Short Ride
Two new riders, Louise and Sue, joined another seven, setting off circuitously to avoid the GYS traffic, aiming for Low Bridge then on to Arkendale and the Courtyard at Rabbit Hill (where we managed to avoid talk of footy). Back via Coneythorpe and a bit of the A59 to Goldsborough and Knaresborough, clocking up about 24 miles.
The second photo shows a bike rack encouragingly full at the showground. Paul B
Wanderers Ride
According to the weather forecast, today was going to be a very hot sunny day. So, lathered in factor 50, and with no extra layers, we congregated at Hornbeam Park anticipating a hot sticky ride.
Six of us set off on route 300r, expecting our goosebumps to be quickly warmed by a scorching sun. We hadn’t bargained on frostbite in July.
We made our way up to Little Almscliffe. We were saddened to see a beautiful deer by the roadside near the top, Liz and I stopped to make sure he was actually dead as he looked so perfect.
We met Gordon going in the opposite direction and had a natter and a photo. On to Swinsty, then across Skipton Road remarkably easily, and onwards past Menwith Hill. It was still rather cool.
We had a slight detour on the approach to Darley, as Liz was aware of a possible road closure, unfortunately, Bob was waiting for us on the very part of the route we avoided! – Though he did find us shortly after we arrived at the coffee stop. Sorry Bob.
We were longing for the sun to burn through the clouds and warm us up. Liz decided to give up on that and went home for a jumper.
We sat outside Darley Post Office warming our hands on our hot drinks as a cool breeze whipped around our goosebumps.
Onwards through Birstwith, and as we climbed Clint Bank we felt some welcome warm thermals. Through the woods, and by the time we reached Ripley we were bathed in the warm sunshine we had been promised!
A few of us ended the ride with a drink outside at the Gardeners Arms.
Good banter, laughs and great company! Thank you to Colin, Liz A, Tim, Debby, Bob, and (tonight Mathew I’m going to be) Tony (not Graham 😁), thank you for joining me today. Corinne.
Skipton Awayday – Report 1
Another very special Awayday in Mike’s considerable repertoire. Many thanks to my fellow second group riders, great company as ever. This is probably an extra, short report, as a big thank you to Mike for his ride arrangements and even a cup of lovely cool lemonade on completion. Thanks too to our group leader Terry, as always a caring and supporting lead. Alan S
Skipton Awayday – Report 2
A fine warm day was forecast, but when we got to Skipton Castle car park, it wasn’t. It was cold and cloudy with a mist and a nithering northerly. 16 of us set off in two groups through Skipton on market day and out to Carleton. From Carleton, still in the mist, we climbed what is locally known as murder mile. This undersells it. It’s more like 2 miles. By the time we reached the top the temperature was just 12°. We started the descent into Earby stopping briefly at the viewpoint halfway down. The view was, to say the least, limited. It was a steep hill. but we all descended safely and found our way through the backstreets of Earby to Salterforth where we reached the canal taking us to Barnoldswick. Locally, that is Barlick. Both groups elected to use the Esse factory café because we could stay indoors out of the cold and we had the luxury of a flushing toilet. We continued along the canal, Barlick Riviera, to the Lock Stop café where we joined the road to Bracewell.
In Bracewell we stopped briefly at the church where Jennet Preston was accused of witchcraft. Her employer collapsed and died in the church porch. His last words were ‘Jennet Preston lies heavy upon me’. That was taken to mean she had cast a spell on him. She was tried and hanged at York. That was the start of the Pendle witch hunt, but all the other witches were tried and hanged at Lancaster- Bracewell was in Yorkshire – so she is often not counted as a Pendle witch.
Talking of witchcraft, Glyn Appleyard was due to meet us at the start, having cycled over from Leeds. By the time he got there, we had left. But he met us at the top of Elslack Moor, having not overtaken us on the way. So how did he get there ? I suspect his Canyon can, with a few chosen words, turn into a broomstick. And people say he uses it for Quiddich. It may not be true but I can offer no other explanation.
We continued through Horton and Paythorne on our way to Hellifield and Otterburn arriving at the café in Airton at about 1 o’clock. The service was good and quick and the meals were substantial. By this time we were in blazing sunshine and sat outside. Our return route was through Calton and Winterburn to reach the canal again at Gargrave. We followed the canal to avoid the A65 until the swing bridge where we crossed over and joined the road to Thorlby and Stirton. From there it was an easy and almost level ride back to the car park at Skipton Castle. I had a supply of ice cold lemonade in the car which we shared so people didn’t drive home dehydrated.
When I say ‘almost level’ – this depends on two things. 1. Do you have a computer that counts the little inclines and grades them by colour ? 2. Do you have a little electric motor concealed on your bike ? I don’t have the computer but I do have the motor. This is only fair because I’m older than the rest of you. I can’t work computers, nor can I pedal. So nothing told me it was uphill, anywhere, and I don’t think it was. How uphill can a canal towpath be ?
Thanks, everyone, for your splendid company and forgiveness. I think it was 38 miles and maybe 3500′ of ascent, but you’ll have your own views on that ! Mike the vet.
Away Day – Brisk
Omens for this ride rather mixed. Journey to Grassington was through thick fog despite a warm forecast. All were assembled at the Dales car park 15 mins before scheduled departure. Good. Then it started to fall apart. Five went to the loo but one didn’t. Then it was too cold so back for jackets. Off at last down the hill over the Wharf. Turn left but where were they. Five came, one didn’t. Then one fell off while standing still. My watch said I was stressed and should do some deep breathing. Then phone report to say one wasn’t coming, a lack of battery demonstrating Di2 isn’t everything.
Then it all started to go right, the sun came out, good coffee at Townend and fabulous scenery all the way to Settle. Bike café a bit disappointing but then great views to Halton Gill. Super downhill along Littondale with virtually no traffic and so back to Grassington.
42 miles and great company, Helen, Zoe, Jan, Rachel and Tim. Sorry we missed Iain. Andy
EG Ride
Overcast skies resulted in a much cooler start to our day. Our route was designed to avoid the Great Yorkshire Show traffic and just as we were getting ready to depart the Wheel Easy short ride group arrived prompting Jill (Peter Jackson’s daughter)
to pop-over for a chat on, as we were informed her “Sparkly” manual bike. Regretfully a “WhatsApp” message from Marvin who had been delayed, failed to reach me so news of our route could not be shared. (Sorry Marvin). Greetings exchanged we set off for Markington and Fountains Abbey pausing for a breather at the top of the steep hill out of the village.
Continuing through Aldfield, passing across the Pateley road, a rapid braking was necessary to avoid an errand vehicle exiting the very narrow lane leading towards the main road. We were more than surprised to meet a further four cars along the same lane forcing us to halt our progress on a couple of occasions to allow them to pass by. Unhealthy vicious little terrier dogs met us as we entered Low Grantley but fortunately tethered by their leads. Even more unexpected traffic along towards our next junction only to be met by a l very large lorry doing a wide left turn in our direction. Scattering across the opposite side we managed to give him space only for yet another lorry to bear down on us from the direction of High Grantley.
The overcast skies continued to accompany our ride as we now aimed past the Winksley turning and swinging left for Laverton just prior to the “Road Closed” sign. Seemingly now free of traffic we made good progress towards our lunch halt at the Ivy Cafe campsite near Kirkby Malzeard. Here we were able to sit outside, although under ostensibly a shaded area of a timber balcony.
Orders placed inside we settled down to await our food which, following our drinks soon arrived. And wonderful it was. Everyone seemed to be totally satisfied and Dan’s late full breakfast was a sight to behold. The prices were far better than many alternative outlets we often visit on our rides. Extra care was needed exiting the campsite as the entrance is both loose and steep back onto the tarmac road leading back through Kirkby. Even more traffic dodging as we pitched our way across the X roads to continue to Grewelthorpe.
Even more care here as we slowed for a line of ducks (just like the cartoons illustrate) aiming for the opposite side of the road. Reaching the outskirts of Ripon a pause to discuss our next move as some disquiet had been voiced for our extended way. Regrettably our route leader felt the need to cut short his ride and aim for home. Other’s were keen to continue through Ripon for Boroughbridge and home.
After saying our farewells, off our route leader set, ostensibly alone only to be followed later by a concerned co-rider, Phil, ensuring everything was OK. Grateful as I was we continued through Ripon, via Littlethorpe and at a steady pace, as the heat was rising, towards Knaresborough still completing 44 miles but arriving home earlier than originally planned.
It is assumed the remaining three followed their plans passing through Ripon, Boroughbridge and onwards to home. Dave W
