Wanderers Group 1 Ride
There were enough Wanderers this morning to form two groups so with Colin’s blessing Gordon, Dave, Howard, Derek and Tim2 formed a group which paused at Low Bridge to pick up Mike P. After that we did not see the other Wanderers again. The ride through Boroughbridge past Dishforth and onto Ripon was quick and with no cafe stop prearranged we headed for Tates. The Brisk group were already sat down enjoying the sun as we did whilst consuming every conceivable variation of egg, bacon and sausage sandwich. See photo for evidence of happy cyclists and empty plates. Return via Bishop Monkton and Markington. Good times. 43 miles at 13.5mph. Tim2
Awayday Ride (Mike’s Group)
A few got caught up with Skipton sheep market traffic on the way, so the planned grouping didn’t quite work out. Five of us set out ahead. We stopped by the Hark to Bounty . Bounty was a foxhound who didn’t appreciate her owner spending too long in the pub, then called the Dog Inn, and gave tongue so loudly they renamed the pub after her, but we stopped to see the St John’s Ambulance box opposite. Tall enough to house a stretcher, it formerly contained fell rescue gear.
These were once common, but now I don’t know of another.
Arriving at Puddleducks at a minute to 10, we decided we couldn’t wait one minute for coffee and pressed on. With the sun and the wind behind us, it was a super ride to the top of the Trough of Bowland, and even better down the other side. Morning coffee was substituted by fresh tomatoes at the Jubilee Tower, and yes, we could see Blackpool Tower ! Could they see us ?
A brief stop at the Fish Stones in Caton (the oldest fish shop in England ?) fulfilled my need for a bit of history, then a quick burn up the main roads got us to Wray for lunch, where in spite of my booking and reminding them, service was on the steady side of steady – but cheerful, and we were all sitting in the sun.
Onwards and upwards, we stopped at the Great Stone of Fourstones, but didn’t climb it. Then onwards and much more upwards into a strong headwind took us to the Cross of Greet. From there, a swooping descent to the bridge repaid all our effort – and it’s a lovely view back up the valley. Just one bit of a climb and a few trifling undulations, and we were back in Slaidburn. Still in warm sunshine, and in time for a mug of tea from the cafe ! What a day ! 42 miles, 4200′ of ascent.
Mikethevet
Awayday Ride Part 2
At the third, or possibly fourth, attempt we finally managed the Awayday trip to Slaidburn and it was worth the wait as we couldn’t have had a better day (although slightly less head/cross wind on the climb to Cross o’ Greet might have helped). The day started slightly inauspiciously; it would seem that SatNavs seem to have a bit of an issue with Slaidburn as delays due to various narrow country lanes and blocked roads were reported as we finally all assembled at the car park. As a result a breakaway of 5 set off led by Mike, with the remaining 10 shortly after under Yvonne’s expert guidance.
The slight delay only meant that the clouds has almost completely burned off by the time we (the group of 10) hit the Trough of Bowland climb; the scenery looking even more spectacular in the autumn sunshine and almost distracting us from the effort required. Heading northward with a bit more climbing allowed great views out over Morecambe Bay and the Lakes beyond, and, stopping at Jubilee Tower, we all agreed we could see Blackpool Tower in the slightly hazy distance to the south. From there it was almost all downhill to lunch at Wray, stopping briefly for a group photo at the Caton Fish Stones (as advised by Mike).
After lunch we were onto the main climb of the day to Cross o’ Greet, of about 10 miles and an average of about 4% (with the last half mile considerably steeper). As we set off ascending eastwards great views of the Dales were slowly revealed. About half way up six of us took the chance of a break at the Great Stone of Fourstones whilst the others continued southward and upward. The Stone’s location gives the perfect view of the Three Peaks and at least one (possibly two) of us couldn’t resist the steps to the top. Setting off again we eventually reached the summit and after a bit of recovery we enjoyed the final, long descent (mostly) back to base. A great day out on a warm, sunny day on a wonderful route put together by Mike the Vet. I recorded 42 miles and about 4400ft. Hopefully everyone made it back out of Slaidburn without too much trouble. Doug H.
Short Ride
Here is our short ride short and sweet just like me!!! Liz
This morning as the cyclists gathered at the Show ground, the weather was dull and not as warm as predicted as all the cyclists seem to be dressed from shorts to longs, light jackets to rain jackets. Five joined me for the short ride to Darley, Geraldine, Joe, Sarah, John and Bob, my hubby Peter joined us at Knox. Over the Stray onto Dragon Bridge where various spots had glass deposits which had to be avoided. On Hill Top Crescent went to see Dennis, who looks a lot better and has got back the sparkle in his eye, as he had bought from WE site a step through bike. He was having his electric pack put on it and hopes to be out soon and looked very pleased to get back to cycling. Down to Knox and at the Pack Horse Bridge Geraldine became group photographer and took the photo. It was beginning to warm up and the group cycled on to Lund Lane and down to Hampswaithe. Joe proposed a detour via a less hilly route to the top. Unfortunately Geraldine had a little mishap with her chain coming off but soon re fixed and on to Kettlesing. The group turned up the lane and the views were spectacular as we cycled along and various clothes discarded as it warmed up. Down the steep descent of Stumps Lane to Darley. All fed and watered, good chat about G&J’s adventure to Greenland and polar bears. Back to Birstwith, Clint Bank and Greenway home. Turned out nice again, Thank you all for a grand cycle ride out. 24 miles Liz F
Wednesday Ride
It could be that the late addition of this ride on the website or the away days or the attraction of the Wanderers ride or …………..! There were no takers for this ride. Paul was waiting in Hampsthwaite.
Anyway Paul and Gia stuck to the plan to go to Toft Gate Farm cafe on one of the finest days of the year. The route through Hampsthwaite and Darley reduces the length of time on Duck Street to three miles and the lorries turn off after two miles. The back lines were wonderfully quiet and the reward of the cafe never fails. We returned via Yorke’s Folly, the last time I did this was on my “push” bike! This was the first time with the electric and it is still an effort but worth it for the glorious views on Heyshaw and then the long down hill to Darley. A brilliant ride. 46 miles for me door to door and Toft Gate done for the year.
EG’s Ride
A cold breeze accompanied by patchy cloudy skies greeted the seven EGs gathering at Low Bridge in anticipation of yet another mystery ride through the lanes of gods own country!
Dave S. had been absent for a short while these past weeks and felt the need to perhaps not attempt to stretch himself too much for his first ride for a couple of, or so weeks. After Marvin had kindly phoned the cafe and booked a table we agreed to head south east along the flat lands to the Little Acorn cafe at Copmanthorpe skirting around the Wetherby cycle track and Tadcaster.
Here we mislaid a couple of riders for a short while but having stopped on a one way street it. presented its own challenge. However they quickly caught up and heading upto the traffic lights we turned right for Bolton Percy.
Jim, pausing for a moment, was there able to acquaint us with information with regard to the modern glazed windows in the local church depicting various birds of prey, recommending to bring grandchildren to view and attempt to count each one.
Setting off for Appleton Roebuck, the second group hadn’t realised that Phil was caught out still standing on one leg as he removed leg warmers and as we passed the “Wind Mill” junction it was realised he was missing.
Once again we hung around for a short while in anticipation of his appearance but as he seemed to be completely absent I was delegated to seek him out. As is the odds, just as got around the first corner he appeared so we were able to meet the rest of the EGs and continue on our way to the cafe stop at Copmanthorpe via Colton arriving a little earlier than our scheduled time.
We agreed to all sit outside as the weather was so promising, feeling that this may be our last opportunity this autumn. The service was excellent. The food, for some over filling but well presented and priced very reasonably by today’s standards.
As Dave S had intimated he had scheduled to return home early our route home was fairly direct passing through Askham Richard and Tockwith. At the crossroads some confusion arose whilst consideration was given to the remaining way home. So we all headed north to accompany Tim on his way home to Langthorpe, alongside Dave S unfortunately being caught by the trains at the crossing point near Cattal. On our merry way we all paused at Great Ouseburn to part company and two separate groups headed north or indeed north west to reach home fairly early after completing a mean average of perhaps 50 miles. (Those from further north will have done a little more!). Dave W
Medium Plus Brisk Ride
Weirdly route 65R- 59 miles and 5,000 feet of climbing didn’t have much appeal today- no idea why? Anyway six riders decided to do one of our ‘default’ rides- 40 miles with a good mix of climbing and descending. It was cool at the start as we rode to Ripley, Hollybank Woods, Burnt Yates and the long drag to Brimham rocks. Onto the main road we cut through Sawley Moor Lane and on towards Fountains. Through the deer park and to Tate’s where we met another WE group. The sun was out and it was warm- lovely. From the photo the boys clearly hadn’t heard the ‘left foot forward’ instruction. Either that or they had just ignored it. Just Littlethorpe, Markington and home. Thanks for a lovely ride and the very interesting conversation at coffee. Janet G
Wanderers Ride
Two groups of six this morning for a flatish ride and the prospect of good weather. I led the second group comprising of David, Roger, Kevin, Nicci, Bridgette and myself. We safely navigated the road works on Forest Moor and both groups regrouped at Low Bridge. The first group shot off and we didn’t see them again. My group at a more sedate pace got through Farnham Copgrove Roecliffe and Boroughbridge. On towards Dishforth but turning left to Marton Le Moor Sharow and Ripon. I had suggested the cafe in Spa Gardens so we could ‘check out’ the new owners. It was a good choice. Great fare and fabulous setting. The sun was out and the WE banter was upto its usual high standard. What Kevin Douglas doesn’t know about the internal combustion engine and its side effects. Laugh. Oh yes. !! Refreshed we departed for Littlethorpe and Bishop Monkton before turning for Markington Ripley and home. Great ride, weather and company. Thank you. 42 miles for me home to home. Colin B
Brisk Away Day – Route 1035
The weather forecast looked good – in fact better than for most of the summer – and it was glorious all day long. Starting from Clapham & then Ingleton, there is a long climb up Kingsdale with only ourselves for company & wonderful views all around. We leave North Yorkshire behind and look towards Cumbria with the plunge down into gorgeous Dent Dale & a visit to the Stone Close café in Dent for tea & cake. Fully revived, there are a number of ways out of the valley and they all involve going uphill. We take the first left and at the top of the climb there is another superb descent for mile after mile along Barbondale before turning off left & heading towards Kirkby Lonsdale for lunch in the brewery café. With most of the climbing done, the group of Graham, Richard, Andy, Vince & Tall Tim glided along into Lancashire on the undulating roads. Past Hornby, over the River Lune and through Wray before regaining North Yorkshire with views of Ingleborough and the limestone crags. Clapham beckoned but before finishing, we headed to Austwick for a refreshing pint in the Cock Inn. 49.5 miles and bags & bags of smiles in the sunshine.
