Short Ride – Group 1
Such was the number wanting cake at the Washburn Centre we had to split into two groups. Big thanks to Monica who stepped up to lead a second group which became the first and, having been passed by the second, became the second once again. I led the, eventually, first group of Jill, Bridget, Michelle, Paul, Robin and our excellent back-marker Andy in gloriously sunny weather down to Burn Bridge and beyond along Briscoe Ridge Lane to the T junction with Otley Road. Having safely navigated the tricky right-hander we flew down the descent enjoying the cooling breeze in preparation for the drag up Norwood Lane. By now we were so close to our café stop we were in danger of arriving before it was open – I wonder how we did? Well, dear reader, we rode the beautiful descent down past a rather low Swinsty Reservoir and up the short and sweet climb to the Washburn Centre to arrive at exactly 11:00, the tea room opening time – what a result! Refreshments were great as usual, and after a while we were joined by Monica’s group. After chat and photos, my group set off for home enjoying the winding roads, lovely climbs and long descent into Beckwithshaw and beyond to the top of Otley Road where we all parted ways. Thanks for a wonderful ride and great company with special thanks to Andy and Monica. 23 miles exactly for me with a tasty 1,736ft of climbing. John C
Short Ride – Group 2
Monica led a second group on the same route, with Graeme and Jenny from Grange Moor, Wakefield, Paul, Diane, David, Peter and me (Barbara). Lovely ride, beautiful weather and tasty snacks at the Washburn Heritage Centre. Thank you, Monica!
Medium Steady ride
Today’s Medium steady ride had just 6 of us, James, Martin, Debbie, Phil, Mike W, and myself, which was a perfect small group to get through all the twists and turns of this urban valley ride.
We enjoyed the very varied surfaces and scenery of this very different ride, after the miles of urban cycle paths and past Temple Newsham, we got to our lunch stop ready for the break, the food and drinks were served quickly and soon we were off again in the warm sunshine through Thorner, and Collingham, into Linton and back on the Harland way to Spofforth, James departed for Knarsborough at Follifoot, while the rest of us make our way back to the show-ground.
It was a great day to be cycling and with lots of banter throughout the ride. 43.86m 2652ft for me. Mike W
Medium Plus Steady Ride
This morning I was Liz no mates as nobody seem to be up for cycling the 50 miles to Dallowgill. Double ‘Cs’ (now only one) opted for my route, due to Mr Chris having a gammy knee, we wish Chris all the best and hope he can start cycling again soon, but Mrs Chris was up for a challenge and that was me, but I think she could cope with me, after teaching all those kids! Everyone out cycling today was up for Mike’s ride through the conurbations of Leeds or John’s short route with cake temptation at the Washburn centre. Alison hovered before joining us and then Peter and Sarah also joined, plus Corinne we picked up at Bilton, six altogether. Chris in her secret bag of goodies had the route, Corinne had Nauty Nigel and leading the girls was Peter who knew where he was going and I had my paper map. Ripley was very busy as we negotiated our way through and up Scarah Bank. Then onto Markington through to Bishop Monkton, Roecliffe and Boroughbridge. Group decision to have lunch at Fountains, Peter led us through Boroughbridge and on to Skelton and then Ripon. At Fountains it was not too busy and we was soon served and sat outside in the lovely sunshine. Corinne and Alison departed to go home left and the four turned right for Aldfield and Grantley. Sarah was determined to do the full route to get fit for the challenge ride and she certainly did that. Cycling through Dallowgill the moors were stunning, trees in blossom the sun shining and birds of prey in the air what a day for cycling! All safely negotiated the Elbow and on to Fellbeck, a few hairy moments with close encounters with cars on the narrow road but we survived! Then swooping down the lovely Warsill Hill on to Ripley and the Greenway. All departed at Bilton Cross after 52 miles, thanks to Peter, Sarah Corinne, Alison and Chris for keeping me on track. Liz F
