Wednesday 10 April
Wednesday Wanderers Ride
With so many Wanderers at the start, Red Leader found himself piloting a squadron of eight behind the fast group, who were taking their time, and ahead of a slower group who kept catching us up. At Little Ribston we heard of mechanicals behind us, but as we couldn’t help we continued, now 10 after being joined by two from behind. We spotted a Tucano T1 from RAF Linton but we were too fast and strong for him and, with a flourish, he went for home. Democratically we split at Whixley with two lunching at Tancred and the others making for the Bean via an unauthorised but pretty route. And guess what – the fast group was in there too ! With two pink wingmen (or wingwomen) and all others now in bright yellow we sparkled in the sunshine all the way to the Beryl Burton, where the usual peeling off for home began. 35.7 English miles on Red Leader’s tracker back to Leadhall Lane. MHC.
Wanderers Group A
Lots of Wanderers at Hornbeam on a chilly morning, after the faster group set off 24 riders were left and splitinto 3 groups. A nice pleasant ride at a steady pace out to Spofforth, Little Ribston and the cycle path to Walshford. We took the A168 and then turned right towards Whixley having to negotiate the level crossing gates one at a time and the photo stop. Then on to Tancred and the coffee stop, Steve stopped off at his house for coffee! no sign of the faster group, the second group soon arrived as we sat down. Time to buy some dog biscuits from the butcher’s counter and another rider bought his sausages and Mike informed us that one of his group had a broken chain and was making arrangements to get back home. After the stop it was quite warm and sunny, so jackets and the second pair of gloves were taken off by a few riders. Then on to Great Ouseburn, Dunsforths, Aldborough, Staveley and Harrogate, as usual lots of chatting and good company. 36 miles. Chris R.
Poddlers Ride
Unsurprisingly the lure of a longer and speedier ride to Boroughbridge was stronger than a short slow ride up to Cut Throat Lane,so a lone Poddler poddled happily along the empty Greenway to Ripley, up to Clint Bank, on to Çut Throat Lane….what a lovely view, along to the Drovers’crossroads and back to Ripley. A visit to see the ladies at Ripley Church confirmed they are open casually next Wednesday and for the summer every Wednesday after Easter for coffee tea and yummish cakes. My arrival home was as perfectly planned and all now ready for an invasion of germ carrying children…2 have already been sick over the train. About 20 miles perhaps…..still can t work my ordometer properly. CG
EG’s A Team Long Ride
It was a late start when the EGs left Low Bridge as we had an update on Phil’s accident and subsequent medical attention. Phil: all EGs send their heartfelt best wishes for a full recovery and look forward to seeing you back riding with us without too much delay. There was a unusually good turnout of Daves today. 4 of them: 2 DPs, and 2 DWs. The EGs made their way to Wetherby for coffee, where our usual fare nearly caused a riot: the size of the Morrisons toasted tea cakes had shrunk by 50% overnight! What! How could they? One EG was so disgusted he asked them to take it away and bring back a decent sized one. A second toated teacake duly arrived, and it was no bigger than the first: which was about the diameter of a scone, with the depth of a
pancake. Hmmm! Serious issue! Something must be done……
The A and B teams than separated, Dave P(1) went with the B Team, leaving 3 other Daves in the 7-strong A Team making their way to York via Tadcaster, (no we didn’t test the toasted teacakes there), Catterton, Biilborough and Askham Bryan. Dave Wa peeled off for home just before Bilborough. As we made our way through York, Peter B peeled off before we arrived at Cycle Heaven, so 5 of us enjoyed the lunchtime
fare there, and discussed the route home. Our previous trip to York was just after the River Ouse floods had receded leaving a deposit of silt on the cycle paths, which made it impossible to cycle so we had to divert along the A19. Dave Wi then told us of a subway on the far side of the A19 which avoids the ring road roundabout. So we followed Dave Wi up the A19 and experienced the subway – well recommended should you have to take the A19 out of York.
The sun was now out and the temperatures were rising. Dave Wi and Colin P didn’t stop at Beningbrough, where Dave P(2), Peter N and Eric enjoyed the warmth of the afternoon April sunshine sitting outside the Home Farm cafe for our third cafe stop. And very pleasant it was too! Arrived in Harrogate at 5pm, 61 miles for Harlow Hillbillies. Eric
EG’s Ride B Team
About a dozen riders gathered at Low Bridge and the question on everyone’s lips was “How’s Phil?” after his accident during the week. I explained what happened and was pleased to be able report the latest news that he is on the mend, to a collective sigh of relief. The EG’s thoughts are with you Phil and we are looking forward to your return.
Wednesday Ride