Clifton CC

A New Year and a Saturday ‘K’ ride round-up for a change!

The Club’s cup brimmeth over on Sat 10am, with a ‘gaggle’ of Cyclists congregating in the square. Large numbers for the K ride meant for a sensible split, so thanks to Bernard for leading one group ahead of ours. That left 6 of us accompanying Kevin, destination Ripon: NeilB; TonyS; DawnC; SteveS; DaveI; Kevin & self.

Quiet roads out via Beningbrough, Aldwalk, Markington and Studley Royal. Needless to say the sunshine & clear blue skies were showing off the Fountains Estate at its best. New café in Ripon as our usual haunt of Spa Gardens closed til Feb. Rather posh food and smallish portions for cyclists’ fare, but v friendly staff, v tasty food & super-warm inside, so no complaints.

Direct route back to ensure home before dark via Borobridge and a retrace from Aldwalk, to finish with 67miles, just the ticket for convivial winter miles
Thanks for the company, Claire.

Sunday clubrun. Chilly start, 5 in the Square (Steen, AndyG, Mussy, Sue and self) Headed out West through Tockwith, Pannel, Pennypot and Birstwith. Freezing fog on the high ground, the odd bit of slushy ice on the road, but nothing too bad. Don't often travel this way around and some lanes felt a novelty!

Darley Mill café took a while to sort us out despite there being more staff than customers. But it gave us time to thaw out a bit. Onwards via a grunty climb out of Summerbridge to Brimham Rocks, then back via Markington and Aldwark Bridge. Loads of riders out, nice atmosphere in the lanes. Home and washing bike in daylight at 2-45 with 77 miles in the bank.

Driffield next week. See you in The Square