Medium Ride
A dilemma for some of us as two nice routes were on offer today. After a quick discussion five riders, (Alison, Sally, Barbara, Nicci and Mark) decided to head up towards Sawley and Brimham Rocks. We made good progress up the Greenway and were soon cycling in beautiful Nidderdale, a favourite for some. Even though it was quite misty the views were still fabulous. Riding conditions were excellent with no wind and we soon got warm on the hills. After a long stop at G&Ts with a variety of conversations going on we got back on our bikes and rode up the hill all complaining about ‘cafe legs’. However, a treat was in store as we cycled down Stripe Lane instead of up. What a wonderful descent! Onwards through Hollybank Woods and back down the Greenway. A fabulous day out with wonderful Wheeleasy. What would we do without it. 35 miles for me. Nicci
Wanderers Group A (Route 179)
Although we (Mike W, Derek, Mark, Tim, Mike, Gordon) left the showground before the second group we were the last to arrive at the coffee stop. Mike got a puncture just outside Arkendale so stopped in a gateway to replace the inner tube ably assisted by Derek. What they didn’t know was that they stopped in a pile of dog poo which quickly transferred to their shows, bike wheel and finally their hands. Luckily, I had a pack of wet wipes to help get their hands clean. Puncture repaired we continued on our way to the Tancred Farm shop where we met up with the other group who were waiting patiently for their drinks and food. Despite the place being empty the service was slow and they forgot Derek’s sausage sandwich. Refuelled we set off again as a lager group. The nice lady (or should I say person/them) at the level crossing opened the gates for us to aid our crossing of the train lines. I think Gordon (in the other group) would struggle using the pedestrian gate with his recliner bike. Just after the crossing Derek got a puncture. In a flash the wheel was off and the new inner tube in place. But when Derek and Mike were trying to get the last part of the tire on (yes we all know that bit) Mike got his thumb trapped and ripped a piece of skin off which resulted in considerable bleeding. I was impressed that there was no swearing whatsoever. But some of the group went a bit pale due to the amount of blood that was dripping from his hand. The handy wet wipes cane out again and cleaned up some of the blood and Mike applied 2 plasters to stem the bleeding. The first inner tube would not stay inflated (possibly due to a bent valve) so Derek installed a replacement from Mike. Yes, that is two inner tubes mike was carrying. This time fingers and thumbs were kept safe and the tyre inflated. We continued on the ride with Derek turning off to Knaresborough when the rest of us turned off for Spofforth. Mark was last seen riding into the distance at Spofforth and the rest of us returned to the showground, again after the other group. An eventful, but enjoyable ride.
33.38 Miles with an average speed of 13.1 mph in 2:32:28. Gordon T
Wanderers Group B
On a cold October Wednesday morning, there was only about 21 people gathered due to two away day’s rides. The Wanderers ride picked up 13 gentlemen out of the group and the first group of 6 headed out lead by Derek, with myself and the other 6 shortly after. It was still cold as we headed down to Low bridge, we passed and acknowledged the EG’s assembling for their ride.
The ride out through Knaresborough, Farnham and Ferrensby went quickly by, with little stopping and Colin bringing up the rear after Gordon and the five bright yellow jackets that were easy for me to count in my mirror, whilst nursing a steady pace, as Kevin needed to be back for grandchildren duty.
We passed through Arkendale and saw our advance group off the road on the bend, it was a mechanical, but with Derek and Mike Wills present, and it was Mike Will’s puncture, but there was no point in adding to the mechanic count, so we pushed on and were quickly through Great Ouseburn, and on to our coffee stop at Tancred very early.
We’d only just ordered when the first group joined us, drinks and food came reasonably soon after as we debated about how we ever found time to bring up children and fit work in etc? Refreshed, we gathered outside as Paul took a more direct route home, so the remaining 12 headed back through Whixley and across the A59 to the railway crossing, where the nice lady opened the gate for Gordon’s recumbent to cross, saving us lifting it over the gates and risking death on the tracks!
We had warmed up again after our stop as we enjoyed and chatted down the traffic free lane until a call came out and we all stopped to find out that Derek had a puncture this time, they told us to go on, so we left them yet again, knowing that with about 11 miles to go, they would probably catch us up before the show-ground.
We moved very well at a steady pace as a group, hardly needing to stop at all, past Walshford, Little Ribston, Spofforth and up Follifoot hill to the A59, where we were held up for what seemed like ages trying to cross, Gordon went ahead to get a run at the final two short hills, the remaining 5 said goodbye to Colin near Fodder and made our way up the final short climb before all departing home.
Although cold, we stayed dry, there was no wind and the pace, ride and company was great. Thanks to the two mechanics for repairing their own bikes and for the ever reliable Colin for back marking and keeping the pace steady from the rear.
I had 33.4 miles, 1578ft. Mike W/H
New: Awayday Photo Gallery
Because there are usually a lot of photos taken on Awaydays, we’ve decided to gather them together in their own Awayday Gallery, leaving just a few in the ride reports. This means you can see where the awayday rides have been all in one place. Have a look: https://wheel-easy.org.uk/awayday-gallery/
Away Day Ride Group 1
’Twas a grey and somewhat chilly start as Group One (me, Yvonne, Rachel, Bridget, Richard and Will) set off from Masham for a quick spin to Leyburn for brunch, taking in East Witton, Coverham and Middleton complete with race horse gallops and castle. We arrived well ahead of schedule at Tennants only to discover a family were happily munching away at our ‘reserved’ table however a very helpful staff member set about re-arranging furniture and we were soon seated and replete with good and reasonably priced fare. Apologies to anyone in the second group who wanted a date slice because by the time we’d finished there was only one piece left. On leaving the café we had a slight detour to see Harmby Waterfalls fed by Harmby Gill on its way to the Ure; it was looking resplendent today. Riding through lovely countryside along rolling terrain on roads with names such as Colliwath Lane and No Man’s Moor Lane, we passed through Thornton Watlass eventually making our way back to Masham along the same route we had used on the outward leg only this time it was “all downhill from here”. Thanks to Doug for arranging this year’s final Away Day, and to Yvonne, my joint ride leader, who also rode home, chapeau! It was a grand day out. 31mi and 2365 ft elevation. John C
Away Day Ride Group 2
It was a perfect autumn day for the last ride of the Away Day season, with very high cloud, no wind and dry as a bone. The first group set off from Masham promptly at 09:29:59 and, although there was a bit of mingling of groups along the way, we, the second group comprised, from left to right, Lesley, Helen H, Steve, Liz F, Doug, Me, Richard, Yvonne S, Martin W, Mike the Vet and Alan.
It was a very pleasant undulating route through the villages of Thirn, East Witton and Middleham. Middleham is a delight, full of more horses than cars, all of the racing variety. We also paused up on Middleham Moor to watch the activity on the gallops, too far away for an action shot. In record time, we arrived at the Garden Rooms in Tennents Auction House at Leyburn in plenty of time for the breakfast menu, which had been the chief goal of the day! All very nice and efficient and not over-priced. The first group had, obviously, preceded us but not by too huge a margin!
After brunch, the sun nearly came out and all were in high spirits as we started the “easier half” of the ride back to Masham via Thornton Watlass. The final two mile descent back into Masham is just pure joy and a very fine end to what has been a spectacularly good summer. There was plenty of time for some of us to wander up to Johnny Baghdad’s for a cup of tea – and a few slices of their excellent carrot cake. Pure greed, I know but ……..
So, here endeth the Away Days for 2025, with huge thanks to Doug and Helen for all their efforts in reconnoitring, planning and organising some brilliant days out for us all to enjoy. Now we have winter to look forward to, with all its own peculiar charms! Helen T
EG’s Ride
The core of social rides has to be the cafe stops. As well as topping up energy levels, time for a good natter amongst like minded souls. A catch up on both local events and general news, internationally etc., hopefully avoiding contentious issues and politics.
So after gathering at Low Bridge, perhaps waiting for others to join them, four EG’s contemplated today’s route direction deciding on south via Wetherby & Bramham towards Thorner, a slightly different way around to our goal.
The weather was dry, overcast, but a cold blast as we went on our way. As we reached near Aberford, Dave S., who had given prior notice, announced his intent to abandon the ride to return home to attend an appointment that same afternoon.
The remains of the group, after saying their farewells, pressed on through Aberford , which, in this direction, seemed confusing, initially mislaying the sort after right turn.
Once re- established on the right route for Barwick and Scholes, we pushed our way up the hills, normally enjoyed down hill in the opposite direction.
As we approached the A64, Leeds-York junction, we were aware the road layout had recently changed, meaning our requisite junction would be a challenge to identify but knowing we should look out to the right for a “Cycle Path”.
Geoff spotted our errant path, signalled right as I followed. Unfortunately, the confusion of the new road layout, seemed to leave Colin out on a limb, being forced by the road marking, various barriers and traffic lights, around the new by-pass roundabout into, seemingly an abyss.
Geoff & myself waited around at our junction but could see no sight of poor
Colin. A local cyclist reminded us of a junction further down the way towards Thorner. We, therefore carried on our way, passing the junction with no sign of Colin. Sweeping down the hill to our lunchtime cafe, of course, don’t you know it, my phone rang. As we all know, it takes a little while to access one’s phone, when cycling, by which time it has stopped ringing. Having stopped to attend to the matter, leaving a message, and then continuing to the Old Post Office cafe, surprise!! There was Colin and Geoff already waiting my arrival. Phew! Thanks goodness we were now as one again.
Gathering ourselves together, in these much cooler climes, we opted to sit inside rather than the usual back garden which normally, earlier this year, has been bathed in sunshine.
The service was pleasant and fairly swift. The food helped to top up our energy level providing the enthusiasm to continue on our way. Other than a little chaos caused by yet more temporary traffic lights as we left Thorner, the return journey was uneventful.
However, Colin did seem to gather unexpected momentum out of Wetherby.
We managed to complete an acceptable distance of 40 miles despite the cold breeze which seemed to plague us. Dave W.
