Sunday 18th April

Medium Ride

What a beautiful spring morning to launch the 2021 WE ride programme. Nine of us exchanged our ‘what have you been upto’  before we split into our two groups and departed Hornbeam bound for Knaresborough.

Under the ever watchful eye of Mike Wills we made good progress to Farnham Arkendale and Marton. It was my first ‘decent’ ride of 2021 and I could tell the legs were feeling it as I tailed off the back a little. Through Great Ouseburn and a welcome rest at Tancred. Our table service was a bit slow as the others had finished before ours arrived but all in all it was worth waiting for. On to Whixley Cattal and Hunsingore then down the cycle track from Walshford and upto Little Ribston.

Here Mike Pyles and I left for Knaresborough as the rest headed of for Spofforth and home. Mike and I were certainly feeling it by now but we plodded on at our leisurely pace parting company at Low Bridge. As I started to climb Bland Hill the legs seized up resulting in a rest then a walk to the top before remounting and home.

Thanks Mike W for keeping an eye on me. Despite the ‘suffering’ a great ride. 33 miles home to home for me. Colin B

Long Ride

Fiver turned up to do the Long Ride.  It became obvious that the ride as described in the calendar was not a viable proposition. With Richard Leake at the helm, we set off from Harrogate with the aim of getting to the Brownie Barn at Howgill Farm.  Following the time honoured but circuitous route of Leadhall Lane, Penny Pot Lane and Duck Street and over Dibble’s Bridge and Appletreewick we eventually arrived at The Brownie Barn.  As its name implies is serves up squares of calorie ladened blocks of chocolate confectionary.  After a short debate it was apparent that this was the limit of the ride and the easiest route back to Harrogate was discussed and undertaken.  An enjoyable ride that highlighted our lack of stamina and a year of lockdown.  PCJ