace for some. We did however manage 36 miles, although Eric & Phil probably managed around 45 – 46 miles.
Dave W.
