EG’s Ride
The forecast prediction was Wet and Dry, and that’s also roughly how the EGs divided themselves this Wednesday morning.
Three stalwarts gingerly set off along Abbey Road, with definite intentions to have a good ride. Yes, it was slippery; yes it was wet; yes it was pretty windy, especially to those with baggy waterproofs flapping (me).
The shelter of the Wetherby cyclepath was attractive and we were at the café in Thorpe Arch in quicktime, despite a threatened puncture on my back Marathon which forunately responded cooperatively to a bit of en-route topping up.
Fortified by that standard of all cycle rides, toasted current teacakes, we were astonished to be welcomed outside by strong sunshine.
The target was set for Askham Richard and beans on toast at the excellent “naugty girls” café. Oh how much speculation there always is, never daring to ask, of course, for fear the answer would be “poisoning”!!
Re-susticated, we turned for Tockwith, looking for the expected tailwind. Of course the first law of cycling applied; that morning headwind rarely turns into an afternoon tailwind, regardless of logic.
Conversation was particularly scintillating, ranging from fixing the broken wheel on an expensive suitcase, to the folly of mending your own oven, only to end up buying a new oven.
I logged an enjoyable 33 miles, and the errant rear tyre survived without further engineering work.
Thanks DaveW and Phil for great company and hope to see absentees next week. DaveS
EG’s Ride, second report
Dire weather forecasts in the days leading upto our weekly outing confounded many of our group. Overnight rain continuing light as we rose seems to have exacerbated the feeling of dread amongst our members. Despite the anticipated improvement later in the day no amount of encouragement on the “WhatsApp” could extract a positive outcome.
However Dave S., Phil. & myself, presumably, made of sterner stuff, or are we just “mad!” met at our usual point trying to to ignore the accompanying light rain & cooler temperatures.
Gauging the wind direction and having in mind the controlled roadworks on Grimbald bridge, we agreed to head for the “Bistro” at Thorpe Arch trading estate and take it from there.
Our outward journey was a little uncomfortable in the wind and light rain but gradually improving as we progressed. Phil set a nice gentle pace but as we were leaving Wetherby under the bypass for the “Cycleway” Dave S. needed to pause for a suspected puncture. Concluding it only needed a little more “ puff” we carried on to our first stop avoiding the suspect route where slippery conditions may prevail.
By the conclusion of our mini-break the sun was trying to come out. Phil suggested we swing around to the “Naughty Ladies” cafe at Askam via Wighill so off we set.
Once again a nice steady pace was set meandering through the now more quiet roads under the warming sunshine.
Upon arrival at Askam I couldn’t help think of our past member, the late, Roy Smith, who had spent some time as Governor of the local prison!!
Arriving at the cafe it seemed to be a bit busy and initially we were set to sit outside despite the lower temperatures but fortunately as we were able to order our usual “baked beans on toast”, space became available and we were able settle down at an inside table.
We were thus able to take our time consuming our lunch chatting about this and that. So many subjects were covered I’m at a loss to remember them all.
As we were leaving Dave S. admitted needing to get back home so we stuck together to aim for Knaresborough passing through Tockwith etc. as is our usual way.
Once again we had to pause to check Dave’s rear tyre, still holding up, arriving back at Abbey Road mid-afternoon.
Notwithstanding our reluctance, having in mind the suspect weather, we had a good ride completing about 35 miles, certainly not getting wet.
The most difficult bit was negotiating the roadworks on Wetherby road to return home as I was delayed by a vehicle entering Abbey Road so entered my route home out of sequence of the traffic lights ending up facing moving traffic as I climbed up towards the entrance to Aspin estate. (There is never enough time allowed for bikes between the changing of the traffic lights) Seemed to upset one particular van driver who I ignored and held my line close to the kerb.
Dave W.
Awayday
Everything went to plan yesterday with 8 riders making the full trip of c 50 miles. The route was hit with everyone as it was the first time any of them had ridden in this locality. The weather bizarrely played it’s part. The morning was wet grey and uninviting, Brid was bracing but everyone loved the refreshing gusts and the white horses on the waves. The nice warm cafe at Flamborough Head was ready and waiting and reserved us tables. Prompt service and, for some, fish and chips. On the return leg the wind was against us but not to the point of exhaustion and with turns on the front the miles ticked away and suddenly there were only 6 miles left to do. All smiles back in Driffield with friendly greetings and chats from locals. This was a reflection of how the weather had turned since rollout. Afternoon sun and blue skies lifted spirits and in response we duly shed layers of clothing. En route we stopped at the chalk lighthouse built in 1654 and at Rudston Monolith. As a bonus Mike C took us to the grave of Winifred Holtby, author of the historical novel “South Riding” who is buried in the churchyard at Rudston. She died young at 37 years in 1935.
The day ticked all the boxes, I think. But I may be biased.
Terry Smith
Brisk Away Day – Stamford Bridge – Route 1012
Six of us set off from the 3 Cups Pub car park in Stamford Bridge, with a big thanks to Troy for letting us park there all day, on the condition we’d have a drink in his pub afterwards. The morning started off wet and windy, limiting the stunning views of the Thixendale Valley, but we pushed on through the 51-mile undulating route with over 3,000 feet of climbing.
After 20 miles, we stopped for a well-earned coffee break at Sledmere House Café, where the weather took a turn for the better. Sunshine and blue skies appeared just in time for the scenic ride past Castle Howard on our way back. Lunch followed at the Malton Deli after 32 miles, recharging us for the final stretch.
The ride averaged a solid 13.7 mph, with some teamwork shining when Andy suffered a front wheel puncture, fixed in under 10 minutes thanks to quick hands and good spirits. Riders Vince, T3, Helen, Graham, Andy, and myself enjoyed a memorable day out, blending great company with a challenging but rewarding route.
Tim
The ride today
Well it had been raining overnight and it was still raining this morning and there were ‘Away Days’ so no great surprise when only five of us appeared at the showground. It was agreed we’d tackle the Wanderers scheduled ride as there were various exit points if things didn’t go too well. James, Tim, Steve, Paul and my good self headed out for a ride across to Bramham. We were caught at Walton Head by Derek who took a gamble on which ride would be attempted. It continued raining and Paul called it a day as we turned for Linton. It was the surface water rather than the rain causing concern. We decided to head for Wise Owl in Boston Spa for our coffee stop. We were very well received and excellent service. We’d made pretty good progress and we came out of there just after midday it had stopped raining. The sun even appeared. Down the Harland cycle path to Wetherby. Deciding to keep to tarmac we headed for Little Ribston rather than the scheduled track to Spofforth. James and Derek departed toward Knaresborough leaving three of us to plod on to Follifoot and the showground. Considering the morning conditions it was a very good ride and we didn’t have any regrets. Thanks to my companions. 38 miles home to home for me. Colin B
