EG’s Ride
Heavy showers, as we breakfasted, greeted us, perhaps as forecast, but failed to dampen our spirit for the ride ahead. However, having in mind the short daylight hours available, it was agreed to take the direct route to Askham Richard, and the “naughty girls” cafe !
Phil beat us through the still temporary traffic lights as he swung right at the end of Abbey Road but we caught up as he waited up the hill.
A southerly wind greeted us as we passed across the by-pass and Phil kindly took the wind to ease the extra effort for the rest of the group of five.
Passing across the bridge after Little Ribston Phil queried Wetherby or Cowthorpe? Left to Cowthorpe was the call where, unfortunately, Dave S. & Geoff suffered the “wash” of a passing lorry just as they were trying to avoid the impending puddle on the left. Not the lorry driver’s fault as he was unsighted as he exited Cowthorpe.
Continuing on our way with Phil still bravely pushing the wind and passing through Tockwith, we marvelled once again at the wonderful difference the resurfacing of the road to Marston moor made to our progress.
Despite the effects of the wind we managed to arrive at the early lunchtime cafe stop about 11.15am pleased to see plenty of space for we oldies. Beans on toast seemed to be the preferred top up for energy to see us home although Geoff must have ordered an extra special meal as it was some time for his to arrive.
We marvelled at the number of other cyclists arriving in what seemed a continuous stream as we dined proving that many cafes now rely on this now popular pastime.
Concluding our meal we agreed our homeward route should be kept reasonably short so we cut through to Bilbrough and Healaugh towards Wighill.
In an effort to seek a little shelter from the wind Dave S. guided us along the cycle path between Walton & Wetherby continuing on our way towards home and arriving at a fairly early hour of 2.00pm. Not unexpected at this time of year, allowing a contingency for unexpected events. Still we were able to complete, in reasonably dry weather, notwithstanding the residual surface water on the roads following overnight rain, once again, just short of 40 miles it was good to get out as we approached Christmas.
Dave W.
Medium Steady Ride 1
Due to heavy rain, wind and getting soaking wet walking our grandson to school, I decided to give the showground a miss and instead head to Ripley at 10am in the hope that I’d meet the medium steady group.
Arriving at Ripley I was pleased to see Tim shortly followed by Gia. We waited until 10.15 to see if anyone else was doing the Ripon, Fountains Abbey, Littlethorpe, Knaresborough route but no one appeared. We decided to just head to Fountains and have a coffee and then return home as it was raining again. However, by the time we got to Fountains, the weather improved so we decided to do the official 30 mile route. We stopped at Tates and although it was busy, our drink/food order arrived quickly and for once the drink and food arrived together. Overall it turned out to be a good ride and we were pleased we made the effort to come out. Thanks for your company Tim and Gia. Paul
Medium Steady Ride 2
8 brave people turned up for a wet and windy 40 miles ride. James, Roger, Paul, Colin, David, Derek and 2 x Mikes. We set off to Ripon via Boroughbridge. Weather ok now. 3 x rainbows plus plenty of water on the roads. Cycling into a headwind was testing. Arrived at Tates, we stopped and had a discussion as to whether to go to cafe at Risplith. I then saw Nicci with us. Evidently she chased after us and caught up at Staveley. Well done Nicci, such a brave challenge. We decided to go straight to Risplith cafe. David K said he was going to Fountains then ride back. We went on to Risplith, up a long climb with headwind, made it hard going. Good cafe stop, photo session then off on our way home with slight detour via Watergate Road and made our way back to Harrogate. Big gusts of wind. Hard ride but enjoyable. Thanks to you all for your input and Nicci you should sleep well tonight. Cheers.
Mike W
Brisk Group
With a promising forecast, our group—Tim 4, Sarah, Tim1 and Graham—gathered early in Harrogate for the Route 42R outing. A brief, pre-ride shower threatened to dampen our spirits, but by the time wheels began to turn, the clouds had dispersed and the morning revealed itself in full, bright Yorkshire sunshine—classic local weather tossing in a twist, just to keep us on our toes. We settled into a comfortable rhythm from the start, with Sarah leading out through suburban roads on the edge of Harrogate. Conversation was lively, covering everything from last week’s mechanical mishaps to Graham’s quest for the perfect coffee stop that wouldn’t break the bank. The earlier drizzle left the lanes gleaming, and with barely a breeze, riding was a pleasure. Autumn colours along the Yorkshire hedgerows provided a stunning backdrop as we pressed on.
As we climbed away from town, legs woke up—especially on the rolling stretches, where Tim 4 and Tim1 indulged in a spot of friendly rivalry. The descent into the valley was smooth and fast, broken only by Sarah’s warning calls at a particularly cheeky pothole. Our well-earned cake stop halfway sparked a lively debate over the virtues of fruit scones versus the classic custard slice, fuelling us for the return leg.
The final miles saw us rolling back under clear blue skies, all smiles and not a drop of rain in sight. Route 42R served up just the right blend of scenery, camaraderie and challenge—certainly one for the Wheeleasy scrapbook. Until the next ride! Tim
