Short Ride
Six riders left Hornbeam with blue skies and sunshine. No frost on the roads, so a tentative first ride out for me-in about 6 whole weeks! 😱A lovely welcome also to a young/old Wheel Easy pal, Caroline. Great to see u and catch up. We seemed to battle road closures just to get out of Harrogate to find Beryl Burton to take us to Knaresborough. From there, on to Farnham to pick up the scenic bridle path where we parted with Dennis, who was on a promise of Sunday roast back at home! Lovely to see him. Photos were taken, and then on towards the very scenic Bishop Monkton, which never seems to disappoint! Back to Knaresborough for coffee and food at the Ugly Duckling. Cheese scones to die for! A great ride with great company! As always! Sarah Everson Maurer
A Sort Of Medium Brisk Ride
Not sure which category this ride fell in to but part of it was inspired by the medium plus brisk. We fashioned a 30 mile ride taking in to account returning cyclists, health and potential ice. Richard and Liz Pugh warned us of ice by the Squinting Cat so we were warned.
We eliminated Jack Lane and stayed on the main road from Little Almscliff down towards Farnley cutting off to go through the gated road to Leathley.
Excellent service at the Leathley Farm Shop and back via Castley and Almscliffe Crag. Mark left us at the woods and James, the architect of the ride went back to Knaresborough via Dunkeswick and Kirkby Overblow.
The sun shone, we stayed upright and it was good to be out. Gia
Wednesday Wanderers
On a dry cool morning 15 riders in 2 groups set off. At Follifoot Paul joined us making 2 equal groups. All going well until Gordon got a flat just outside Cowthorpe. While Derek & Gordon sorted it I suggested we should ride 60 metres and look at the old church, while Mike the vet waited at roadside until they came. Only a few minutes, then we had photo shoot. Photos by Yvonne thank you. Got on our way, small detour through Tockwith and on to Tim’s cafe. Every one fed and smiling after some excellent food and really excellent prices! Set off again, on cycle track, got to the road, Gordon’s tyre looked flat . I asked the 2 groups to keep going whilst Derek, Gordon and I sorted the puncture out . Derek found a big thorn, so I got my tweezers out, good job done, left a big hole. Gordon got his tyre repair kit out, rubber grommet, in a few turns of the wheel and sealed it, well done Derek and Gordon for carrying the right equipment. On the road again and eventually caught up with 2nd group, 2 miles from Sicklinghall, fantastic. Made our way back together. Thanks everyone for your input and help 42.11 miles, climbed 674 metres. Cheers. Mike W.
Medium Plus Brisk
Although my voice had returned, following a bout of laryngitis I wasn’t sure about my legs. I was looking for a low key ride to ease myself back into riding. Fortunately my lovely cycling buddies agreed to accommodate me and we decided on Tate’s in Ripon via Boroughbridge. We also had a guest rider- Jan-We hope you enjoyed the route. We made excellent progress, down Knaresborough hill, Farnham and onto Boroughbridge. There was a strong headwind through Skelton on Ure but we ploughed on towards Tate’s. Coffee, tea cakes and scones later we set off for home through Littlethorpe and Markington. It was still cold but the sunshine certainly lifted our spirits and my legs?- well they weren’t too bad. We said goodbye to Helen in Ripley- destined for a meeting- the rest of us headed up the Greenway and home. 37 miles for me. Janet G
EG’s Ride
A light frost greeted the early morning which, fortunately, cleared in time for me to venture along Abbey Road towards our usual meeting place at Low Bridge.
After last weeks absence of accompanying riders it was pleasing to see at least Jim Smith was their already awaiting, soon to be joined by Geoff following his 2 – 3 weeks holidaying in Spain.
At this time of year there is often an enforced break from cycling as a consequence of the inclement weather. So having this in mind, whilst awaiting the arrival of any more EG members, there was some lengthy discussions as to our intended route.
Bearing in mind the very low sun, potentially making it difficult for motorists to pick out cyclists, we agreed to head off north, and despite the chosen route being of some considerable distance, it was agreed to head in a convoluted route (some say meandering) towards Easingwold.
As we crossed the Boroughbridge road, exiting Knaresborough, we spotted a lone cyclist, who glancing over his shoulder pulled in to the next junction, stopping for our arrival. Even before our catching him up it was easy to spot Peter Bradley and we welcomed his company, asking if he would join us, even for part of the ride.
We set off, once again, this time a group of four, at a very steady pace. I dropped back to catch up on events with Peter whilst Jim & Geoff pressed on, pausing every so often for us to catch up.
At Brandston Green Peter decided to cut short his ride and return via the Dunsforths to Harrogate whilst the remainder of the group pressed on to Easingwold via Huby, Stillington, and Crayke arriving at “Oliver’s” cafe just after mid-day.
Unfortunately the meal did not live up to expectations, being not even hot and we felt a little too pricey. Next time we will divert to alternative venues.
We returned the direct way through Boroughbridge feeling the very cold southerly wind, dropping off Jim for his return home nearby.
Geoff and myself continued towards home in Knaresborough and despite small problems on the way, as the skies had been clear, albeit roads a little dirty, the sun had been shining all the way, we agreed it had been a good ride. Slightly longer than the normal direct route at 50 miles but excellent for the end of January. Dave W.
