Clifton CC

Out on the inters ride to Beverley on Saturday. 11 set out including myself, James and James, andy, Kevin n, Graham, joe, Ian w, dr Dave, Tony, Pete s. Dave was only out a couple of hours so turned back around newbald I think, weather was unpromising to start with but ended up improving in the afternoon. Great to have a tailwind on the homeward stretch. Good cafe, first time I'd been to cafe velo, having missed the tride before Christmas. Personally a good ride for the time of year but I'm sure the Fred Witton entrants would have liked more hills having said that though like I said on a previous thread would be happy to lead another group probably on the same route depending on cafe options especially as the weather improves and numbers increase in the square, 10 I think is about the maximum number you want in a group, but it is one of them things you won't know till you arrive at the square Bike was caked in mud especially as Id had brought one without a front mudguard. I've lost count the number of time I've cleaned the bike this year alone. Roll on Spring and some warm dry weather.

Jon

Six of us in the square on a bright, but chilly, Sunday morning - Andrew, Austin, Jonny, Pete, Steen and self. After the initial consternation that we were Rob-less (and thus leaderless!) we set off for Filey as planned. Icy patches on Stockton Lane were a foretaste of what lay ahead, so we stuck to the gritted Galley Gap road before turning off to Langton. Lulled into a false sense of security by the clear roads, we ascended Settrington Bank only to find the road a distinctly snowy shade of white along the ridge. After a few buttock-clenching miles on the top we descended down to West Lutton and clear roads all the way to Filey. Our initial enthusiasm for arriving at our destination was soon dimmed by the discovery that the Vineyard Cafe, a favourite haunt, was shut for redecoration, so we ventured into the fish and chip cafe around the corner. Having surveyed the adjacent tables, which were groaning under the weight of massive plates of "regular-sized" fish and chips, we wimped out and ordered small portions! The return back to York was uneventful with the sub-zero temperatures in the latter part of the day giving us a taste of Alpine riding conditions, without the mountains. Back home at 4:30pm with 155km on the clock and ready for a hot shower.

AndyG