2019 was the year we started riding on a Saturday from Hornbeam. This was not in Pink at this time. Some had the original Wheel Easy kit but most were in the their own.
That was the year the black and white worlds shirts were developed by Mark Townend. We all bought them and were riding in them on Saturdays.
The Contrarians name came about in 2019 and was the idea of Dave Rang. It was just at that time for the WhatsApp group. It was given this name due to the fact that we could not make our minds up if we wanted to ride the advertised routes or distances.
The reason we ride on a Saturday was because at this time most of the riders were still working with family at home. So we could use the Sundays for family time and still be recovered for our work on Mondays. It was also at this time we decided to start Saturday rides at 09.00 so we would still have pms with family, as most rides finished around 13.00.
On a ride in summer 2019 with Zoe, Helen, Kathrine and Julie riding with us, we were at a cafe in Terrington when Jonathan Wilson showed us a idea for kit. Various colours and designs were shown around the group. We had no name at this point. The girls said it would be nice to have colours you dont see very often. So it was decided that Pink and Navy would be the choice. Design would come later with lots of images sent by Jonathan. Until we all decided on the current shirt. It was also available in reverse Navy & Pink.
It was decided not to have Wheel Easy on as the worlds shirt had caused such a ruckus going back and forward to committee.
So after a brief discussion on our next ride it was decided that the name for the Saturday riders would be Contrarians Harrogate.
The Contrarians have 30 plus in the Whats App group but only a core of 15 ride regular. We were first described as the Fast Boys at ride announcements. Yes we all enjoy riding a bit quicker but we always adjust group speed for guest riders, and no one gets left behind on the hills.
We have in recent years had a longer distance summer calander as a nod to the club’s EG group, who were the original long riders. We also include Audax style rides in the summer, these are 200k rides with two or three quick cafe stops. We are always open to club members joining our rides, we don’t bite.
Grant Dorward, Contrarian Rider
