Short Ride
After the very high temperatures of the previous few days, today’s temperature was much more cycle friendly, a couple of riders even complained of feeling cold this morning. Today’s short ride was just on the upper limit in terms of mileage but with only a couple of fairly gentle climbs I thought we were safe from complaints! Five of us set off from the showground and Paul joined us at low bridge to make half a dozen. We took the normal route out of Knaresborough to Farnham and Occaney to Bishop Monkton where we turned left and made our way up to the A61 crossroads, we had discussed stopping at the Harrogate garden centre but nobody was desperate so we kept to the original plan and made our way through Markington, up the last climb and then the swoop down to Ripley and our cafe stop. Plenty of ice cream customers but we all got served quickly and sat outside in the sunshine where we learnt the names of swallows and house martins in various languages amonst other topics of conversation, everyday is a school day with Wheel Easy. Back along the Greenway to BIlton Lane where I said my goodbyes, a very pleasant ride in good company, thanks to Gordon( alias Dawn ) for back marking. 25 miles and 1100 feet for me. Steve B.
Wanderers Group 1
On a much fresher day than of late Gia, James, Debbie, Robbie, Sally and Mike WH set off on Liz’s mystery trip up to Nidderdale. We made very good progress up to Brimham Rocks where there was some discussion about the route. We decided to go up to Fellbeck as described on the downloaded route. After a long climb we were rewarded with a spectacular view of glorious Nidderdale. It was truly delightful. We cycled along country roads lined with Cow Parsley and Buttercups. We finally arrived at the cafe in Darley after another extension to the ride near Dacre Banks to find Liz’s group already seated and tucking into their lunches! They hadn’t been up to Fellbeck but had continued down to Wilsill. They wondered where we were! We were soon served at Darley Post Office who did a wonderful job with so many of us. Onwards home back down the Greenway happy to have enjoyed a grand day out. 39 happy miles for me door to door. Nicci
Wanderers Group 2
Not as warm as yesterday the Wanderers gathered for my epic ride. Nicci took one group and I was left with the waifs and strays, as we picked up more people on our cycle ride. I was clear in my head where I was going and thought I might have told Nicci the correct route. Nicci had the route on Garmin slightly different to what was in my head but no one in their right mind would know where I was going in my head as I don’t know either! Nicci took the first group off and we followed, across the Stray, Greenway to Ripley. Liz A went off with Nicci but then waited for us. Sally came flying past at some stage. Not sure who was in which group but our trusty shepherd, Colin was herding us in the right direction. Once out of the traffic on to country roads we cycled to Burnt Yates, Brimham and then the first group had turned right but we carried on to Wilsill down the long swooping lane to turn right for Summerbridge. Spectacular views and fields full of wild flowers and animals, plus not too warm. Onwards to Dacre we climbed, down Dairy Lane then on to Darley. No sign of Nicci’s group at the PO cafe!! All ordered fed and watered, Nicci’s group turned up after going over Fell Beck following the published route. As they say my head is in a different world being an alien and unpredictable,, I know where I am going but getting there can be a different matter until I arrive there. Everyone had a lovely cycle up and down hills, Darley PO cafe we were all well watered and fed. After loads of banter and tips about Air Fryers we set off. Birstwith, Ripley Greenway and on to home for all. Many thanks for a lovely cycling day, thanks Nicci for leading group one. 34 miles Liz F
Medium Steady
Gordon’s Report:
I joined the medium steady/brisk group at Ripley (Lesley, John C, Richard and Will). The going was steady and no rest at the top of Scarah Bank. Part way up How Hill there was a ‘Road Closed Ahead’ sign with no indication where. So, we continued to the actual road closed sign. At that point the road was blocked with vehicles and well suntanned workers. One let us through but there seemed to be a disagreement with one of the other workers which we did not understand. Richard translated for us as he is fluent in Navvy language. There was a lot of swearing! We reached G & Ts around 11:00 am. Probably, the earliest lunch stop I have been on. This did not stop us partaking in the usual butties, sandwiches and cake. After hearing about Richard’s shoplifting experiences and techniques for stopping the security tags going off when exiting a store, we headed up to Brimham Rocks, then down Stripe Lane to the toll bridge. Here, I turned right back to Darley and left the others to ride back to Birstwith, Clint Bank, Ripley and Harrogate. On the way back to Darley the Wanderers passed me on their way back to Birstwith. They must have made good time on their route.
A good ride and company.
Lesley’s Report:
Myself ( Lesley), Richard, Will and John set off on a slightly cooler but sunny day. Our route took us to Ripley where we were joined by Gordon. Our smaller but select group went to Risplith via Sawley. It was good to see Will in his co-ordinated outfit which has clearly been influenced by Richard. The sun shone and we had some wonderful views of the beautiful Yorkshire countryside in all of it’s glory. The pace was steady and the hills were hard but the views were worth it. An early cafe stop at G&T’s was appreciated. We had a lively talk by Richard on how to spot a heroin addict and how to stop shoplifters. ( btw don’t fall out with Richard as he does not forget a face and will go to many lengths to find you! )
John highly recommended his fruit cake but I think he somehow forgot his earlier promise to share it and managed to eat all of it on his own.
After lunch a hard hill climb was again rewarded by the lush green views. No stopping except for Gordon to do his customary stripping off in a layby. Gordon and then John left us shortly after for their rides back home. Which left the three of us who had a very welcome stop in Ripley for a delicious ice cream. Luckily there was a short queue which meant we had some time to make the difficult decision on which flavours to have. Raspberry cheesecake and red cherry for me! Back down the Greenway and we caught up with the back of the Wanderers group for our return back to the showground. What a fabulous cycle day!
Medium Plus Brisk Group 2
Group 2- After dispatching the boys on their way to Masham group 2 followed. It was a perfect day for riding- warm but not too sunny. It was a hilly route to Masham- Knox, Clint Bank, Sawley, Hebden Bank, Grantley and Ringbeck. We had coffee at Bordar’s cafe and set off up another climb out of Masham towards Snape. After that Zoe, Rachel & Jan set a good pace to Ripon where most of the group chose Markington and the Greenway. 60 miles and over 4,000 feet of climbing ( for me) An excellent ride for a Wednesday. Officially done!! Janet G
EG’s
Despite the chaos of contractors vehicles five enthusiast assembled at Low Bridge ready to enjoy their weekly venture in, most fortunately, much cooler weather than the past few days when local temperatures had reached 32°c. Today’s route had been chosen to allow some flexibility, having in mind the possibility of continuing high temperatures albeit the forecast was for 10° cooler.
We headed south towards Thorner, passing through Wetherby & Bramham with a view to meandering around a few minor roads before stopping off for a break. As a couple of riders made their way ahead out of sight an enforced modification was introduced following a missed junction. Consequently we rolled up in Thorner somewhat ahead of schedule subsequent to a phone call seeking guidance from our errant riders. Notwithstanding, just as as several cyclists were departing we gathered in the pleasant rear garden area to enjoy a good meal.
Perhaps taking a little longer than anticipated, chatting about this and that, we departed thereon towards Aberford. Unfortunately on the bottom of the hill leading out of Thorner, won’t you just know it, Geoff’s chain decided to jump off, not once but just for good measure, twice! Unbeknown we waited at the top of the hill for his reappearance. Aiming now for Scholes, Barwick & Aberford we paused for consultation as to the direction to follow thereafter. It was at this point Jim & Geoff M decided to abandon the group, needing to return home a little earlier than any extention to the route might allow.
The remaining three pointed wheels towards Lotherton and Saxton to pass by Towton battle memorial. Intending to pause for a re-fuel, unfortunately Marvin did not hear the directive and sailed on past the site of the battle. Initially we expected to see him further down the road but regretfully no sign thereafter. That left two of us to find our way home so following the main road from Tadcaster, and joining the cycle path before Boston Spa, we called in for a late coffee at Thorp Arch. Continuing along the cycle track skirting the edge of Wetherby, we followed alongside the old A1, (now the A168) to return through Ribston, reaching home just before 4.00pm
As we had, surprisingly, managed to cover nearly 50 miles, even with a couple of stops, we felt somewhat smug and pleased that the temperature had remained pleasant and not too hot!! Dave Watson.
