The sun was out, and what’s more….it was almost warm!!  The conditions dragged 10 of us out this morning getting a sneaky ride in before Mother’s Day duties beckoned.

We decided on a route around the north of Harrogate and headed off up the Otley Road towards Norwood Lane and Little Almscliffe into a noticeable headwind.  Thankfully after turning ride at Norwood the wind was then behind us.  We decided to try and marshall the group better today and to make sure that no-one attacked the hills to try and keep the group together more.  We crossed over the A59 at Menwith and carried on before dropping down a back lane into Darley and along the river to Birstwith, where we turned and headed up Clint Bank.  We all took the climb at a steady pace and at the top…..we were all still together.

We dropped into Shaw Mills, and continued along through Markington and Bishop Monkton and headed towards Roecliffe.  Malcolm then took us down a private road (public bridleway) which felt like we were paying homage to the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix.  This lane brought us out into Copgrove, were we then headed back through Knaresborough and a much deserved coffee stop at Cafe Rosso.  The weather was even better by then, so we have our first alfresco Cappuccino of the year.

Well done to all for keeping the group together.

View the route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/76879291