by bernard turgoose
Mon Mar 27, 2017 2:03 pm
Well judging by the numbers in the square on Saturday, already ready to go at 9.30 there is still a lot of interest in the The Challenge Series this year. I think that I counted 18 for the K & J group ride as we left the square on what I think was probably the best day of the year to date. Unfortunately I wasn't in top shape after suffering a cold all week, so I was going to have possibly rely on others to ensure that everybody got round using the correct route ( the K ride version any way).
Tradition route out to Thixendale saw Claire manage to stay with us to the top of the ridge after Kirby Underdale, it was very good to see her out again after the recent issues.
First climb was the one up past Gritts farm towards Fridaythorpe, and then after the left turn just in the village, we made for Burdale and the second climb over the old railway tunnel towards Wharram Percy, then a right turn onto the main round, before taking the first right back towards Burdale for the third climb towards Huggate to join the A166 for the left turn to Fridaythorpe and the café stop. I had to take a direct route from Burdale via Fimber as my cold started to catch up with me. Following the café we then went down past Gritts farm back Thixendale for the fourth climb from the village hall (Uncleby); where I continued with Ginie who was out for only her second ride of the year, through the valley bottom for what would be the main groups last climb to Leavening crossroads.
We waited at the cross roads to see the groupetto coming along the ridge to go back down the valley for their next to last climb past Robert Fullers. It was good to see so many out enjoying the fantastic weather and ride, well done everyone who managed to do the whole route, including the A group who had started out at 10.00.
On doubt there will be a few tales to tell at the social night on Wednesday, but don't forget next weekend is the Wiggy 100 Audax, form Wiggington Village hall - those who haven't already entered can do so on the day, but please get there before 9.30 to give the organiser time as it starts at 10.00. Hopefully I will be fully recovered in time.
Tradition route out to Thixendale saw Claire manage to stay with us to the top of the ridge after Kirby Underdale, it was very good to see her out again after the recent issues.
First climb was the one up past Gritts farm towards Fridaythorpe, and then after the left turn just in the village, we made for Burdale and the second climb over the old railway tunnel towards Wharram Percy, then a right turn onto the main round, before taking the first right back towards Burdale for the third climb towards Huggate to join the A166 for the left turn to Fridaythorpe and the café stop. I had to take a direct route from Burdale via Fimber as my cold started to catch up with me. Following the café we then went down past Gritts farm back Thixendale for the fourth climb from the village hall (Uncleby); where I continued with Ginie who was out for only her second ride of the year, through the valley bottom for what would be the main groups last climb to Leavening crossroads.
We waited at the cross roads to see the groupetto coming along the ridge to go back down the valley for their next to last climb past Robert Fullers. It was good to see so many out enjoying the fantastic weather and ride, well done everyone who managed to do the whole route, including the A group who had started out at 10.00.
On doubt there will be a few tales to tell at the social night on Wednesday, but don't forget next weekend is the Wiggy 100 Audax, form Wiggington Village hall - those who haven't already entered can do so on the day, but please get there before 9.30 to give the organiser time as it starts at 10.00. Hopefully I will be fully recovered in time.