Sunday 19th February

Short Ride

Some lovely sunshine at the Showground this morning enhancing the appearance of those wearing their shiny new club kit. After decisions were made as to choice of rides, eight joined me for the short one – Geraldine. Joe, Bob, Sarah, Martin, Dennis, Paul B and Paul D. Joe suggested we use the cycle path to Hornbeam for a change and it was a good decision avoiding some of the main road. We made our way to the top of Brackenthwaite Lane and onwards to Braythorn for a photo stop and then Dennis left us to make sure he was home for lunch. Onwards to Leathley and the farm shop. It was pretty full and we wondered if we would stay but eventually some tables were found and we appreciated the warmth and refreshments. Then it was back on the road to Armscliffe Crag and home via Brackenthwaite Lane again. This was a new route for some people and it was nice to hear they enjoyed the scenic views. About 23 miles. Monica 

 

 Medium Ride – Steady 

Group 1 (Tim 2, Yvonne, Sarah D, Navah, Steve B, Steve W) set off for what we thought might be Medium Steady Ride to Otley with a slightly faster pace but the strong headwinds pushed us backwards some of the way – who knew bikes had a reverse gear ?!  Over Little Almscliffe down to Swinsty (where a full car park lead to lots of parking wherever) and headed up to Timble.  We stopped at the turning to Low Snowden to admire the stunning views and to take the group photo but nearly got blown away in the process so then applied the mental crampons to the tyres for the slow stubborn climb up to Weston Moor Road.  A strong cross-wind down into Otley meant that those of us with deep rims were obliged to make a 45° lean into the wind descending into Otley.  Personally, I felt battered but thankfully tea revives body & soul and off we jolly well went again, up to Farnley and the shelter of the stone walls from Leathley to Stainburn.  North Rigton hill is still there and the slog up High Moor Road was rewarded with a lovely swoop down Brackenthwaite Lane where we caught up with the happy Not so short ride heading into Burnbridge.
Well, a good to be out there ride in lovely company with everyone taking turns at leading and holding back the wind.  Just over 33 miles with elevation of 3,258 ft.  Yvonne D.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medium Ride

Medium Plus – Steady

Steve W, Colin B. Alison, Peter J and I were the only takers for the Medium Plus ride today. The weather was dry but there was a strong wind at times. The route was along Leadhall Lane, to Burn Bridge, up to Kirkby Overblow then down to the A61, over the river then right then left up Weardley Bank. On through Eccup to Alwoodley Gate. Onward through Wigton, past Moor Allerton golf course and up to East Rigton. At this time we were all dependent on Steve’s Garmin in finding our way. The way became more familiar as we approached Bramham and on through Clifford and Boston Spa to Thorp Arch. Here we stopped for hot drinks and food plus a good chat. The way back was via Wetherby, Kirk Deaton and Spofforth. About 40 miles. Thanks to all of the above for a good day out. Liz