Short Ride
Seven riders decided to join Helen and I on today’s short ride to Leathley Farm shop for coffee. This number included two riders who were on their second ride with wheel easy- Andrew and Chris. Through Burnbridge we took the right onto Brackenthwaite Lane and onto the ridge where we stopped for a photo. Onto the main road we turned left and had a lovely descent into Leathley and our coffee stop. Sadly the Castley loop was not available to us today so after a lovely outdoor coffee stop we braved the main road. It’s a lovely climb up to Almscliffe Cragg and the views were gorgeous. Back onto the main road we said goodbye to Helen and three riders whilst we retraced our tracks back down to Burnbridge and home. Lovely ride- 23 miles and fair bit of climbing. Janet G & Helen
Medium Ride
Despite it being a lovely warm sunny morning and a great route over Dallow Gill there were just four assembled for the Medium Ride with only two committing to go all the way! Having negotiated a close call with a Camper Van sporting two bikes on the rear carrier Gia, Martin, Steve and myself headed down the Greenway and collected Paul T on the way. The usual route through Burnt Yates and up towards Brimham was uneventful, except for Gia, Paul and Martin departing down Stripe Lane with deadlines to meet. This left Steve and I to enjoy the best part of the ride through Fellbeck, over Dallow Gill moor and the lovely run down to Grantley and G & T’s for coffee. Suitably refreshed we made short work of the return via Fountains, the Drovers, Ripley and the Greenway and I recorded 44 miles, but that included additional miles from Knaresborough. Thanks to Gia, Paul and Martin for coming and particularly to Steve for another great ride. James G
Wanderers Group A
Twelve riders wanted to wander today so we split into two groups. We first six sauntered off towards Burn Bridge and paused for a team photo at the lay-by above Kearby with Netherby. Before we left the second group arrived so the mass gathering was also captured for posterity. From there we enjoyed perfect cycling through Sicklinghall, Linton, Collingham, Bramham and Boston Spa before rolling into one of Yorkshire’s character cafes at Thorpe Arch, where the teas are big, the food is large and the service mighty friendly. When the second group arrived, it was nice to have a chat with Mike Wills who was on good form!
We retraced our route back to the Wetherby cycle path and in town Lesley pealed off for home while Mike led a diversion along the A1 cycle path to avoid the busy roads between Kirk Deighton and Spofforth. Derek headed for home at Little Ribston and Mike departed at Spofforth. From there it was the Showground and home. Thanks for your company to Sarah, Mike W and those already mentioned. Average temperature 23c. 44 miles, 12.1 mph average and 2542ft of climbing for me. Tim2.
Wanderers Group B
After initial confusion and final confirmation that we were doing 145R and not 145, 12 riders set off in two groups of 6. We picked up Paul B after Kirkby Overblow and went through Collingham and Bramham to Tim’s at Thorpe Arch. Tim wasn’t there but the service was just as good as ever. The return journey was up the railway path. A lovely ride in beautiful weather and not too hot. David K
EG’s Ride
Destined to be a continuation of the heat wave, perhaps with some respite later, didn’t put off EG’s from turning out for our weekly ride. Heading south into what little breeze was present, taking a route hopefully shaded from the suns rays bearing down on our backs we soon arrived in Wetherby. Here Bob, once again, left to take a shorter way home as the remainder aimed for Tadcaster via Thorp Arch towards our first refreshment stop at Club café, adjacent to the river bridge. We were grateful for a table outside, avoiding further the build up of heat inside, as we enjoyed a drink and light snack.
At a very steady pace we set our route through Catton & Bilborough to the café in Askham Richard. Here, as we passed through the gate we were greeted with a cheery hello from a trio of Wheel Easy riders from Wetherby already tucking into lunch.
Once again we were fortunate to grab an outside table, grateful for some overhead shade. Refreshed, in particular Dan, with his pre-meal huge slice of cake, we made our track to Rufforth seeking the cycle path to Poppleton (made famous by Chris Bishop) and new to Dan.
This led us to Rawcliffe where we able to join the riverside path towards Beningbrough. Unfortunately roadworks enforced a diversion to pass through the village proper adding a little to our mileage.
It was noticeable during our passage so far that we passed several cyclists, individuals or in groups, out enjoying the warmth of the day even at our third stop for the day, the post office in Ouseburn just for a quick coffee and perhaps a bite.
For some strange reason we seemed to have lost track of time, arriving home late at 5.15pm despite the heat, or was it perhaps it had gradually subdued because of cloud cover we got carried away on the enjoyment of the day no matter we had a very good day covering about 52 miles. Dave W.
