Clifton CC

Seven hardy souls (Simon, Dr. Dave, Bernard, Pete, Graham, John B and myself) in the Square for the 10am rides on Saturday.

Dave and the other Inter regulars reckoned that avoiding the chance of wintry showers was preferable to the likelihood of facing a strong headwind on the return leg and so headed eastwards to Driffield.

Bernard and I decided that was a tad far in the conditions and that we'd rather have a tailwind on the way back and not venture too far from cafes or shelter. So we headed west without any real destination in mind.

Just past Overton, Bernard suffered a front puncture, but a swift repair and we were soon battling the headwind towards Aldwark. After the bridge, we had a bit of a chat and decided to head over to Cattal and onto Thorp Arch for lunch rather than risk the possibility of encountering diverted traffic from the A1.

As ever, it's the crosswinds that catch you unaware and I had a couple of hairy moments, and a proper wheel wobble, when freewheeling on one of the open descents.

We emerged from the cafe to discover Bernard's bike had another puncture and so we replaced the tube and set off in the general direction of home, via Tadcaster and Bilbrough.

Just over 45 miles for me, so nothing major but just good to be out yet again. Despite the wind, it actually wasn't too cold, we had blue skies for most of the ride, the roads were dry and frost-free and you can't really ask for more than that in January.

Thanks for the company and sensible decision-making Bernard.

I have one word Craig, Bonkers to be out in that wind.
Or it that just me been a wimp.

As for myself not been out much over the the last couple of months but am waiting for some slightly less extreme weather.

Have just returned from a 40 mile loop this afternoon in a wind that was borderline strong enough for me I think.

Hope to be out in the coming weeks with the inters.

Jon

As Craig mentions above, 5 of us set out on Saturday for Driffield via Thixendale. The wind was strong with gusts (but I have certainly been out in worse) and so we cruised on the downwind sections throught Bugthorpe until someone thought Hanging Grimstone would be a good idea The crosswind made this a real struggle for me - my climbing legs have gone AWOL these past months - and as you might imagine, it was rather exposed on the top across to the descent into Thixendale.
We enjoyed the run down to Fimber but I was starting to become rather apprehensive about the return journey and so suggested we abort the Driffield plan and head for Fridaythorpe. Fortunately there was a general agreement that this was sensible and we stiffened our sinews and turned into the wind. The cafe wasn't far and the gradient moderate and so this was achieved without drama.
After a quick beans on toast we headed back out and it seemed to me at least that the temperature had dropped and the wind increased as we slogged up the road into the teeth of the wind before temporarily heading downwind to Huggate. The descent to Millington needed firm pedalling to maintain forward progress and by now the wisdom of our shortened itinerary was apparent to me as I began to run low on energy and enthusiasm: fortunately my companions had better legs (or stouter hearts) and with everyone taking it in turns to battle the elements we progressed back via the usual route, getting home just after 3:30. I had only covered 64 miles but haven't been as glad to get home for a long time!

Many thanks to all for the ride

Sunday turned out to be a great day for a ride, and it would have been so easy to listen to the weather headlines and stay under the duvet.

Mussy, Steen, AndyG, AndynotGraeme, Emanuelle, Cooky and self. As posted, out through Castle Howard and Harome to Helmesley. Quick refuel, Reivaulx, Scawton (one of my favourites) down WhiteHorse and home. Took that right turn through the hedge after Coxwold - bizarrely it has been resurfaced than liberally coated with muck, 5cm deep, outside the farmhouse.

Home in York just after 2 as the rain started.

Fantastic day, thanks for the company.

See you at the club evening on Friday.

And/or the clubrun next Sunday - bit of a loop above Ripon and Masham.