Sunday 2nd June

Short Ride

Nine riders opted for the magical mystery tour that was the short ride.

In an assortment of clothing some were too warm, others too cold and nobody seemed to be ‘just right’. Clothing being removed and added as we went seemed to be the theme.

Off to the Squinting Cat via St. George’s road roundabout then to the Smiths Arms at Beckwithshaw, the Sun Inn, the Black Bull and the Queen’s Head at Kettlesing before arriving at Sophie’s.
After moving for shelter from the first of the rain drops, we still managed to sit outside for our coffee’s.  We set off up Hollins Lane just as the rain started.

Home was either via Grainbeck Lane or through Killinghall and the Greenway depending on how you were feeling. About 20 miles if you went via Grainbeck Lane. Thanks all for the company, Jill J

 

Medium Ride

Distance 36.64 miles Height 613 metres – according to my Strava

Route 145 – Spofforth, Wetherby, Thorpe Arch, Boston Spa, Bramham, Collingham, Sicklinghall, Kirkby Overblow and back via the showground. We detoured to the coffee shop which extended the route slightly.

An enjoyable flattish ride.

Weather – Threat of rain but we only had a few drops when we stopped for coffee

Points of interest – very interesting chat about everything under the sun. Loads of cars on the road from Little Ribston to Wetherby – must have been something happening. The Himlayan Balsam was growing strongly already on the cycle path to Thorpe Arch

Coffee – The Café and Bistro at Thorpe Arch. Quick service and good food as always.

Company – perfect. We started with ten and picked up two along the way

Back at 2.10

Steve W

 

Medium-Plus Ride

We were a group of 11 after collecting riders at Low Bridge and Farnham. The weather was mostly overcast and warm with a few light showers. Our route was via Boroughbridge, Thornton Bridge and Sessay to Thirsk then back to Dalton before heading to Topcliffe, Asenby, Cundall and Norton le Clay.

Lunch was at Yorkes (in Thirsk Market Place) where we were all well looked after.  Many thanks to Jill F and Dave P for helping out with the route as I had only done a part of it before. It was however great to do an area that we rarely ride and the scenery was of the best.

Thanks to everyone for great company and to Sue C for backmarking. It was about 56 miles and 1800 feet of climbing. Liz P

Medium Plus – PCJ’s Team

After the dividing up the Medium Plus riders I ended with three other riders namely; Peter B Tim and Fred. We left Harrogate by the Greenfields, Starbeck, Knaresborough route. As we were heading for Staveley we were overtaken by the Medium Plus Fast group. There ensued some jolly banter concerning where had they been to end up behind us. But true to form the Fast Boys left us as we neared Minskip. We continued at a brisk pace through Boroughbridge, Sessay (awful road surface), Dalton and eventually arriving at Thirsk. Here we met up with the Fast Group again at the Arabica coffee shop. Given our speedy outbound journey we decided to take a longer route back to Harrogate. So, at Topcliffe we diverted to Rainton, where a Street Market was in progress, and then on to Melmerby. Here we encountered some light rain which forced us to don waterproof gear but by the time we reached Wath it was dry again. After Ripon is was a case of returning via Markington, Ripley and the Green Way in an attempt to avoid the blustery southerly wind. PCJ

Long Ride

On a warm summer’s morning nine riders were ready to set off on the long ride. Two had not done this distance before, so a good introduction for them! The weather was forecast to rain at some point in the day and wind get up later in the afternoon. The rain started at Ulleskelf and a few riders wanted to stop to put their waterproofs on. After zipping up and setting off the rain then stopped! (typical!!)

We were soon in Selby cycling at a steady pace and decided it was time to stop for coffee, beans on toast, cake, etc etc. Then it was time to head north and around York to Skipwith, Wheldrake, Dunnington towards Haxby cycling on some very nice and quiet country lanes.

At Haxby we found a coffee shop open so another stop! Then it was a nice easy cycle to Shipton, Tollerton and at Thornton Bridge the wind did get up and then it was a head wind to Boroughbridge and back to Harrogate. The ride was as the ride information said, ‘It’s as flat as it gets! We rode as a group and left no one behind’ I am sure that this ride could be put on again, for those that want to do a nice, easy introductory long ride. GPX mileage 90.5 miles. Chris R.