Sunday 7th August

Short Steady Ride

There were four of us to do this ride, Myself, Justine, Dennis and Paul. The weather was pretty much perfect but the wind was a bit of a nuisance at times.

We set off from the show ground and headed towards Hornbeam on the cycle path, up Fulwith Mill Lane and then Justine took us a little shortcut which cut out the crossing down to Stone Rings( never too old to learn!). Then onwards past the Squinting Cat and then left down to Beckwithshaw. A couple of unpleasant little hills later and we were left onto Pennypot then a right turn and onwards till the A59 crossing ( lots of traffic!)

A lovely downhill into Hampsthwaite and Sophie’s where Dennis said his goodbyes and left three of us to have some refreshment and a good chat. Then off to Hollybank and the Greenway to Ripley where we decided to modify the route and headed off to Brearton for a most pleasant meander back to Knaresborough. Paul was introduced to the pleasure of ebikes when I let him borrow mine for about a mile or so and a couple of small hills. Cycled up a very busy Beryl Burton way encountering lots of small dogs and one disgruntled cyclist, parting our ways at Bilton Hall.

A very pleasant ride on a lovely day with good company.

 

Medium Steady Ride

Great weather welcomed riders this morning. Breaking into two groups with each leaving the show ground by different routes resulting in the second group being ahead as we progressed up to Leadhall Lane. But they meandered through the back lanes so a switch was done. Paul and Conor were waiting at the top of Green Lane and joined the smaller second group. Through Beckwithshaw we all regrouped at Little Almscliffe. As we got to Timble my group paused and a lady invited us into the village hall for coffee/tea. Kevin’s group decided to push on.

The Otley AC were doing a charity fell run and Timble was the finishing point. As we were there well ahead of the runners we took the opportunity for a coffee/tea before we tackled the climb from Blubberhouses  up to Thruscross and Greenhow Lane. We all made a donation to the charity as thanks for the rest/drinks etc.

We generally succeeded on the climbs and welcomed the drop to Thornthwaite where we briefly lost Steve and Alan. Paul chased them down. At Darley we had another coffee stop. The group then split some going via Hampswaite and my group of three going up Clint Bank to pick up the Greenway and home. Great ride. Thank you all. 35 miles for me 3456 feet of ascent. Colin B

 

Medium Brisk

Out to Timble via Norwood Lane, a triad of Tims (T1, T3 & T4) , Mark, Nevah, Alistair & Vince then glided down to Blubberhouses before sweating our way up to Reservoir Road and across a sorry looking Thuscross. Lunch at Darley where the staff were run off their feet but coped magnificently. The group split at Fulwith Mill – T4, Mark, Nevah & Alistair following the published route whilst Vince and T 1 & T3 headed off up Stripe Lane and then down Careless Whisper House Lane on what turned out to be a lovely sunny day. 39.6 miles. Tall Tim

 

Medium Plus Steady

A beautiful morning at the Showground with 11 cyclists, including a couple of visitors, opting for the Coxwold steady 269 route today.  We set off leaving sensible group gaps up Rudding Park Lane – such a lot of traffic made crossing any A-roads a challenge this Sunday – and pressed on to Walshford and Whixley where the railway guard kindly opened the level crossing gates for us as we passed on through to Aldwark.  Lovely pace to Easingwold where The Olive Tree accommodated all of us outside for a convivial lunch.  Then we cruised onwards through Oulston on the undulating road to Coxwold affording us great views of the White Horse and busy combine harvesting in adjacent fields.  We stopped at the church with its octagonal tower to admire the horseshoe altar rail before regrouping at Hutton Sessay.  Heads down as we headed home with a challenging headwind into Boroughbridge and Knaresborough.  Thanks to participating cyclists who recorded a great 58 miles and 2,200ft. elevation. Yvonne D

 

Medium Plus Brisk

Just three lady riders selected the Coxwold ride this morning- Helen, Angela and myself.

We decided to deviate from the published route and went out via Low Bridge and Knaresborough. However from Aldwark Bridge to Easingwold we stayed true to the route and made excellent progress, buoyed by a tailwind. Once in Easingwold we picked up the Husthwaite road and climbing out of Husthwaite we had a wonderful view of the White Horse. The road to Coxwold from there is so pretty- undulating with more views of the magnificent White Horse and the gorgeous surrounding countryside.

The Coxwold tea rooms were excellent as always and it’s always a treat to sit in their garden. We made our way back via Carlton Husthwaite, over Thornton Bridge and back to Boroughbridge. Then normal route back via Knaresborough Hill. The headwind made it hard going on the way back but we all took our turn on the front. It was a pleasure cycling with you ladies and the weather was perfect. Janet G