Short Ride
What a difference 2 days makes. Friday was bright but freezing, yesterday at least 3 inches of snow had fallen by the time I awoke and this morning was a balmy 14°C with rain. This was down to the tail end of storm Bert which we in these parts were lucky to escape more or less unscathed.
Not surprisingly only 7 turned up at the Showground Car Park – had I not been the announcer and the short ride leader I may have opted to stay at home also!
Vince and T4 went off on the published Medium Plus Brisk route to Boroughbridge whilst the rest of us – James, Colin, Paul and Mike came with me on the Short route. We cycled through town to join the Greenway just beyond Asda, then onto Ripley, Birstwith and up t’hills when we entered Darley, I must say that the lanes around Staupes and Longscales (no, I’ve never heard of these hamlets before either) were very pleasant. Having done most of the climbing it was down hill to Sophie’s for a welcome coffee and something to eat. The homeward journey was via Clint Bank, Ripley and the Greenway.
Following storm Bert we only encountered a broken off branch on the Greenway and two large puddles across the road one of which, just before the bridge in Hampsthwaite, we avoided by going round it on the pavement!
I made it 26 miles with 1700ft of ascent. I’m really glad I got out today – it was an enjoyable ride with great company and a good refreshment stop! Tim R
