Sunday 30th. January
Short Ride
On a cold, sunny morning, 8 people set off to Boroughbridge. Brian, Fiona, Jill, Rachel, David, Paul, Dennis and myself. Two groups of 4, Brian took one group, I took second from the back. On our way we saw 2 herons stood in a field. At Minskip Dennis departed to go home whilst the others tried to find a cafe at Boroughbridge. We tried 3, but all heaving so we decided to go back and went over Mountgarret Estate onto Ripley where we stopped for coffee at the Shop, Rachel & Jill enjoyed bacon sandwiches whilst David & Paul had coffees at the Castle cafe. Brian & Fiona decided not to have coffee and departed for home. We then proceeded on the Greenway, onto the Showground. Excellent ride, lovely weather and well done to everyone. Thanks for your company. 29 miles. Mike W
Medium Steady Ride
There were 6 riders for the Medium Steady at a cold, bright, sunny Showground. We made good progress after the leader was encouraged to increase the initial slightly over cautious pace and we were soon heading up Walton Head Lane as a welcome opportunity to warm up. 6 became 7 on the road to Sicklinghall as Paul joined and we sailed on through Wetherby before making a minor deviation to stay on the west of the A1 to Bramham and then Boston Spa for coffee and assorted Italian delights at Da Carlo’s. From there it was back to Wetherby and then Little Ribston where the group divided to either Spofforth or Knaresborough and home. A good day out and just over 37 miles. Vince
Medium Plus Steady Pace
After the other Medium Plus groups had sorted themselves it only left me with three riders for the Steady Ride. After the melee created by the traffic signals and the mass exodus from the Show Ground we proceeded without incident along the prescribed route to Leathley. On leaving Leathley we come upon another Medium Plus group that had stopped for a photo opportunity. Now it was onwards and upwards towards Lindley and the gated road. Along the gated road we passed another Medium Plus group fixing a puncture. Although there is no specific cafe for this ride we headed for the Fewston Farm Shop, where we were joined by a depleted Medium Plus group. After negotiating crossing the A59 to reach Meanwith Hill Road and join the route as per the calendar. When we reached Know Mill bridge Trefor caught up with us, apparently he had been late in setting off and had only just managed to catch up with us. Thanks to Andy, Andy and Allan for a enjoyable but hilly ride. PCJ
Medium Plus Brisk Ride
Plenty looking to complete Route 57 today. Glyn, Steve, Dennis, Steve & Tall Tim dropped off the main group to keep group numbers manageable but we all squeezed together from time to time as we drew breath or stripped off as the temperature rose. Glyn left us at Leathley; the remaining riders opted to dine at Fewston Farm Shop & sat outside in the smashtastic sunshine before going completely off route by crossing the A59, past Forest Moor school & Menwith Hill and then gliding past Clapham Green to Hampsthwaite & back via Knox. 37 miles & 2,780 feet. Tall Tim.
Medium Plus Ride
We were one of four groups out on the medium plus route today although from the outset we were going to tinker with the route. We began by going through Pannal, Drury Lane and across the by pass to Kirkby Overblow, a route we seldom do these days. On to Dunkeswick, Castley and Leathley and up to the gated road towards Stainburn Woods. Again we rarely cycle this route this way round and we all enjoyed the spectacular views and the sunshine. Rumblings from within the group which had already abandoned the thoughts of cycling to Hartwith Toll Bridge, we shortcircuited Menwith to take the Penny Pot route and across the A59 down to Kettlesing. By this time we were all fairly obsessed by the late taking of tea, coffee and food so by various means legged it to Sophie’s. A great route, about 35 miles, lots of hills and a beautiful day although chilly by the time we left for home. Thanks to the gang for the company, the ribbing, but mainly for a great Wheel Easy day out. Gia
