Short Ride
Karen, Russell and Chris decided to join me on the short ride of Wetherby ‘direct’. After a brief “hello” with the EG’s we set out along Abbey Road. A bit of mizzle on the way out through Knaresborough which soon passed as we made good time arriving in Wetherby in time for morning coffee at Kofi&co. Back along the Harland Way where we sheltered for 2 minutes for a quick photo stop to avoid the rain and black clouds. Blown home to the showground arriving in sunshine! Thanks all, JJ
Medium Steady Group 1
There didn’t seem to be much interest in the Medium Ride today, but as two or three of us set off others joined and by the time we regrouped in Ripley we were big enough to split into two. Thanks Alison and Mike for shepherding a second group. True to forecast we encountered the odd shower but hardly enough to warrant putting the rain jackets only to take them off a mile or two along the road. Leaving Ripley we maintained a good pace through Markington, Bishop Monkton, Littlethorpe and round the Racecourse and with a good shout between us managed to recover Paul (the postman) who missed the turn for Copt Hewick. By now the wind was increasing but for a change was giving some help through Dishforth, Kirby Hill and into Boroughbridge for a welcome coffee break at The Hideaway. There was the usual diverse topics of conversation from 70’s and 80’s music icons to visiting Scarborough! The return through Minskip and Staveley was a battle with the wind, but we made it safely and as we dropped into Knaresborough we split up to make our various ways home. Thanks to all with me for your good company and I recorded 39.5 miles door to door. James G
Medium Steady Group 2
As there were quite a number of people interested in today’s ride to Copt Hewick and Marton le Moor, James set off with a group. The remaining 7 formed a second group. Initially it was a ‘jackets on/ jackets off’ day as the blustery showers came and went. There was a final heavy shower near Copt Hewick and then just the blustery wind to contend with. It’s a lovely ride through Copt Hewick and Marton to Boroughbridge. However, by this time, there were snatches of ‘ It must be coffee soon’ and ‘How far to the cafe?’. The consensus was to go to Plenty in Boroughbridge. We wheeled our bikes round to the back and were totally overwhelmed. It had been transformed and was like ‘Paradise’! Sally was about to dive in, but the thought of shrimp and pineapple kebabs restrained her. What a tranquil haven in Boroughbridge! Recharged, we then battled the wind for the remaining 12 miles. A most enjoyable ride, great to have Mike W back with us. Many thanks to all for your company and lively chat. 37 miles. Alison
Wednesday Wanderers
A good turnout again this morning despite the threat of showers and a blustery wind. Initial interest in the wanderers ride to Tadcaster promised about fifteen riders but that number was soon reduced because some ladies thought there were too many gents on the ride! In the end eleven of us set off in two loose groups and waterproofs were immediately called for as the drizzle started, luckily it didn’t last long and it certainly wasn’t cold. Three of Howards friends joined our group, easily identified by the very flamboyant jerseys. All was well as we made our way to Linton and Collingham and then a couple of climbs to warm us up before Bramham. The groups became separated at the roadworks before Stutton and five of us managed the prescribed route to Thorpe Arch for refreshments to find Howards group already tucking in! I think Garmin was blamed for the “shortcut”. We had already had a taste of the blustery wind before lunch and we set off for Wetherby and had to work even harder into the now much stronger headwind but on the plus side we all stayed together all the way back to the showground. We dodged all the showers and had a grand ride of about 41 miles and 2200 feet climbed. Many thanks to everyone for your company and wide ranging conversation. Steve B.
Visitors’ Ride Report
We were guests of the Legendary Yorkshire Hero, that is Howard, on the Wanderers’ Ride and arrived suitably dressed as such. We were a little disappointed that our Honorable friend was supporting a rather low key attire for the day.
This was our second trip out with the Wanderers, having been down the year before and, once again, we were greeted with great hospitality by all members on the ride who took time to talk to us as we rode along the pleasant countryside lanes to Tadcaster. Well I say “to Tadcaster” as we took a wrong turn and ended up taking a short cut (with the help of Colin and Dave) before meeting up again with Steve, Richard, Mike and crew at Thorpe Arch. It was a lovely rolling route with a few but not too many climbs that got your heart pumping but all conquerable. Our kind fellow riders gave us fair warning as we approached and prepared us for these rises in the terrain so we were not caught out.
It was a wonderful day out and we hope to visit again in 2027 to enjoy your company and bonhomie.
On the previous day we joined Howard on his recce of the route he is leading next Wednesday. You will be glad to know that the coffee stop is less than his infamous 30 miler. It is another lovely route which we are sure you will enjoy and he will keep you entertained along the way. Enjoy!
Many thanks again to everyone for making us so welcome.
EG’s
Legs were out; sleeves were in; for the five intrepid EGs who turned out this morning at Low Bridge. The forecast said wild winds and showers, but we are proper cyclists and we go out when others are daunted.
Our leader informed that lunch was to be at Little Acorns café in Copmanthorpe, “cos it’s cheap”, and so we departed in the direction of Tockwith. We hadn’t realised how fit we had all got, but 20mph no trouble. Tockwith, Thorpe Arch, Tadcaster, Bolton Percy all flew by and having as usual become disoriented in Acaster Malbis, the target café was found; but there was a snag. No room for us rather hungry customers.
Sitting outside (in the promised rain) was politely refused, and the group moved on to The Naughty Girls at Askham Richard. This was full as well, but Alleluyah, they have substantial umbrellas. Our customary lunch was obtained with only one incident when Jim spilt all his milk over my flapjack; just before I was about to eat it.
It’s ok though; Jim’s a gentleman. He carefully wiped it over with his handkerchief and gave it back to me nearly dry. Thankyou Jim.
The return journey past the Marston Moor memorial was a bit tough into the wind with the threatened rain showers never materialising to any degree.
Jim and I had ridden in and so we need to leave the group and head off through Cattal; Geoff joined us leaving Phil and Dave W, our leader, to slog it out through Cowthorpe.
The Boroughbridge contingent made reasonable progress into the headwind, and stopping for a cuppa in the excellent Ouseburn Village Shop, finally made it home before the rains came.
Thanks to Phil, Geoff, Jim, and of course our leader Dave W, who puts up with all our groans and grumbles. I clocked 98km. Dave S
