Wednesday 13th July

Short Ride

Huge thanks to everyone who joined me for the Great Wall of Clint ride, especially Andy on his first Wheel Easy ride. A slight diversion of a route we often use, discovered during Covid. The downside was the climb up Scarah Bank, the upside going down Cut Throat Lane to Law Lane. A quiet lane towards Bedlam which leads to a no through ride ending in a very upmarket bridleway which takes in the Great Wall of Clint. New to most although the keen walkers in our group had used this route in the past before its current elevation to grandeur.
We learned yesterday that new LTN standards require all barriers to be a minimum if 1.5 metres. Gordon on his trike tested them all for us and despite them not adhering he smoothly negotiated them all.
Final stop Ripley for a cafe stop and back home via the Greenway. Just popped in the colourful shirt, now that would turn a few heads as a new Wheel Easy shirt! 20 Miles from Hornbeam. Gia

Wanderers Ride

It just shows that you don’t have to cycle far to have a challenging and lovely ride. Today’s stats – 29.2 miles, 3169 ft/ 966 metres ascent, average speed 9.71. What a great day for it too. Perfect weather, wall to wall sunshine and a slight breeze. Around 12 of us left Hornbeam in 2 groups. Very quickly we were joined by more riders and the groups settled down into a faster and slightly less fast group. Needles to say, I was in the less fast group.
We went to 3 of my favourite places – Jack Hill Lane with its wonderful views over Swinsty: the gated road from Norwood mast to Lindley with more great scenery: and then the climb from Leathley up to Almscliffe Crag – just glorious. Some great descents too – Norwood Lane: Farnley to Leathley: and Brackenthwaite Lane. We met up with the other group for lunch at the playground in Otley and as always seems to happen the banter was funny and unrepeatable.
Thank you all for your company on a great day out. And thanks to Yvonne for her fabulous photos.  Steve Wright.