Short Gentle
It looked as though the forecast of mist maybe wrong at the Showground where nine hardy souls assembled for the Short Ride, although later it proved correct as we gained height to Little Almscliffe. We left in well disciplined groups, collecting Barbara on the way and, after a bit of confusion with a taxi driver at the exit of the cycle path onto Green Lane made for Little Almscliffe where Paul joined us having missed us earlier and then worked extra hard to catch us up. By now the mist was down and the views were non existent. However spirits were not damped and we moved on towards Menwith and the, prospect of some downhill bits! Having navigated the crossing of the A59 safely and waved to the patrol cars round Menwith Hill we dropped down to Tang, across to Clapham Green and down into Hampsthwaite. Sophie’s was particularly busy and so some headed home straight away and the rest enjoyed drinks, food and the usual varied conversation in the relatively quiet of the outside gazebo. There was some confusion over Layton’s bacon and egg sandwich and whether it was his or another customers, which fortunately was soon resolved as he had already taken a bite out of it. The final section was the usual route through Knox where we split to return home direct or via the Showground. Despite the weather it as a good morning out in good company and covering the advertise 23 miles. Thanks top everyone who came for your good company. James G.
Medium Steady
Today, judging by the chilly misty conditions and forecast of a gusting Nor’westerly, seemed the right day to finally put my shorts away! Six intrepid cyclists: Andy u-turning on Leadhall Lane, Steve S, Roger, Peter, Gordon and Rachel (Mary didn’t show), opted to join me on Route 46 heading for Yeadon Tarn, a destination new to most of us. Quite a lot of traffic but we found safe openings crossing the A61 to Weeton, then over the Wharfe at Pool taking Arthington Lane then the long hill up to Bramhope. We followed the Old Lane and turned on to Otley Old Road (these names must have been around a while) joining a queue behind an understandably nervous horse, but being engrossed in conversation about animal desensitisation, I missed the Carlton turn but shouts from the back brought three of us back en route and we found Yeadon Tarn in the lovely copper wooded setting of Tarnfield Park. Whilst trying to get a closer picture of the model boats, I stood on an unstable log and nearly took a cold plunge, but pulled back from the brink just in time! We thought we might try Mistral, opposite the Chevin Forest entrance for our pause-café, but they were full and sitting à la terrasse didn’t appeal somehow, so time for Plan B. Swift descent into Otley where the manager of The Milk Bar came out to welcome us and offer 2 tables; delicious brunch too! We needed the fuel as we climbed out of Otley up to Farnley, though on the road to Lindley Bridge, Rachel had a couple of skids on the wet leaves (« treat them like ice ») but kept her seat well, and so, on we climbed steadily up Pill White Lane with lovely misty views of the valley and up Leathley Lane to Briscoe Ridge where Peter left us. The remaining group swooped down to Brackenthwaite and on to Burn Bridge before we peeled off in many directions. Good route in good company that saw us complete just over 37.5 miles with 2,830 ft elevation. Yvonne
