E G’s Ride
Arriving at our usual start time for the EG’S I was pleased to see Glyn had joined the fray after several months absent and Eric was amongst the group of four awaiting my showing. However as Eric was limiting his ride as far as our first coffee break and Colin was to leave early because of other commitments I had to amend the intended route, no problem but had to think on my feet so to speak.
So headed north to Spa Gardens our old haunt, but now under fresh management. Fortunately the sun continued to shine as we arrived so we organised ourselves around the vacant table to the front. A friendly welcome greeted us as we ordered food and we were able settle down to enjoy a catch up with Glyn & Eric still recovering from recent medical problems.
As Colin & Eric were now leaving the group it was time to be creative and extend our route for the remaining group members. Geoff suggested Wath so that’s where we headed. As we entered the village it was suggested we take the first left to meader around via Thornborough & Sutton before aiming for Melmerby. As we approached, again, Geoff offered his “two penneth” worth reminding us of the cafe on the Industrial estate. So peeling off right we gave it a try and were glad to see a remarkable improvement made by the new owner at very favourable prices.
We continued south following this unscheduled stop to take in Rainton, Marton- Le Moor and for a change, Skelton then Boroughbridge.
It was at this point Glyn departed the “group” to head towards Leeds, whilst Geoff and myself pushed for home in Knaresborough coping with the increased wind and as we approached home, a short sharp shower albeit noting the home estate was dry!
Despite the adhoc nature of the ride at least two of us completed approximately 47 miles. Glyn did about 70 miles whilst Eric reported completing 42miles.
Good to see everyone!
Dave W.
Wanderers Ride
Summer is on the way out and this ride to Greygarth was to do a classic route as it might not be done again until next year. Mike Wills, Colin, Andrew, Paul, Sarah, Debbie, Tim and David who was going to leave at Ripley for Fountains joined me. At Ripley picked up Mike and Liz making ten for our roller coaster ride of hills. Up Scarah Bank and then our fairground rides began, down the 20% and up to the turning for Sawley. Gathered the group and off we went for the next hills to Grantley. After Debbie had too much of a close encounter with an inconsiderate driver briefly paused to recover and also from all those steep ups and downs, oh now I had more in store!!
Up the lovely lane from Grantley to the cattle grid where we turned right, Greygarth beckoned us on the far hill of the horizon. Swooped down to the turning for Greygarth, had to be careful as two cars came towards us on the narrow road. Up them thar hills we cycled and arrived breathless at Greygarth. Some who had not been here before, trudged up to the tower and climbed the narrow ladder to the top. Roseberry Topping was clear to see much to Paul’s delight as last time he was here it was clouded in mist. Beautiful views, fairly bright and warm hard to drag people away but onward we must go. Group decision lunch at Tates, off we set. Down the twisty road Sarah and Mike was cycle herding the sheep as the sheep grouped together and would not go onto the grass out of the way just charged down the road. Lovely swoop down to Laverton and on to Tates. Lunch was delivered and eaten with much gusto accompanied by chat and laughter as we munched along together. Homeward bound up the deer park, no deer and up Gipsy Hill, those hills kept coming. Turned to Markington and onto a quick stop before turning for Scarah Bank. Mike W fed us all with a sugar rush sweet to keep us going. At Ripley Andrew and Liz left, the rest took the Greenway and home. Fantastic ride and company it truly is a classic cycle route and I managed to get everyone back safely ‘Phew’! 42 miles it truly was a classic cycling day. Thanks everyone for your company. Liz F
Away Day Ride
Great route’, ‘magical’, ‘great day out’, ‘a real joy’, ‘one of the best’ are just some of the ways people described today’s ride from and back to Grassington via Malham. After a cool-ish start things heated up as we cycled the valley road to Kilnsey and up Littondale to Halton Gill where we began the somewhat challenging ascent up Silverdale Road accompanied by the most uplifting and amazing 360deg views of this wonderful landscape, and of course its max 16% gradient (a taste of what was to come). Pen-y-ghent shared its gentle cloud/mist with us all the way with its constantly changing perspectives providing us with many awesome moments. The 2 mile ascent of Henside Road at an average of 6% topping out at 22% provided both a serious challenge and elation at rising to it – the joy for many was palpable! Across the moor, past Malham Tarn and wonderful swoop down into Malham where the staff of The Old Barn Door café were waiting for us. The staff were lovely, and the food was plentiful and tasty. Re-fuelled we made our hilly way back to Grassington. After wishing ‘bon voyage’ to Yvonne at Thorpe for her extended ride home we rode down into Grassington through refreshingly fine rain. My thanks to Doug, Helen, Richard, Lesley S, Yvonne, Steve K, Rachel and Bob L for their camaraderie and sheer determination on this wonderful ride. Too many superlatives? No way! You had to be there 😎. 40 miles and 3600 ft elevation. John C
Short and Gentle Ride
Is this the way to Boroughbridge-oh?
With a club Awayday planned for today, low numbers were expected for the Short Gentle ride. However, the good weather, Boroughbridge cafes & suspect leadership brought out a healthy thirteen riders for today’s Route 278. Unlucky for some and so it proved with the first six having me as their leader whilst the second group were inspired by cycle legend and all round good egg Steve Bungay. Steve’s group was made up of John, Gordon, Monica Barbara, Jill & Russell. While Steve’s group lubricated their chains (and knees) we set off at a good pace for Hookstone, Calcutt & a rendezvous with Sir Steve at Low Bridge. Mark kindly “volunteered” to back “mark” (does exactly what it says on the tin!) and, in between we were supplemented by newbie Sam, Karen, Morven & Chris. We arrived, in good time, at the meeting place a Steve’s Super Seven duly arrived. No mucking about we headed off along Abbey Road and, passing Lidl, sped on to Boroughbridge Road. We stopped again at the Garden Centre on Farnham Road and, with everyone having a smashing time pushed on, over the A1 and headed for the “Road Closed” at Marton-cum- Grafton. We had, by this time, picked up an extra rider, Jim from Boroughbridge, who accompanied us as far as Great Ouseburn. Steve’s group never made it to Great Ouseburn as, rather predictably, they followed the planned route (278) past the Punchbowl and arriving into Aldborough a good 15 minutes ahead of us. Well, it was a lovely day, the cycling was superb and the company was excellent. We ventured towards our café stop (The Hideaway at Boroughbridge) via the Dunsforths and arriving as Steve’s group were polishing off various hot drinks and pastries! Suitably refreshed, we headed back to Harrogate, covering the 11 miles in under an hour, Karen & Morven left us at Mother Shiptons to travel home via the Beryl Burton whilst we followed Knaresborough Road to the golf club before going our own ways.
31 miles with 1280ft of climb by the time I got home. A splendid ride with enthusiasts!
Thanks to Steve for leading the second group and for following the route properly, also to Gordon for back marking both groups!
See you all next week!
