Bank Holiday Weekend Roundup

[Rob]

Sunday Clubrun for me. Quite a few in The Square, all with the slightly smug expression of those that knew they'd got the best riding conditions of the b/h weekend. Once TonyG had wordlessly taken a group off to do something else, it left 7 of us to head out under the blue skies. Steen suggested finessing the route upto Stokesley via Baldersby and Osmotherby. Then returning over Carlton Bank and back through Bilsdale, Helmesley and castle Howard.

JohnS was trying to repeat his preparation for his recent RR win by including a couple of Sunday rides. Nigel was still keen to demonstrate the reliability of his electric/wireless gears, though I noticed he went over the bridge rather than through the ford at Thimbleby. Dr Joe put in a heroic performance on the hills. Ed told me some good tales of riding C2C2C the other week. Meanwhile Andy was riding like someone whose been getting a few miles in while I've been away on holiday!

It was a typical b/h sort of day, where some roads were busy, while others were deserted with no rhyme nor reason to it. We usually travel south through those lanes near Felixkirk - and everything looked totally different going the other way.

One reason to go to Stokesly was to stop off at Uno Momento who act as tea time stop in the Wiggy 300. It's more of a Bistro than a cafe, but they really looked after us again - fantastic pasta, great coffee and sent us on our way with iced water in our bidons.

Its a long time since I've been up Carlton Bank - last time I think was with Muzzy and Kevin - stayed at Osmotherley YH and watched the National Hill Climb on Carlton Bank on the Sunday morning. (I've just googled this and am horrified that it was 18 years ago...) It's a good climb though. Comes in stages, nothing too steep and a cracking view.

Return was via Helmesley, Nunnington and Castle Howard. 104 miles door to door.

Thanks for the ride chaps. Next Sunday is Tan Hill. Will post separately, but 0730 start from The Square.

R

[Dr Dave]

The Saturday Inters group rode to Ilkley as advertised. Rob's right - the weather on Saturday was definitely less good with an apocalypic hail storm forcing us to shelter in Bramhope before steady rain and a headwind over the Chevin and past the Cow and Calf to Ilkley.
By now we were cold, wet and demotivated so headed to Bart'at for multiple coffees and pub lunch. By this time the planned loop through Appletreewick and back via Duck St just wasn't going to happen so we scuttled home through Wetherby instead.

[dave c]

I was busy Sat/Sun so had a good ride on Friday round by Dalby via Settrington, Yedingham, Snainton, Langdale End, Forest Drive, Thornton Dale, Kirby Misperton, Amotherby, Castle Howard, 79 miles. One of my favourite rides, nice weather as well.

Went out on Monday to Crayke, Coxwold, Ampleforth, Tom Smiths cross, Waterloo Lane, Helmsley, Harome, Hovingham, Snargate, and home, 50 miles.

Last tt on Saturday at Burton Fleming.

Cheers

Dave

[PeteT]

A K ride with a difference for me on Saturday. Different in that it was probably the smallest but fastest K ride I've ever been on. Just Craig, Ian and myself left the square with Kevin after the fairly large group was split between the Ilkley ride and an impromptu ride to the Wolds.

The promised ride to Osmotherley was swift and stunning (in terms of the views of the moors) but we were also hit by the "biblical" rain and hail on the way back. Kevin led us from a hearty cafe stop via the most direct route to familiar roads near Helperby in what to me felt like the equivalent of riding in a car wash.

To use Kevin's words, "I've just sacrificed myself for you lot - now make it count" !!! Make it count we did and we pushed on hard for the flatlands of York and home to dry out.

Goes without saying but still needs to be heard. A big thanks to Kevin for the ride, route and indeed his "plan B" navigation to keep us out of trouble.

Last but not least - I confess to hiding behind Craig's wheel for more than my fair share as the speed and distance took it toll in the final miles. Thanks Craig!

All in all - 91 miles in under 6 hours riding time. Well played one and all.

Best regards

PeteT

[Dr Joe]

It has been a while since i've been out with the Sunday riders, i have to say the pace hasn't gotten any easier it just a little faster.

The details of the route are mentioned above so i'll spare you a re-write, however i'd like to say a few things:

1) First of all a huge thanks to everyone on the day for what turned out for me to be one of the best rides i've done since joining the club back in 2012 i'd have to say, towards the end of the day the last 10 miles where indeed the hardest, as we approached York I could smell victory however my legs could not!!! As they had ran out of steam completely ( My ego would like to think it probably had something to do with the 327 miles done that week, however i have a feeling it was the Sunday pace that did it )

2) Steen; Best cafe stop EVER !!! as you can see from the photos the Pasta, Coffee & Creme Caramel dessert not to mention the service were indeed just simply fabulous. Especially as we wandered/Stormed in with our Lycra and ( Not so silent ) cycling shoes which isn't the most subtle of attires i have to say. ( Almost as good as the cafe and food in Bridlington, almost ........ )

3) A special thanks to both Rob & Steen, truly a gentlemen's ride indeed, i felt supported and encouraged throughout the ride and for that i am truly grateful. I hope everyone enjoyed the rather lengthier than usual rest stops at the top of the climbs.

Last but not least; i am willing to go for the ride on Sunday the 31st. i am aware that the return journey might get a little lonely however i think its time i broke my record of 117 miles and the weather on the day seems to be a promising one.

P.S I now have a new entry on my list of yorkshires deadly climbs. And it goes by the name Chop Gate (a name well deserved as I nearly self amputated my legs trying to tackle it )