Short Ride
Well, most of us made the short ride even shorter than the hilly 19-mile plan! Diane, two Pauls, two Davids, Sarah and Mark set off into the wind through Burnbridge and up an uphill stretch through Brackenthwaite. At the junction where the route had us going left towards North Rigton, everyone but Mark decided to turn right towards Beckwithshaw and coffee at Horticap rather than deal with the wind. Having done the official chosen route, I think turning towards Beckwithshaw was a pretty reasonable choice as some of the downhills were a bit exposed and scary due to the wind. Thanks for a lovely ride! Mark
Medium Plus Steady Ride
I made a rare appearance at the Showground this morning. I was going on the Medium Plus 46-mile ride to Easingwold, for which the ride leader was listed as ‘Volunteer required’, so I offered to lead. As it turned out, a ride leader was unnecessary given the other 4 experienced riders (Peter L, Dave M, Bob J and Andy C). However, before we set off I suggested that instead of doing the prescribed route 41R, we should do the original route 41, as this would minimise the miles riding directly into the strong westerly wind on the return leg. This alteration was agreed, and that ended my contribution as leader for the day – other than writing the ride report.
The wind-assisted outward route was fairly easy and fast (averaging 14.5mph) and we arrived at Easingwold about 11.15. Peter and Dave decided it was too early to stop, so they continued to Boroughbridge for refreshments. Bob, Andy and I had a snack in the Olive Branch, where the conversation turned to the “300,000 Club” (no prizes for guessing how you become a member!) and to the London-Edinburgh–London ride which will take place next July. If you can cope with the 1540km (957 miles) in 5 days, can you cope with the entry fee of £489? I would need to be paid £489 to attempt it!! It was also good to see Wheel Easy members Richard and Lesley S who came into the cafe shortly before we left.
At the start of the return leg, the wind was not as strong as the forecast of 25mph gusting 44mph; Andy did a great job leading us into the wind and got us to Boroughbridge at 13mph average. As we passed Plenty cafe, Peter and Dave were getting onto their bikes, so the group was back to 5 again. After Occaney we caught up with the Medium ride, and both groups briefly paused at Sandy Bank, where I left the route to add on extra miles returning home via Scotton and Ripley, making a total of 55 miles. Although we were delighted the wind was relatively mild as we left Easingwold, after Boroughbridge it was certainly increasing in strength, and made a challenging end to a good ride. Eric
Medium Steady Ride
No leader for our ride today, so Mike Winterhalter ‘very kindly’ volunteered Mike Wills to lead us!
The 5 of us set off in calm conditions to Whixley, then onto the Hideaway in Boroughbridge.
On leaving Boroughbridge we were met with the gusts, becoming strong by the time we reached Harrogate.
34 miles in genial company. Thanks to the 2 Mikes, Roger and James.
Bridget
