Wednesday 18th. June

Awayday Steady

Splendid sunny day with super cloudscapes for our Awayday venture into the Howardian Hills. Eight of us set off in Group 1 from Easingwold : Yvonne, Rachel, Tim2, Will, David W, John all tucked in nicely behind Richard, and Lesley in her striking pink leading the way.  Good progress was made up the Oulston Road and we had turned in to Ampleforth Abbey by 10:30 for refreshments; the place seemed comatose so it was 15 minutes waiting to be served at the kiosk.  Our scone expert was none too impressed, but I rather enjoyed the fruit cake with Wensleydale.  The second group joined us at the outdoor tables before our call came to roll on through lovely Oswaldkirk and then head south to Slingsby.  We turned West at the fine pillared avenue up to Castle Howard towards our lunch destination at the Lavender Farm at Terrington.  Quite busy but service was quick and we switched over with the second group, who arrived in installments.  The descent of Terrington Bank was a fine treat with many of us surpassing 40mph before climbing gently up to Brandsby and Crake surrounded by such fine countryside, much of which seemed to be unfenced common land according to Tim.  Quickly back to Easingwold car park for most but this rider had other plans and pedalled her sunny way home via Alne.  So 39 miles and about 2,500 for another excellent Awayday outing (and a little bit more for me).  Thanks to all for convivial company, to Richard and Lesley for leading and to Doug for organising.  Yvonne

Away Day

A glorious day to ride from Easingwold to Ampleforth andTerrington. Nine in the second group led by Mike Smith, back marking by Monica, Sarah and Collette. We had a lengthy wait for refreshments at Ampleforth, before my bike developed a slow flat tyre. Luckily Alan had a decent pump and we managed to make it for lunch at the Lavender farm. The first, speedy group, were just about to leave as we arrived! Richard, Lesley Jan and Jim had also placed their food orders. During lunch Mike and Alan worked quietly and efficiently, sat at the table, changing my flat and recommended a new tyre! The repair was completed with some ibuprofen tube to protect the new inner from the damaged tyre! After lunch, off we went on the final, more downhill stretch back to Easingwold. We were treated to great views the whole way, and the potential trauma of the deflating tyre was totally reduced by the support from the group, special thanks to Alan Simpson and Mike Smith!

Wanderers Ride

Another forecast of sunshine and a light breeze this morning saw eight of us doing the full ride to Ilkley and Gia, James and Paul going as far as Little Almscliffe where they left us for alternative wanderings. A pattern soon developed, I managed to lead the ride on the flat bits and then the e-bikers took the lead on the steeper hills! We did all manage to stay in contact via Timble and Askwith and were soon seated outside La Stazione in the sunshine in Ilkley. The service was swift as usual, we just managed to arrive before the lunchtime rush, and the panini excellent. The biggest hold up to setting off again was the usual queue for the single toilet! We took the Ben Rhydding route back to Askwith and then on to Otley and the Leathley hills with the climb up to Almscliffe crag. The group split here with the ladies:- Alison, Liz, Bridget, Margaret and Liz opting for the more direct route towards Beckwithshaw and home, leaving Pete, Colin and myself to carry on to North Rigton and Burnbridge, we took the scenic route through the Mallinson estate to avoid the Leeds road traffic lights and split again at the showground where we said goodbye to Pete. Thanks to everyone for the good company and great humour and to Colin for his legendary back marking services. 43 miles and 3,386 feet for me, a grand day out, Steve B.

EG’s Ride

As the EGs set off south, negotiating the temporary road closure on Abbey Rd., we were already anticipating a warm dry day & pleasingly, little wind.
Following Wetherby, along the wonderful cycle path, as we entered Tadcaster, passing the fairly new brick built houses on the right, we were greeted by this almighty screech from, what appeared on high, but someone spotted what was thought to be a peacock. Made us all jump with amazement, particularly as to its location on a small housing estate, as opposed to the usual Manor House.
Last week our leaders attention had been drawn to a small cafe near the north east side of the river bridge in Tadcaster so as we searched this out we eventually spotted “The Coffee Club”.
Sitting outside in the sun, as space inside was limited we were able to enjoy our usual fare at what was a most economic price and in the pleasant ambience someone suggested we should continue on a loop and return for lunch later in the day.
However our leaders attention had felt this may not provide sufficient mileage so the aim was to transit to “The Little Acorn” at Copmanthorpe via Cawood, Ricall and the “Planets” cycle path.
The temperature was, by then, slowly rising so, once again, we sat outside. Dave S. was keen to enjoy a lunch of beans on toast, as did the majority of the group and service worked excellently to achieve his aim, once again at a reasonable price.
Our return journey, via the shortest route, as time was passing, seemed to take an age but by 4.00 O’clock we managed to pull into Abbey Road to complete our ride.
Geoff remarked how hot it had become and without the slight cooling breeze it would have become somewhat unbearable.(despite his recent experience in Cyprus)
Dave S. had already found some extra energy from somewhere,to shoot off ahead, but being the sociable one he is, had waited for our usual parting chat.
On the whole, the ride had been enjoyed by all and in the end we had achieved 56 miles ( warm & dry at last).

Short Ride

Five punters inc. three ride leaders. Wos goin’ on? Bob’s toothache, that’s what. He bravely saw us to Clint, each jolt exacerbating the pain, before leaving us for home. Yours truly took over to get us to the café stop at Darley (lovely views), then Jeanette took over the tricky middle bit to and past Menwith. Then off to Little Almscliffe, Beckwithshaw and back home, by which time Rachel was expertly coordinating the gears and power levels on her new leccy bike. Gordon kept an eye on us from the back.
About 24 miles.
Paul B

Away Day – Brisk