Recent rides

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday Rides
Wheel Easy Walk Report
When I came down for breakfast this morning and saw snow and mist I wasn’t surprised to receive several text messages with suggested plans for the day.
Caroline and Max’s early idea of Wheel Easy sledging gave way to tiling their bathroom so it was up to Martin ,Yvonne and Alison to lead us on a very roundabout route to Knaresborough via Follifoot and Plompton. Paul, Malcolm and Gia met them at Follifoot after finding a route from Pannal which took in parts of the old Follifoot road and a well made path from Haggs Road to the tunnel.
We stopped at Plompton to admire the fine pigs and their litters which had not been born on our last walk earlier in the year when the snow was a foot deep.
We met John W at the Riverside Café which is splendid since it has been refurbished. Paul and Gia walked back to Pannal so completing a 12 mile round trip while the rest went home on the bus or the train. Gia

Wheel Easy Ride Report
I arrived at Hornbeam Park on my mountain bike, with lights on, as visibility was down to just 50 yards max. There was also plenty of snow around after yet another overnight snow fall. I thought it was extremely unlikely there would be any 'on-road' rides today, and for a while it looked as if it was going to be another 'Billy no mates' ride for me, but a few minutes later Mark S arrived, and then Ben C arrived - and all three of us had mountain bikes.
So we set off on the usual WE snow route: along the bridle path towards Fulwith Mill, turn left across the railway bridge and drop down into Crimple Valley. There the three of us diverted off the path to tackle the Wheel Easy sledging run - and then found there was very wet mud underneath the snow, so it was almost impossible to climb back up the slope - even with hiking boots on! We also began to realise that the snow had been very localised, with little evidence of snow just 4 miles outside Harrogate: all the tracks around Knaresborough were extremely wet and muddy - and so were we! It was therefore unusually hard going today - much harder than in the crisp new snow of just three days ago. We stopped for refuelling at the Waterside cafe in Knaresborough, which was soon further invaded by about 20 members of York Wednesday Wheelers. Based on their experience of their route from York, they found it difficult to believe that Harrogate could be covered in snow and mist.
We then climbed the Beryl Burton Cycleway out of Knaresborough, and back into a snowy Harrogate by the Dragon Cycleway. My mileage today was 18 miles, so the three of us had covered a combined total of 54 miles for the 2010 Captain's Log. Eric W

EG's Ride Report
The day started with me clearing 3 to 4 inches of snow from the drive (Harlow Hill being above the snow line). Fortunately Otley Road and Beckwith Road were reasonably clear of snow unlike last Sunday morning when with an unusual attack of common sense a certain rider returned home after cycling about 50 yards.
So it was down to Low Bridge via Hornbeam, where two riders could be seen waiting in the mist unfortunately today there was no cheery wave from Caroline and Max coming up the hill (sorry if I missed you both).
Knaresborough proved to be a snow free zone but today only three EG`s made it, Dave P, Dave W and Peter B.
It was decided to head for York (not done for a while ), the roads and fields being snow free and the visibility was quite good, being more of a misty morn than a thick fog.
On the way we passed York Wednesday Wheelers with 20 plus riders including a fast chair heading eastwards.
It was about 12-30 pm when the cafe opposite Cliffords Tower was reached and DP who had not yet had his caffeine fix was getting a bit twitchy, still good things come to those who wait and it was soon in for hot drinks, hot soup and hot sandwiches ( heaven ).
After the warmth reached the fingers and toes it was time to head on route 65 to Beningborough Park and coffee and cakes at the Home Farm Shop (DP being determined to get his two coffee stops in)
Leaving York the sun had tried its best to get out but as we approached Aldwark Bridge the gloom started to return. Again we passed York Wednesday Wheelers near Marton cum Grafton heading back Westwards.
The day turned out a lot better than expected, with the road conditions being good and as expected the only snow seen was on returning to Harlow Hill. Maximum mileage around 57 to 59 miles. Dave P

2010 Wheel Easy Miles (approx) Today 225 YTD 9967