Medium Plus Brisk
It was one of those lovely crisp winter days. There was a possibility of ice on the higher ground near the Washburn Valley reservoirs so we decided to abandon the published route and go for the safer option to Ripon, Skelton-on-Ure and Boroughbridge.
Helen peeled off at Ripon to get home early leaving Bob, Zoe, Jan and I.
Refreshments were taken at Plenty in Boroughbridge before the return journey via Staveley, Arkendale, Ferrensby and Knaresborough. Bob left us after the refreshment stop to extend the ride on his own.
It was good to get the legs spinning again after bad weather had curtailed recent rides. I made it just over 32 miles with 1350 ft gain at an average of 13.6 mph. Tim R
Short Ride
Weather had improved so no excuses to turn over and stay in bed| Margaret and David opted for the short ride to Darley PO. Over the stray, Dragon Bridge to Knox where hubby Peter was waiting to join us, as it was his pioneering route I was doing, I needed him to keep me on the right track, not easy with me!. At Hampswaithe, Liz from Darley joined us. Up the road and not up the big twisty hill but the more gentle one. We turned right up the narrow lane and left to Crow Hill Lane. Views spectacular in the wintry sunshine, road not too icy as we were high up, everyone had plenty of layers on but as usual fingers and toes were cold for some. Liz told us to be careful as we went down Stumps Lane, no whizzing by Margaret, Liz had said water had flowed across the bottom of the lane and it could be icy. All reached Darley PO, and soon drinks and teacakes were had by all. Kids football was on but just missed the crowd and managed to get inside. Talk was about scams and good coffee machines, Liz was waiting for delivery or she would have had us all at her house trying it out! All refreshed headed out of Darley, onto Birstwith, up Clint Bank, very busy Ripley as the Sunday market was in full flow. Down Greenway where Liz had already left, Peter and I turned left Margaret and David headed home. A lovely short ride on a cold day thank you all for your company. 24 miles Liz F
Medium Steady
After some indecision five riders decided to do the Medium Ride as per the ride calendar. Although, for some reason we took the wrong turn off Leadhall Lane and ended up in the St. George’s development. Picked up the route at Green Lane and it was now plain sailing. At the Army Foundation College there was meeting of medium riders. The roads approaching and through Brimham Rocks had some icy patches but everyone stayed upright. Approaching Hampsthwaite we came across Kevin (pushing his bike) and Paul T. Kevin had suffered a puncture but was unable to get the wheel off. We continued to Hampsthwaite for refreshments at Sophie’s, with PCJ heading home. A cold start to the ride but with a clear blue sky and bright sunshine the views were wonderful. PCJ
Another Medium Ride
Alison Gia Kevin Paul and Martin set off on Route 310 making an early decision to go out of Harrogate via Cornwall Road. At Pennypot we carefully negotiated Rowden Lane which miraculously had been gritted. At Hartwith Toll Bridge we met a cyclist who had turned back from Brimham due to ice and we had a mechanical. Long story but all ended well with coffee at Sophie’s and met up with the other group who braved the ice. All home safely . Gia
Medium Plus
The main group decided to do an alternative ride to Boroughbridge due to the cold weather but Clive and I (Steve S) decided to do the route as planned. We stopped at the Fewston village hall for a very welcome rest and refreshments, which are now just the last weekend of each month. There were a few patches of ice, particularly over the dam at Thruscross but we had no mishaps and had a lovely ride in perfect sunny weather. Steve S
