Short Ride
14 of us at the Showground today for the short ride to Bishop Monkton, on a slightly cool breezy morning, with some sunshine promised later. Gordon (of Gordon and Alison fame) joined us for the first time in 3 years, and David, who has been a member for a long time but a very infrequent attender. We split into two groups; Jean B kindly agreed to lead one and Paul B back-marked for us. We regrouped at Low Bridge and proceeded to Farnham, where the group photo was taken at the top of the hill. Right at Copgrove and then the bridle path towards Roecliffe, but left at the end of the bridle path and into Bishop Monkton and then towards the busy A61. Immediately after crossing I was heading into the Harrogate Garden Centre (formerly Cascades) and I turned left in front of Debbie, who was not expecting this, and she fell off with a loud cry of pain. (Obviously I had not made all of the group aware of where we were stopping for coffee). Fortunately no bones were broken, I hope, and Debbie was still speaking to me over coffee. Dennis, Gordon and David didn’t join us for coffee but continued back home. We returned via Markington and Ripley. About 26 miles.
Medium Steady
Initially a bit cool for a summers morning. Undeterred 9 of us departed for a bit of a hilly ride. Burn Bridge and up to Kirby Overblow was soon behind us. Glyn didn’t fancy the climbs so swung towards Sicklinghall. The rest of us dropped down to the A61 and Harewood Bridge. The climb up Weardley Bank certainly warmed us up. Judging by the number of coaches we encountered the Emmerdale Tour is proving very popular. Across the A61 and through Shadwell, East Rigton and Bramham. Thorp Arch was the goal for coffee. James left us for Wetherby. Tim’s was winding down after the car boot but the usual quick service was still forthcoming. Refreshed we headed for home. Dianne swung into Wetherby while the rest of went through Little Ribston where the head wind was annoying, Spofforth Follifoot and home. Well done to Steve on only his second ride this year. Tut tut. Thanks to all for your company. 46 miles for me home to home. Colin B
Touring Day – Ampleforth
A rather cloudy start this early morning as eight riders assembled for the Touring Day to Ampleforth. Helen set off first with Eric, Peter B and Steve B followed by my group with Alison, Margaret and John C. We made steady progress to Boroughbridge where EG Jim Smith joined us near the bridge. Before too long we were cycling through the very pretty village of Coxwold, with the sun now shining. Shortly afterwards, the scenic ruins of beautiful Byland Abbey hove into sight. By now everyone was looking forward to a scrumptious treat at Ampleforth college tea rooms. We were certainly not disappointed by the excellent fare on offer and sat outside enjoying our lunch with lovely views and lots of jolly conversation. There was a British cycling event taking place in Ampleforth grounds and into the surrounding hills, which had the rather grand name of The Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix. We didn’t actually see any of the competitors on our route, but we did benefit from the newly tarmacked paths on our exit through the lower grounds of the college. Soon we were pleasantly surprised to come across the miniature railway at Gilling. Lots of adults enjoying the ride along with the children! On our return we encountered a fairly strong headwind and we all welcomed a stop at Great Ouseburn for a snack and a short rest. Suitably refreshed, it didn’t seem long before we were in Knaresborough, although, as always that hill felt a tad hard at the end of the day. As we said goodbye at the top, everyone agreed that it had been a really super day out. 62 miles. Monica
Medium Plus
Lovely long ride today although Wheel Easy management might consider installing an appropriate cafe somewhere between Boroughbridge and Ripon on this ride.
Andy, Tim, David, Debbie, Helen, Doug, Gordon, Peter and Mark started off by picking our way slowly along the Greenway before a short pit-stop in Ripley. Phil joined us shortly after Scarah Bank. We decided against a cafe stop in Boroughbridge despite temptation and the fact that no one knew of a good place until Ripon on the ride. Peter did find a mobile coffee station about halfway around, but we elected to make this just a pit-stop and continue until a place with proper cakes could be found. As it turned out, we went all the way to Tates past Ripon for cafe stop – about 47 miles into the ride and a PB for riding without coffee for many of us. By this point Phil had already turned towards home via Boroughbridge. After refreshments, Peter elected to come home via Fountains Abbey, but the rest of us returned to the original route. David was pressed for time so went on ahead, Doug and Helen decided to continue more slowly, so there were five of us by the time we got to Knaresborough. Near the top of the hill, we found David who had suffered a broken hanger for his derailleur and was walking up the rest of the hill. He’d already organised a lift, but an unfortunate end to his ride. Those of us with functioning bikes started to break off one-by-one toward home. Thanks everyone for the ride! (PS – I managed to cut Andy out of my selfie and didn’t notice until after the ride…) 62 miles. Mark.
