EG’s Day in York
Fortunately the strong winds over the past few days had abated so six erstwhile members assembled to head for York with the initial aim of checking out the new cafe halt in Great Ouseburn. Upon arrival, we found our way around the rear to be met by an impresive new glazed enclosure complete with a bar and table and chairs set out for expected guests.
As the sun was shining we opted to be seated outside to join a couple of existing customers who it turned out were Dutch and travelling via Newcastle & York to the “Way of the Roses” on two heavy looking bikes. ( Unfortunately later leaving a mobile phone on their departure).
We ordered our teas/ coffees and cakes in the newly furbished shop (cooked food not available on Wednesdays) as a number of our group re-located inside the enclosure to avoid the numerous wasps buzzing around our tables.
Having completed our leisurely break we headed for York through Beningborough and along the riverside following the cycle path & crossing the newly furbished “Scarborough railway bridge” pausing for our group photo with views along the peaceful river. We needed lunch by now so aimed for the cafe in Rowntree Park. Unfortunately the limited fare and prices gave rise to some negative comments agreeing it had not improved since our last visit sometime ago.
Leaving with some dissatisfaction we needed to find a shortened route home, cutting across the old Leeds road, led by Geoff & passing through Acomb and onward to Rufforth. We soon sensed that we had turned into a westerly wind adding weight to our older tired legs. Taking turns to “push the wind”, and passing through Tockwith we reached home surprisingly quickly, but still a little late at 4.00 O’clock and completing 50 mile approx. Dave W.
Wanderers – Group One
Bridget asked 7 of us to create “group one” and we were the first of the Wanderers away from the showground (Derek, Gordon, Lesley, Tim, Robin, Mark and myself).
Through the estate, greeting the cheery locals as we went and out onto the greenway. The greenway was the busiest I’ve seen it in a very long time. Everyone seemed to mix nicely though, lots of bell ringing and no complaints!
Scarah bank provided its usual challenge, out into the beautiful NYorks scenery. There’s a reason we live here! The hills kept coming and we could hear Derek saying “Just one more” to do, just before each ascent.
This way round the route was a first for many of us and it’s amazing how different it felt. Soon enough it was time for a cuppa and the group rode into G&T’s for a sit down in the sunshine. Bacon sandwiches, sausage sandwiches, toasted tea cakes, cappuccinos, espresso and peppermint tea. There wasn’t much on the menu we didn’t order!
Derek promised it was “all downhill from here”, so we set off on the first climb, then the next and then the next! Finally, we reached the top of Clint Bank where we could all agree that the hard work had been done. Once safely back in Harrogate the stats were compared, and the goodbyes were said.
33 miles, 2087ft of climbing and a max speed (Mark) of 42mph. Great company and a lovely ride. Well done Wheeleasy! Richard.
Group Two
After group One set off (the fast non electric riders), the remaining nine of us ” the electric ones ” followed at a more sedately pace.
At Ripley, Liz F rode over the wet newly painted white lines to our amusement.
We arrived at G&T’s shortly after the fast group. Fabulous service as always at G&T’s. Suitably refreshed and rested we headed back into a headwind, grateful for electric assistance.
Perfect cycling weather and stunning scenery. One of our favourite rides, especially cycling downhill on Stripe Lane. Thanks for all your wonderful company. Bridget
Short Ride
Six set off through town, up Cornwall Road and onward along Penny Pot Lane on a leisurely, if somewhat blustery, ride through to the lovely lanes around Fewston Bents and up to our café for the day: Fewston Farm Shop.As you can see from the photo we made quite a dent in their supply of cheesecakes – other delights are available. Whilst it was wonderful sitting outside out of the wind enjoying each other’s company, eventually we had to make our way homeward. Down to Fewston, along past an empty-ish Swinsty Reservoir, then up and up to Little Almscliffe followed by a long swoop down to Beckwithshaw where the Smiths Arms is undergoing a major refurb. Following a brief sharing of routes homeward, we set off along Otley Road with two of our number heading straight up to home and the rest of us turning right on to Howhill Road, along Lady Lane and left past the Squinting Cat. Goodbyes were shared at the top of the hill and we each made our own way home. Thanks yet again to Gordon for his solid back-marking, and thanks to the group for their lovely company. 21miles and 1440ft elevation for me. JC
Medium Plus Brisk
Route 195 to Bedale on a gorgeous day sounded perfect for eleven riders. It would be a hilly route to Bedale – Scarah Bank, Hebden Bank, Grantley etc. It became apparent that Martin, Helen and I would ride together, hence why I only offer one photo. The other group were riding too fast to take one. The two Tims peeled off at Kirkby Malzeard for a lovely swoop down to Ripon and Spa gardens. We had a split at Bedale for refreshments- North End cafe and The sprouted kitchen- both acceptable venues. On the return journey at the ‘lethal corner’ we nearly got squashed by a tractor. Martin peeled off at Ripon to visit his dad and Helen and I took the Markington route home. Good day out- 62.5 miles and 1209m of climbing for me. Janet G
Medium Plus
A grand if rather gusty day out in super scenery with Steve, fortunately taking the place of Billy, keen to climb lots of hills – Sarah Bank, Hebden Bank, Middycar Bank, through Sawley and up past Grewelthorpe, hopping on and off the road to accommodate a surprising amount of traffic, presumably heading for the Himalayan Gardens…. Swift swoop down to Warthermarske taking in the distinct views of the Yordales, notably Penhill (see photo). Then straight through Masham and Thornton Watlass with its traditional common grazing, into Bedale where we met most of the brisk group in The Sprouted Kitchen just starting on their lunches. After a generous lunch, we stopped to visit the early 15th century Snape castle chapel with its fine stained glass windows. Strong cross winds led to some zigzagging down through Carthorpe, Kirklington and Wath, over the Hutton Conyers hiccup hill, easing into Ripon. Always another hill but up we went, finally parting at Harrogate Golf Club after a great convivial ride out. 63.51 miles and 3,623 ft. Yvonne D.
