Short Ride

Friendly Corner, grunting hedgehogs & mobile repairers…

The good weather really brings ‘em out!  With the solar eclipse imminent, the short route riders turned out in force to make the most of the Vitamin D on offer.  I was joined by Gordon, Monica, Jill, Russell and “newbies” John, Sue & Karen.  With this perfect blend of youth & experience a good ride was inevitable and so it proved…

Dividing neatly into two fours we set off towards Hornbeam Park and onto Leadhill Lane.  With Monica leading, and Gordon providing back markering, the second group had a professional air about them whilst my front group set a good pace as we turned onto Green Lane before detouring onto Beckwith road due to road closures on Lady Lane.  Once past the Police station we eased into our rhythm and Beckwithshaw was soon a distant memory and the first climb took us out onto Norwood Road.  The group reconnoitred at Little Armscliff where photos and hydration breaks were taken.  The descent to Brame Lane was rapid though not without drama as Sue’s chain guard caused some issues, luckily Haynes Mobile Repairers were at hand and, with the speed of a Formula 1 pit stop team, Sue was moving again.  Brame Lane provides lovely undulating cycling and we enjoyed the Nidderdale vistas for the next 2 miles before stopping at the forbiddingly named “Dangerous Corner”.  

Remarkably, cars in both directions stopped to allow our merry band across and we were left to carry on past Menwith Hill.  Whilst Sue, Karen & John feasted on the abundant blackberries at the roadside, Monica & Jill had the scent of lattes in their nostrils and, with Jill providing invaluable “middle marker” skills, we made easy work of the ride to Clapham Green (more photos here) and then the descent into Hampsthwaite for our stop at Sophie’s Café.  As always the banter was first class with Russell leading the way with his noisy hedgehog stories followed by eateries on Kings Road, Awaydays, left handed cups and the eclipse (advice seems to be don’t use a colander as you might strain your eyes!)

The temperature was cranking up and, although it was only 22 degrees in the shade, Gordon’s thermometer, on his bike in the sun, registered 46!  

Monica & Sue left us at Sophie’s to head back into town so it was a hardy half dozen who started, and finished, the climb out of Hampsthwaite via Hollins Lane.  With the usual inspirational comments to accompany them (if Carlsberg did cycle groups….you’re all doing very well…) the group achieved the ascent and before we knew it we were at the A61 waiting to cross.  Jill, in her own inimitable way, managed to stop a van who seemed delighted (not) to let six cyclists across the busy highway to commence our descent to Spruisty Bridge and thence upward, past the Knox pub, to Bachelor Lane.  Jill left us there and Karen turned off for the Greenway leaving the last four to head up Claro Road and home.

Thanks to all of you for a splendid ride, great company and amusing craic throughout.  Thanks to Gordon for back marking and Monica for leading, hopefully John, Karen & Sue haven’t been put off (too much) and will return.

37 km with 434m of climbing by the time I got home. Howard.

Medium Brisk/Steady

Today’s ride started out as a group of 9 and very soon split into a brisk group of 5 and a steady group of four. This made the traffic much easier to navigate! We were only “brisk” ‘cos Andy (Otley Cycling Club) set off and dictated the pace. Settled in, we (Andy, Rob, Mike, Zilpha and I)  began to enjoy the wonderful weather we’d been sent. Clear skies and quiet roads out into the Arkendale countryside. Through to the Ouseburns and out to Boroughbridge. With no particular cafe earmarked on the details, the group decided to stop at “Plenty”.  The steadier group popped in to inform us they were ploughing on to Ripon. We stayed for a longer than normal break (my legs enjoyed it!), before setting off to Ripon. At the racecourse there were some minor mechanicals to fix on Andy’s rear brake (nothing a small spanner couldn’t cure).  Away again and through to the back roads of Farnham. Once in Knaresborough there was only the big hill left to do. Job done, wonderful ride and great company. 43 miles for me, door to door and a 14mph average. Richard A.

Medium Plus Steady

The medium plus offering was Route 195, an undulating route up to Bedale and back with most of the climbing “treats” in the first half of the ride. The steady group consisted of a small high powered team; Steve B (the chair), Yvonne (the cloud whisperer) and Steve K (hanger on).

The conditions on the start line were just about perfect with warm, sunny weather with the odd cloud in the distance.

As we progressed northwards, we did encounter some strange wispy clouds that were shaped like druids! We did speculate that these may be linked to the eclipse and the “end of the world.” After consulting the cloud whisperer, she assured us that this was “probably” not the case. If you are reading this then she was “probably” right!

The coffee stop was at the Sprouted Kitchen in Bedale. Steve B was a little disappointed that we missed the breakfast menu by 30 minutes but, hey-ho, it wasn’t the end of the world and was a pleasant place for a drink and a bite to eat.

The ride back from Bedale is relatively flat but the challenge was the temperature which increased to a “balmy” 32 degrees. Despite that, the group managed a steady average speed of 13mph for the ride spurred on by the thought of a ice cold drink of choice at the finish.

Thanks to the group for guiding me around today and for the enjoyable conversation. I hope to see you on future rides.

Stats: On my bike computer, I made it (60mi/97km, 3648ft/1112m). A little more climbing than advertised but hey-ho, it is not the end of the world! Steve K

Wanderers

Just me, Nicci and Barbara set off from the showground. By the time we had reached Ripley, we were joined by Liz A, Liz F, Corinne, Rob, Sally and Mike C. 

Lovely ride to G n T’s. Usual quick service and banter. Then home via Brimham Rocks and Stripe Lane.

33 hilly Miles in very hot weather.

Thanks to you all for the great company.

Bridget 

EG’s

Arriving at Low Bridge we were met by a most welcome surprise of Eric W in full cycle gear looking full of vim and vigour. He explained that he was managing rides of up to 15 miles and was now prepared to challenge himself to an ascent of Knaresborough hill. Chapeau Eric.

The other 5 riders who had braved the summer heat jumped at the opportunity of riding to Spa Gardens café where Dave W suggested a further route of West Tanfield, Wath, Rainton, Boroghbridge and home. This seemed a good idea although Dave decided to go straight back to Knaresborough as he was finding the heat difficult to manage. The rest of us enjoyed almost perfect conditions regularly changing places with a group of cyclists from York. A short team trial on the A168 lead us to Boroughbridge where the ride the ride split up. I headed straight back home while Geoff, Peter and Terry took afternoon tea. Following refreshments Terry headed for the train at Cattal; Geoff and Peter towards Knaresborough. A marvellous day out in the sunshine, covering almost 50 miles and maybe getting a bit too warm at about 3.00. Phil S