EG’ Ride
Enthusiasm for today’s ride was palpable as eight riders turned up to enjoy the warmth & sunshine forecast for the day. Accordingly restart photo’s were taken marking the rare early summer weather before our leader pointed us north towards Bedale or maybe Masham.
Warnings of temporary traffic lights likely to cause us chaos went un-heeded as we gathered pace towards Boroughbridge led by Dan & Colin. Passing by Dishforth Airfield, the temperature noticeably was rising so in Marton-Le-Moor time out to strip off a layer. Local guidance confirmed access, despite “Road Closed” signs upwards along Cana Lane, confirmed giving route to Rainton. Melmerby was ou8 next target where turning right along Grange terrace & then, confusingly left missing Holbeck lane, now ending on the Main St in Wath. Passing a classic car enthusiast in his Morgan, weather else taking advantage of the brilliant sunshine, we then took a right to Tanfield. Before our next junction a call from the rear reminded our leader of the absence of one rider. Colin had dropped of the back so the group pulled in to wait and catch up with the chat. All now “present & correct” we set off past the “Henges” through Thornborough pressured by, of all things, a bus, the group now aiming for Snape. Entering Snape, Phil disappeared along an alternative road, but parallel re-entering the normal route shortly after. A suggested, by Phill put forward the idea of lunching at Thorp Perrow Arboretum where we could maybe sit outside and enjoy to unseasonal, so as by now it was virtually 1.00pm and stomachs were rumbling this is where we headed despite misgivings of perhaps being busy.
Spotting a table underneath an adjacent leant the lads soon grabbed it to relocate out into the sun ready for the pxxs taking chat of their leader over lunch. Much to our delight the bistro was not overcrowded so we were able to quickly order our food and this was efficiently served to ourselves at the table outside. The return journey was anticipated to be a little adhoc as a number of the group needed to return via alternative routes by reason of personal matters.
Preference to avoid the obvious hilly routes, by reason of personal constraints was thus to be taken so we headed south towards Well at a steady 12 – 13mph but being overtaken by a couple, each one on their own heavy looking ebikes, but seemingly on full power, before we turned left for Tanfield. Unfortunately it was as we approached the mini roundabout where we turned right, one of our number, having dropped off back with a minor mechanical issue went missing.
As discovering his loss was delayed until we had already swung left into Ripon road, Tanfield, we accordingly waited for him to catch up. After 20 minutes it was without any sign of him, assumed he had aimed for Wath instead of following our track so off we set again. Turning right for the Mickley road & briefly stopping for Colin & Dan to leave us and head their own way to Kirkby Malzeard and thereafter Dallowgill Moor & the wilds of Wensleydale (Clocking up 63 miles with a refreshment stop at Pritchard Towers, and Dan completing 78 miles) the remaining five continued on there way just missing however being swept up by a very large agricultural machine with nasty blades, fortunately folded away.
Our route now took in Musterfield Ln., & Triplins Ln. through dappled sunlight on our way to Ripon. It was here Phil decided to leave our company as, not feeling too good, suffering with a cold, or was it “man flue” he felt he needed a re-fuel. Jim, needing to aim for Boroughbridge joined his departure. Leaving now only three to head for home in Knaresborough albeit even Dave S. left what remaind of the group at Bishop Monkton. Geoff W. & our leader, with fatigue now building up in the legs continued towards their target surprisingly spotting Geoff M. ahead as they entered the slopes of Occany.
Briefly catching up explanation swopped, Geoff M. contd. on his way. It had been a very long day, returning as late as 4.30 pm but I can be sure everyone enjoyed the trip. Surprisingly we had completed 63 miles obviously taking full advantage of the summer like weather. Dave W.
Short Ride
What a great day for a ride out in the sun with a lovely Wheel Easy group. Wonderful views and quiet lanes on the route to Leathley via Brackenthwaite Lane and Stainburn. Coffee stop sitting outside at Pool where we met Martin and Yvonne as we were leaving. They on their new steed.
We navigated five closed roads all open to cyclists and had a good run back through Castley and Almscliffe Crag. Great company, well done Russell and nice that we introduced him to new roads. 25 miles. Gia.
Wanderers’ Ride Group 1
Wanderers’ Ride – Group 2
Unfortunately our designated leader Mike P had picked up a puncture as he got to the Showground and despite fitting a new tube was unable to inflate the tyre so he headed for home and I assumed responsibility for getting the Wanderers underway. Split into 2 groups and with the promise of good weather we made our way through the road works and up to Rossett. The climb up Brackenthwaite dispelled the little bit of chill that was lingering and the faster group disappeared going into North Rigton. Over to Great Almscliffe before the swoop down to Huby. Over to Weeton and Dunkeswick . Safely negotiating the A61 and onwards and upwards through Netherby/Kearby and up to Clap Gate. Sicklinghall and into Wetherby. My group headed for Morrisons where group 1 had also chosen the same place. Hilarious conversations took place as ever. Group 1 departed never to be seen again. Our group decided on a deviation from the formal route by taking the Harland Way up to Spofforth to make the most of what was now a glorious day. Back to the Showground and fond farewells. Thank you all for great laughs and company. Home to home 32 miles for me. Colin B
Medium Plus Steady Ride
Two Steve’s, Yvonne and I set off in high spirits looking forward to an excellent ride, on an excellent route in excellent company.
We were soon two groups of two, don’t ask, but became four again just after Farnham so pressed restart and cycled onwards through beautiful countryside and great weather to Ampleforth via Coxwold and Byland Abbey. The service in the café was its usual steady self but that did allow us some time for quick chats with the Briskers. Fed and watered we set off through the grounds where the Yorkshire County Cricket Club were having a pre-season warm up (well it was very sunny). Onward past the model trans – all in the sidings today – and homeward via Easingwold, Alne and Aldwark Bridge. As they say: ‘We fair cracked on’ reaching the top of Knaresborough hill in good time where we went our separate ways. A great ride on a great day. Thanks for your company, team. 67.1 miles, 3627 feet elevation for me, John C.
Medium Plus Brisk Ride
As the forecast weather was glorious there was an alternative ride on the calendar- route 216 to Ampleforth. There was a large group of 12 so the fast group set off first. Sadly they had a puncture issue at Thornton Bridge so the second group ‘leap frogged’ over them. The view of the White Horse was spectacular as was the rest of the scenery. Past Byland Abbey and onto Ampleforth we arrived in good time. Although the service was slow the sandwiches were lovely and I think I ate mine too fast! After climbing the bank out of Gilling we had a lovely swoop into Easingwold. There was an alternative bit of an issue with a lost black baa lamb but it was returned to the fold safely. Meanwhile T4 pushed on as he was on a time card. It was a super ride, perfectly paced- 62 miles in the legs- happy with that- thank you. Janet G
