Short Ride
Five intrepid cyclist- Sarah, Sue, Paul David and Diane braved the tail end of storm Dave to do reverse route -Around Beryl Burton- Scriven , Lingfield, Farnham, Arkendale, Goldthorpe Knaresborough back to Harrogate.
Due to the bitter cold weather and threat of rain Sue peeled off at Beryl Burton path after admiring her recent tree planting in the woods. Paul was redirected on the path home at Farnham( as he was struggling with the hills and due to time constraints) he had enjoyed the ride but that was sufficient.
We took refreshments at the Bell pub, which had a sign welcoming cyclists. Much appreciated as we were battered by cross winds on the return journey. Arriving back at the showground just before a heavy hail storm. Diane S-D
Medium Steady – Part 1
It was all going swimmingly, apart from a bit of debris on the Greenway. On the hill out of Ripley my right gear cable snapped so I abandoned my leadership duties and limped back to the Showground with not many gears. Hope you all enjoyed the increasing sunshine and a nice cafe stop. Fortunately it is looking significantly warmer next week and we have now seen the back of Storm Dave. Anyway, who calls a storm “Dave” for goodness sake – what’s wrong with Damocles, Dracula or Donald?! 14 miles for me, Helen T
Medium Steady – Part 2
After the untimely departure of our leader Helen due to a mechanical the remaining seven of us, Monica, Liz, Yvonne, Dan, Dominic, James and myself pressed onward to Watergate Lane and How Hill with a little bit of wind assistance. The intention was a stop at Tates but we found the gates locked and had to rethink our plans. We decided to give the Spa gardens a try and luckily they were open and fully staffed. We gave their kitchen a good workout, ordering a wide variety of dishes from hot cross buns to a full English breakfast. Friendly swift service and good food at reasonable prices. Back on the road and we had to work a little harder as the wind picked up and we were also treated to a couple of hail showers. Liz said goodbye at Bishop Monkton and James at Knaresborough and the rest of us made it to the golf club before splitting up for home. Thanks for your company and thanks to our official photographer Yvonne. About 35 miles for me and 1800ft. Steve B.
Medium Plus Brisk
Stormy weather on Sunday meant that the group hatched a plan to go out 24 hours later when the forecast suggested it would be sunny. And it was. All day long. Eight left the Showground and worked our way up to Darley via Hampsthwaite (where the roads had been gritted the night before) and then up to Nought Moor with glorious views all around – well worth the effort of getting up there. Two more riders appeared and we were 10 heading down Two Stoops & along to How Stean with 6 taking the Yorkshire Water road off to Scar House Reservoir before our café stop. Back via Pateley & Smelthouses in some really quite warm weather. 57 miles, 4,650 feet climb. Fabulous. Tall Tim
