by craigdabrown
Mon Dec 10, 2018 12:33 pm
Three riders (JonG, IanH and myself) in the Square for the Inters Ride to Pateley Bridge.
The remnants of the overnight storm were still in evidence, a steady westerly with some strong gusts and a light rain shower which started just as we set off, but it had brightened up by the time we collected IanW at Aldwark Bridge.
Four definitely felt better than three and although IanW was adamant he’d turn back before Pateley we knew we’d talk him round. Out via Staveley and Markington, the headwind made some of the climbs tougher than normal and it was quite difficult to stay upright when we stopped to regroup at an exposed section above Brimham Rocks.
The cafe was much quieter than normal, with plenty space available inside and the service a bit less stressed than can sometimes be the case but they did have to be prompted when one of the coffees failed to arrive. Nice food and cakes though.
We were hoping for a helpful tailwind all the way home but it didn’t truly materialise. IanW stuck with us until Knaresborough, heading to Arkendale as we continued to Little Ribston. The rain was much heavier after that and so it was heads down and get back as quickly as possible. In the end, another soaking but worth it to avoid the Christmas shopping crowds and a satisfying 80 miles for IanH and myself, JonG registering yet another 100+ mile ride.
Sad footnote to above, Dr. Joe was knocked off his bike by a taxi on his way to the Square on Saturday, suffering a few cracked ribs and some bruising. Serious enough, it could have been a lot worse. Joe will have to suppress his normal cheeriness and avoid laughing too much until his ribs heal, I'll give you a few tips on that Joe. Get well soon.
The remnants of the overnight storm were still in evidence, a steady westerly with some strong gusts and a light rain shower which started just as we set off, but it had brightened up by the time we collected IanW at Aldwark Bridge.
Four definitely felt better than three and although IanW was adamant he’d turn back before Pateley we knew we’d talk him round. Out via Staveley and Markington, the headwind made some of the climbs tougher than normal and it was quite difficult to stay upright when we stopped to regroup at an exposed section above Brimham Rocks.
The cafe was much quieter than normal, with plenty space available inside and the service a bit less stressed than can sometimes be the case but they did have to be prompted when one of the coffees failed to arrive. Nice food and cakes though.
We were hoping for a helpful tailwind all the way home but it didn’t truly materialise. IanW stuck with us until Knaresborough, heading to Arkendale as we continued to Little Ribston. The rain was much heavier after that and so it was heads down and get back as quickly as possible. In the end, another soaking but worth it to avoid the Christmas shopping crowds and a satisfying 80 miles for IanH and myself, JonG registering yet another 100+ mile ride.
Sad footnote to above, Dr. Joe was knocked off his bike by a taxi on his way to the Square on Saturday, suffering a few cracked ribs and some bruising. Serious enough, it could have been a lot worse. Joe will have to suppress his normal cheeriness and avoid laughing too much until his ribs heal, I'll give you a few tips on that Joe. Get well soon.