Sunday 17th September

Short / Gentle Ride

Nine riders set off from Hookstone, the weather was gloomy, but was it going to rain? We only cycled a short distance before riders wanted to stop and take off their waterproofs, a slight delay for one rider who had a zip problem! Soon it was the nice steady climb up to Little Alms cliff for the photo shot. The weather did seem to brighten up as we rode past Menwith Hill, then down to Sophie’s for our coffee, tea, cake and scone stop. The sun did come out with a glimpse of some blue sky! Then it was back towards Knox and Bilton where riders left the group to make their own way home. 23miles.  Chris Rogers

Medium Plus Steady Group 1

Overcast with a hint of rain in the air for the start of our ride out to Greygarth today, warm enough though and barely any wind. Our initial number included a few from the Medium ride which didn’t have a leader and so two groups set off to rendezvous at Ripley and make any changes to groups. As everyone was happy to stay as we were I led the first group of Debbie, Peter, John, Colin and Tim and Alison organised the other group and said she would ring me if any problems occurred!! Good progress up to Sawley and Grantley and the climb up to Greygarth. We had agreed to have lunch at Fountains which was busier than expected but we got served fairly quickly. Conversation turned to all the key cycling topics, Henry the eighth, the dissolution of the monasteries, burning of witches and the seven deadly sins (by unanimous decision it seems I was the only sinner in the group?). The return home followed the usual route past the travellers camp and back to the Greenway, John left us at the Drover’s crossroads and Peter opted for the main road instead of the Greenway. Thanks to everyone for the very entertaining ride. I finished on 42 miles and 2770 feet climbed 12.3 mph average. Steve B.

 Medium Steady, Group 2

There was quite a group keen to go to Greygarth. So at Ripley we split into 2 groups. 8 of us pedalled more sedately along to Sawley where James and Kevin left. From there we were an all female group, Debbie, Liz P, Liz F, Monica, Sally and me. Despite mainly grey skies we all enjoyed the ride, some of us on e-bikes and Monica and Sally with purely pedal power. After quite a few ups and downs we were at Fountains for a welcome coffee break. All in all, a good ride with great company. Thanks to all, Alison