Sunday 25th. September
Showground Gathering
Medium Plus Brisk Ride
Route 74 perhaps meets the dictionary definition of “front loading” with all the climbing seemingly in the first third of the ride. By the time we had slid through Wetherby Trefor, T1, T3 & Vince had tiring legs and a growing need for food. The rail barriers were down at Cattal & that provided a brief rest before the niggly climb up to Whixley & onto Tancred Farm for good service & food. We were joined by the 2nd Brisk Group for a short while before commencing the remaining 14 miles back against a growing North Westerly wind. 53 miles. Tall Tim.
Medium Steady Ride
We had 10 takers for this ride but unfortunately Mrs Chris of Chris and Chris had a puncture and they went home to mend it. Thus a group of 8 went on to Ripley, Holly Bank Lane, Clint, Bishop Thornton and on to Brimham. The weather was dry but not a lot of sunshine. After Brimham we turned left on the Ripon-Pateley road then right going north towards Dallowgill and a very enjoyable ride over the moors.This was a first for Diane but I think she enjoyed it. We took the right turn and continued on the roller coaster ride which brought us to G and Ts for welcome refreshments and also to meet up with Chris and Chris again. Our return was Sawley, Low Lane and turning south just before Fountains, on to Markington and back via Ripley. I had done 41 miles, 2788 feet of climbing, so it would probably be around 39 for those starting from Hornbeam. Thank you to all the riders for a good day out. Liz P
Short Ride
Seven of us for the short ride round Kettlesing today, with a smattering of electric bikes, so we could ride as one group. No Geraldine today, so Brian kindly offered to back mark. Quite chilly now we are past the equinox; I was glad I had long-fingered gloves, but no rain forecast. Claro Road, Dragon Bridge and the Greenway to Ripley, where we mingled with some of the other rides. Through Holly Bank Woods and down into Hampsthwaite, past Sophie’s and up towards Swincliffe, but taking the second right (rather than the steeper first right) to Swincliffe Top Cottage (where Caroline’s aunt used to live). Down towards Tang and Kettlesing, and then up to and across the A59 to Constable Ridge Road and Penny Pot Lane, where we had a following wind all the way down to the Army College. At this point Rachel left us and we crossed the A59 again and descended Rowden Lane to Hampsthwaite, this time stopping at Sophie’s. Back up Hollins Lane to Grainbeck Lane and Knox and back to Dragon Bridge. About 23 miles (Sorry I forgot to take a photo).
Electric plus One Ride
I am not sure what category of ride this was but six electrics and Yvonne set off on ride route 198. A great deal of climbing excellent views, chilly compared to rides of late and regrets for some for the not below ten degree shorts rule!
Excellent ride up through Birstwith and Darley, to the moors and down Yorke’s Folly for welcome break at Wildings. Return route via Smelthouses, Brimham and Warsill had us all home by 2.30 and just before a slight drizzle set in. Thank you James, Paul, Debby, Nick, John and Yvonne for a great Nidderdale ride. 40 miles, lots of climbing. Gia
Medium Steady Sub Group Ride
After much debate about which route to take and what ride we were on five trailblazers Sarah, Navah, Mike, David and Tim were off on Route 256 to Brimham, Dallowgill and Sawley. It was more chilly and windy than expected and the pace was anything but steady so we were glad of our well earned break at G&Ts. Then followed a swift return to Harrogate via Ripley, leaving the afternoon free to pursue our other interests. Good ride in good company. 42 miles; 12mph av. Tim (T2)
