Sunday 31st July

It was fairly quiet at the Showground this morning – maybe the rain had put people off riding.

Gia, Kevin, James, Nick and Maris decided to join me for the Medium Plus ride. Alison also decided to accompany us as she had no takers for her short ride. We started off down the Greenway and through Hollybank woods, but on Clint Bank, Kevin unfortunately got a puncture. Not that easy to fix on the back tyre of an e-bike but it was efficiently sorted out with the help of James and Nick. At Brimham we said goodbye to Alison – it had been very nice to have her company up till then. It was a bit dreary with the rain coming and going, but we soldiered on up onto the moor after Fellbeck and had a photo stop overlooking the glorious view at the top. A steep descent into Pateley Bridge and a welcome break at Wildings café. The group decision was to modify the route and return by Glasshouses, Summerbridge and Darley. The sun was making an appearance at last and I fancied a bit of time enjoying it by sitting in Sophie’s garden with some tea and cake. Everyone else needed to get home so I found myself in conversation with some other friendly cyclists in the garden and very pleasant it was too! Not the rather mountainous route advertised but a very enjoyable 40 miles in good company. Monica