Ripon Ride
Today’s Medium Steady Ride was a Ripon Ride to celebrate Gia’s 🎂 birthday and Paul, Charlie Stewart, Tim (Calendar/Reports) and myself joined her for what turned out to be a lovely autumn ride after a not very promising start. The tandem duo of Martin and Yvonne also joined the route but made their own way to Ripon, ostensibly because of the different riding speeds but there may have been more to it than that. However after following the usual route through Knaresborough, Bishop Monkton and Littlethorpe and shedding Stewart at Bishop Monkton, we met up with them in Olivers Pantry for a good coffee and in some case, brunch break where the reception and service was as good as ever. Five of us then managed eventually to reassemble and leaving Martin and Yvonne to look for more distance, returned through the Deer Park and Ripley and having passed pleasantries with the fast Medium Plus group make our several ways home. 35 miles or so and some undulations in the usual good company and in nice autumnal weather. Thanks to everyone and particularly Stewart for the photo. James G
Medium Steady Wanderers
Wednesday Wanderers Ride
There were 16 takers for the Wanderers ride today for the Ripley, Studley, Bishop Monkton, Knaresborough loop.
Mike P, Mike S, Richard, Gordon and Derek formed a trail blazer group. The rest of us followed leaving plenty of gaps for overtaking.
There was a tractor cutting the hedgerows on Watergate Road, resulting in Chris picking up a thorn and getting a puncture. With a phone call to those in front we agreed to all meet up at Tates. Chris adeptly set about changing her inner tube, kindly assisted by Colin, who was a whizz with the micro pump!
On reconvening at Tates, hot drinks and tasty treats were enjoyed amid a buzz of conversation. Mike W you really are a super star!
The second half of our ride centred around a wildlife rescue. A baby hedgehog, too small to get through winter, and who wouldn’t have been out in the daytime if all was well, was drinking from a puddle on the roadside just out of Bishop Monkton. Riding 15 or so miles with Sonic the wriggly hedgehog snuggled down the front of my jacket wasn’t something I thought I’d be doing today! He is a three month old boy, and has now been safely admitted to the Bilton Hogspital until springtime. Fingers crossed, he will be OK.
A lovely eventful ride! Thank you everyone! Corinne.
EG’s Ride
The clocks were reset to GMT last weekend so the morning light seemed slow to appear accompanied by a coldness designed to dissuade any seasoned cyclists.
The promised sunshine did eventually, but slowly, throw off its mantle sufficient to encourage joining the elder statesmen of Wheel Easy for our weekly sojourn in whatever direction we might desire.
Wonderful to see Bob Shears waiting with Dave S. & Colin at Low Bridge as it had been some time since he accompanied us.
Since we had headed north last week and today’s wind was from the southwest it seemed logical to push on in a southerly direction, aiming, hopefully, for The Lemon Tree cafe in Tadcaster.
We chose a slightly different route via Wetherby where Bob, on his e-bike had indicated he was to leave us and head for home along the cycle path through Spofforth.
Our subsequent route followed the alternative cycle path towards Thorp Arch, passing along the north side to aim for the top road alongside towards the Grammar School.
Although it continued a little old the weather had improved somewhat, the sun was shining and by now we were well away from the traffic that had plagued us upon leaving Knaresborough.
A slight pause, a chat, and off we set for the village of Stutton with a lovely downhill swoop before reaching the Towton road. Here we swung left to enter Tadcaster ready for an early lunch at The Lemon Tree Cafe. Scouts were dispatched to find a suitable table but returned, shaking their heads in dismay as they reported “no room at the inn”.
We prepared to leave for an alternative venue, having little idea other than Bolton Percy. Bikes were unlocked, helmets ready for the off, as our leader dispatched himself inside to have a word with the cafe owner. (&take advantage of the cafes’ facilities).
On returning, good news! A table had been found and we were pleased to return inside for our lunch. The service, thereafter, was quick and the food nice and hot. Deep & meaningful conversation ensued!
Following lunch we meandered around Healaugh, Angram & Long Marston for our return journey, noting the wind now seemed to be in our face. Unfortunately it was here Colin submitted to a rear wheel puncture and as “tailend Charlie” had shout out his distress. A couple of riders needed a little more encouragement to hear of the impending difficulties, eventually reversing their course to give assistance.
It was timely to remind the group that at this time of year, shorter days dictated time allowances for such catastrophic contingencies.
Puncture fixed, we returned to our course for home, initially taking turns to push the wind and onwards through Tockwith.
Our leader, was however, in a position to provide more than his share of heading and was able to set a comfortable pace for all to follow.
Thus, despite the temporary difficulties, we were able to get back to Knaresborough by mid-afternoon, completing, at a good pace, just under 40 miles.
Consensus seemed to indicate a pleasant ride by all! Dave W.
