Wednesday 21st June

Short Ride

Lovely way to spend the sunny summer solstice day, initially with 8 familiar Wheel Easiers on the Short Ride. Destination was Brimham Rocks via Ripley and Burnt Yates, and back via the so-called Wizzy Warsill route, which offered a long downhill treat back to Ripley. Along the way, we became 7 as we lost Dennis, who defected to another familiar group of cycling friends who were pedalling in the same direction! Nice to be able to catch up with cycle folk you have not seen for a while!
A HUGE shout out must go to Gordon, who truly saved the day for me when my chain broke suddenly on the homeward journey. (Second time in one month!!). From his trusty chariot, he produced an impressive array of complicated tools and gadgets, and managed to fix the broken link in a very short time. Can’t thank you enough for your patience and support Gordon! A true hero on the day! I got home with no problems.
With thanks to my fellow Wheel Easy members for making it a pleasant few hours cycling! Sarah Everson Maurer

 

 

Wednesday Ride

Four of us (Gia, Kevin, Paul and myself) headed over Little Almscliffe to take in the delights of Jack Hill Lane and the gated road over and down into Leathley. The breeze was a little troublesome at times. but the sun shone and the breeze was appreciated later when it warmed up. Coffee was taken at the Leathley Farm Shop, but unfortunately toast and/or toasted teacakes are regarded as “Breakfast” and no longer available as we arrived just after the cut off time! However coffee in the sun outside was very welcome. Paul left early to return for the school sports, not his but the grandchildren, and claimed a sore knee prevented him joining in the Seniors Race! Gia left us at Castley to call in on friends in Huby and Kevin and returned safely via Kirby Overblow and Burn Bridge. About 34 miles with some great views and the usual fantastic scenery and good company.  James G

Wednesday Wanderers Ride

Nine intrepid Wanderers ventured out today in glorious weather into the Vale of York. Having cleared the A61 and the Leeds road a fairly uneventful ride took us to Wetherby where we somehow lost Karen. She was cycling between the two groups and disappeared. Sorry Karen. Hope you got home okay. As the second group did a bit of searching a few phone calls resulted in us regrouping before we crossed the Nidd at Cattal. We decided to push on through Whixley, Great Ouseburn(mandatory photo shoot). Dunsforths into Boroughbridge. Sitting outside at Plenty taking in the sun and enjoying the WE banter. There was some talk of extending the ride but eventually it was agreed to stick with the scheduled route. Gordon pushed on after Roecliffe while the remaining seven sat by the bridge in Bishop Monkton. Beautiful spot. Down to Lingerfield and into Knaresborough where we started to split up for home. Well done to Liz F who joined us today. Great to see you riding with us again. My thanks to my fellow riders for your company and laughs. Just short of 50 miles for me. Colin B

Away Day Ride – Eden Valley

I chose this ride from the away day archive. The club last did it in September 2016 and it was just as fabulous as I remember it. Massive congratulations to Colin Thompson who designed the route.
There were 14 of us today – 6 in my group and 8 in Terry’s. The forecast had been gradually improving but we didn’t expect such a glorious day for cycling. We just had about five minutes of light rain, and the rest of the longest day of the year was sunny and not too hot.
We set off from Kirkby Stephen towards the coffee stop at Appleby. It was an undulating start and we got great clear views over the North Pennines and High Cup Nick with the valley below us.
From there we went through the beautiful villages of Kings Meaburn, Morland, Maulds Meaburn and Crosby Ravensworth – all unspoiled and almost lost in time. A lot of riders plan to go back there and explore more deeply. It’s a part of the world we rarely get to and a recent addition to the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
This was a hilly ride and the climb from Crosby Ravensworth was a long one. We all met up for a team photograph, and then a glorious descent down into Orton for a late 1.30 lunch at Orton Scar café – enjoyed by all.
After lunch, we had a history stop at Rainsbeck Dame School, one of the smallest buildings I have ever seen. It has an interesting history, which you can look up on the Internet.https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/there-is-nothing-like-a-dame-school/. and  and see the fine view from the top window in a photo below. Then another steady climb up Little Asby Scar and on to Crosby Garrett and back to Kirkby Stephen. We all enjoyed the long distance views, firstly towards the North Pennines and then towards the Howgills.
Thanks to everyone for your company and a great day. And again, thanks to Colin for designing the route. Approx 44 miles, 3,520 ft Steve W

 

Medium Plus Brisk Away Day

Our ride started from Clapham where there were dark clouds gathered and riders discussed the recent weather predictions & rain jackets – the forecasts had improved greatly over the last couple of days but there was still a likelihood of rain at some time during the day. Round to Ingleton we went on a dead quiet road before the real climbing started. Luckily a shepherd was herding a mass of ewes & lambs up the road which slowed the pace to sheep walking speed for some time. Along Kingsdale where the dark clouds were replaced by white clouds and the whole vista of the valley opened up. And then up some more before the hair-raising descent into Dentdale where tea & cake where taken. The last hard climb then followed as we left the dale and turned South West into Barbondale – reckoned by some to be the most beautiful dale in England. We also turned into a strengthening wind that swept away most of the remaining clouds by the time we entered Kirkby Lonsdale. The southern 21 mile loop via Hornby and Keasden round to Clapham was in less dramatic countryside but still a fabulous sight in brilliant sunshine as the day just got hotter & hotter ………. and not a drop of rain all day. 47 miles. Tall Tim