Medium Plus Brisk Ride
It was lovely to see everyone at the Showground this morning in perfect weather for cycling. As the weather promised much today Helen suggested a longer ride to Bedale calling at Snape on the return to see the glorious daffodils. There were 10 riders, in perfect formation making their way up Scarah Bank, Hebden Bank, Middycar Bank and Gatebridge Road. The idea was to get the hills out of the way first. Five riders peeled off at Winksley Banks to shorten the route to 41miles and the remainder pushed on towards Bedale. Julie peeled off at Masham for a dental appointment leaving 5 for coffee etc. The wind was definitely in our faces on the return but Andy was our frontman and a great job he did too. We stopped for a photo at Snape and the daffodils were definitely glorious. Just Ripon, Markington, Greenway and home. Route 195 is a lovely route- 63 miles with 3,750feet of climbing. A great day out- Thankyou Janet G
Medium Steady Ride
It’s a while since I’ve had a game of 5s & 3s, so today’s ride, with eight riders in total, presented a chance to put that right! With Richard, Will, Gordon & Tim joining Gia, Paul, Kevin & myself our perfectly formed group left the showground as a five and a three. As nominated leader I felt it only fair that I kept an eye on the “bad lads” whilst Gia led the second group with Paul & Kevin. Exiting the town via Leadhall Lane and Yew Tree lane we were soon out into the superb countryside with sunshine cascading rays upon North Yorkshire. Even the first hill of the day, on Walton Head Lane, couldn’t dampen our spirits and the views at the summit were a joy to behold. Turning right at the old Clapgate pub we made our way, serenely, to Kearby. Turning onto the top of the Chapel Hill descent marked the start of the “Animal Magic” section of our trip, indeed the ghost of Johnny Morris appeared to be beside us as we slowly passed two horses then on the sharp right encountered three black labs, & owners, strewn across the road. As both hands were engaged with braking I was unable to sound a warning bell and the call “Dogs up” was all I could muster to the following group. Luckily this stirred the canine club into action as they shifted, pronto, to allow safe passage!
The encounter resulted in some hilarity and some highly dodgy, or doggy, stories, courtesy of ex copper, Richard. However Johnny Morris worked some more “magic” into our ride as we stopped after the caravan park to be greeted by a large cockerel, cue more schoolboy humour! It was a relief to finally reach Harrogate Road and, with the cry of “Everyman for himself” we hurtled the 400 yards to the Dunkeswick turn off. Following the lovely, undulating road through Dunkeswick, Weeton and Castley we turned onto the A658 to head for a well earned break at Leathley Farm Shop. Channeling my inner Paul Daniels (though “not a lot”) I had booked for 8 people so a happy crew sat down at a table near the window to enjoy the food on offer. Conversation touched on TV shows (Adolescence & some Sean Bean show) the quality of the food (it was lovely) whether one should, or shouldn’t, eat crusts and the size of Richard’s sausage roll! Finally, remembering we still had a few miles left to go, we departed to rejoin the route at Leathley Lane, the 3 mile climb started here and conversation dwindled as the gradient increased, turning left at Cinder Lane the climb continued to Lindley. The route afforded many opportunities for photos of Wonderful Wharfedale and these were taken. Cresting the top of the climb, we negotiated 3 gates across open country and followed Alec Lane until we reached Norwood (pronounced “Nor ud” apparently) Road. This energy sapping climb was followed by a speedy descent to Broad Dubb Rd and into the teeth of a slight breeze. With Harrogate getting ever closer, departures were announced, Will leaving us at Howhill Road, Richard at Ashville College and Tim at M&S. In the group of five, this left the Dynamic Duo (me & Gordon) to continue to the starting point. Gia & Kevin headed for home following Paul’s departure at Beckwithshaw. A stellar ride with a lovely group, really enjoyed
Short Ride
A reasonable turnout at the Showground today on this sunny, morning, but only two of us opted for the short ride, and there was no route on the website and ‘volunteer needed’ to lead. Sarah on her non-electric Bianchi and I on my electric bike set off to Wetherby via Pannal, Kirkby and Overblow and Wood Hall with good coffee at Kofi & Co. We returned through Kirk Deighton, Spofforth and Follifoot in glorious sunshine. Sarah had no difficulty at all in keeping up with me despite her lack of electrical assistance. We went our separate ways at the Showground.
About 25 miles.
Wednesday Wanderers Ride
3 groups set off from Showground cycled to Low Bridge where 3 more riders were waiting to join us. Michael Smith took 1 group, Colin B took another group and I took the other group. Set off along Abbey Road, out to Great Ouseburn where we all met up and had a photo shoot. We set off again in glorious sunshine, to Easingwold. Peaceful roads and fresh green hedges looking beautiful. Easingwold cafe stop at The Olive Branch next to the White House. Sat outside in the sunshine and had good chats and laughs, food good. Time to return to Harrogate via Helperby and Boroughbridge. Lovely ride back with the wind behind us, making pedalling effortless. Cruising at 18+ mph. Soon back in Harrogate. A good ride was had by all. Thanks to all for help and making it a fun day out. 47 miles and 551 metres climbing. Mike W
