Short Ride

Nine of us set off from the showground to do a 20 mile short ride taking in Burn Bridge, Kirkby Overblow ( where we became 10 ) due to Paul Blackham joining us. However on turning right to Linton  before getting into Sicklinghall en route for  Woodhall Spa hotel we were down to 9 again as we had “mislaid” Monica. What a careless leader I was…!!

 We knew she could find her way home should she so choose, but very sensibly she rode  on into Wetherby where we had planned our cafe stop. After suitable refreshments were taken, 8 of us ( Kevin & Agnetta having shot off after a quick coffee as they had to get home for  various errands!) )  then  set off to Spofforth on cycle track thence to Follifoot and then home..!!! That bloody hill right at the end in the showground is still a killer…!!!  Thanks to Sarah for some excellent back marking and thanks to all the riders. 

David D Stross

Medium Steady

Approximately fourteen riders opted for the medium ride. Although there was no official ride leader, most of the group knew the route and organised themselves into two groups. Our small group consisted of Sally, Liz, Debby and myself. Debby had downloaded the route onto her Garmin to ensure we followed the official route. The larger group set off first and we waited to ensure there was a gap between the groups. However, we overtook them going through Darley  when they had stopped. It was an excellent route which took us to Ripley, Holly Bank Woods, Clint, Birstwith, Darley, Dacre, Padside, Menwith, Kettlesing and lastly Hampsthwaite for coffee. The weather was chilly to begin with and took a turn for the worse on Dacre and Harper Lanes, but it brightened up after that. We all enjoyed the route as it had hills, good views, quiet roads and at times had the wind behind us. Thanks for your company everyone.  Paul

We were the first Medium group out of the blocks at the showground. We paused for a photo at Ripley before enjoying a reasonably swift and pleasant ride out to Darley. Whilst regrouping as Paul notes above we were overtaken by the second group. It was clear that the electric foursome had the edge, and we did not see them again until Sophie’s café. The weather was deteriorating with a strong headwind and rain as we battled the long climb of the day up to Dacre, Harper Lane and the Stonehouse Inn. An assent of about 525ft during which we were overtaken by a large group of Nova riders out on a training run who made the road look flat, someone commented that the peloton included one or two potential world champions! Eventually we turned out of the wind and made very quick progress along Menwith Hill Road and through Tang to Hampsthwaite. Many thanks to Peter, Rob, Charlie, Will, Mike, Richard, Gordon and John for your company. 31miles and 2555ft of climbing for me.  Tim2  

Medium Plus Steady

After looking at three weather forecasts I chose the best one and hoped to stay dry. Nobody else fancied the medium plus steady so I set off in the wake of the brisk group on my own. Good progress with the breeze helping down to Linton and Collingham and then Aberford. I decided not to stop at Lotherton, a bit too early in the ride. After Sherburn the cloud started to build so I just kept going to see if I could beat the showers, by Tadcaster I decided not to stop at all and came home via Thorpe Arch and Wetherby. A few observations on cycling alone, the pace is always okay, you don’t get dropped on hills but you are always in the wind on the way home! 57 miles and 2900ft at a steady 13mph. Steve B.

Medium Plus Brisk

Eleven riders decided to ride route 210, including a new rider Greg. Welcome Greg. It was a cold start but the early climbs warmed us up.  It’s not often we turn right at Bramham, venturing on the open roads but thankfully it wasn’t too busy. We decided to have our coffee stop at Church Fenton- Leeds East airport as Lotherton Hall seemed too soon in the ride. Sadly the scones were quite dry and the tea cakes were rock hard but the service was fast and the coffee was good. Through Tadcaster, Wighill and Wetherby we decided against the Harland Way and made our way to Spofforth, Follifoot and home. It was a very enjoyable ride and we finished the ride in warm sunshine. 54 miles, nearly 3,000 feet of climbing at a decent pace. I’m glad I made the effort to come along. Janet G