This was one of the coldest starts of the winter so far and with some frosty roads we opted for a flatter route out east with Easingwold as the target.

Despite the cold, we had a good turnout and we started off following a familiar route down into Knaresborough and out towards Boroughbridge, before taking the Helperby road, through Helperby, Raskelf and onto Easingwold.  The roads had all been gritted which was reassuring until we turned towards Alne at Easingwold.  This road was white with frost which made for some very cautious riding down towards Aldwark Bridge.  The bridge attendant was in a festive mood, which even drew a “Merry Christmas” from Malcolm, much to the amusement of the CCC peleton.

We then made our way back towards Harrogate through Thorpe Underwood, Whixley, Cattal and Spofforth, before descending on mass to our favourite coffee shop for some much need refreshments, strudel and anything else that we could lay our hands on.

A really nice 50 mile ride.

View the route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/135325532