Wanderers’ Ride
Ten Wanderers left Hornbeam in two groups. By the time we arrived at Almscliffe Crag, via Brackenthwaite and North Rigton, the question was asked – Why is this route described as ‘mainly flat’? Anyway, a super descent to the A61 through Huby was to follow. Our route to Wetherby took us through some delightful lanes and the rarely travelled Netherby and Kearby. Another climb took us out of the valley up to Clap Gate and Sicklinghall.
Wetherby was busy and the cafes were full, but we found space and good food upstairs at Kofi & Co. It was while enjoying our bacon butties and tea cakes that the smiling waitress announced that they don’t accept individual payment from groups such as ours. Rather inconvenient as the leader had to settle the bill and reclaim payment via a mixture of cash and transfers (future visiting groups be warned). Thanks to all for rapid settlement – possibly a small profit made!
Great weather, lovely route, splendid company. 33 miles including the Knaresborough diversion to avoid the Showground. Cheers all, Mike
Medium Steady Ride
With the Great Yorkshire Show dictating our starting point, a potentially large peloton formed in the car park at the Premier Inn at Hornbeam Park. The group was masterfully divided into groups by Tim and it was with some surprise that eleven riders had opted for the Medium Steady. It was great to welcome “Wanderers” legends, Nicci & Bridgit, to the group as well as Debby, David (resplendent in a Beano top) Steve & James. Expecting the traffic to be heavy we split into a five & a six to get through Harrogate and agreed to meet in Hampsthwaite. I set off first with the front five of myself, Yvonne, Charlie, Peter & Tim, James kindly offered to lead the half dozen “stragglers”. Keen to show my new found knowledge of routes through Harrogate we cycled serenely along Slingsby Walk, using the lights to cross Leeds Road & Skipton Road, Yvonne’s leadership training proved invaluable though it took me several attempts to get the cry of “rolling” as I actually started moving, my incompetence, not Yvonne’s teaching. Down Claro Road and onto the Nidderdale Greenway we were soon onto Knox Lane. Although my route had got us to the desired point it was a shock to see James and his group now in front. Clearly my geography takes in the more scenic rather than direct routes! Braving Otley Road we turned onto Lund Lane for a speedy descent into Hampsthwaite before climbing up Clint Bank Lane and turning left towards Burnt Yates. As the sun beat down on our helmeted heads we struck out for Brimham Rocks before taking a well earned drinks break at the entrance. Steve & David left us at Warsill Road leaving nine pedallers to speed through Risplith and taking a left before G&Ts to Grantley Hall (tradesman’s entrance). The climb up from the Hall took the breath away and it was a relief to cruise down Gate Bridge Road before taking the sharp right to Winksley and Galphay. Stunning scenery abounded on this ride from start to finish and the descent from Galphay to Tate’s (for lunch) was no different with panoramic scenes at every turn. Although no-one opted to play in the giant sandpit at Tate’s there was, as always, a splendid range of conversation topics to get our teeth into; carpet moths to The Salt Path (tenuous connection here), poisonous mushrooms to jury-less trials, the scope of banter was truly outstanding. The food was also good though we were slightly envious of Yvonne’s Eggs Florentine & James’s choice (but I can’t remember what he had!). Having done 24 miles to lunch it was a steady but purposeful ride back through Ripon, Littlethorpe, Bishop Monkton and Copgrove before bypassing Farnham to enter Knaresborough. James left us at Knaresborough as the rest of us chased Yvonne, Peter & Tim up Knaresborough Road to our final rendezvous at Harrogate Golf Club. An outstanding ride in every way, superb company and tremendous banter, hopefully we can do it again next week! In metric, 66 km of riding with 839 metres of climbing, well done everyone and thanks for the company. HK
EG’s Ride
It was a surprise to be met by Dave S. on time at our usual meeting point following reports of serious problems as a consequence of the traffic associated with the “Great Yorkshire Show” as a consequence of a traffic incident adjacent to junction 47 on the A1 near Flaxby. Unfortunately we learned later a 40 year old motorcyclist had been killed.
As the remaining members assembled the usual question arose, where are we going today? A voice in the background was heard to mention Bedale. However our leader had already planned his own alternative. Let’s head for Coxwold.
So off we set. First difficulty! Getting across and on to the Boroughbridge road. Traffic seemed continuous. Somehow we managed ! Our next challenge was the Ferrensby cross road. Worryingly dangerous at the best of times! Once again solid traffic. Judging by the sounds of horns, not too sympathetic towards a bunch of cyclists getting in their way.
Dangers past, we continued at a steady pace towards Aldwark and Flawith. It was at this point Jim parted company, heading for home, somewhere near to Boroughbridge, citing that our intended route was, at this juncture, a little too far, having in mind other personal issues.
We carried on through Tholthorpe aiming next for Raskelf. Care was needed to negotiate across the A19 and make our way to Husthwaite. We avoided the hill to the south, passing through the village proper. As we entered Coxwold it was time for a short respite and take in some fluids.
The intent, thereafter, was to swing through Oldstead, approaching Kilburn from the north and then aim for Thirsk through Bagby.
Unfortunately, as it was already past midday the consensus was to take the lower, more direct route to Thirsk past Thirkleby and through Sowerby. The group got a little fragmented towards Thirsk but the backmarkers still were first to the cafe, “The Pantry”, using local knowledge from past times with Dave P.
Lunch was a little more ambitious than the usual beans on toast, not on the menu, but nevertheless quality was more than acceptable.
It was fairly late as we, once again climbed into our saddles and by now we seem to be heading into the wind. A minor diversion around the car park to circumvent the one way system, revealed, to some, an unknown, classic car. Time was taken out to investigate. Seemingly it was a 1950’s derivatives of a Rover, a Marauder or such like. Satisfying our curiosity, we continued on or way.
Arriving in Boroughbridge towards 4 o’clock further refreshments were called for as Dave S drew us to the “Hideaway” cafe where at least a welcome cup of tea was enjoyed supplemented with scone and/or flapjack.
As you are able to judge from the attached photo the very warm sunshine forced the group to assemble under the shaded area. It still remained hot!! 🔥
Our mileage for the day was a credible 60 miles, despite the heat. DW
