Short Ride
Narrative to follow
Wanderers Group 1
Medium Steady/Brisk Wanderers (Route 178)
There were six of us in the brisk group (Richard, Tim, Derek, Zilpha, Geoff and Gordon T) which set off before the main group. We stayed on the roads to avoid the bridle path and then found that the main Wanderers group was ahead of us. We passed the Wanderers and sped on to Boroughbridge where Geoff decided to leave us as he had a dentist appointment, he was eager to attend. We continued towards Ripon where Richard suggested we go to Olivers Panty for a change from Tates. The staff were friendly and opened a side gate to allow us to store our bikes away from the tables. After a hearty lunch we set off towards Harrogate. By then it had turned colder and looked like it was going to rain. After Bishop Monkton it did start to rain. Initially it was just a bit of drizzle which soon passed. Then it started raining in earnest, so we stopped to don waterproof jackets. At Ripley, Derek and Tim left us. Then at Claro Road Richard headed off leaving Zilpha and me to return to the showground. Back in Harrogate it did not look like it had rained at all as the paths were all dry. You can tell by the first photo that I don’t take many selfies! The usual banter and jokes making for an enjoyable ride. 42.56 miles in 3:01:02 with an average speed of 14.1mph. Gordon T
Wanderers Group 2
Decent turn out this morning with about 15 riders up for the Wanderers jaunt. Bit overcast , not windy and not raining. The quicker group of riders departed and the remaining nine split into two groups with Howard offering to be back marker. We regrouped at Low Bridge managing to avoid mix up with the Short Gentle guys. Great riding conditions and we were soon through Farnham and Copgrove . We said our goodbyes to Gia before we took the bridlepath to Roecliffe. Photo is by one of the Devils Arrows twixt Roecliffe and Boroughbridge. On towards Dishforth but turning left to Marton Le Moor and Sharrow. Through the A61 underpass and into Ripon and Tate’s our designated cafe. No sign of the quicker group so I guess they must have chosen and alternative cafe. Sitting outside and the conversation flowed and the laughs were forth coming as ever. We decided we would come back via the Deer Park but before we resumed it started to rain. Jackets on but it had got quite persistent so we stayed under cover. I’m sure customers at Tates must have thought we were crackers. Moving bikes around and cuddling under 3 parasols and laughing. 25 minutes later we departed. Pretty soon jackets were off and it got quite sunny. Margaret started to experience battery issues going up hill, naturally. Despite that we kept together pretty much as we dropped into Ripley and the Greenway before saying our fond farewells at Bilton crossing. Margaret headed for Chevin to sort here bike. Great ride and company. Thank you so much..Thank you Howard. We didn’t lose anybody 40 mile/ Colin B
EG’s
Consensus dictated our route to Rufforth for our first break at the “Old School House “cafe.
A significant drop in temperature led us to question our choice of layers as we four set off. Sunshine under patches of clouds accompanied our course as we established a steady pace through Ribston & Tockwith arriving in Rufforth early at 11.15am.
We were, at this stage able to sit outside, as service was brisk, with a smile and welcoming greeting.
Departing at noon, but, at this stage, noting the gathering black clouds, we joined the cycle path towards Poppleton.
By the time we reached the end of the path a cautious stop was noted to gather waterproofs ready for the anticipated rain. Reaching the railway crossing at Poppleton, we were held up by closed gates for the next train. As expected the downpour began whilst we were waiting. A suggestion was overheard, should we catch the next train back to Knaresborough?? Albeit it was noted in gest, we later regretted not following the suggestion insomuch we had to shelter under trees & even the next road bridge!
Continuing on our way, we joined the riverside cycle path towards Beningbrough. Fortunately the recent dry weather meant, despite the current rainfall, the road under the railway bridge was predominantly dry. Pausing at the next railway crossing point after Overton, to take in views of and discuss the benefits of the large Substation (Dave S. being a past employee of C.E.G.B.) it seemed to be of some interest.
Unfortunately at the next road-rail crossing point, red lights interfered with progress. Lights turned to green, Dave S. shot off, but I after giving way to traffic behind, on setting off, I ended upon the floor. A bit of a surprise to both me and those around me!! It appeared that a mudguard stay had become displaced causing a resistance to the front wheel straightening thus as I was locked in the cleat, a catastrophe!
A few minutes later, the matter now resolved, we set off in pursuit of Dave S. but were unable to catch up until we entered Linton. As is our habit of late, we stopped off at the Post Office cafe in Ouseburn for a coffee and a bite to eat.
We were grateful that the weather had become a little kinder to us as we set off for home. Despite the challenges thrown at us by the wet weather, it had been a good ride, totalling 47 miles in all. David Watson
Awayday Group 1
After meeting in the car park at the Buddhist Centre in Pocklington ( I’m calling it that because I can’t spell Madhyamaka Kadampa!), we quickly split into three groups and we were dispatched as group 1, consisting of Yvonne, Lesley, Rachel, John C and the three Steves. First up is one of my favorite parts of the way of the roses, the route through Millington and then up the valley to Huggate, once over the top the views are stunning and as it’s mostly downhill, plenty of time to appreciate them. Easy riding all the way to quite an early lunch stop at the Hutton Cranswick farm shop where we had reserved tables, the service was swift and I can recommend the sausage and egg sandwich and everyone else seemed to be happy with their choices. We had to work a little harder after the restart as we headed into the breeze but the villages we passed through were very picturesque and the miles soon passed until we reached South Dalton for a photo stop. The forecast said rain in Pocklington and we could see the dark clouds as we approached and right on time we got wet as we did the last climb of the day up Intake Hill but it was all over by the time we returned to base where we had time for tea/coffee and cake sitting outside the cafe. A very enjoyable day out, plenty of chatter with great company. Mileage as advertised, 40 and about 2100ft of steady climbing. Many thanks to our resident videographer Yvonne (again). Steve B.
Awayday Group 2
Pocklington Awayday – An excellent turn-out of 20 showed up at the Madhyamaka Kadampa Meditation Centre, which was our alternative assembly point following changes to long-stay parking in nearby Pocklington and which seemed to work pretty well with good facilities and tea and cake at the end of the day at the World Peace Cafe. Steve B and James had volunteered to lead groups 1 and 3 respectively, leaving Peter, Mike C, Jim, Terry ,Helen and I in the middle group. The KMC was an excellent starting point for the climb up Millington Dale. We were briefly passed by the third group as we waited whilst Mike tried to break into St Margaret’s Church in Millington but soon caught them again mid-dale (actually they had stopped to admire the views). From the top at Huggate it was pretty much downhill all the way to lunch at Hutton Cranswick and with a following wind it almost felt like cheating. The farm shop score high on approval rating and is definitely worth another visit. After lunch we headed westward once more into a stiff-ish breeze with ominous looking clouds in the distance; the weather had been extremely pleasant thus far and much better than expected. At South Dalton we found a church which was open (St Mary’s) and worth a visit, housing, as it does, a rare cadaver tomb (and has a very tall spire). Mike provided an excellent, in-depth history and, by popular demand stayed to do a repeat for group 3, who had just turned up. The other 5 of us carried on, the rain finally catching up with us somewhere around Market Weighton (I think). We took shelter under a tree briefly, actually enjoying the novelty of heavy rain, and then were off again warming up on the climb up Intake Hill. Shortly after Jim suffered a puncture but a bit of extra air was sufficient to get him back to the KMC for the afore-mentioned tea and cake. Another very enjoyable day out in good company. Many thanks to Terry for the route and to Steve and James for volunteering. About 40 miles and 2000ft for me. Doug H
Awayday Group 3
Not much to add to the Group 2 report save that after a trial run on the tractors at the lunch stop we decided it was easier on our bikes and as we were a little behind the other groups the wind and rain hit us on one of the most exposed sections of the route battling up hill against a head wind. However we survived and dried out to enjoy some great tea and cakes at the Buddhist Centre at the end. Thanks to those who came with me for a great day out in good company. Similar stats to Group 2. James G
Brisk Away Day
The Brisk Away Day started from Helmsley in warmish weather. South & then East on flattish roads before heading North to the ever charming Hutton-le-Hole for a café stop where we stocked up on calories for the remaining expedition. A climb of some miles straight from the door as we headed North toward the top of Blakey Bank and then plunging down to Church Houses. It started to rain just as we started the nasty little 20% kicker out of the valley and a puncture allowed us to take shelter & don rain jackets for a short while. Thereafter, it’s all large panoramas and terrific views on bumpy terrain – it’s either up or down! And of course, the heather is out and looking right purple. On the way to Gillamoor the heavens properly opened including thunder & lightening. We sheltered from the heaviest rain & then there was no other option than to get going again – upwards towards brighter skies & Cockayne where the sun was shining. And then South for the remaining 10 miles – back in time for a beer. 46 miles in total. Tall Tim
