Short Ride
The famous five: Karen, Bob, Margaret, Andrew and John (that’s me) set off to enjoy a short and somewhat lumpy ride to Fewston via Burn Bridge, Brackenthwaite, Little Alms Cliffe and Norwood. Bob left us for home as we turned down Smithson’s Lane for the whizz down to Swinsty Reservoir and the steady climb up into Fewston. Up again via Cobby Syke Road and right to Spinksburn Lane and Bedlam Lane on to Brame Lane. Andrew was very pleased, at least I think that’s what he meant, to find a few more hills taking us towards our coffee stop at Horticap. Margaret left us for home as the remaining three pulled into Horticap for, what Karen called, a well-deserved treat. Treats and conversation over, we each set off homeward. Thanks everyone for a lovely ride in good company. 23 miles and 1856 feet elevation for me. John C
Medium Steady
The medium steady scheduled ride was Route 322. This is local route taking in the breathtaking scenery of the northernmost dams of the Washburn valley. On a sunny day, despite the elevation, I think this would have been a popular ride choice but with the Met Office predicting 90% chance of rain, it possibly reduced the number of tickets sold. That said, 4 members (Gia, James, Paul and Steve K) donned their raincoats and signed up.
As we progressed out of Harrogate the actual weather conditions were quite pleasant and the expected rain did not materialize. We were wondering if we had been fed some weather forecasting “fake news!” Even the cows in the fields were 50/50!
The descent from Thruscross Reservoir was as exhilarating as ever and we were very curious to see the new A59 road layout was progressing. As reported on the website, the road at St Andrews Church is completely closed, in fact the road at St Andrews Church is non-existent (see pictures). Unless they can get “Bob the Builder” assigned, I cannot see the Cooper Lane/A59 junction being open in Sep 2026 despite what ChatGPT says!
An enforced deviation was unavoidable so we headed up Hardisty Hill to escape battling the traffic on the A59. Fewston Farm café is closed for a week until 9 Sep, so Gia and Paul headed for the comfort of Sophie’s cafe in Hampsthwaite. Steve and James rejoined the route and had a late coffee stop by dropping down to Leathley Farm Café.
The rain did eventually arrive towards the end of the tour so perhaps half the cows were right!
Thanks to the team for accompanying me on the ride. If we can find a sunny day in the future, then I would recommend this route even if it is a bit light on Café options. I hope to see you on future rides.
Stats: Even with the enforced deviations, I made it (40mi/65km, 3550ft/1082m) which is close to the original advertised route stats.
– Steve K
Wanderers
The forecast was terrible, but it proved so wrong. Ten riders up for our jaunt resulting in a six four split. I rode with the more sedate four group. We all crossed the by-pass which was pretty quiet on our way to Spofforth and Little Ribson. Dry conditions prevailed. Hedges were being cut resulting in the inevitable puncture picked up by Derek just after the Cattal turn. The experts soon had it sorted and Zilphas electric pub had Derek and the quicker group on their way leaving my group in their wake. Paul and I got delayed at Cattal crossing resulting in a 5 minute wait for Corinne and David. Through Whixley, Great Ouseburn and the Dunsforths. We arrived at Hideway just as the faster group were being fed. Sarah the customer services executive gave us a warm welcome and questioned where we’d been over the last few weeks. My group decided to sit indoors as the weather looked doubtful. Quick group departed as we enjoyed our grub. On departure we did don rain jackets, but they were soon removed as we headed down to Roecliffe. There were a few spots of rain so we took to the bridlepath across to Copgrove. Farnham Knaresborough and our goodbyes. It stayed dry. Thanks to the main group and Corinne David and Paul in my group. 40 miles for me. Colin B
