E G’s Ride
Expectations were low as we rose to heavy skies and, already, light showers. Surprised to be welcomed by Phil & Colin already gathered at Low Bridge awaiting my arrival and then to be joined by Geoff & Jim ready for the off.
A suggestion of aiming for Thorner met with a negative response from Jim but as route planning has, of late, become a bit dependant on those turning out on Wednesdays, we continued south towards, at perhaps to brisk a pace, pushed on by a following breeze, to Tadcaster for our first stop at the “Cafe Club” near the river bridge.
Unfortunately Jim had to leave us at Wighill feeling a little unwell so thus returning home early. Following our break, catching up on recent events, we continued through Stutton to meader our way towards Thorner via various backlanes in a roundabout route taking in Bramham and more back lanes arriving at Thorner just after 1.00pm. Luckily by the time of our arrival in Thorner the heavy clouds had dissipated, the rain had run it’s course and warm sunshine now accompanied our stopover. We were therefore able to sit outside and enjoy the unusual heat of a late September day.
A leisurely lunch break was followed by a return through Collingham, Wetherby and notwithstanding a road closure sign, up the freshly laid tarmac through Kirk Deighton. ( Thank goodness after twenty years they’ve got around to it)!
Arriving back home at the entrance to Abbey Road the general consensus seem to be one of pleasure, having made the effort to get out, ignoring the fickle weather, dark heavy clouds and light showers.
Records indicated ( notwithstanding a low battery) a total of 46 miles completed a great day with very good company. Thanks everyone!!
Dave W.
Wanderers Ride
Though rain was forecast, there were 15 takers for the Wanderers ride today. We split into two groups, with a slightly faster group of 8 setting off first, followed by my group.
Leaving the show ground I was talking to Alison riding alongside me, when a squirrel ran out from the woods and froze right in front of my front wheel. As it panicked about which way to dodge, I let out a scream as I didn’t know which way to go either! Luckily, and to our relief, it shot back into the trees just in time. This gave everyone a good laugh, but my heart took a while to settle!
On Scarah Bank we encountered the most horrendous pong of ripe pig slurry being spread on the fields! Turbo mode and the holding of breath was necessary.
Group one left the lay-by as we approached, not to be seen again until the coffee stop.
We turned down Watergate Road and swooped down to Fountains Hall. On the road by the Romany caravan we encountering several little bantams running about (like headless chickens 😁).
The rain then really started coming down.
Alison left us at Tates, as she had to get back, I almost carried on with her, briefly disoriented as the landscape of Tates entrance has really changed! Apparently I wasn’t the only one, as a certain lady from the first group had ended up in Ripon and had to be chased down!
Both groups enjoyed good chat and sustenance while drying out at Tates.
Then a message from Alison forewarned us of a road closure in Bishop Monkton. Liz assured us she had circumnavigated it on Sunday, so we set off, now in bright sunshine.
In Bishop Monkton, we followed Liz around the village streets. But what had been a way through on Sunday was now blocked with barriers and a big wagon! – We were just about to turn around and reroute through Markington when a very kind workman beckoned us, stopped the digger, and moved the barriers for us, while wishing us a good ride! What a star!
At Knaresborough Golf Club we said our goodbyes and split for home.
Thank you all, you lovely bunch, for joining me on a thoroughly enjoyable ride on a day that turned out far better than the forecast.
Corinne 😊
Short Ride
A very warm morning and we hoped that the rain had passed over through the night, the forecast was a bit vague. Five of us set off from the showground, Morven, Kevin, David, Seph and me, Charlie was with us in a flash and we made our way out to Harlow Moor Road where Nicola was waiting to join us. A nearly circular route with nine climbs of note according to Mr Garmin but nothing too horrendous. Up Pennypot lane and then across to Hampsthaite, over the top to Shaw Mills and now we had all warmed up nicely. It turned out that not all the rain had passed and we got a bit soggy through Markington to our coffee stop at the Harrogate garden centre. Whilst we were enjoying the goodies and putting the economy in order for Andy B the sun appeared and we set off for home in warm sunshine. Some very friendly road workers let us through the road closure out of Bishop Monkton and we all made it back to the Golf club where we said our goodbyes. Nice to meet some new faces and catch up with some regulars. 26 miles and 1700ft for me. Thanks to everyone for a very enjoyable ride. Steve B.
Medium Ride
Debby, James, Mike and Gia opted for the medium ride to Askwith. A wonderful ride adapted as we went along due to the rainy start. We ignored closed road signs and got away with it. By the time we got to the Milk Bar at Otley it was a truly remarkable day and a fabulous ride along Weston Lane to Askwith and along the Low Snowdon road. Mike cycled straight back from Otley in time to get his son to the station. After Timble we joined Penny Pot Lane and a fast and relatively quiet run back to Harrogate. . Gia
