Ride Reports

Sunday 3rd September

Tall Tim

Medium Steady

Sadly our manager was hors de combat this morning, get well soon Janet, and as first substitute on the bench, I was very happy to step in given the glorious weather and particularly lovely route. Hardly surprising therefore that there were a lot of riders and bravo Yvonne who led another team to Brimham via Stripe Lane and then to Tate’s through Sawley and the deer park. My team avoided the back road from Sawley, as is the rather undemocratic prerogative of the leader, but both groups reconvened at Tate’s where there were scones a plenty for everyone. As it happened ours was an all female group so thank you to Jill and her fabulous new bike, Alison who is a fellow sun lover, Barbara who is an expert downhiller, Liz who takes off up hills and Margaret who has specialist knowledge on bone density – all very useful skills. Helen B

Short Ride

Beautiful September morning greeted the seven riders for todays ride. Denis, Bob, Joe, Geraldine, Brian, Liz and myself. We quickly negotiated Rudding Park and the bypass before the swoop down to Follifoot and Spofforth. Picking up the Harland Way to Wetherby. The lovely weather had certainly brought out families etc as the route was busy. We continued on the cycle path up to Thorp Arch where Denis left us for Boston Spa. The car boot was busy but we found a table outside at Tim’s where refreshments were most welcome and food quickly served. It got quite hot sat there. Back on our bikes we headed for Ruddgate Lane and up to Cowthorpe. Onto Little Ribston and Knaresborough. At Low Bridge Brian Liz Bob and myself headed up Bland Hill while Joe and Geraldine went for Waterside and Knaresborough Hill. Lovely ride and great company. Thank you all. Just short of 28 miles for me. Colin B

Medium (not so Brisk) Group

Four of us (see photo + me) decided to do the Medium Brisk route today but not at a very brisk pace. We shadowed the Medium Group to the Toll Bridge and then continued up the dale to Darley and Thornthwaite. The day turned out to be one of the nicest for a long time and the views of Nidderdale and beyond were fantastic. Despite plenty of climbing Paul took us on a diversion round the Menwith Hill road closure back down into valley and then back up Stumps Lane at the top of which there was a cri de coeur for coffee. Through Tang and past Birstwith Hall brought us into Sophie’s where our coffee stop turned into a tasting session. Then it was time to take Paul home and Gia, Debbie and I parted company at Knox. Not far off the advertised distance of 31 miles and lots of climbing, but a lovely day to be out. James G

Long Ride

The delightful weather enticed us up Redlish Lane/Duck Street to Greenhow and then across to and past Stump Cross caverns with its crowded car park. The strong cross head wind slowed our progress but it would be highly useful on the return trip we thought. As expected the views were generous and bountiful with an added milkiness that made landscape photography imprudent. Cake, tea & coffee in Grassington that was thronged with visitors – as was Burnsall as we returned via Skyreholme at the mercy of the baking sun. And, of course, by now the wind had died away leaving us with little to no tailwind to assist the climbing. Home via Penny Pot – 56 miles. Young Tim.