Sunday 31st August

Medium Plus Steady

Only three of us for the Medium Plus at the showground, maybe the climbing and forecast blustery conditions put some off. Mike W, Richard and myself set off to Killinghall via the Knox bridge where we met Jan who had arranged to meet us on route to make it a group of four. Good progress was made to Pateley Bridge via Birstwith, Darley and Summerbrige. Then came the nemesis that is Peat Lane, almost 900 feet of climbing in about two and a half miles! No problem for Jan with her turbo power and chapeaux to Mike who rode the whole climb, Richard and I walked the lower steepest gravelly bits until the road levelled off enough to remount. Around this time I really regretted having one or two gin and tonics the previous evening. The wind at Greenhow had now become very blustery and the section past Stump Cross was a bit dodgy. We decided to take the New road to Skyreholme to try and lose some altitude and the wind. As we walked through the Cavendish pavilion the rain started and gave us a good soaking all the way to the Abbey tea rooms, where the service was very swift and the food good. A few more spots of rain as we made our way through Ilkley and Otley but nothing too serious. Richard developed a mechanical problem on the road to Pool, a frayed cable prevented him changing down the rear cassette so he had to pedal at quite a high cadence to maintain speed. We all slowed down a bit , which I didn’t mind at all, and returned to Kirkby Overcoat where Mike said goodbye, Richard left before the Travellers Rest and Jan and I parted at Fodder. Slightly less miles than published at 60, but still 4,300 ft. I was very pleased to get home and snooze, thanks to all for waiting for me on the hills. Steve B.

Long Ride

Peter L, Pete and I set off for Catterick on a route originally devised for a club 100 mile ride before the advent of the challenge rides.  With a fresh southerly breeze we made good progress to Thirsk, where we had a brief pit stop, and then on to the Lakeside café at Ellerton for lunch, arriving around 1:15.  Service was quick (it isn’t always) and we were able to get back on the road in good time.

After lunch we had a few showers which resulted in a number of wardrobe stops, but the main hindrance to progress was the headwind.  Hedges were helpful, but it was hard going where the road was exposed.  The return route is quite convoluted, having been extended to get the ride to 100 miles, prompting comments of “can it really be another 38 miles from here?!”

Approaching the Siswick residence we had a sharp downpour, so took shelter under a tree outside Dave’s house, which somehow seemed appropriate as Dave devised the route.  No garden party this year.

We arrived back at the showground a bit before 7pm having had a grand day out.

RL

So sorry; I was in Mallorca enjoying a bit of sunshine. DS

Short Ride

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Medium Steady

With no designated leader, I volunteered as this is one of my favourite rides over Dallowgill Moor.  We set off in two groups of four. Newbies Jen and Graham joined us, a new ride for them, with Colin duly being our sweeper.  A beautiful ride in warm, windy conditions, with the rain keeping away today, and no mechanicals. 

As we arrived at G & Ts, the brisk group were leaving. Phil, the only non electric in our group, was the first there at the café ordering a well earned double helping of eggs, while Paul chose the healthy option of double caramel ice cream. There was the usual high standard of banter, interspersed with some nonsense and confusion thrown in. 

Thank you all for your lovely company and James leading the first group of four, and Peter for setting the cracking pace on the way back. 38 miles and 2,404 ft of climbing. Bridget 

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Medium Brisk

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Medium Plus Brisk

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