EG’s Ride
At last, it would seem, summer has arrived. The forecast was dry, sunny & temperatures roundabout 24 degrees. Agreeing on the shorter, albeit hillier option of routes to aim for, four EGs set off towards Ripley via the “Greenway” and through the woods to Clint.
It was at this point Jim decided to, regretfully, abandon the ride citing some difficulties with his knee so at Burnt Yates off he went.
The remainder continued towards Brimham Rocks and onwards aiming eventually for G&T’s at Risplith.
Pausing as we entered Brimham for a quick drink and partial disrobe in the heat, we resumed our efforts, initially struggling to overcome setting off on the steep terrain as we approached the National Trust entrance.
Joining the main B road it was somewhat exciting to sweep down the long steady incline to our next junction to Sawley and then turning left for lunch at Risplith.
As we settled down, having ordered our meals, ( no beans on toast!!) we were joined by the WheelEasy wanderers chatting with enthusiasm on arrival.
Lunch completed we headed for yet more inclines to High Grantley passing through the sleepy village without any sight of the locals.
It was at this point we agreed to now return via Ripon, passing through Kirkby Malzard enroute to accommodate Glynn’s extra home bound mileage.
Caught out by an unsighted pothole near the Grewellthope T junction, a 150 yards further on there was the shout of “puncture”, that was me, unfortunately, a rear wheel one at that, always more of a challenge.
Fortunately little effort in dealing with inserting a new tube and soon on our way again.
As we were passing through Bishopton we agreed a further refreshment stop and diverted back to Spa Gardens cafe. A bit busy, what with council gardener’s sprucing up the borders, the bowling green full of players and off course customers sitting out enjoying the sunshine.
We did, however, manage to find a vacant spot to refresh ourselves with scones & tea, before jumping back on the bikes to aim for home via Littethorpe.
Reaching Sandy Lane we relaxed, had a final drink and agreed, that despite being a short ride it had been wonderful to venture into a different area particularly in the warmer climes but completing only about 43 miles ( for me that is ).
Perhaps 50 miles plus for Phil. And for Glynn maybe 70 miles back to Leeds.
Thanks for the company!!
Dave W.
Medium Steady Ride
Perfect weather for a great ride out on a reasonably hilly route 315 towards Armscliffe Fewston and Birstwith. Riders were Tony, Will Mike and Paul with a special warm welcome to new rider Mike. Paul Clark
Medium Plus Steady Ride
Perfect cycling weather ensured a good turn out at the Showground for today’s rides. Yvonne, Richard, Mike and Tim lined up for the Steady version of the Medium Plus following Route 196 to Masham. The larger Brisk group departed first and were not seen again. Continuous climbing to the summit at Warthermarske was rewarded by spectacular views of the Ure valley before a refreshing descent to Masham where Panini were the order of the day at Johnny Baghdad’s. On the return leg there was an impromptu stop at West Tanfield to visit the Marmion Tower, a 15th century gatehouse, three stories high with an oriel window and stone spiral staircase. It was now hot and the beautiful avenue of mature trees on the road to East Tanfield provided much needed shade. Turning south at Wath we encountered a strong head wind which eased at Ripon from where we followed the Markington route back to the Greenway. Photos by Yvonne. 60 miles, av. 12.2 mph and 3600 ft of climbing T2.
Wanderers Ride
The sun was shining and nine happy wanderers set off from the show-ground for route 256 to Dallowgill.
On the Greenway, just before reaching Bilton Lane, those of us in the mid section of the peloton were barked at with a ‘Yes! I can hear you!’ In response to a tinkle of a bell. Some times, it seems, we cyclists just can’t do right. 🫣
Refusing to let this dampen our spirits, we made our way down the Greenway, through Ripley and Hollybank Woods, where the sunlight danced through the trees.
Onwards to Brimham and Fellback, where Collette turned for home, leaving eight to continue up to Dallowgill moor. Here we enjoyed seeing oyster catchers sat on the dry stone walls as we passed by, and several curlews calling and swooping around. New member Dominic also spotted a carpet of flowering thyme alive with bees.
We all enjoyed a chatty relaxing lunch stop outside at G & T’s, before cycling through Sawley and the lovely Low Gate Lane and up How Hill, then retracing our route back to Harrogate from Ripley.
A wonderful day in beautiful sunshine with a great bunch. Thank you all for your company, humour and support today 😊.
Corinne.
Medium Plus Brisk Ride
What a fabulous day! A plethora of riders for Route 197 out to Masham via Kirkby Malzeard. And why not? It is a lovely route – plenty of undulations and interesting back roads with the sun shining & dry roads. A continuous climb up above Masham before swooping down to find it was market day so rather busy – no room at Johny Bagdads but good service & food at The Bordar café. We sat in the sun where it was getting rather hot. The pace home was quick at times & into a southerly wind but the group stayed together (as is the Wheel Easy way) before climbing to The Drovers & down to Harrogate. 54 miles. Tall Tim.
Short Ride
Eleven short riders set off in good spirits spurred on by the promise of cake at the Fewston Farm Shop café. Thanks to all for great ride discipline as we made our way through town out to and up Cornwall Road where one of our number, having had clipping-out issues at a pause, ended up in a bush. Nobody laughed or commented, honestly. On we rode through the roadworks (now that’s unusual for Harrogate) at the bridge over Oak Beck onwards and up Penny Pot Lane pausing occasionally to re-group. Glorious ride along Penny Pot Lane to a quick right/left down Bedlam Lane and up Cobby Syke Road to the farmshop coffee stop (other beverages are available). This is where Margaret had to leave before our break, though as you can see from the photo, I was still able to make sure she was in the group photo – you’d never know if I hadn’t mentioned it. The service was fast, the cake didn’t disappoint and the lovely weather meant we sat outside for a very leisurely break. The second part of the ride took us down to Fewston, left to Swinsty and up to our next gather at Little Alms Cliff (or Almias Cliff according to the OS map). After agreeing our next re-group at the Smith’s Arms, Beckwithshaw, two of the group rode away first to see how fast they could cycle down Norwood Lane, and seemed very happy with their result. Goodbyes and thanks were shared and we set off together to eventually ride our separate ways home. Big thanks to Gordon for his solid back-marking and to Richard for his vigilance at key junctions. Thanks to everyone for great company and an excellent group ride. 22miles and 1421ft of elevation for me. John C.
