Medium Steady Ride
Amid the motorhomes and very busy traffic at the showground the WE cyclists gathered for another grand day out cycling. I had three only for the medium and then two others joined and two others decided to go with a different group. That left five faithfuls and no traitors for my hilly ride, not sure of the route, therefore my trusty sidekick Corrine with Noughty Nigel keeping us on route. Myself and Bridget, Chris (female) Corinne and John set off for Burn Bridge. Onto Brackenthwaite Lane for the first hilly climb and we all gathered for a breather at the top then onto Briscoe Ridge. Fantastic views with the stunning landscape of Yorkshire spread all round us. It was sometime since some of us had cycled this way but what an adventure. Up and down hills and dales we cycled on to Pill White Lane, then Lindley Hill. It was quite a way before out refreshments, as we past Menwith Hill then another mystery lane towards Clapham Green, coffee was now in sight. At Sophie’s, John left us at he wanted to watch the cycling race on telly and us four gals went into the cafe. Gia and Kevin’s group were already ensconced just finishing their refreshments as we tucked into ours. Clint Bank then Ripley and Greenway on to Bilton Cross where we did formation splits, two left, one right and one straight on. Great route, fantastic company and thanks to Corinne (Nigel) for keeping us on route. 30 miles Thank you Liz F.
Medium Plus Brisk
Only 3 riders for brisk group today – half of the usual suspects are on holiday, half had other commitments & another half were ride leading or injured. We (Helen, Fred & Tall Tim) opted for Route 320R as per the ride calendar more out of curiosity than any zeal for Leeds City parks.
The ride out to Spofforth & a trip down the (massively improved) Harland Way to Wetherby, Linton & then Thorner was fine with the best weather of the day.
What followed was what any self respecting politician would call “interesting” or perhaps “engaging” & involved a number of unique highlights not to be found on any other route in the wide ranging & comprehensive Wheel Easy route library.
There was a prolonged section riding alongside the Leeds Ring Road, finding a way through a Lidl (or was it Aldi?) car park to continue the route was noteworthy as were the wide variety of chicanes & barriers to keep you on your toes (along with so many twists & turns that Helen’s bike computer put it’s hands up to surrender). It will take a while to forget the view of the incinerator(?) from Temple Newsam along with the housing estates of East Leeds. Who needs the Dales eh? All at around 5 to 8 m.p.h. to allow us to savour the experience.
We stopped at a busy Roundhay Park café before coming back out to a colder & wetter environment, made our way out past the ring road and finally to Eccup & down Weardley Bank where the riders were rewarded with a long stretch along the A61. All in all a “grand day out” ……. or perhaps not depending on your point of view. 44 miles. Tall Tim.
Medium Plus Steady
Very much as reported by brisk group, Harland Way good, Arium café too soon but OK, one missed tea. Route through Leeds tricky and slow, very much a team effort. One lost rider through Roundhay which was heaving with people, Sorry Geoff and 2 punctures at Eccup. Won’t rush to do that again. Andy
Short Ride
My first go at short gentle lead and when 13 or 14 of us turned up I think Colin must have seen the panic in my eyes when he quickly and kindly offered to lead a second group. So off we set in sixes and sevens (I like to think that we were more organised than that might come across) in the general direction of Boroughbridge. However, I needn’t have worried as we set a good pace via Low Bridge, along the river to Wetherby Road then out via Farnham and Arkendale. Despite the recent cold and a lingering light northerly wind it was a very pleasant morning to be out with clear views of the NY Moors as we headed north from Marton and Grafton. We were among the early arrivals at the Hideaway in Boroughbridge where teacakes seemed the popular choice (a bit early for lunch really). We took a more direct route for the return picking up Bob in Minskip then via Stavely and Copgrove Lane back to Knaresborough. The last challenge, up Harrogate Road to the golf club, was taken in our stride as we finally assembled at the bus stop as is tradition before setting off in various homeward directions. A core group of 4 of us returned to the showground making it a fraction over 25 miles and about 1300ft for me. Thanks to Diane, David, Barbara, Linda, Sarah, Helen and Bob for their great discipline and cheerfulness making for an enjoyable day. Doug H
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many takers for the short ride. It was the largest group ride of the day on a bright but initially bit chilly morning. I offered my services to ‘oversee’ this group of experienced riders. Denis joined us at Low Bridge. Its always nice having his company. He came as far a Arkendale before swinging off for home. We kept group 1 in sight for the majority of the ride as we made for Marton and Aldborough before refreshments at Hideaway where group 1 had grabbed the top table. Great service as ever as usual WE banter took place. We departed a few minutes after group 1 and made the homeward journey through Minskip Staveley and to Knaresborough. Group 1 were just disappearing as we arrived at the golf club to say our goodbyes. Everyone behaved themselves. A great ride and my thanks to Denis, Joe, Geraldine, Dave, Paul B and Paul(postman) for your company. A well chosen ride.
