Pale Rider
Legendary Member
My ride today was a 50 mile loop in North Yorkshire in the excellent company of @EasyPeez, @Julia9054, her partner Al, and my mate Steve.
Al sorted a route from Easingwold, south west towards Boroughbridge, then up to Thirsk and back to Easingwold via Coxwold.
We were blessed with dry, sunny weather and not a lot of wind.
The first 30 miles or so is relatively flat, and we took advantage by rattling along at a good pace.
Al had sorted an elevenses stop outside Boroughbridge where we scoffed some tasty brunch sandwiches.
By now heading north, we copped a bit of a headwind, and our ever attentive ride leader did some route realignment to ease the last few miles into Thirsk.
Another hospitable stop - we were given a key to a gated alleyway for secure bike parking.
Time for some climbing on our way to the likes of Upsall and Felixkirk, and we came dangerously near to Boltby ruddy Bank, but thankfully didn't have to go up it.
The sun was setting as Coxwold hoved into view, and we elected to stay on the bigger road to Easingwold, rather than take the signposted NCN minor road, which is narrow, gravelly, and probably best not taken in impending darkness.
A long, draggy climb out of Coxwold, past one side of the Castle Howard estate.
Our average speed dropped with the climbing to under 14mph, but that's still going some, and there were some tired legs as we rolled into Easingwold at about 4.30pm.
That part of Yorkshire is marvellous cycling country, as picturesque as you could wish for, not strangled with motor traffic, and not too much climbing if you pick your route carefully.
Add the company I had today, and it doesn't get much better.
Al sorted a route from Easingwold, south west towards Boroughbridge, then up to Thirsk and back to Easingwold via Coxwold.
We were blessed with dry, sunny weather and not a lot of wind.
The first 30 miles or so is relatively flat, and we took advantage by rattling along at a good pace.
Al had sorted an elevenses stop outside Boroughbridge where we scoffed some tasty brunch sandwiches.
By now heading north, we copped a bit of a headwind, and our ever attentive ride leader did some route realignment to ease the last few miles into Thirsk.
Another hospitable stop - we were given a key to a gated alleyway for secure bike parking.
Time for some climbing on our way to the likes of Upsall and Felixkirk, and we came dangerously near to Boltby ruddy Bank, but thankfully didn't have to go up it.
The sun was setting as Coxwold hoved into view, and we elected to stay on the bigger road to Easingwold, rather than take the signposted NCN minor road, which is narrow, gravelly, and probably best not taken in impending darkness.
A long, draggy climb out of Coxwold, past one side of the Castle Howard estate.
Our average speed dropped with the climbing to under 14mph, but that's still going some, and there were some tired legs as we rolled into Easingwold at about 4.30pm.
That part of Yorkshire is marvellous cycling country, as picturesque as you could wish for, not strangled with motor traffic, and not too much climbing if you pick your route carefully.
Add the company I had today, and it doesn't get much better.
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