The 2nd group - Rich, Kevin, M-L Tony, Craig, Ian, Graham, self and a guest rider - Joe, ascended Bransdale into the mist. Unfortunately Graham's shifter expired and he had to turn back before the gates. Ian stopped to rescue a baby bird, the remainder of us trundled around the loop more or less together, until on the way back out of the dale, near the cattlegrid, the sun started breaking through and the mists parted.
Joe had to get back so headed for Malton and home, the rest of us continued, Kevin and Craig taking the long drag up Blakey ridge, the remaining 4 heading up Farndale for the bank. Rich stopped to fix his deflating rear tube then rejoined everyone as we regrouped at the top of Blakey Bank - Tony in particular expressing his sentiments regarding the merits of the climb
By now time was passing and some of the group were starting to flag. We rode to the next junction where a decision was made for Craig and Ian to continue to Castleton whilst Kevin and Rich felt that Rosedale and home was more sensible. Not wanting to abandon them to their fate I accompanied them with a strengthening westerly building - Tony too came with us.
A quick lunch in Rosedale and we came home via Appleton, Slingsby and Foston. We made steady progress into the breeze but I was a little weary by the time we hit town.
I understand that the other group had a few route-finding issues on the way back from Castleton - no doubt someone will be able to relate their home journey.
It's great that more riders are getting out now that the summer is here and the longer days permit a proper day out. The down-side is that a larger group, with a wider ability spread, is harder to manage - both on the road and in the cafe. Not sure what the best way to deal with this is as numbers do vary from week to week and I try to keep things inclusive.....
I'm not out for the next 2 Saturdays - can someone step up and choose suitable routes etc. Cheers!