Short Gentle Ride
Given the promise of rain to come in the early afternoon I was quietly pleased to have swapped weekends with Colette and lead the short ride today. Only five of us so very manageable and Rachel said she would only stay with us to Minskip as she had another appointment. Frankie joined us for only his second ride with wheel easy and still getting used to riding his new bike on British roads, rather different from Hong Kong! Jill and Paul T offered help and advice and we made to the Hideaway in Boro’bridge safely in good time. The service seems to be a bit slower these days, I think they may be a bit short staffed, we did get served before the place really started to fill up so small mercies. The return route was via Marton Cum Grafton and Arkendale, a fairly flat ride and still quite calm and no sign of rain. We said our goodbyes at the golf club, exactly 25 miles for me and 1300 feet climbed. Many thanks to all, Steve B.
( sorry no photos today, must try harder!).
Medium Plus Ride
Thought I might be ‘Liz no mates’ again Mike had a better cycle route on offer but Alison decided she would join me and also John for Greygarth. Peter appeared and then Corinne at Bilton therefore ‘Five Musketeers Cyclists’. Down the Greenway to Ripley, it seem chilly and our usual hot Corinne put another layer on I knew then it was colder! Hollybank Wood to Burnt Yates then Brimham Rocks. Fellbeck soon appeared and we swooped down and then turned right for the long cycle up to turn left for the road across the moor. Sheep dodging as we cycled on to turn right for Greygarth. It was magnificent views as the moors opened up on our steep climb to Greygarth. At the top decided to head for Fountains as it was the nearest cafe. Swooping down and up steep hills heading towards Aldfield. Group decision to pass the cafe stop and head for home as an expected storm and heavy rain was forecast. Up the hill from Fountains Peter turned off heading for Burton Leonard. Four of us cycled down the road where John turned right for home and us three gals cycled on to Ripley and Greenway home. 42 plus miles but we all hopefully missed the forecast storm. (Peter hope you found your legs again!) Liz F
Medium Steady Ride
On an overcast Sunday morning not, too many members ventured out for some reason but I had 8 regulars to do the medium steady ride with.
As we rode out down the showground hill that I’d only just rode up, I reflected that if I wasn’t leading I could have had an extra half a hour in bed and waited at the end of Rudding lane, which is what Paul had done as he joined us there, making the group 9, Bob, Richard and Julie pushed on ahead and the remaining 6 of us made our way out through Follifoot, Spofforth, Little Ribston to Wetherby and out on the cycle way to Walton, we turned North towards Rudgate crossroads, where somehow the 3 ahead somehow overtook us from behind again but then had to stop for a train at Cattal, we climbed to Whixley where Paul left us to get Sausages from Tancred, we presssd on at a good pace through all the Dunsfords and into Hideaway where the 3 had saved us seats up at the big boardroom table. We were served very quickly, with Tim for some unknown reason getting a gallon pot of Mint tea, with an additional pot of hot water as well. Lots of chat about pumps, tire pressures, thumbs and cycling holidays.
Julie had finished her monster cinnamon swirl bun, so we paid and headed back outside.
James was ready and waiting, Peter and Tim quickly followed, but Rachel was faffing and muttering something about a lost glove.
Bob, Richard and Julie were collecting their bikes as we slowly headed out but not slowly enough as Bob shouted and we slowed so everybody was back on our train for home, we seemed to quickly pass through Minskip, Staveley and on to Copgrove lane hill, which I seemed to be getting subtly pushed up by Rachel with her keeping just half a wheel ahead as she seemed to be ignoring my gasping for air hints!
All up and on towards Knarsborough where James left us, then at the top of the golf club hill we all went our separate ways home.
An enjoyable undulating 40 mile ride with 1873 ft of climbing and a respectable average speed 13.6mph.
Thanks to all for coming out.
Mike W/H
