LCAG

Report of ride to Kirkby Overblow, Sun 20 December 2009

The LCAG Annual Xmas ride

Eight riders braved the wintry weather to meet up at Moortown Corner for the LCAG annual Xmas ride. Once we set off, we discovered the roads weren’t too bad, and we pedalled on, warmly wrapped up against the cold, through East Keswick and Spofforth to reach Kirkby Overblow just before 12.00.

Lunch was tasty, although the portions were not really cyclist-sized… Halfway through our meal it began to snow again, so we didn’t tarry over our repast and left as soon as we could. However, a light dusting of snow on the country lanes didn’t impede us, and we soon reached the snow free A61 for a quick spin back to Leeds.
A short but good day out with great company, a fitting finale to 2009.

Report of ride to Tockwith Carol Service 13th December 09

Eight started at Moortown on a cold but clear morning. Our route took us on country lanes through Bardsey passing the oldest pub in England, The Bingley Arms. Then crossing the Leeds to Wetherby Road to the ridge at Compton top where distant views of The North York Moors could be seen.

Dropping down to Wetherby Road again for a couple hundred metres then taking the Boston Spa road to join the newish cycle track alongside the A1. Regrettably there was an accident on the cycle track and one of the party had to call for a lift home. We joined the cycle track for Thorpe Arch within Wetherby then left straight on to Tockwith skirting around the old aerodrome.

Arriving in Tockwith in good time for the buffet lunch at the village hall and meeting up with cyclists from other parts of Yorkshire. After lunch we helped to fill the church with a mixture of mainly cyclists and some locals for the carol service. The return leg was via Cowthorpe and the cycle track to Wetherby which was the old Northbound carriageway of the A1 before it was replaced by the upgraded motorway. From Wetherby via East Keswick and back to Leeds returning before dark.

Report of ride to Keighley, Sunday 29th November 2009

Well, there were only three that turned up i.e. me, myself and the bike! Obviously the power of the weather forcasters is formidable, ” ….unsettled with some heavy showers…” but there being no raindrops falling at the time and the thought of my long to do list not enticing me back home, I sped off down from Pudsey and up to Tong. Plenty of horse riders and mountain bikers in evidence, so where were the LCAGers I thought.

Being only damp from the fine rain by the time I reached the breakfast stop at Queensbury I went on with the enjoyable rollercoaster ride and reached Keighley at 1.15 slightly wet but not soaked. I decided to eschew the delights of Rossi’s cafe and christened my bus pass to get a 35p train ride home. A nice ride but definitely lacking in converstion!

BH

Report of ride to York, Sunday 15 November 2009

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, and nine of us gathered at Moortown Corner for the ride to York. Setting off at 9.30, we swiftly skirted Thorner and briskly bypassed Bramham, getting to Tadcaster in good time for a tasty breakfast. Suitably replete, we set off for York, following country lanes fringed with the autumnal tints of shivering trees.

At York, we made our way to The Castle Tea Rooms for apple pie and custard, We then followed The Ouse out of York, crossing the Milliennium Bridge before picking up the Sustans Solar System Cycle Path until somewhere near Neptune, where we rejoined the road and headed towards Cawood. A slight headwind worried us slightly, but we continued to make steady progress, getting back to Leeds just as the sun faded. All in all, a glorious day out.

PK

Report of  ride to Gargrave, Sunday 1st November 2009

What an appalling day, Wind driven heavy rain. Two heroic riders turned up at the start at Moortown (not including the ride leader who chickened out and arrived by car). It was decided the weather was too bad to enjoy a day out on the bike and all returned home from the start.

AG

Report of ride to Holmfirth, Sunday 18 October 2009

Another good turnout with 9 starting out from City Square. Heading through Hunslet and Belle Isle to Robin Hood and the Sustrans path to Lofthouse, then less familiar roads to Wrenthorpe where we had to ask a horserider for directions!  Breakfast in Osset, after which 2 returned to Leeds. Across the Calder and up a steep hill to Overton, then up another steep hill to the Emley Moor TV tower. After Shelley all this climbing was rewarded with a long fast downhill, but not long before we were once again labouring up a hill to Lane Head (the clue is in the name!). Then, missing the intended route via Jackson Bridge, down another steep hill to New Mill, where IO captured some interesting driver behaviour at manually controlled roadworks. Arriving in Holmfirth about 1300, the first cafe was overfull (mostly with cyclists) so we went on past the famous Sid’s cafe to the riverside cafe near Norah Batty’s house. Access was typical for Holmfirth – steep outside stairs up which some of us carried our bikes.  We all sat on the outside balcony, but slightly regretted this later as our sweaty bodies started to cool down, and those wearing shorts displayed goose pimples. Riding away after lunch, the navigator was shivering so violently that he deliberately took the group up an unnecessary hill to Netherthong, just to heat up a bit! Then a route finding error led us unexpectedly up a double chevron hill, so steep that one of us fell over backwards and only 3 managed to summit without walking!  However all this effort was rewarded by another straight fast downhill through Honley. Rest of route back was fairly uneventful – off-road Sustrans route from Huddersfield to Dewsbury was a welcome relief from the Sunday afternoon traffic. Back in City Square for about 1700.

Report of ride to Ripon, Sunday 4 October 2009

Meeting up at Moortown on a cool but clear morning where 4 set off on the ride. High winds on the previous day possibly put a few off. We headed out on Shadwell Lane towards Wike and East Keswick. At Harewood Avenue taking the first of a few short bridleway excursions to cross the River Wharfe, rejoining the road network at Paddock House Lane about half a mile West of Sicklinghall. Continuing on through Sicklinghall to Wetherby to join the cycle track to Spofforth. After less than a mile leaving the track on the second short bridleway section around a field to join a road into Kirk Deighton. On to Knareborough for breakfast by the river. Spectacular huge breakfast plates were presented.

Leaving Knaresborough North to Copgrove to take a private road (Bridleway) through to join the Bishop Monkton Road and then via Littlethorpe to arrive in Ripon for an early lunch.

The return journey took in the Whitcliffe Lane out of Ripon which includes a short track section before becoming a metalled road. Through Markington and a mile on the A61 to South Stanley then following a second private road (Bridleway) to Brearton and Knaresborough and as it was the first Sunday in the month stopping for very early afternoon tea and cakes at the Church Hall.

The last leg via Follifoot, Kirkby Overblow and the final off road section through the Harewood Estate to avoid the busy A659 Otley Road. By taking a number of short off road sections the quiet minor lanes were maximised and most of the built up areas and main roads were avoided. Even managed to get home fairly early at about 4:30 with about 65 miles done and with good weather made for an enjoyable day out.

AG

Report of a ride around Leeds, Sunday 20 September 2009

Well, it was a different kind of ride going round Leeds from Moortown via Garforth, Morley and Pudsey and back to Moortown.

Mary Keynes came to the start and asks if anyone has a ladies bike she can borrow for the Climate Change ride to London??

There were many twists and turns to keep the circular direction, and plenty of variety with amazing views, the cycle path along an old railway line (the Leeds Lines), a long cycle trail alongside the River Aire, motorways galore in the south east section, A roads, B roads, minor roads, stony bridleways going up at 1 in 3 (we walked that one), quite a few hills between Pudsey and Horsforth and a few navigational errors to create an extra mile’s riding all washed down with plenty of sunshine.

Roughly fifty miles, a good ride which eight started and six went to the end.

BH

Report of ride to Tollerton, Sunday 6 September 2009

We have had lots of high turnouts this year, and this was another one with 10 riders at the breakfast stop in Wetherby, 7 continuing for the full ride. We took the quiet road through Cowthorpe for a change, then at Aldwark bridge, decided to go to Tollerton instead of Easingwold. This was a good decision as the village fair was just starting in the pub beer garden. BBQ food for £2 while chatting to the local peripatetic farrier demonstrating his skills, and listening to music (“Another You”) from the Seekers.

On via new (to me) tarmac to Huby, where I was rightly ticked off for stopping without adequate warning.  Note to self and all other LCAG ride participants: Bicycles don’t have stop lights, so if you are going to stop, shout out ’stopping’ and raise your arm.

From Skelton via the really attractive NCN by the River Ouse to York, where we (meaning I) got lost in the maze of streets round the Shambles trying to find ‘Piglets’, then found it was closed. However there was no shortage of cafes so we got our coffee and cake eventually.

In Acomb, somehow a package slipped out of JM’s pannier and got jammed in his back wheel, locking it solid. Luckily we were going uphill so not too fast, but even so the rubber was stripped off the tyre down to the canvas. Amazingly JM kept control throughout.

Good cycling weather – dry and not too hot. It started to drizzle just as I got home at 1730, with 74 miles on the clock.

FM

Report of ride to Fishlake, Sunday 23 August 2009

‘I wonder what that creaking noise is’ said SH as we cycled along the TPT towards Woodlesford.

‘My pedal’s seized up, so I’m getting the train back’ said SH on his mobile as we cycled to Morrisons in Pontefract.

Why Pontefract? Because our beloved (?) cafe near Castleford bus station was closed (looked like permanently), and the cafe actually in the bus station was so understaffed that it would probably have taken half an hour just to take the orders for the seven of us. Morrisons breakfast was as good value as ever.

Re-jigging the route to take advantage of the change of breakfast stop, we avoided the delights of Ferrybridge and Knottingley in favour of more open country to the South.  Unfortunately there was a strong southerly wind, but its effect on us abated as we turned East at Darrington, passing under the A1and along very quiet roads to Pollington. A little bit of a different arm of the TPT took us to Sykehouse, from where it was only about 3 miles to Fishlake and an excellent lunch at the Old Anchor Inn.

Return was via Askern then Womersley (which we had passed on the outward leg, the whole route being a figure of eight), crossing the Aire at Beal, then a brief stop at Brotherton for orange juice and wine gums. IO seemed impressed by ‘The Lines’ cycle route from Allerton Bywater to Garforth, but less impressed by the number of ‘portages’ required on his recumbent during the day.

We were blessed with fine weather (even sunny at times) all day until the last 15 mins in Leeds when the promised rain came in from the West.

A very enjoyable ride, worth repeating sometime.

FM

Report of ride to Horsehouse via Dead Man’s Pass, Sunday 9 August 2009

Eleven started at Moortown on a perfectly sunny day. Leaving Leeds via Eccup reservoir a Red Kite was spotted although not for the only time during the day. Onward via Leathley and the East side of the Washburn valley passing through Norwood plantation for a mile of good quality forestry track.

To Dacre Bank and climbing to the high point of Yorke’s Folly before dropping down a sweeping descent for coffee in Pateley Bridge. Very slow service at the cafe contributed to messing up the timings for our later stops. Three left us after coffee to return home. The rest of us continued along the Nidderdale valley passing Gouthwaite reservoir and to Lofthouse. Taking the driveway to Scar House reservoir and over the dam.

The challenging part of the day starts here following a bridleway around the reservoir and over Dead Man’s pass. This route is partly rideable but walking was required for at least half the route due to the stony rough surface. Stopping at Carlton around 3 pm for drinks being too late for lunchtime food service. Onward down Wensleydale and finally stopping for food at the cafe at Jervaux visitor centre. Quite late now leaving Jervaux at about 4:30pm. The last leg, returning through Grewelthorpe and passing Fountains Abbey before skirting West of Harrogate. Half the remaining group made a visit to McDonald’s to satisfy a growing need for food. The remaining few headed off towards Pannal where two more caught the train home little knowing the McDonalds group were elsewhere on the same train. Finally made it home about 8:30pm with about 95 miles clocked up.

AG

Report of ride to Skipwith, Sunday 26 July 2009

Six of us raced away from Oakwood under grey skies with rain forecast. As we approached Squires cafe/bar just west of Sherburn we speeded up as the very light drizzle intensified into proper rain. The cafe is quite peculiar – once a pub, now a favourite hangout of our “let’s go at 100 miles an hour and scare these pathetic cyclist types” buddies, and little changed from those days except now serving pints of tea instead of beer. These bikers are obviously tough customers. We cracked on through Cawood and were at the lunch stop in Skipwith just after the pub opened at 1130. One of our number plumped for the carvery, though I’m sure one day he’ll leave the dead animals behind, though it was a good old wait until it was ready.

We raced homeward through the badlands around Selby – almost expecting to see Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen polishing their guns in some empty field – if only this bit of Yorkshire were that glamorous. The odd farm was notable either for the BNP posters or the “stop the (proposed) windfarm” signs which, ironically, were usually rather windswept in themselves. In Fairburn we had the pleasure of some homophobic/anti-cyclist banter outside a pub (the gist was cyclist = gay, but the logic escaped us). A quick rest at the RSPB place at Fairburn Ings before the last stretch into Leeds along the Transpennine trail. One really shouldn’t be condescending to our rural cousins – within 5 minutes of cycling in the city, I’d seen 3 different people walking along drinking lager on the street, one casting his empty can aside without a care in the world. Now bitter, and it might have been different.

Home before 430pm, and managed to go the whole day without recourse to the rain coat. A very pleasurable day out indeed.

MH

Report of ride to Slaidburn, Sunday 12 July 2009

The bike spaces in the train were capacious and our three bikes fitted easily in the alloted space.

After coming out of Steeton station and being pointed in the right direction we soon found our way out of Steeton and into the countryside, feeling the benefit of the train ride out of town. It was a case of marching to the top of the (long) hill and and then back down the other side, enjoying the views and bubbling brooks along the way, to our breakfast stop at the cyclists’s cafe at Gargrave. A tad expensive but with excellent service!

With a strategic change of route to take in the speed benefits of an A road, it was flattish to Gisburn and then picturesque through Bolton by Bowland and onto the destination, Slaidburn, getting there not long after one o’clock. Chatburn on the way back, after some nice downhills, was very relaxed and not full of cars and we thought an excellent destination for another ride, even if just for ice cream. Then the magnificent Pendle Hill loomed in front of us. Hills in the afternoon are not ideal and as the sun was now making an appearance, the Black Lane Ends Inn at the top of the last hill made a welcome fourth stop of the ride. Returning to Steeton station, we waited for just one minute for the 5.23 train back to Leeds.

BH

Report of ride to Stamford Bridge and Easingwold, Sunday 28 June 2009

Once upon a time, there were three little girls who went to the police academy. And they were each assigned very hazardous duties but I took them all away from all that and now they work for me. My name is Charlie.

It was going to be a good day. We set off from Oakwood Clock, and the miles slipped easily underneath our wheels. Before we knew it, we were relaxing at The Old Station in Naburn with a mug of tea and a bacon butty. We said a temporary farewell to one of the group who was detouring to visit family in York, and set off for the lunch stop. As we approached Sheriff Hutton, grey clouds gathered and rain began to fall, enough to refresh us, but not enough to dampen our enthusiasm.

A leisurely lunch stop before we set off for Easingwold to meet up with our previously detoured colleague. A complete group again, we made our way to Wetherby via the toll bridge at Aldwark. By the time we reached Wetherby the sun had come out, and the temperature was rising, so we stopped off for tea and cake, and listened to the band in the nearby park.

The last few miles back to Leeds were the hardest, as we cycled through East Keswick and then ground up the final few hills with tiring legs. Back home in Leeds, well in time for tea, another great day out with 97 miles on the clock.

PK

Report of ride to Mytholmroyd, Sunday 14 June 2009

Being the day after the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride, the plan was to have a shorter ride than is normal at this time of year. Despite being advertised more widely than usual due to being at the start of National Bike Week, the turnout was down, with 3 starting from City Square. A notable feature of the ride was the appearance of a full suspension recumbent with the most comfy seat ever seen on a bike. This certainly turned some heads, particularly when hurtling along at 30mph and more.The route wasn’t very subtle. We followed a line to Mytholmroyd that made no allowance for contours. It made for warm work on a lovely, sunny day. We gently climbed through Armley, then Pudsey. The climb out of Bradford through Clayton was more sustained, with a couple of chevrons as we approached Queensbury and a welcome breakfast. There were another couple of climbs – at Mixenden and Booth – before a steadier – I wouldn’t say flat – run though Midgely. We then dropped into Mytholmroyd for a pleasant lunch at Milly’s cafe where we were joined by a fourth rider.

We then crossed the River Calder and after another climb, reached Sowerby. After a section along the valley followed by another climb, we arrived at the bottom of a cobbled slope taking us to Southowram. Mutiny was in the air at the prospect of yet another hill but we pressed on, rewarded by a long descent to Brighouse. Here, we dropped back to the original 3 and began the gentle climb out of Calderdale. There were further hills as we returned via Tong but these were insubstantial in comparison with those from earlier in the day.

The scenery in Calderdale isn’t as famous as some of the places we cycle but it is every bit as good. A wonderful place to cycle.

SH

Report of ride to Pocklington, Sunday 31 May 2009

Everyone’s feeling pretty…it’s hotter than July.

Summer is here!

Oh, what a glorious day of blue skies and sunshine. Nine of us cycled to Selby, our faces kissed by the sun and caressed by the gently cooling easterly breeze. We breakfasted in Osgodby, gaining two latecomers and losing two early leavers, before setting off again to cross the river Derwent by Wressle and heading north-eastwards towards Pocklington (old men playing checkers by the trees), making good time despite the breeze. A light lunch in Pocklington (cheap chip butties, expensive cheese sandwiches, no cake…).

On the return route we picked up a tail wind to help us along. Stopping off briefly for tea and cake along the Selby to York cycle path (I recall the yellow cotton dress foaming like a wave), we lost two more companions to the train station at York (the birds, like tender babies in your hands). The remaining six of us pedalling the last few happy miles via Tadcaster, Bramham and Thorner (and a couple of minor undulations) before getting home in good time for dinner.

Back at home, after 90 glorious miles in good company – a glass of wine and a bowl of olives. Lasagne, spring salad and ice cream for afters.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2875202

PK

Report of ride to Storiths, Sunday 17 May 2009

There were seven of us who set off for Otley under threatening clouds but with the wind in our locks and thoughts of the wonderful Dunnies Cafe awaiting us, we sped on to Otley and soon put any worries about inclement weather behind us. We met up with another two comrades at the cafe (one not currently cycling), and with one of our number returning home to Leeds early, seven again headed off towards Ilkley and beyond.

The fun really started on the climb up Langbar on a lovely quiet road, and then the seemingly obligatory (on LCAG rides at least) off-road section around Deerstones – we had been told this diversion would save some uphill struggling and a bit of ugly main road, but instead we faced a mini-swamp and a troublesomely narrow footbridge across a little stream. No matter! We weren’t to be defeated and Storiths was soon in sight, but before arriving we found ourselves suddenly in the middle of a vintage car rally, or so it seemed, on roads so steep that no cars were supposed to be on them. However, all was well and Buffers cafe was as good as ever – unintentionally offering us free food, which had we been MPs on a fact finding trip, we’d have snaffled in a moment. However, having a collective moral compass, apparently lacking in many of our elected representatives, we returned the offerings and steeled ourselves for the trip back.

The ride was intended to be a half-dayer, but time was getting on so we sped back through Ilkley via Beamsley, battling a nasty head wind all the way, and decided to skip the Cow and Calves. Our numbers decreased at a couple of stages on the return route leaving but three of us climbing up the A660 out of Otley. The rain finally arrived in the north Leeds suburbs but we were home before 230pm , tired and wet (albeit briefly) but content at another successful LCAG day out.

MH

Report of ride to Pateley Bridge, Sunday 10 May 2009

Eight of us set off from Moortown with some brightness trying to come through the clouds. We used the A61 more than usual, turning off to go via Eccup reservour and for 2 miles north of Harewood to the North Rigton turn off so reducing the distance to the first break at the Magnesia Well cafe in Valley Gardens Harrogate. With lack of toast and sausages it was not an ideal breakfast stop.

We lost one of our number and after a spot of mechanicing on a rear wheel that needed attention, we set off towards Hampsthwaite . The road was flattish to Burnt Yates where SH sped off to make Otley by 2pm. We then took the direct route to Pateley Bridge via Brimham Rocks forsaking the big loop to the north east. Then after lunch we rose up onto the moors climbing through two double chevrons. Spots of rain started and increased but not enough to warrant everyone to get out their waterproofs.

Some nice downhills towards Blubberhouses and then into Otley where we treated ourselves to a tea stop. It was made a memorable ride by one of our number, a lady who was valiantly increasing her fitness for a charity ride challenge. Luckily we had the Lancashire version of Superman amongst us who helped her up the hills. After Otley I split off to go up the Chevin road leaving the remaining five to go home via Bramhope. I was home in Pudsey by 5.40.

BH

Report of ride to Askern Sunday 19 April 2009

Seven started from City Square on a perfectly sunny windless morning although slightly chilly for the first hour. We headed off through the backstreets of Leeds centre to pick up the canal in Hunslet. Tufted ducks were spotted on the river alongside the canal near Knostrop. At Woodlesford we had to leave the canal path about a quarter of a mile early due to the path being closed although there is an alternative road at this point. From Swillington we took the lanes through to Squires famous motorcycle cafe for breakfast. We managed to lose two off the front with three miles to go before Squires, they arrived there by an alternative route. Our number increased to eight as we left Squires using mainly quiet lanes to arrive at the lakeside cafe in Askern.

For the afternoon return ride we were seven again. Initially heading away from home for the first couple of miles to cross the waterways on an off-road section of cycle route 62. Rejoining our outward route for a couple of miles near South Millford where we stopped for the afternoon cafe stop at a new venue, the award winning Mill Farm Garden Teas, a little more expensive than the average but the extras make it worth it. The group split to go separate ways home at Barwick in Elmet. The writer totalled 85 miles for the day. An excellent day out all the better for the sunny weather and good company.

AG

Report of ride to Buckden Sun 5 April 2009

A simple ride in terms of the route, but complicated in terms of riders’ comings and goings: ten riders involved, but the numbers varied along the route from 7 at the start to 9 in the middle and 4 at the end.

Though Buckden was the aim, my ‘cunning plan’ was to stop for lunch at the first village after 1pm. That turned out to be Kettlewell – only 4 miles short of Buckden. We thought we would try a different cafe to the usual one near the bridge, so went to the other one in the middle of the village. In line with most Wharfedale honeypots, prices were rather high (Sandwich £5, soup&roll £4.20), but we never got the chance to pay them as service was so slow that we got fed up and left. Instead we went to the Village Stores, a real old-fashioned ‘open all hours’ emporium with box shelves covering all walls. Here we got friendly service, tea at 50p and freshly made sandwiches at £1.60 which we ate outside in the sun. And the shop’s charity box benefitted too. On the return we pulled in at Hebden, but the prices there were even higher than the Kettlewell cafe, so on to Storiths, where the struggle up the steep hill was rewarded by excellent tea and carrot cake in Buffers. After such a long ride the long slope up from Otley seemed longer than usual, but it was a grand ride on a beautiful day, and home by 6pm.

FM

Report of ride to Boroughbridge Sun 8 March 2009

Another ride where folks joined and left at various points. The forecast was for snow, hail showers and strong winds, so it was good to see 7 riders starting at Moortown. In the event we didn’t experience any snow or hail (though Leeds did while we were away). The wind was fairly strong, SW in the morning veering to W in the afternoon, so it fairly whisked us along to breakfast and lunch, but it was indeed a bit of battle getting back home!
“The GPS showed this bit was flat” said IO as we climbed up the hill out of Thorner. Approaching Bramham we spotted the new bike route being built alongside the East side of the A1M. Soon we were in the cafe in Thorpe Arch trading estate, where £4 for breakfast in a bun (egg, bacon, beans & mushrooms) seemed rather good value compared to £3.60 for toasted teacake and a cup of tea.

North of Aldwark, hedge-trimmings were lying on the road, so it was not entirely a surprise that a bit later in Myton-on-Swale, IO got a puncture (that needed 3 of us to fix – don’t ask!). The next section of the route was over the historic bridge over the Swale, then a bridleway which had been quite rideable a couple of years ago. Unfortunately the farmer had recently ploughed the field including the bridleway, so we had to walk the bikes for a bit, and then spend some minutes clearing the mud off.

Eventually we got to Boroughbridge at 1340, and were disappointed to find the usual cafe (at the corner of the market square) was closed. Luckily just down the hill was another cafe, friendly enough but with rather slow service. Leaving via the Devil’s Arrows (prehistoric monoliths pointing the way north) we saw an amusing sign proclaiming “No Nimbys in Boroughbridge”. The last bit of off-road was a very good tarred bridleway from Roecliffe to Copgrove, whence Knaresborough. Given the continuing strong adverse winds, we decided to abandon the intended route home via the moors above Collingham, and instead took the standard route via Follifoot, then the A61 (with the wind helping us up the hill from the Wharfe). Home by 1730.

FM

Report of ride to Burnsall Sun 22 February 2009

With the freezing weather a distant memory, a large pack gathered for the ride. A couple more were picked up by Otley, bring the numbers to a round dozen. This wasn’t so easy to keep track of, with one choosing to skip the breakfast stop before rejoining the group at Burnsall, 4 turning back at Ilkley and 1 taking the direct return route from Burnsall.

The slight headwind was the excuse for the slow pace to Ilkley where 11 of us crammed round 2 small tables. As time was getting on, we decided to skip the climb through Langbar and take the direct route. We needn’t have worried as the pace picked up slightly, despite the hills which resulted in being outpaced by a jogger on the way up to Storiths.

The cafe at Burnsall was full – we weren’t the only people to decide it was an attractive destination. Refreshment was bought at the shop next door and consumed on a bench looking towards the river. It was warm enough in the sun despite it being February – a couple of riders had already decided it was T-shirt weather.

The return took us back through Appletreewick and then a steady climb up to Greenhow. Then the wind was in our favour for the return. We moved so swiftly, we even detoured slightly to keep to quieter roads. We dropped down to Fewston then went through Lindley to reach Pool and Arthington.

After a final chat stop at Bramhope, the ride broke up. It had been a concern whether going via Greenhow would allow us to get back in daylight but this proved unfounded as we were home by 5.

SH

Report of ride to Castleford Sun 8 February 2009

Despite ‘the worst snow for 20 years’, six riders turned up at a chilly but bright City Square. After breakfast at a new venue (The New Captain’s Table, overlooking the Inner Ring Road Stage 7), we set off along the Transpennine Trail. Unlike the main roads, the trail had not been cleared of snow, but was ‘passable with care’ as far as the crossing of the M1. Unfortunately flood damage to the trail at Woodlesford last year meant it was necessary to cross to the South side of the canal, and we did this by the old rail bridge near the M1. This led to a wide track, probably fine in dry weather, but today full of ice-filled potholes, one of which required a spot of snow mountaineering to avoid. A bit further on, an icy stretch saw four of us simultaneously on the floor, but thankfully no injuries! It was with some relief that we left the track to rejoin treated roads at Mickletown. Soon in Castleford, we enjoyed the view from the new bridge before lunch at the somewhat understocked bus station cafe.

After crossing the bridge again we took a quick tour of the Allerton Bywater Millennium Village (which towers over the original village), and wondered how long it would take to sell all these new flats.

Although we had all enjoyed the earlier frolicks in the snow, enough was enough, so the planned return route via The Lines and Temple Newsam was abandoned in favour of ‘proper roads’, including this hill near Great Preston, and the new East Leeds Link Road (which opened the day after our preview).

A fun day out, and back home by 1430.

FM

Report of ride to Keighley Sun 25 January 2009

The ride proved to be well attended with 13 riders in all. It’s amazing how cycling appears most popular in the middle of winter. We gained and lost people at various places along the way. Having arrived at the start by way of the intended route a detour for the first few miles was in order due to thick mud on Crag Lane. The route took us through Horsforth and then past the Airport taking the very narrow lane into Yeadon to join the Yeadon to Guiseley cycle track newly open last year. Possibly due to the weather being very agreeable this proved to be popular with pedestrians also and cycle bells were put to good use. On through Esholt and onto the canal and then to Saltaire for breakfast or brunch to be more accurate at the Victoria Tea room. The route on to Cliffe Castle took in a track to Bingley and then over the 5 rise and into Keighley. Unfortunately the cafe was closed at Cliffe Castle so we pressed on to Silsden where we had a cafe stop. The return journey was the most challenging part of the day with some good climbs above Riddlesden, East Morton Bank and finishing off with York Gate for a good view over Leeds & Bradford Airport with the runway lights shining out in the dusk light. All in all a varied ride with tracks, cycle paths, canals and hills.

AG

Report of ride to Selby Sun 11 January 2009

The first ride of the year always attracts a good crowd of well-intentioned pedalling friends, so it was delightful to see nine people gathered at Oakwood clock on a blustery but almost-warm morning. We set off at a steady pace, stopping off at Squires Café near Sherburn in Elmet for breakfast, where we both gained and lost a colleague. Arriving at Selby, our usual café haunt (the bus station café) was closed , so we cycled a couple of extra miles to Selby Garden Centre (http://www.selbygardencentre.com/), where we enjoyed a top-notch lunch, amidst the trinkets, gadgets and gew-gaws of the neon lit surroundings. Returning home, one colleague soon departed for York. The rest of us cycled on.
It is a somewhat unfortunate fact that most of the rides that I lead have, for some reason, incurred the wrath of the weather gods. Today was to be no exception. Out of the South West rose Aeolus, at first in a mildly bad-tempered state, but as the afternoon turned into a greying dusk, his ire rose and he began to vent his spleen. As I battled past Barwick in Elmet, I felt less like a cyclist, and more like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. As I finished the ride, a spent, exhausted, beaten cyclist, I met my destiny as my rear tyre slowly deflated, leaving me to walk the final half mile home. All in all, a good day out, about 56 miles (somewhat longer than the advertised length, my apologies for that). Map of route at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2485537

PK