Short Gentle
It started out as fine autumnal morning but as we progressed it began to feel more and more like winter: the evidence being that we’re now on GMT, the feet were cold and there was a constant drip on the end of the nose. A total of 13 had opted for the short gentle ride to Boroughbridge and so we set off as two groups with Mike and Colin kindly stepping forward to lead group 2. This shortly became group 1 as we stopped to pick up Dennis at Low Bridge. Just before Aldborough Dennis left us, heading home for Sunday lunch, but always good to have his company for at least part of the ride. The rest of us headed for the Hideaway where a table awaited us, having been reserved by the other group on their earlier arrival. Some of us were just about to start on a large scone when the fire alarm went off. Luckily it was a false alarm as nobody had moved; the thought of leaving the scone and going back out into the cold seemed too much. As we finally emerged the weather was looking a bit ominous with a few spots of rain appearing and after only a small amount of confusion we set off again as two groups on the return via Minskip and Staveley. At the golf club Mike from Group 1 (or was it 2?) had thoughtfully waited to count us all in and from there, as is tradition, we disbanded heading off in various homeward directions; two of us returning to the showground. A good route in good company and the rain hadn’t come to much. All in all, not a bad way to spend an autumn (or winter) Sunday morning. For the record about 26 miles and 1300ft. Doug H
Medium Steady
We were a leaderless rabble today, although, when I waved “hello” to Monica, our Announcer, Steve B, took that as me putting my hand up to volunteer! Nice try Steve, but the reality was we were ALL leaders today and the pressure was on to get back before the forecast rain.
The day had a noticeable wintry feel about it and we all looked half a stone heavier on account of the extra vests but it was bright enough and the rain held off all day. This is a good route for warming up, with repetitive hills all the way through Birstwith, Darley and Dacre, followed by more hills past Padside and up to the Stone House Pub. Four of our merry band took a “short cut” via Thornthwaite, en route to the café stop but, mysteriously, they appeared behind us a little while later! With all the hard stuff done, we were soon in the warmth and comfort of Sophie’s and in no time at all I found myself on the outside of a cream cheese and smoked salmon sandwich and a large, hot delicious latte. Other, sausage, sandwiches are available!
Everything fell apart after this with the faster cohort setting off first and the rest of us taking a variety of routes for the short “half” of the ride back to Harrogate. That was a splendid autumn ride and, as always, well worth making the effort. You never fail to feel better after a day out with Wheel Easy! Helen T
Medium Plus
Just three of us — John C, Yvonne, and me set out today on Route 56 to Ilkley in challenging conditions. Heading out from the start we were soon surrounded by the large Brisk group who had apparently rejected their own rides to follow the same route. They quickly disappeared but we did have several random encounters with them throughout the ride. A strong westerly wind made the outward leg tough work and with the temperature feeling close to zero, it was definitely a day for full winter cycling gear.
The first stretch out was a good test of legs and stamina, with the wind making even small inclines feel harder than usual. We took stock at Little Almscliffe and Fewston in preparation for the big climb up to Low Snowdon. The ascent is steep and was demanding, with the wind gusting strongly across the higher sections. The view from the top, however, was still worth the effort, even with clouds gathering and the weather starting to deteriorate. With conditions worsening, we decided to skip the planned leg out to Ilkley and head straight toward Otley instead.
Our stop at the Milk Bar Café in Otley for hot food and drinks was a real treat and we chatted about John’s current work on the Club website. After the café, the return leg through Leathley, Stainburn and Rigton is hilly but was more manageable, with the wind mostly at our backs.
Despite the cold, gusts, and tough climbs, it was a thoroughly enjoyable ride out. Thanks to John and Yvonne (for photos), their good humour, and steady pacing. 38 miles with 3,619 feet of ascent at an average speed of about 12 mph for me, Tim2.
