Wanderers’ Ride
A bright morning greeted 14 Wanderers for our jaunt across to Walton and Whixley. Splitting into two groups with me leading Alison, Bridget, Karen, Nicci, Liz F and David we headed out of the showground. First cattle grid and Karen lost here handle bar bag. I waited while it was secured and caught the other five up at Crimple Beck. A fairly easy crossing of the A658. Lovely ride down to Follifoot and Spofforth where we picked up the Harland Way. Quite a few cyclists and walkers out. Temperature was rising as we progressed through Wetherby and on to Walton. The ride up Rudgate was wonderful. Beautiful spring morning. At the crossing a couple of us removed wind jackets. Through Cattal and Whixley and on to Thorp Underwood and Great Ouseburn. Photo on the village green. As you can see strong shadows. Bit of crosswind through Marton and strong headwind as we rode up to Rabbit Hill for refreshments. My phone bounced out of my saddlebag which thankfully was recovered by Liz and David. I hadn’t noticed. No damage. Group one were just a head and the two ladies at the cafe coped very well with the sudden influx of riders. Very efficient and good food. As ever great good humoured banter. Group one departed as we gave them ahead start. Back on the road. Arkendale, Ferrensby, Farnham and the slog up Knaresborough hill. Said our goodbyes at the golf club. Lovely weather. Fab company. Thank you. Just over 36 miles. Colin B
EG’s Ride
There was a long list of sick notes on EG’s WhatsApp group this morning so it was with some relief that I found Colin and Geoff W at Low Bridge. Without our usual navigational expert we were left to sort out our own route and quickly decided on the naughty girls cafe via Wetherby and Wighill. Arriving without mishap we all applauded our route choice having enjoyed a fine display of blossom in the villages and verges. The return home was via Tockwith, Whixley and Queen Ethelburga’s school of detention for posh naughty girls.
Returning home dry was a real bonus after reading this morning’s weather forecast. A fine ride on a fine spring day. Phil S
Awayday Group 1
The second Awayday of the year and 14 of us gathered at Northallerton; everyone arriving promptly, which was appreciated as we were hoping to beat the weather. The forecast was not too promising with a brisk southerly wind and heavy rain predicted for later in the day. The first group of 7 set off accordingly and having navigated the cycle paths to get out of town and picked up Mike the Vet at Brompton we were out onto quiet country roads heading north to Yarm for an early coffee stop. Funny how you don’t tend to notice the wind when it’s at your back (I tend to put the good pace down to the legs having a good day). We were soon at Yarm and managed to squeeze into the Mockingbird cafe on the High Street – good service and excellent scones. Setting off again and after crossing the Tees and ascending a short steep climb (a bridge over the railway viaduct over the Tees) we turned westward with more gentle climbing. We were beginning to feel a bit more exposed to the wind but roads were quiet if a bit more pot-holed this side of the river. Possibly not unrelated, I suffered a slow puncture somewhere short of Middleton Tyas but thanks to Mike W’s marvellous electric air pump we managed to keep it inflated all the way to lunch at Ellerton Lake (aka the Green Frog). A big table was waiting for us and food and service was very good. We headed out again as Terry’s group was arriving having been held up at Yarm. Helen and I waited and effected a quick(-ish) inner tube replacement as the other 6 set off on the last 10 miles, conscious of the weather closing in. We left shortly after but were never going to catch the others despite making good progress into a headwind on the road south to Yafforth. From there we headed back east along the busy B6271; not too pleasant as the rain was just about starting and arrived back at Northallerton just as some large raindrops started to fall. An excellent route (proposed by Lesley and Richard) which seemed to be enjoyed by all (or at least those of us who stayed dry) and by all accounts new territory for a number of us. About 47.5 miles for me with almost 2000ft of climbing. Doug H.
Awayday Group 2
Seven riders on a variety of machines, old and new, set out from Applegarth car park knowing that time was of the essence if we wished to avoid the rain due later in the day. No complaints about the weather on the outward leg to Yarm, as a brisk tailwind bowled us along for almost 15 miles, allowing views to the North York Moors to be admired along the way. Having agreed in advance that we would choose a separate coffee stop to Doug’s group, we opted for an independent outlet – Nossa, which had good reviews. Gia persuaded the staff that there really was room for seven and settled in. Sadly, things went downhill as, puzzlingly, our food order was taken only after the drinks arrived. So, our short stop extended to over an hour. After a short sharp climb out of Yarm, the terrain was undulating along the north bank of the Tees through many attractive villages, each with grand elegant Georgian and Victorian properties overlooking a green and the river. We headed Westward through several Middletons until we reached M Tyas, a mile away from the delights of Scotch Corner services. Greyer skies were gathering as we headed south into the wind to the (late) lunch stop at Ellerton Lake Cafe, where we met Doug’s group gathering to leave. Service was swift and the food good, including a massive beans on toast for one of our number. Then the final 10 miles to see if we could beat the rain. We didn’t but made a good fist of it, getting to within 5 miles before the rain became steady if not heavy. After a dice with the local traffic in the town we all arrived safely to the start point after almost 50 miles in some excellent cycling territory. Thank you to all who joined me. Picture show us at one of the many big estates that give the countryside its character. Terry Smith
See more photos in the Awayday Gallery
