Ride Reports

Sunday 20th November

Tall Tim
Short Ride

Five left the showground bound for Kirkby Overblow and Wetherby.  Justine was waiting for us along Leadhall Lane, so six.  Caroline felt ‘flu coming on, so left us at K.O. to go back to bed, but Paul Blackham was waiting near the top of Bodrum Hill, so back to six again.  At Sicklinghall, rain threatened, so Justine kindly donned her waterproof which stopped the rain and brought the sun out.  We were first into North Street Deli, thought to sit outside in the sun but it was so much warmer inside – we sat in the window.  Conversation turned to multilingual profanities and insults, Turkish and Welsh well represented.  Useful at Customs.

Dennis had left us before coffee, no doubt looking forward to his Sunday lunch.  The remainder returned by Little Ribston and Spofforth to Follifoot where Sue and Paul B left for home whilst Justine, Paul and Mike parted at the showground.
Thanks to all for good company and best wishes to Caroline – if you need a good vet, just call! Mike
Medium Ride

I joined the medium ride at the top of Grainbeck Lane and was surprised to see a small group for such a lovely route. James, Steve, Peter, John and myself headed to Hampsthwaite, Clapham Green and on to Menwith where John left us to return home via Norwood Lane and Beckwithshaw. After the recent weather it was lovely to see sunshine and stunning views as we continued past Thruscross Reservoir and West End. It’s a shame that the cafe at Breaks Fold Farm shut down as I felt it was time for a coffee. We all managed the really steep section on Hoodstorth Lane  heading towards Duck Street. After some good climbing it seemed either flat or down hill as we cycled through Padside and Thornthwaite on our way to Sophie’s for coffee. We all agreed it had been a great ride and as it was such a lovely morning Peter and Steve were going to do extra miles as James and myself headed home. Paul Tindle

Medium Plus – Steady PCJ’s Group

The ride was fairly straightforward with no major incidents. We only had to contend with mushy leaves, poor road surface (abbey Road), puddles, very bright sunshine, more mushy leaves and even bigger puddles. Seven of us left the Showground, but this was reduced to five on leaving Ripon. We lost another rider to Mike’s peloton on the way to Copgrove. That left only four to finish at the top of Knaresborough Hill. PCJ

 

 

 

Medium Plus – Steady Mike’s Group

Medium Plus Brisk

As I sat in my car at the Showground with rain lashing down I did wonder if I had made the right choice in coming out for a ride – should I just go back home? Anyway, the rain stopped and cyclists started arriving – so I thought ‘Rule 5 Janet’ and got on my bike. There were 11 cyclists for the Brisk ride to Ripon via Boroughbridge and Skelton-on-Ure so we split into two groups. We decided to avoid Abbey Road and go down Knaresborough Hill instead. It was cold but the incline out of Farnham soon warmed us up. The back road to Boroughbridge via ‘the Dunsforth’s was full of puddles and the river was definitely high. Coffee stop was at Tate’s where the freshly baked scones were just the ticket and the banter was, as always hilarious. The return journey was blessed with some sunshine- very welcome after a cosy coffee stop. Route back was Markington and the Greenway, although a few favoured Shaw Mills and home. Lovely ride – I’m so glad I came along! 41.08 miles for me. Janet G