Sunday 16th April

Short Ride

A hastily cobbled together route saw Justine, Sylvia, Paul, Dennis  & myself bowling along pleasantly quiet lanes past fields of rape in full bloom to Follifoot and Spofforth before heading over the hill to Little Ribston. A left turn there took us onto the usually busy Wetherby-Knaresborough road which was unusually quiet.  Then on to Waterside Cafe for coffee in the sunshine whilst watching the hardy wild swimmers in the Nidd and speculating on the water temperature! Home via the Beryl Burton & Greenway cycle paths. Approx 19 miles.  Fiona W

Medium Ride

Well, a bright, calm, dry and fairly warm spring morning, much better than my heavy cloud forecast. We set off with eight riders, dropped to six and then settled on seven for most of the ride. Up to Little Almscliffe we met two groups from the Medium-plus ride then off to Fewston and Timble, the pace being set by the gradients and the intensity of conversation!!

The biggest challenge of the day up Hardisty Hill was conquered and then we made our way to Sophie’s in Hampsthwaite for refreshments, plenty of space, good service and fare. We split up on leaving Hampsthwaite and made our way to Ripley and the Greenway. Loveley ride on very well known roads to us all, thanks for your company, about 30 miles for me and 2250ft climbing. Steve B.

Medium-plus Steady

Fortunately we had a lovely dry day for a long ride in beautiful Nidderdale!  Our two groups had some initial weaving with the Medium Steady group up to Little Almscliffe but all was sorted out as we calmly headed up Greenhow Hill Road as one group after Alison & Margaret peeled off at Menwith Hill. Good quick friendly service at the Stumps Cross café and off we set again along Hebden Road with lovely clear views across the moors.  We turned down the New Road and although Stangs Land was closed to traffic due to a land slide earlier in the week, it was certainly passable for cyclists so a splendid descent alongside the river to busy Bolton Abbey (with its two ridiculous plastic cherry trees near the shop – I mean, why?!)

Over the bridge and far away to Ilkley, still following the Wharf, then a will we/won’t we conversation on a second pause-café… we didn’t ! Peter followed by Monica and Liz turned up the hill at Askwith, whilst the rest of us headed down to Otley with a little off-piste turn to avoid some of the heavier town traffic.  Onward and upward through Castley and Dunkeswick to Kirkby Overcast where James and Sally headed back towards Knaresborough.  John C peeled off at Hill Foot Lane as he probably needed another hill… excellent first ride out in a while but has been keeping fit going up and down ladders !  We dropped Maris at her door, I said farewell to Bob and Steve W near the showground and then I carried on for a few more miles and a few more hills…Gold stars to all for fine cycling and fine company on a lovely scenic route of approx 57 miles and 3,780ft. Yvonne D.

Medium-plus Brisk

One of the great Wheel Easy routes today – no. 135 up to Greenhow & round to Bolton Abbey. Eight riders embracing the warming temperatures and the dry roads with the sounds of oyster catchers, lapwings & curlews as the riders progressed along the way. With fabulous views to boot.

A good stop the old “Old Forge” café at Bolton Abbey before emerging into warm & pleasant weather on our way to Ilkley. T4, Andy, Vince & T3 diverted off up Langbar before meeting up again with Zoë, Denis, Helen & Janet in the traffic jam that was Otley. And another pheasant tried to take Andy out again as well. 59 miles. Tall Tim