Short Ride
Autumnal morning cold and grey six opted for the slightly altered route to Darley. Linda, Sarah, David, Geraldine and Joe joined me for the cycle to Darley. The group set off over the Stray and down to Knox, I think it was a mystery ride for some!! Over the busy Ripon road and down Lund Lane to Hampswaithe. As we rode through Hampswaithe and up the hill the autumnal colours were brilliant. Joe and Geraldine had shown me an alternative route rather than go up the short sharp hill, in which Gia’s group had just gone up. When we approached the top Gia’s group were there and waved us on. Geraldine and Joe turned right at Kettlesing and departed for a Ripon concert, which left us four to turn right for Darley. Before the right turn down the steep hill to Darley we stopped to observe the two minute silence. At Darley post office teacakes, coffee and a sausage and egg butty, good chat about family. One important subject was cycling helmets and knowing about MIPS helmets that can make a difference if landing on your head based on rock climbing technology. Rested and refreshed the four cycled onto Birstwith, Clint Bank, Ripley and Greenway. Chat was that Dennis was not out on his new electric cycle, but many had not seen Paul (Postie) for a while, hope all is okay and your cycling buddies hope to see you soon. I turned right at Bilton Cross for home and the three rode on to Harrogate. Thanks for great company and to Joe and Geraldine keeping me on the right route. Lovely 24 miles cycling. Liz F
Medium Steady
The ride group comprised of 9 intrepid cyclists who were willing to brave the chilly morning to explore the lanes and byways around Darley and Thornthwaite packhorse bridge, a timeless place in a sheltered woodland spot. As we climbed up to Pennypot Lane from Cornwall Road, our spirits were high and it soon became clear that this was a taste of the many hills to come, as well as the benefits of quiet roads and fresh morning air.
Gia led us into Dacre via Menwith Hill’s earie Domes and for the more artistic amongst us, a photo opportunity as the mist and damp made a dramatic backdrop to these huge and yet delicate structures. The roads remained mostly quiet and increasingly enjoyable as we entered the Dales.
We gratefully arrived at Sophies for hot drinks and delicious food were accompanied by our usual warm welcome, so much so that Sophie promised to come riding with us when she retires! 34 miles. 2,885 feet. Kevin Parry
Another Medium Steady
Bit grey and cool this morning but ten of us were up for a ride to Thorp Arch. A warm welcome to Victoria on her WE debut ride. Feeling fit she went with the quicker group led by Gordon. My group made a nice steady pace through Burn Bridge and Walton Head to Kirby Overblow. We picked up Paul B at Kearby but the weather was now drizzly and he called it a day once we got to Wetherby. The rest of the group joined the townsfolk of Wetherby to observe our two minutes of silence to remember those who gave their lives for us. Back on the road Diane guided round Wetherby to avoid the closed roads and we were soon back on course for Bramham. Turning onto Spen Common Lane and then Rudgate to get to Thorp Arch cafe. The quicker group were just leaving and Victoria was smiling which was a good sign. Usual quick service and banter followed. Refreshed it was back to Wetherby and Little Ribston when we started to split up for our respective routes home. It did warm up a little and there was a lot of swapping gear but a great ride and thanks to all for your company. Just short of 37 miles for me. Colin B
And Another Medium Steady
Four of us set off from the show ground (Peter, Peter, Gordon and new girl Victoria). A good ride until we got to Wetherby where we were shouted at by people in high viz due to not dismounting on the empty road that was closed. On the cycle path after Wetherby the rain/heavy drizzle started but soon cleared up. Victoria’s chain came off in Bramham. Being the gentleman I am I lifted the rear wheel so Victoria could turn the crank and get the chain back on so I didn’t get oily gloves.
At Tim’s we had a great feed. How can he charge so much for a sausage sandwich, two eggs and a cup of ‘womens’ coffee at £6.20! Thanks to Peter for showing me how to take a selfie.
On the way back Peter 1 went off to do more miles, then Peter 2 went off to Knaresborough and Victoria and I returned to the show ground.
Victoria has recently come back to the UK from Dubai where she did a lot of cycling – lots of great stories to hear. I remember that someone else in the group has also spent time in Dubai so will have a lot to talk about. She has a container of bikes coming from Dubai which she plans on selling, as long as the ship is not attacked by pirates again! I have suggested that she posts them on the Wheel Easy website.
35.57 Miles in 2:58:31 with an average speed of 12.00 mph. 75 front gear shifts, 408 rear gear shifts. G. Turnbull
Medium Plus Brisk
Another dry & gloomy day for a ride but the roads were very quiet – up to Timble, across to West End where we observed a two minute silence in absolute silence. Up further & into the clouds at Greenhow before coming back down to Pateley Bridge via Peat Lane. A stop at Wildings – too late for the breakfast menu but apparently too early for lunch menu so it was orders of cake all round – lucky we didn’t have too much climbing to do then. Out via Wath & then up Wath Lane. A slight disagreement between rider & bicycle led to T3 having a short horizontal break at the 2nd drainage ditch before meeting back up with Vince & T4 at the top of the climb where the sun made a brief but welcome appearance. And that was it – back into mizzle around Brimham & then a rather lumpy route home via Hampsthwaite & Penny Pot. 49 miles & 4,650 feet of leg sapping climb.
