Short Ride
Early morning conversation was about wind speed in the Winterhalder house after deliberation we were both turning up. 4 takers for my short ride David David Kevin and Sarah we then picked up Sally in Knaresborough. Phew I like an even number.
A lovely ride a lot easier with a tail wind and frankly quite unstable in the cross wind down Scarah bank. Coffee was at the garden centre with comfy chairs and a big thanks to Jean and Caroline who are Wheel Easy members either past or present who obliged with taking photos. We then came across Malcolm on the greenway who was kindly removing an overhanging branch. Everyone then branched off to respective homes or cars. Thanks all for an enjoyable ride Rachel.
Medium Plus Brisk
Route 154 would take the three riders (Vince, Contemporary Tim & Tall Tim) along past North Rigton, Leathley, towards Ilkley but then up the easier side of Langbar before going down to Bolton Abbey for tea & food. Pretty breezy at times and nice to be in shelter but first we had to go up Embsay. Rain showers came & went pretty quickly & the promise of a tail wind for the later part of the ride largely materialised as we put on our dancing shoes up to Stump Cross. Coming down Duck Street was fast & at times entertaining. 60.0 miles for me. Tall Tim
Medium Ride
In view of the weather forecast and a cycle race near Menwith, I elected to do a gentle rural ride today. The route was to take us to Arkendale, Great Ouseburn,Whixley, Spofforth and back to Harrogate with at stop at Tancred Farm. We split into 2 groups of 6. Gordon sped off with a faster group. The rest of us set off at a more sedate pace. As there was a quite a crowd of cyclists heading for Low Bridge, we deviated by Forest lane and the main road to Knaresborough. It was a beautiful ride passing blossoming hedgerows and lovely gardens. Near Marton the faster group caught us up and sped by, curious as to how we got there! We caught up with them at the newly refurbished Tancred Farm and enjoyed the break. We all chose to use the unmanned railway crossing near Whixley in order to stay on quiet roads. We had had a few flurries of rain and an odd windy patch. As predicted by Mike, the stretch from Little Ribston to Spofforth proved hard work into the wind. All in all, a most enjoyable ride in cheerful company. Thanks to all. 32 miles. Alison
