Short Ride
There were twelve, shortly to be thirteen, takers for today’s short ride around Menwith on what was a very warm day at the supposedly tail end of the latest heatwave, but with a good breeze to keep the temperature comfortable. Leaving the Showground, Gia kindly held about half the group back and John C’s offer to back mark was gratefully accepted. The two groups headed to Beckwithshaw, picking up Paul B at Ashville and then up the long pull to Little Almscliffe, which today seemed relatively easy thanks to the slightly unusual wind direction from the North East! Retaining the two groups a short distance apart it was round the “dog leg”, past the Sun Inn and over the A59 in fairly short order to turn at Menwith into the breeze. By then everyone could smell the coffee and the destination was Sophie’s, although unfortunately one or two missed the crucial turning above Birstwith and headed straight down giving them an extra hill to climb. However everyone made it to Sophie’s and enjoyed the usual array of drinks, cakes and good conversation in the shade. To avoid the closure of Knox Bridge it was up Clint Bank and through Holly Bank to Ripley and then along the Greenway, saying “Hello!” to Malcom going the other way. A final stop at the Bilton Lane crossing and everyone departed for home by their own routes. Thanks to all who came, including Philippe (hope that’s the correct spelling) and to Gia and John for their assistance and the mileage was more or less as advertised at 25 miles. James G.
Medium Steady/Brisk (Route 39)
Eight of us set off on this route. At Low Bridge 2 people said that they had the route and would go a bit slower and meet us at Boroughbridge. Again, it was a brisk pace to Boroughbridge where we stopped at the Hideaway café for refreshments. After a good break we headed back towards Harrogate via Minskip and the dreaded Knaresborough hill.
34.40 miles in 2hr 27mins with an average speed of 14mph and average temperatures of 29C. Lots of good banter and company. Gordon T
Medium Plus – Steady Ride
Route 144 was to be 57 miles to Masham and back via Snape on a warm summer’s day. Four riders, Yvonne, Peter, Geoff and Mike, formed the steady group and off we set. However, after about 1 mile, Geoff decided to follow the brisk group, so we were down to three.
It was a largely uneventful ride with lovely countryside, getting hillier after Ripon. There was amazement when Yvonne spotted a peacock sat on a thistle, but it turned out to be a butterfly! We had a brief glimpse of the Himalayan Garden near Masham, before arriving at Johnny Baghdad’s, only to find Geoff there waiting for us.
Now four again, we headed over the hill to Snape before turning south with a helpful tail-wind, albeit it made the return ride even warmer. Overall, a great day out on a lovely route with good chat. Mike W
