Short Ride 1
With a lot of takers again for the short ride I set off with 7 or was that 6 followers. We played cat and mouse with Gia’s group until Hampsthwaite where we had to stop for emergency first aid. Despite having a lot of random items between us all no-one had a plaster. Luckily the village shop was open and came to the rescue. With Russellno longer bleeding we set off making sure we didn’t take the first right.
With no set route we were never ‘lost’ but at times could have been temporarily misplaced on the map however we made it to the Menwith Hill Road and a lovely swoop down into Darley. After eating the last of the teacakes the other half of the short ride appeared and a full team photo was taken.
Turns out it was 6 followers and I’d not lost someone! Thank you Jenny, Graham, Monica, Sarah, David and Russell. JJ
Short Ride 2
On a beautiful morning, quite a group were keen to join the Short Ride. My plan was to enjoy the countryside around Kettlesing and the views over Nidderdale . Gill kindly offered to take a group. So 8 riders set off, not to be seen again until Darley Post Office. The rest of us set off at a more leisurely pace, with Joe back marking. It really was a lovely day o be out, and we were gently pedalling along when we had a call from Joe. They’d taken a wrong turn ( easily done in the maze of roads around Kettlesing)and were at the A59. We agreed to regroup at the cafe stop. Descending down Sheepcote Lane, the views were splendid. At the Post Office, we met up with the whole group again. We continued home in our separate groups via Birstwith and Clint. Here our group split, some went back through Hampsthwaite and some of us on the Greenway. All in all, a good day to enjoy the local countryside. Many thanks to Gill, Joe and Sue for their support. Alison
Medium Steady 1
Warm weather and gentle breezes boded well for the Medium steady ride to Boroughbridge and Ripon. Seven riders were happy to accompany me – Debby, Helen T, Liz A, James, Jackie, Lily and Paul. James kindly led a group of four through the busier roads, and we regrouped at Farnham for the first photo of the day. From there we cycled through some delightful lanes and villages – Arkendale, Marton cum Grafton and Aldborough, arriving at Boroughbridge for a potential café stop. However, the group agreed it was better to get more miles in the saddle and press onto Ripon and Tates. Sitting comfortably at a perfect table for eight outside, we were in good company with other groups of WE cyclists. Tates was very busy, the service not quite as efficient as usual, but the food and coffees are always good. James unfortunately had the longest wait, but at least his prawn sandwich did look rather delicious when it finally arrived. A familiar and pleasant route home through Littlethorpe, Bishop Monkton, Markington and the Greenway. Well done to Jackie for trying out her first medium ride and to all for your excellent company. On arriving home my Garmin had recorded nearly 45 miles and 2000 feet of climbing. Monica W
Medium Steady 2
Medium Steady/Brisk (Route 297)
There were only 3 of us for the brisk group today (Steve, Peter J and Gordon T). Even though the sun was bright it was a cold start and I did not get warm enough to take my arm warmers off until we were at the top of Scara Bank on the way back. It was an early lunch (11 am) at the Hide away Café where the service seemed to be even quicker than last time. It was here that I found I had lost my back light. I’m gutted as it was quite expensive. I think I still need some practice with the selfies! After refreshments Peter set the pace for a swift ride back to Harrogate. A great ride and good company. 39.20 miles in 2:47:42 with an average speed of 14.0mph. Gordon T
Medium Plus Steady
Were we riding 267R or 267R Reversed? I obviously got very confused somewhere and lead us on the latter. The faster group – and Helen and Doug as it turned out, did the former. We found this out when we all met at Tate’s for coffee – they having completed a LOT of climbing – we had it all to come!
No matter, it was a wonderful day for cycling anywhere.
So we accepted that we actually rode 267, at least our early use of the Greenway avoided a clash with the FEVA Family ride, although it was busier than usual . We kept up a good quick pace up Scarah Bank then via Markington, Bishop Monkton and Roecliffe to Boroughbridge before a breather in Langthorpe and heading through Skelton to Ripon and the coffee stop. I should mention that we even overtook a moving motorbike on the way!
Relishing? the prospect of climbs we tackled the uphill through Studley Deer Park before weaving through lanes to Upper Grantley exploring a VERY little used unnamed road into the village – it was tarmaced but at somepoiints only wide enough for a bike . Still, you live and learn, and it was fine. All the time it was up, up, up to Skelding, Dallowgill Moor, the Devil’s Elbow until lovely downhills to Fellbeck , then more up of course to Brimham Rocks and home via Burnt Yates, Hampsthwaite and Knox Bridge.
By the time we left Ripon, the sun was firmly set in for the day and it really got quite hot up on the Moor, which was resplendent in pink and purple heather at last. A great ride, thank you to Mike H and Mike W. 55 Miles, 2700 ft of climb. Another lovely WE day. Peter Lawley
A great day for a bike ride. Three steady riders, Peter L, Mike W and Mike W set off, concentrating on a more than steady pace, even overtaking a motor bike, but somehow we went the wrong way round – 267, not 267R.
Still it gave us the unusual experience of getting to Tate’s before the brisk group.
We left Tate’s to climb up onto Dallowgill Moor, resplendent in heather at its best, and made our way back to Harrogate, clocking up around 55miles. Sorry – no photos.
Mike W
Medium Plus Brisk
There were seven riders for route 267R- five ladies Martin and Andy. Although cool to start by the time we got to Clint Bank Lane we were shedding layers. We all agreed that this was one of our favourite routes out. Martin was riding his gravel bike due to a nasty incident with a car so he rode a bit of a gravel track on Fellbeck. The heather was glorious. Martin left us at the deer park heading for home. We arrived at Tate’s to find the other Medium Plus group who had done the route the normal way- they still had the hills to look forward to. Then the Medium group arrived just as we had ordered the last scones! I think Andy thought he had been transported to another universe, being the only man! We decided against the Boroughbridge loop and headed for home via Markington and Knox- we didn’t fancy the Greenway today. 45 miles and over 3,000feet of climbing lovely ride. Janet G
