Medium Steady

Blessed with a fine dry day, and bikes with a distinct Spring in their wheels, four of us set off on an agreed variation of the published Route 124.  No flooded roads to wade through, nor thorns to impede progress, and with a slight breeze instead of the recent gales, we advanced steadily through Kirkby Overcome, checked out the level of the River Wharfe at the bridge in Linton, admired the snowdrops on Jewitt Lane, said « so long » to Mike at Bramham and headed through Clifford to Boston Spa.  Excellent pause-café at the Wise Owl, a first visit for John, though Tim and I are frequent flyers there and highly recommend it.  Back over the Wharfe, we took Wood Lane past the Estate houses with their splendid chimneys to join the Wetherby Railway Path. North Deighton straight into Little Ribston with dramatic skies, rattled dreadfully over the bridge into Spofforth, on to Follifoot and opted for the straight road to Pannal then the final climb up Church Lane back into Harrogate.  Thanks to the chaps for their good company on my first non-solo ride since early November – I recorded just over 37miles and ca. 2,200ft elevation. Yvonne D.

Wanderers Group A

(Route 110)

Alison kindly volunteered me to lead the brisk group.  I only had Rob and Derek join me, so it wasn’t too difficult to lead.  Although, I spent most of the time at the back struggling to catch my breath up the hills.  I don’t think we were that fast as Mike the Vet appeared over the climb as we rested at the top of Little Armscliffe.   The weather was warm with fantastic views.  At the toll bridge I suggested we miss the Brimham Rocks loop out and head straight to the café but was voted down.  Derek was concerned about the gears on his “new” bike not being low enough for the hills.  But, as usual, he flew up the hills without issue leaving me trailing behind.  We eventually arrived at the new café in Ripley where we topped up with food and drink.  Ordering at the till was a bit slow, but the food and drink came reasonably quickly.  Derek headed off home and Rob, and I went up the Green Way back to Harrogate.  A great days cycling.  I just have to clean the bike – again! 28.57 miles with an average speed of 12.6 mph and an average temperature of 13C. Gordon T

Wanderers Group B

With spring in the air, a sizeable group of Wanderers appeared at the Showground this morning to explore the delights of Nidderdale. Gordon kindly ‘volunteered’ to lead a fast group. So ,off he went with two followers not seen again until the cafe stop. The rest of us broke into smaller groups, regrouped at Little Almscliffe for a photo, then on again taking in lovely views of Nidderdale from Sheepcote Lane ( plus our goal of Brimham Rocks). It felt as though we were really emerging from the winter gloom as we crossed over Hartwith bridge and puffed up Stripe Lane. After passing Brimham Rocks we had the pleasure of cruising (or whizzing) down Careless House Lane and on to Ripley. We all enjoyed a cheerful cafe stop with lots of chat and laughter before returning to Harrogate. Wonderful to be out in the dry and relative warmth. Congratulations to Dave K, the only one of the slower group to be on a push bike. Thanks to all for your cheerful company. Alison

Medium Plus Steady

Steve, Steve and I settled on the Medium+ alternative ride (Route 77) and I volunteered to lead having committed the route to memory this morning. However I hadn’t read the calendar correctly so we did 77 NOT 77R ! Sorry boys but that meant all the hills in the second part of the 50 miler.

From the dryness of the roads you could forget the masses of rain we’ve had in 2026. The sun was warming and shone all day. The roads we travelled were largely quiet and signs of spring growth were beginning especially in the huge numbers of snowdrops on every verge.  This is why we cycle. We took the familiar out route to Ripon via Farnham and Littlethorpe then crossed the River Skell at Priest Lane Ford footbridge for a change. Reaching Thornborough via Hutton Conyers and Wath we paused to marvel at the grassy Henges – not to be confused with the grassy ex-waste tip some 100 yds further on. 

After crossing the Ure at West Tanfield we turned along the seldom used road through quiet Mickley. Unfortunately the subsequent climb is fairly brutal so we were relieved that the Grewelthorpe cafe was open, staffed by friendly folk but quite short on cakes. Refreshed we rode through Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton, Low Grantley, Aldfield,  Fountains West Gate and home via Scarah Bank and Ripley.  Pretty much all of it hilly !

A pleasant ride at a pace allowing for good conversations (12 mph) through lovely countryside.  50 miles (once I’d looped through the Showground) and 2700 ft of ascent. Thanks for coming guys. Peter L

EGs

The semi-tropical weather today promised good conditions for a ride as we gathered at our usual meeting venue.
We aimed to stretch out the day via Copmanthorpe, having not paid a visit for sometime. Unfortunately our navigator, me, was disposed to missing our intended junction, albeit it has a reputation for being a little cut up, so no doubt it would have been clarty, so we headed for the cafe at Askam Richard. Surprisingly the cafe was initially empty but soon seemed to fill up after our arrival. The service was courteous and quick and I was relieved far cheaper than of late at other cafes we have visited. The question then arose, which way to now return? I raised the issue of a cycle route Chris Bishop had guided us from York exiting at Rufforth. Fortunately Phil had a copy of O.S. Maps on his phone and was able to at least identify what could possibly be a promising possibility. So we set off in still accompanying sunshine aiming for Rufforth. Turning right (WetherbyRd.) we followed the road Acomb to the first couple of bends where we were able to spot a “bridleway” signpost. Being tarmaced it looked promising so off we went. I was pleased, as we followed the route to recognise some of the route confirming that it was indeed, at least in part Chris’s original way. We followed the bridleway/cycleway to its conclusion at Poppleton, but having some difficulties crossing the A59 as the traffic lights were out. Of course we had to be stopped by a train at the local level crossing joining the queue of traffic.
Our intent was then to follow the riverside way through to Beningborough, passing through Overton, which we initially did. However our progress was halted by a significant flood under the railway on Stripe lane. Phil thought about trying his luck but his attempt was thwarted and he was unable to avoid wet feet.

As we cogitated about our potential alternative way, another cyclist appeared (See photo below) at the opposite end of the obstruction. Having travelled some distance from any alternative junction, ignoring our advice, he attempted to walk along the walkway , querying a means of passage past the flooded road. As we pointed out the walkway stopped well short of dry land, the passage there from being along a wet slopping verge covered in rough shrubbery. We left him to consider his options as we headed for the adjacent A19 to continue north to rejoin our original route near Shipton. There upon we made our way past Beningborough, Linton, where new road surfacing welcomed our passage. Continuing past Aldwark into Ouseburn we paused for a quick bite and thereon headed off home for just before 4.00 O’Clock completing around 48 miles, although Phil probably finished with fifty eight miles. DW