E Gs’ Ride
Expectations of potentially heavy rain accompanied by windy conditions seemed to come to nothing as we set off from Low Bridge. A short shower, initially, is all we got, pleasingly, as we (Jim & myself) aimed for Askham Richard Cafe via Rufforth.
Arriving early, being well assisted by a following wind, we were a little surprised to find lots of empty tables.
Our lunch break (and a good long chat) over a decision was made to return through Bilbough, Catterton & Wilsill to join the cycle path towards Wetherby at Walton, under, by now, blue skies. We thereafter followed the path alongside the old A1, to miss the rough uphill road surface through Kirk Deighton, returning to the usual route just south of Little Ribston. Here we noticed a traffic sign warning Kirk Deighton road was currently closed suggesting the local authority may, at last, decided to resurface the very uneven and potentially dangerous road passing through the village. Turning towards home, this time into the wind, we pressed on towards home arriving at the entrance to the Aspin estate around 2.00pm after completing 39 miles. Jim had to get back to complete outstanding jobs at his home near Boroughbridge.
Just shows, you cannot rely, wholly, on the published weather forecast. “Just take a punt and usually everything will work out.”
Dave W.
Medium Steady Ride
The ride advertised for medium steady group was route 198, which is an undulating tour taking in Darley, Yorke’s Folly and Pateley Bridge.
At 09.30 in the morning, even with the “power of positive thought,” the sky did look a bit gloomy as approximately 30 “weather experts” gathered at the designated start point and predicted that coats would be the order of the day.
With coats donned, a small team consisting of Steve, Yvonne and John headed west to take on the Nidderdale hills and weather.
As it happened, we did find ourselves climbing some tasty hills but not a drop of rain in sight. Coats off, crampons on! The panoramic views from the top of Yorke’s Folly and above Brimham were spectacular (see photos) and made the climbs worth it.
As is tradition, we stayed rigidly with the route although I could not find the path over Packhorse bridge on my Garmin (maybe I need to get Wahoo!). The café stop was the Courtyard Café in Pateley Bridge (nice scones).
Due to the Greenway being closed we had an enforced deviation from the route. We had a vote and decided we should take on a few more bumps on the way into Harrogate “just for the fun of it.”
A gloomy start to the day but a great ride finishing in the sunshine. Thanks to the team for your company.
Stats: I made the distance and elevation a “little” bit more than advertised due to the greenway being closed and the additional climbing “treats!” (44mi/71km, 4120ft/1256m).
– Steve K
Wanderers’ Ride
Although the weather forecast for today was poor with a band of rain coming through at the start of the ride it never actually happened. A good number of Wanderers assembled for a trip round Nidderdale. As the Greenway was closed for tree felling we made our way towards Knox. All safely across the Ripon Road and soon out in the countryside. We had an early stop for coffee etc at Darley where Gia, James and Debbie left us. A wide variety of conversations ensued with plenty of banter and a great many laughs. Andrew left to get his dodgy tyre fixed. Onward up Stripe Lane with Corinne making friends with some Jacobs sheep on the way. We admired the glorious views on such a clear day. Still no rain and lots of blue sky. On past Brimham Rocks where the climbing stopped and we enjoyed a fabulous downward swoop down past Rabbit Hill farm and to Ripley. Mike WH led us on a path avoiding the Greenway back to Knox. Quite an adventure! After Knox we kept losing people (not on purpose) as they made their way home. The ride was such a lot of fun with fabulous people. Thank you everyone for your wonderful company. Already looking forward to next time. Keep cycling and laughing – its the only way forward. 34 miles for me. Nicci
Short and Gentle Ride
Perhaps the threat of rain, perhaps the absence of a real Ride Leader or maybe the lack of a route….. whatever it was there were just three brave (foolish?) takers for the short ride. Morven, Newbie Jacob? (sorry if that is wrong my hearing is notoriously poor) and myself. The Greenway being out of action limited our scope and as the other two had not done it before I volunteered to “lead” us on the popular Burn Bridge, Wood Hall, Harland Way route and rapidly found myself hoping that I could remember it! Once out of town and across the A61 we enjoyed the more leisurely run through Kirby Overblow and on to Wood Hall where we were, as ever, amused that we seem to be cycling through people’s back gardens. We were able to very knowledgeably direct a lost soul to the Community Gardens based on the fact that we had just cycled past the signpost. On arriving at the point where the Harland Way can be joined from Linton it was wisely decided that as rain threatened it would be sensible to take a detour in to Wetherby and shelter in Kofi & Co. Not sure if they rain appeared but we had a very nice chat & refreshments. New energy found we made our way back via the railway path and Follifoot before regaining the showground via that pesky hill where Morven was able to play her electric card leaving us lads in the dust. Thanks both for a fun ride, at least we didn’t get lost! 25 miles by the time I got home. Russell
