Short Ride
With no official leader David and I had both come with a plan and were prepared to lead. 4 followed me out of the showground: Barbara, Bob, David and Dennis. We set off under beautiful clear skies with no wind however this did not last long and by Kirby Overblow it was definitely ‘the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’. Layers were added, lights were turned on and we seemed to loose all of our surroundings but thankfully not our sense of direction! At the turning for Linton Dennis said his goodbyes and went the direct route home. We continued on through Wood Hall and then up Jewitt Lane where we not only crested the hill but emerged from the mists.
A decision to miss out Boston Spa was taken and so the hunt for coffee in Wetherby began. The weather turned back to beautiful clear blue skies and layers were removed as we left Wetherby on the cycle path home. Thanks all, JJ
Medium Steady Ride
It was a cold start this morning with a hint of hoar frost in places but the forecast was good and proved accurate. A good turnout despite the cold and twelve chose to ride at a steady pace into the Wharfe valley. Mike Wills volunteered to lead a second group as we departed the showground. Usual route out to Beckwithshaw with a regroup at Little Almscliffe for the photo. Sun was now warming things up and the climb across to Lindley via the gated road was beautiful, The swoop down to Leathley and cafe stop at Pantry Shop being our destination. We were able to sit outside in the sun and were soon joined by Mikes group. Rested we negotiated the right turn back on the Bradford road before swinging left to Castley. The steady climb up to Weeton and across to Dunkeswick over the A61 to Netherby and the climb up Kearby. The calories consumed at the cafe were burning off nicely. At Kirby Overspent we decided to deviate from the scheduled route and aimed for Rudding Park and back to the showground. Fantastic ride and my thanks to all for behaving. Thanks also to Mike W. Home to home 37 miles for me. Colin B
Medium Plus – Steady Ride Group 1
There was a good amount of interest in this route out to Pateley Bridge, via Two Stoops, and back via Fellbeck and Brimham Rocks, so Steve Bungay split us into two groups, with five of us being identified as the only slightly brisker group.
After a cool start, we (Yvonne, Peter, Tim, Richard B and I) enjoyed a warm day with a clear sky and good views. Coffee/tea, at Wildings in Pateley, was followed by the climb up to Fellbeck and Brimham and then the generally downhill ride back to Harrogate. Around 40 miles and 2,600 ft of climb made for a memorable day out! Mike W
Medium Plus – Steady Group 2
What a beautiful morning it was, blue skies, sunshine and hardly a breath of wind. The only downside at 8.30 was the temperature, a bit chilly around the knees on the way to the showground especially when cycling in the shade! Still, we had the promise of 17 degrees later so not bad for mid October. Ten riders for the Medium Plus Steady today, we split into two groups and I led the steady, steady group whilst the faster five went before us. We soon warmed up on the climb to Little Almscliffe where much disrobing took place, some regretting wearing the winter layers already. Onward to Menwith and past the Stonehouse before we hurtled down into Pateley to regroup at Wildings cafe where we sat outside to enjoy what are probably the most expensive sandwiches in Yorkshire! They even give you the option of paying a tip before they even serve your food, what times we live in! We retraced our steps and headed for Glasshouses and then took the road less used up to Blazefield and then Fellbeck, the views up the valley were stunning in the afternoon sunshine. With the days climbing complete we took the Brimham turning and the wonderful swoop down to the Fountains road, John left us at the Shaw Mills turn and Chris, Martin, Phil and me came back via Ripley and the Greenway where we went our separate ways. A great ride in good company on a perfect Sunday. Forty miles and 3,000 feet for me, thank you all, Steve B.
