Wednesday 8th February

Short Ride

What a wonderful day for a bike ride! Conditions were perfect – no ice (a major consideration at this time of the year), no wind, and a pleasant temperature – approx. 6-7C. Our Group comprising Gordon on his recumbent e-trike, Sarah and Denis on their e-bikes and Barbara and myself on our non assisted bikes set off from the Showground car park and made our way through Stonefall Park. We then cycled via Abbey Road in Knaresborough to Farnham and Ferrensby ending up at the welcoming Court Yard café in Rabbit Hill Business Park which is off the A168 near Arkendale.

Suitably refreshed we came back via Coneythorpe to Goldsborough. Crossing the A59 was a doddle today as a kind taxi driver stopped his car and everyone behind him and waved us all across!
At Goldsborough we decided to deviate from the published route and returned via Mill Road, a delightful gated (4) unmade track which led to a farm and a footbridge across the R Nidd emerging at Wetherby Road near the roundabout next to St James Retail Park. Denis said his cheerio’s at Goldsborough and made his own way home. We continued back to Harrogate via Abbey Road and Calcutta. A most enjoyable 22 mile circular ride. Tim R

Wednesday Wanderers

Bright but coldish morning greeted a good few WE riders today. Fourteen Wanderers split into two groups and under strict orders to keep our distances we briefly regrouped at Low Bridge. On to Farnham and Staveley and up to Arkendale. Good progress to Marton and Aldborough. Despite Mike S ringing ahead Plenty couldn’t accommodate us all so we chose Bean. Bit of delay in ordering but once done service was good. Loads of laughs and micky taking and the chance to get to know Derek better now on his third outing . Gia’s ride arrived filling the place with WE members. Weather was warming up a bit by now and suitably refreshed we headed for Langthorpe Skelton into Ripon. The obligatory stop and photo shoot on canal bridge before heading through Littlethorpe Bishop Monkton and across to Markington. The swoop down to Ripley the Greenway and home. Great ride – well chosen Mike W. Fabulous company. 42 miles for me. Colin B

 Wednesday Ride

Great day for our ride today. Classic ride, the wonderful Greenway, Hollybank Woods a climb up Cut Throat Lane and then a nice run in “warm” sunshine through Markington, Bishop Monkton, Roecliffe and Boroughbridge.

There our group of 14 who had split in to two or three groups met at Fourth Stone (previously Bean or Vintage) which was full of Wanderers as well. Two stopped at Plenty.

A very convivial stop and we returned home, some via Minskip and others through Aldbrough and Marton. 37 miles for the direct returners and expect lots more for the longer route.

A real treat to be out today. Gia

P.S.

We cycled to Aldborough and turned to Grafton and on to Marton as I said we would and Martin accompanied us from Arkendale.  I think we averaged 40 miles in total and over 2,200ft. Yvonne