Wednesday 9th April

Short Gentle

I think we had all been lulled into a false sense of security with the recent warm temperatures. It was cold today but despite this 8 of us set off down the Greenway with the promise of another waiting at Ripley. Through Hollybank woods we stopped briefly to admire the bluebells. Not quite at their best but beautiful all the same. At this point my hands were so cold I borrowed a pair of spare gloves from Joe- much appreciated. Upwards towards Brimham rocks and then came our reward- a lovely swoop down Careless Whisper. There were traffic lights coming down Scarah Bank so hopefully all the pot holes will be repaired. Barbara and Peter peeled off to get some more miles and Margaret was on a time card. The rest of us had coffee and cake at the Grinhus. Thank you for joining Helen and I on one of our favourite short routes. 27 miles Janet G

 

 

Medium Steady/Brisk.

 Hi everyone fair weather cyclist Rich here.

Today’s ride, for the medium group of 10 riders, was route 145R, taking us out through Burn Bridge and Kirkby Overblow (and not Overcast as “someone” announced – fate!).  There were memories of last year when the hedge cutting cost the group 3 punctures, but today, fortunately, there were none.  

Rolling countryside and warm sunshine was the order of the day. Breathtaking!  Through Collingham and onto the cafe stop. Today’s choice was the community run “Wise Owl”. Good choice as they had the heating on! It had taken a cool turn outside by now and we welcomed the warm reception.   Cakes, butties and beans devoured we set off for the return journey. On leaving the cafe the weather had now become decidedly cold. Back through Thorpe Arch and Wetherby and onto Little Ribston. Soon at Rudding, we all questioned whether the traffic light would be green or not? Today’s first. It was! Just two more hills and home.

The last “first” to note was that the ride was incident free. Perhaps Derek had the same luck on the Wanderers ride? If not, he can always ring the Stray Ferret!  So, the statistics from my Wahoo: 37miles, 12.7mph,max 30mph, temp 4-20c and 2277ft of climbing. As young Mr Grace would say, “Well done everybody”. Richard Abbott. 

       

       

Wednesday Wanderers

A dozen Wanderers set off on a fine spring morning, towards Whixley soon to be joined by Mike Winterhaller who caught up with us near the Travellers Rest. As we rode through Follifoot and Ribston the cool north breeze reminded us it was still early April and perhaps an extra layer would have been wise.   

On to Whixley over the railway line where we helped each other, and bikes, through the narrow gates of the level crossing. Time for a photo while we were all together.   Next stop, after cycling for nearly two and a half hours (a long stint between drinks for Wanderers) was the Hideaway in Boroughbridge.  The super service and refreshments provided by the ever smiling Sara was well received. This cafe is becoming a great favourite.

The only snag of the ride was a puncture for Paul which resulted in him being last man in for coffee. No worries, puncture fixed he decided to take his time and extend his ride solo.  Now time for the final leg with some wind assistance back to base.

Thanks to Colin for dutiful back-marking and to all the group for the customary good company.  Mike P

 EG’s Ride

I think we can safely say, ageing cyclists much prefer being out on their ride on the warmer days, so following the past week or so of sunshine eight stalwarts, expecting warmer weather, dressed accordingly, bare knees flashing, at Low Bridge, raring to go. Were we in for a surprise, or what! Perhaps, anticipating exercise would create at least some respite from the cold, we were sadly disappointed. The brisk start had little affect on our circulation despite the tail wind wafting us along.
Our intent was to aim for Leeds City Airport where a cafe was conveniently located. So pausing as we entered Tadcaster, we phoned ahead to confirm it was open and available for eight hungry cyclists. There being a positive response we passed through Tadcaster now heading for Ulleskelf and thus, turning south entered the entrance to the airport ready for our lunch.
Unfortunately we just got pipped to the counter by a larger than life posse of coppers and accordingly there was some delay in receiving our food. Even the inside of the cafe seemed cold.
Returning to the cold afternoon air we put our heads down in an effort to gain some advantage from the extra effort. Some protagonists had shot off at speed, into the distance, in an attempt to warm up. At first it was felt the ride had now split, but waiting further up the way we were able to regroup in Blackstone Ash before turning for Saxton.
As we passed back through Tadcaster, this time heading into the wind creative thinking, by our leader, somehow seemingly “teleported” the peloton into Morrison’s in Wetherby, where we were able to to attempt to warm our old bone with old fashioned hot chocolate, or whatever individual choice was made.
Thereafter we wafted back towards home for about 3.30 pm ish after completing approximately 47 miles and notwithstanding the cold everyone had enjoyed the adventure.  David Watson.