Wednesday 29th March
Wanderers
A group of 7 rode the Wanderers ride today, Mike W, Nicci, Alison, Derek, Diane, Sally and Liz. The route went to Knaresborough. Farnham, Bishop Monkton then across to Markington and then Fountains for lunch. The return was to the edge of Ripon then on through Littlethorpe, Markington again and down to Ripley. I had done 42 miles, 2033 feet. The weather was dry and I had a very enjoyable ride. Thank you to all the above for your company. Liz P
Wednesday Ride
Report to follow
Medium Plus Brisk
Quite a tough ride for a number of us & possibly the most climb so far this year – up to Norwood where we stopped for a puncture repair & then down into Otley & Ilkley for a café stop at Outside The Box with excellent staff & service. Then up the Cow & Calf. And then more climbing along the undulating Chevin before dropping down to Pool & home via Kirkby Overblow. The rain stayed away & it felt like Spring could be back soon. 48 miles. Tall Tim
March Away Day
Yes, the March Awayday did happen. Despite the short notice there was definitely interest in our season-opener, which was encouraging given the changeable weather we’ve been suffering and the lack of miles in the legs for many. Sadly, eight “definites” on Monday became five starters at the roll-out from Wentworth Street car park Malton. It was much warmer than the previous two days, thank goodness and the first, and main, climb up Settrington Bank had us shedding layers after just 5 miles. Once up on to the top, it was gentle downhill through classic Wold countryside before the drag up to Cowlam. From there it really was downhill all the way to Driffield and level to Hutton Cranswick for lunch at the Farm Shop Café. On a sunny day we would have enjoyed sea views as well as dry-valley scenery – but we didn’t! The lunch venue proved to be rather crowded – over 100 diners according to staff. They fitted us in cheerfully enough and sausage sarnies were put away with equanimity, plus a small iceberg of Victoria sponge by one of our party. No names, of course. Roads back to Malton were a little busier than the outward leg and we managed to get a bit damp from drizzly rain, which caused a bit of on/off jacketing but nothing too serious. The terrain was really a protracted steady drag back up to the crest of the Wold at Wharram le Street and Grimston Hill, followed by a sharp downhill all the way back to Malton, to end the Awayday season opener at about 3.30pm with 48 good-quality miles in our legs, not to mention the sausages. This route is well worth a re-run when sun and sea views are in prospect, so look out for a later Awayday, hopefully turning early interest into starters. It wasn’t a day that inspired photos, so here is a library shot from the café website. Terry Smith, on behalf of the Awayday Five.
