I was joined by a new rider this morning, John, who has recently moved to Harrogate. Welcome aboard John and good to have you along.

We kicked off from the New Inn Pub, on the Otley Road in Harrogate and headed out on a hilly start through Hampsthwaite, Shaw Mills and Bishop Monkton. With the main hills out the way it was over towards Boroughbridge via Markington, Burton Leonard (quick gel stop to get some energy back) and Staveley.

Before getting to Boroughbridge we turned right down a quiet lane to Marton-cum-Grafton and headed towards Knaresborough for a welcome coffee stop at Rascal’s down on the Riverside. It was then a steady return to Harrogate up through Starbeck to complete a very nice ride.

The pace was good and thankfully the rain held off, before we finished in glorious sunshine.

Ride route can be seen here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/12166065