Wednesday 5th October

Wednesday Ride

Given the weather forecast, it was not surprising that the turnout at the Showground was somewhat reduced, and after James had stepped in to take the Short Ride and those Wanderers who had chosen to brave it had set off, a select gang of 4 remained. We hastily made a plan to head into the wind first and set off for Burn Bridge and North Rigton, then Pill White Lane and the gated road, before the climb and run down from Norwood to Swinsty and the Fewston Farm Shop for coffee.  

Whilst it was a bit wet, it was far better than the forecast with little wind and even some sunny patches. Spirits were high at the prospect of seeing what changes there were at the farm shop under new ownership (answer – not much!) and Tim was excited about seeing the donkeys again. Suitably refuelled, we headed over the Skipton Road and along to Hampsthwaite then home. About 30 miles with the odd lump. Thanks to Tall Tim, Colette and Yvonne for your company. Vince G

Short Ride

A few hardy souls rocked up at the Showground this morning and four of those, Diane, Margaret, Paul and myself opted for Janet’s Short Ride route, except, as I had done this last week, the other three kindly agreed to reverse it. So we headed out in on/off rain through Burn Bridge and up Brackenthwaite Lane to North Rigton with a brief stop to see if we could assist Tall Tim with a low rear tyre pressure, but to no avail – hope you got round okay, Tim. Progressing below Almscliffe Crag the sun made a brief  appearance and so the opportunity was taken for a photo shoot. Then downhill most of the way to Leathley Farm Shop for welcome coffee. As the weather seemed to be closing in again we bypassed Castley and instead headed up the A61 and through Weeton and Dunkeswick to Kirby Overblow. Then it was a gradual disintegration of the group as we headed back into Harrogate and home. About 24 miles and not too wet at the end. Thanks to Diane, Margaret and Paul for coming with me….James G

Wanderers’ Ride

A group of 6 (Mike W, Colin B, Steve W, Peter N, Alison and I) set off from the Showground in slightly better weather than expected. We cycled to the Rossett roundabout and then onto Beckwithshaw. At the far side of Beckwithshaw we turned left and had a roller coaster ride to North Rigton, continuing past Almscliffe Crag then turning left down to Huby and across to Weeton. On to Kirkby Overblow and continuing to Wetherby as I realised that to keep to the original plan would mean a long time before any food! So it was Thorp Arch for a good and quickly served lunch.  The weather was improving as our return was via Rudgate Lane, Ribston, Kirk Deaton and Spofforth. 47 miles 2775 feet and nothing but a few spots of rain. Liz P