Short Ride
On a perfect summer’s morning, without the oppressive heat of recent months, what could be better than a ride out to Boroughbridge? That view was possibly shared by a number of folk as 20 had turned up for this one. Thankfully Martin and Jill quickly put their hands up to volunteer to lead and soon they were off leaving 5 of us; Diane, Barbara, Paul, Kevin and me to form the gruppetto. We were slightly concerned that Jill’s group had seemingly gone off in the wrong direction but in fact it was quick thinking on their part taking an alternative route to avoid congestion on Hookstone. A small, disciplined group can travel faster and, having passed Martin at Low Bridge, we found ourselves first to arrive at the Hideaway in Boroughbridge. It was a very enjoyable break; the consensus seeming to be high on quality but also high-ish on price. Setting off again we found ourselves following Jill’s group who had stopped at Plenty’s. The traffic through Knaresborough seemed busier than usual so we took a detour via Beryl Burton, escaping from the traffic noise. There were quite a few pedestrians and dog walkers but they all very politely stood aside as we climbed past; not completely unlike Alpe d’Huez. At the Bilton Lane/Greenway junction we headed off in various homeward direction. Thanks to all for a very enjoyable morning’s ride; great route, weather and company. Thanks also to Martin and Jill for their good work! Doug H
There was a large group for the Short Ride today, unsurprisingly in view of the lovely day, so Doug asked for some of us to lead extra rides. My group were a jolly bunch and we headed out through golden fields to enjoy 27 miles of summer riding. On the way we stopped at the ruin near Farnham suspected to be an ice house, and the site of the first pilot wind turbine to generate electricity for the grid. After that it was obviously time for coffee and snacks at the Hideaway cafe, and then we made our way back to Harrogate. A very enjoyable ride in good company. Martin
With so many takers for the short ride, I offered to lead a group. Confusing the main ride leader by turning right and going through the showground Bob, Russell, Paul, David, Graham and Jenny all followed me. With 21 cyclists opting for the short ride we thought we’d avoid causing too much chaos at Woodlands lights. We briefly saw group 1 at Low Bridge before again deviating off the main route by tuning right after passing under the railway bridge in Knaresborough. We opted for Plenty in Boroughbridge to ease cafe shoc before mingling with group 3 on the return. Thanks all for a good ride and Russell for the photo. JJ
Medium Steady Group 1
Such a glorious day for cycling brought all the fair-weather cyclists out to the Showground this morning and delightful to see them too. The Medium Steady ride self-selected into 3 groups for traffic management purposes; I led the first group and thank you to Steve B for leading the second and James taking the third. We quickly left town behind to head out through Hampsthwaite, stopping for a ‹ whilst we’re here › photo opportunity for Tim2, Sarah D, Rachel, Steve S, Alastair, Mike W-h and I, joined by riders of group 2: Gordon T, Zilpha and Peter J. We then passed their group leader Steve and Phil who had taken a short cut and lost them! Over Hartwith Mill toll bridge, up the lovely Stripe Lane to Brimham Rocks. The heather looked superbly purple as we sped down towards Sawley Moor Lane, taking Middycarr Bank to Fountains Abbey but most vegetation remains dangerously dry. Freewheeling challenge accepted down the Deer Park brought me almost to the gates of Tates! Brunch was quickly ordered – let me recommend the Eggs Florentine on brown toast – and we relaxed under the umbrellas as the other groups arrived. A few more hills beckoned so we set off to find them via Littlethorpe, Bishop Monkton and inevitably Copgrove Lane up to Farnham under some stunning skies. For a change we headed through Lingerfield and up the Scriven Road; a motorist descending Bond End in front of me caused some confusion by first signalling left then belatedly right whilst remaining in the middle of the road, so nothing for it but to speed past out of the way! Happily all of us arrived safely back to gradually split in Harrogate after a lovely sunny ride in sunny company for about 42 miles with over 2,500 ft elevation. Yvonne.
Medium Steady Group 2
With James at the front and Colin at the back, nothing was going to go wrong – and, lo, it didn’t! We were one of three groups, comprising Colin. Debby, Alison James, Peter, Sally and Me and it was a Goldilocks sort of a day with a perfect temperature, outstanding visibility and a gentle cooling breeze. The more challenging climbing was in the first half of the ride and we agreed, unanimously, that Stripe Lane was our favourite hill with just the right gradient, a nice surface and rewarding views at the top.
Our cafe destination of choice was Tate’s in Ripon where we found most of the rest of Wheel Easy and enjoyed the usual excellent service and food and some eclectic banter. I think we covered most of the usual subjects including the perils of being caught in flagranté, nudist beaches (at home and abroad), Instagram and Air Fryers. That does rather sound like the synopsis of this year’s short story prize!
Feeling more like a snooze than a bike ride we upped sticks and headed for home via the Littlethorpe, Bishop Monkton, Farnham, Lingerfield route, soaking up the late afternoon sun, enjoying a little moment of mindfulness and feeling relaxed and happy. My Wahoo clocked exactly 40 miles on a truly splendid day in excellent company. Helen T
Medium Plus Brisk
There were 14 riders showing an interest in the meandering route 260 so we split into 2 groups. We followed the route through Knox into Hampsthwaite and out via Swincliffe, Tang and Kettlesing- not been in that direction for a while. We decided to avoid the main road, heading towards Greenhow Hill Road turning right at the Stonehouse bound for the Two Stoops descent and Pateley Bridge. Helen & I swerved the ‘evil’ Silver Hill and took Blazefield Bank as an alternative – meeting up with the group at Devil’s elbow. We then took the short route to Tate’s in Ripon. After refreshments we took the Markington route home. Unfortunately Tim R had a nasty tumble requiring a lift home provided by Rachel & Mike. 53 miles and 4,000+ feet of climbing. Get well soon Tim.
Janet G
