Short Ride
The hot weather was the likely cause of a fairly low turnout at the Showground, with only Gordon and John C setting out with me for the short ride, but we did pick up Dennis at Low Bridge. We made the most of shady lanes and enjoyed lovely views on mostly traffic free roads. All together a fun, gentle ride. Thanks to John as ever for back marking. Vince
Wanderers Group 1
Lots of Wanderers looking forward to the fine Route 256 this sunny morning, so at Steve’s request, I led a small advance party through Ripley & Hollybank up to Burnt Yates, up to Brimham Rocks where the heat haze dimmed the distant views somewhat. With a forecast of rising temperatures, Marc and Tony opted for the direct route to breakfast at the pause-café in Risplith. Tim2, Derek and I happily took on the extra 8.5 miles and a few more hills to swoop down to Fellbeck, then check out the purple of the heather on our way up through Dallowgill Moor – definitely quite parched. We were also becoming a little parched by now so we turned towards High Grantley, but stopped in our tracks at the unusual sight of a piebald pony before the group reunited at G&Ts where we recorded a rather warm 33°C under the parasols. Time to chat over refreshments with the next group of Wanderers before setting off through Sawley to Fountains Lane, Watergate Lane and Ripley where we subdivided for the final time. Grand ride in good company for 40 miles and 2,618 ft or so. Yvonne D.
Wanderers Group 2
On a beautiful summer’s morning there were plenty of takers for the ride out to Brimham and Dallowgill. Yvonne kindly agreed to lead a swift group and the rest got stuck with me! Eight turned into ten at the Greenway when Liz and Corrine joined the party and then became eleven at Ripley when Liz number 3 also joined us. So through the woods and up to Burnt Yates and then Brimham rocks, we tried to give cars a chance to overtake by leaving some gaps but traffic was quite light. Gia and James said goodbye and took the direct route to G&T’s because of other commitments, the rest of us going the way of Fellbeck and then up to Dallowgill moor where the ride turned into more of a foraging party amongst the hedgerows and ditches. Eventually we made it to the cafe as the temperature started to really increase, or was that just the hills taking their toll on me? We met group 1 and arrived just in time to say goodbye to Gia and James. Suitably refreshed we returned via Sawley, How hill, Ripley ( where Liz 3 said goodbye) and the Greenway where Colin’s legs received plenty of attention from certain members of the group! At the end of the Greenway we went our separate ways and I heard a rumour that 5 riders took refuge in the Gardeners Arms beer garden, but I couldn’t possibly name them, you know who you are! A great day out, thanks to all for your company, 36 miles and 2428 feet and lots of laughs. Steve B.
Medium Ride
A bright, sunny day – perfect for a meandering ride to Boroughbridge and back with Richard, Peter, Mike, Gordon, Debbie, Chris to join me. We skilfully dodged roadworks and, with Abbey Road still blissfully free of its usual armies of dogs and walkers, we set off at a sprightly pace in a noble attempt to beat the heat. Well. that was the plan. The heat, however, had other ideas. Tyres started feeling suspiciously sticky – either that or the tarmac had decided to hug us back. At Cattal, motorists were having their own meltdowns trying to cross the old bridge. One even pretended not to notice seven brightly dressed cyclists (a feat worthy of an Oscar), so we peeled past as gracefully as possible. At Whixley, the men suddenly found an extra gear, spurred on by the promise of caffeine at the Great Ouseburn village shop. There, we found them deep in conversation (and coffee) with another cycling group. By the time we rolled into the Hideaway in Boroughbridge, the temperature had taken a serious upward turn, and the shade was looking more attractive than the cake (almost). Big thanks to Sarah and her team for the excellent service – especially to Gordon, who was first this time to be served and in record time. After much laughter and lively chatter, we reluctantly pried ourselves away from our shady sanctuary and set off home. With the short route via Minskip back to Harrogate, we agreed everyone should ride at their own pace in one last attempt to out-cycle the sun. Great ride out, great company, thank you all, and 31C by the time I got home. Diane
