17th June 2023 - A Half Day Ride Over The Top To Lofthouse
The great thing with leading a ride is that you get to decide where you start, where you finish and, frankly, everything else. Indeed, that niggly feeling that maybe no-one will sign up and come with you doesn't actually matter as you'd go for the ride anyhow. Of course that never happens - even if there's just one other person, the effort is worthwhile.
As it turned out, there ended up being 8 + 1 on our ride that left from the Sainsbury's at Monks Cross. Briefing finished and, with Alan B taking on back marker duties, we headed off in a spirited fashion towards Easingwold via Stillington.
Luckily I'd remembered (after I'd planned my origonal route) that Aldwark Bridge is closed until October and so we crossed the Swale just above Helperby before skirting Newby Hall and picking up Brian L (our +1) on the turn off to Galphay. I couldn't see Brian join but understand it was a seemless manouvre with him slotting in to the rear of the pack.
We stopped for our first break after 90mins at Masham for tea and bacon & egg rolls.
If the ride to this point was fairly progressive then the "up and over the top" bit was, unfortunately, the opposite. Stuck behind a farmer with a trailer and then a DPD van (let's face it - you're never getting past one of those on a country road when they're cutting the corners and bouncing all over the place). Luckily, that was fairly short-lived and we were back to line speed as we left Pateley Bridge, passed Brimham Rocks, got stuck in a bit of traffic in Knaresborough, before ending up at our last stop at the The Grange Coffee Shop and Garden Centre in Askham Richard.
It's fair to say the value at this cafe is amazing - it's like being transported back in time. Not only were the portions really big but it only cost £6 for tea, pannini & cake. Bargain!
Anyhow, for those on the ride, thanks for joining me and, I'm sure you'll all be riveted and glad to know, that I did indeed make it to my friends BBQ on time!
PS If you want the GPX file of the track it's here.
As it turned out, there ended up being 8 + 1 on our ride that left from the Sainsbury's at Monks Cross. Briefing finished and, with Alan B taking on back marker duties, we headed off in a spirited fashion towards Easingwold via Stillington.
Luckily I'd remembered (after I'd planned my origonal route) that Aldwark Bridge is closed until October and so we crossed the Swale just above Helperby before skirting Newby Hall and picking up Brian L (our +1) on the turn off to Galphay. I couldn't see Brian join but understand it was a seemless manouvre with him slotting in to the rear of the pack.
We stopped for our first break after 90mins at Masham for tea and bacon & egg rolls.
If the ride to this point was fairly progressive then the "up and over the top" bit was, unfortunately, the opposite. Stuck behind a farmer with a trailer and then a DPD van (let's face it - you're never getting past one of those on a country road when they're cutting the corners and bouncing all over the place). Luckily, that was fairly short-lived and we were back to line speed as we left Pateley Bridge, passed Brimham Rocks, got stuck in a bit of traffic in Knaresborough, before ending up at our last stop at the The Grange Coffee Shop and Garden Centre in Askham Richard.
It's fair to say the value at this cafe is amazing - it's like being transported back in time. Not only were the portions really big but it only cost £6 for tea, pannini & cake. Bargain!
Anyhow, for those on the ride, thanks for joining me and, I'm sure you'll all be riveted and glad to know, that I did indeed make it to my friends BBQ on time!
As always (and I keep telling myself this) leading a ride really is pretty easy and fulfilling. If you’ve not done one – give it a go, everyone’s very supportive.
See you all next time!
Mike WPS If you want the GPX file of the track it's here.
Write a comment