Wanderers Ride

Fabulous spring morning greeted 13 Wanderers. I’d selected a shortish ride but the coffee stop in Ripley meant we would be almost home. I suggested we could extend it if so desired. The decision was deferred for now . Splitting into two groups with Mike Smith offering to take 7 the rest with me. By the time we hit Woodlands Gordon had joined Mikes group. On to Low Bridge and Mike P was waiting. On to Farnham and Ferrensby.  Regroup at Arkendale where it was agreed we would extend the ride into Ripon for refreshments at Tates. My group stopped at St. Mungo’s Well in Copgrove which is recorded in 1309 when the Archbishop of York visited the church. Margaret, Alison and Mike P swung off for Markington in Bishop Monkton as the rest of us pushed on into Ripon and Tates. Sitting outside in glorious sunshine we discussed the ‘way home. It was unanimous for the Deer Park, Fountains and Markington. No sooner said than done. With no Corinne to lead us astray we rode past the Boars Head in Ripley. Derek headed home to Killinghall and the rest said their goodbyes at Bilton Lane. Great ride. Great weather. Slightly more than the scheduled 28 miles. Home to home for me 37 miles. My thanks to my fellow riders and to Mike S . Colin B

Medium Plus Brisk Ride

What a lovely day & what a contrast to last Sunday. A little chilly to start with the group of Jen, Tim R (T1), Iain, Tim S (T4), Richard & Tall Tim (T3) working their way along to Hampsthwaite to meet Andy & then continue on towards Darley & Summerbridge before the ascent of Hartwith Bank – never an easy climb but at least it was sunny. Onto Fellbeck (with the peacocks calling) and then Dallowgill with magnificent views all around before cruising down to Kirkby Malzeard and bumping into Gia & Paul at the café. Back via Aldfield, Fountains & Ripley. 43 miles. Tall Tim

Short Ride

There were 9 takers at the Showground on this sunny day for the short gentle ride to Kettlesing. Judy, Karen, Gordon on his trike, David, but some were not regular short riders, such as Monica S and Paul who only occasionally can make it, and Terry Smith. We headed for the Greenway and came across Dennis waiting for us at Bilton  Lane, making 10. Lots of dog walkers on the Greenway, but they were all very obliging today. Hollybank Woods and then left down to Hampsthwaite and then up to Swincliffe , where Geraldine took the photo with the golf balls in the background.

Down to Kettlesing and then up to the A59, where we waited to re-group while Geraldine rang Horticap to book a table. At Pennypot Lane, Dennis turned left back to Harrogate while the rest of us turned right into a headwind towards the B6451 and then past the Sun Inn and left, now with a following wind, towards Little Almscliffe.

Lots of daffodils out, and the leaves starting to show on the bushes and hedges at the roadside. Good coffee and refreshments at Horticap, and back to Harrogate.

About 24 miles.

Joe Smith

Medium Steady Ride

Fabulous sunny ride with fabulous sunny group of 8 (Tim2, Rachel, Maris, Charlie, Tony, Richard, Helen & I) who strove up lots of hills to reach the views today, and had to work harder into the head wind.  From Beckwithshaw over Little Almscliffe, down to Fewston, up to Timble, down to Blubberhouses, up Hardisty Hill to share the view of the moors with the Belted Galloways.  Then a lovely long run down Menwith Hill Rd to Hampsthwaite (though Richard thought he’d take in Birstwith too!) and a pleasant outdoor pause-café at Ripley in the sunshine – Happy Days!  Thanks for good company for just over 32 miles and just over 2,300 feet.  Yvonne D.