Short Ride

Nine of us opted for the short gentle ride to Wetherby on this hot day and Martin Weeks kindly offered to back mark. We preceded along Leadhall Lane to Burn Bridge and then towards Kirby Overblow, where we did not meet Paul Blackham because of his foot operation. On towards Sicklinghall and then right past the biomass farm towards Woodhall Spa. Monica Scott quite correctly advised me diplomatically that it was supposed to be a ‘short gentle ride’ and the pace I had set was a little too fast. Martin Weeks also informed us about having coffee at the hotel (not recommended) and so we proceeded into Wetherby for coffee at Kofi and Co. It was very hot outside, and the wasps were really annoying, but we had little choice and enjoyed our break. Back along the Harland Way, which is very much improved with a smooth surface and then through Spofforth and Follifoot back to the Showground.  About 24 miles Joe

                       

                     

Medium Steady Ride

Quite a low turnout this morning at the showground, maybe the temperature was just a bit too high for some. So only six of us for the medium steady and we all agreed that it would definitely be at a steady pace given the heat. A fairly flat start out to Boroughbridge and then onto Ripon, we were far too early for a stop at Tates so set off to Galphay on the steeper sections of the ride and then ended up at G and T’s for our break. We took a table outside and then found out that Peter A. was a wasp magnet! Not only that but he had real dislike for them, he spent more time moving about protecting his scone than sitting at the table much to everyone else’s amusement. After lunch we set off home via Sawley, Hebden bank and Ripley where the group split at either end of the Greenway. Thanks to Helen, Debbie, Tim, Peter J and Peter A for your company and for keeping a sensible pace! I finished on 40 miles at 12.3 mph, a great day out. Steve B.

                           

Medium Plus Steady Ride

At long last, more than 3 riders for me to lead on a Sunday ! 8 to be precise, all eager to tick off Ride 286 to Scar House reservoir. Too good to last.  I had already decided to reverse the route to get the uphill toil to Brimham over with before lunch, but other route changes were to follow…  After meandering through Harrogate to admire the Sustrans Volunteers’ path clearing near ASDA, we utilised the full Ripley Greenway to Clint Bank and Burnt Yates.  Just before Brimham , 3 riders headed for an earlier finish – Wimbledon, Tour de F perhaps ? .

In increasing heat , the remaining 5 rolled delightfully through Pateley Bridge and the higher route to Wath (Wath Road), then to Lofthouse where Mike decided to try Trapping Hill – because its there. Phil, Dave, Yvonne and I took the access road to Scar House to view the lowest level I had ever seen – although Phil had seen it nearly full less than a month ago. The descent back to Lofthouse was delightful – smooth tarmac, downhill, cooling breeze, no traffic.

Lunch was in the capacious cafe at How Stean, where Mike was waiting for us having enjoyed ( he said) Trapping Hill. Returning to Pateley we had democratically decided to include the ascent to Two Stoops (Nought Bank Road) which was airlessly hot, but great to complete. Phil democratically decided to go home via Glasshouses. Then the remaining 4 agreed on Little Almscliffe as the obvious route back to Harrogate (no necessarily apparently).  

Anyway I think we all enjoyed whatever bits of the day we did – we’re all adults after all.  59 Miles, 4,470 feet PL

                           

                           

 

                   

 

 

Medium Plus Brisk

A lovely combination of riders for today’s jaunt. Setting off early to beat the heat it was a cruise up to Dacre and left towards Nought Bank Moor before a journey along the Wath Road & up to Scar House Reservoir. A tailwind meant this was a doddle & the views were fabulous – even if the water level was a little worrying. Going back down was a little disappointing as pedalling was required due to now going against the breeze. Refreshments at How Stean Gorge before Richard & Martin left early to get ahead ……… and were never seen again due to two punctures on the way home. We bumped into another Mark at Lofthouse and came home to sup at the Gardeners Arms. 55 miles & thankfully not quite as hot as forecast. Young Tim.