Wednesday Ride
A murky day but still a few riders at the showground but only three Yvonne, Tony and Tim2 for Route 23 to Fountains Abbey.
A short pause to take a shot of the misty Nidd Gorge and then a longer one at Ripley as Yvonne’s bike suddenly suffered gear change failure. A dud battery was quickly diagnosed and replaced but that didn’t work, so another new battery was installed and that didn’t work either! The Wanderers passed by offering help but there’s not a lot that can be done when it’s an electrical fault. So Yvonne headed home and Tony and I pressed on to the Visitor Centre which was very quiet but the tea, parkin and scone were very good. We decided to return the same way we came and even though it seemed to be wetter it felt relatively warm and refreshing. We parted company at Killinghall pleased we’d made the effort to get out on our bikes and hoping Yvonne’s bike would now be at the shop being repaired. Stats: 27 miles, av 11 mph for me. Tim2
Wanderers Ride
Another wet Wednesday! Both because of the Away Day and the murky weather, it was a small turnout at the Showground. However, 7 enthusiastic and eager Wanderers were raring to go. We chose to modify the route and save Dallowgill for a better day. So, engulfed in a damp mist, we made our way to Stripe Lane. The higher we climbed, the thicker the mist. Atmospheric was the group’s thought. After Brimham, the mist made it difficult to spot Sawley Moor road, but we all safely made the turn. We were soon at G&T’s for a welcome cafe stop where we were quickly served. The lively conversation covered a range of topics- including first aid tales, Elon Musk, and critically, how waterproof are Nicci’s new socks? Sadly,as yet, they have not been thoroughly tested. Maybe another wet Wednesday will provide an answer. I think G&T’s was much quieter when we left! As we made our way back to Harrogate the mist lessened while the rain increased! Despite the dreary day, a cheerful ride of 34 miles. Thanks to everyone for their company- it made the ride! Alison N
EG’s Ride Report
Today’s gloomy weather prospects resulted in only two takers this morning, and even we did not feel like pioneering work. Thorp Arch was agreed and we pottered off into the low cloud. The cycle path to Walton was blocked at the entry road to the racecourse, but no matter, and the cafe was reached. Due respect had been offered to DaveP2’s stretch of verge. A pair of large quiches were casually left on the counter at the cafe, and they were so appealing that all thoughts of the customary menu disappeared. Delicious. Return was via Tockwith and back to Low Bridge in good time for me to high-tail off to the surgery for double jabs. Lets hope for a better reaction than DaveW has had. Thanks Phil for a most pleasant day out; no wind, no rain, no sunshine, and no rubbish spoken! DS
Away Day Ride
After a couple of early mechanical-related call-offs a still healthy group of 9 (given the weather) assembled at Stamford Bridge for the last Away day of the year. This was a repeat of one of Mike C’s routes from a few years ago so expectations were high for an interesting ride with the prospect of lovely descents through Thixendale (or possibly more correctly Water Dale) and Millington Dale. Mike later assured us that the views would have been spectacular, had we been able to see anything. The forecast for East Yorkshire looked better than back home and we didn’t actually get any rain until a bit of drizzle on the last few miles. However, the first and main climb of the day from Leavening to the top of Water Dale took us into low cloud and mist so we were soon pretty wet anyway. At Millington village we stopped for a look around Steve Margaret’s Church, parts dating from the 12th and 14th century, and in particular to see the Emmaus stained glass window, dating from 2007 and showing the disciples meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus as well as depicting the chalk scenery of the Yorkshire Wolds (I’m now hoping someone has sent in a photo). Carrying on we were soon at the cafe a the Madhyamaka meditation centre for a refreshment stop where paninis were the order of the day. After Pocklington we had one last climb up to Givendale, the 4 electric bikes leaving the rest of us behind and thinking we were not going to see them again. However, an enforced stop for a puncture repair allowed us to catch up and after a few more minutes we were off again completing the last 4 miles together. All in all an enjoyable and worthwhile day out in good spirits and definitely a route worth re-visiting in better conditions. Doug H
