Alternative Ride – Route168R
As there is no cafe any more at Beningbrough and Yeadon Tarn did not appeal, James, Charlie, Debby and Gia came up with route 168R. A nice run down to Follifoot, Spofforth and Hunsingore where we diverted to amble through the village which we would normally pass by.
On to Cattal and anther diversion to Kirk Hammerton to investigate the “new cafe offering” at the village hall. There we met about 20 of Wetherby U3A picnicking on the grass. They had met Michelle who is running the cafe on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Michelle kindly opened up the hall so people could use the loo. On through Kirk Hammerton to Green Hammerton where we discussed stopping at the cafe in the village but agreed to go on to Great Ouseburn. Lovely cafe lovely space, very welcoming but on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only cake and coffee.
Usual route back through Marton, Arkendale and Knaresborough gave us a good 38 mile ride through the countryside. And we did not get wet unlike Sunday. Gia
Wanderer’s Ride – Route 23R
Wanderers Group A
Due to there being such a lot of Wanderers this morning we split into multiple groups. Five of us set off on the ride (Derek, Richard, Howard, Robin and Gordon). Richard was running a sweepstake on how long it would be before I took off my rain jacket. I managed to get to Farnham. The pace was brisk, and we were at Tates by 11:00 am. We were joined later by the remaining group where we took over another 2 outside tables. If anyone is interested, Derek has some interesting stories about ironing the plastic film on the top of containers and the stickiness of protective file on glass. On the way back we shot up the Green Way and Howard commented on how clear it was. Guess what? It suddenly got busier with people and dogs. On the viaduct we passed a large group of walks all sat having their lunch. Someone said that they had walked all the way from Bilton!
29.89 Miles with an average speed of 13.0 mph in 2:17:58. Gordon T
Wanderers Group B
14 people, including a guest rider – Yvonne, decided to join me on today’s Wanderers ride. It was decided that we should split into two groups. There was a brief discussion about the best way to get to High Bridge to avoid the roadworks in Starbeck. The smaller, faster group rode off into the distance.
At High Bridge the main group was joined by Liz F and Corrine. We decided to regroup to make 2 smaller groups. The ride out to Ripon via Farnham and Bishop Monkton was uneventful.
The three groups met up at Tates. Here we were greeted by a knitted tank and a new digging pit for the children. Surprisingly it was fairly quiet considering it was the start of the school holiday. After a leisurely coffee break we continued our ride up through the deer park, up How Hill, down Scarah Bank to Ripley and back along the Greenway. 30 miles. 1650ft of climbing. Chris
Medium Plus Brisk Ride
Twelve MPBs turned up for Jill’s Hills. The group immediately split into 2, heading off towards the Rezzies, where Helen turned off to do a shorter ride due to time constraints.
The pace was pretty brisk ( !) but the second group kept the first lot in their sights and arrived at Langbar summit to witness Tim practicing his photographic skills .( still needs a lot of practice)
The cafe stop was Out of the Box in Ilkley, which allowed for a bit of socialising, refuelling and a much – needed rest. The 2 groups merged for the return via the Iron Bridge and a flattish ride to Otley, before the hill climbing recommenced. This is a ride that keeps on giving ! The views were splendid, the weather was perfect, the company was great…
50 miles, 4200 feet. Julie E.
EG’s Ride
Five EG’s gathered at Low Bridge today where a ride to Easingwold was proposed and agreed upon. We added Huby and Stillington into the basic route arriving at Tee Hee café for lunch at about 12.30. Possibly inspired by Le Tour, Geoff’s request for a carafe of water received a resounding ‘non’ from the waitress who then enquired whether Monsieur would care for a jug of instead. With the usual EG banter this faux pas will amuse us for at least the next 5 years.
Sometimes the return from Easingwold can be a tedious slog into an unrelenting westerly wind but today spirits were high; the wind was from the North and more importantly Dave S had invited to sample the delights of tea and cake at the finest pop up café in Yorkshire. Our thanks go to Jan for providing a delicious afternoon tea.
50 miles covered with fine weather and never a dull moment. Phil S
