Askwith Moor – 2nd January 2011

The first ride of the New Year…

It was a cold morning on Sunday and five us of set off from St Aidans to follow a route suggested by Jamie to head out towards Otley.  We dropped down into Burnbridge before climbing up Brackenthwaite Lane for our first proper climb of 2011.  At the top Jamie had a mechanical with his crank arm, but that was soon put right and we continued on.  Just before turning off at Leathley, we said good bye to Paul and Tim who had to be back early.  Three of us continued and halfway up a steep climb, Jamie had another mechanical, this time a snapped chain.  This was more serious, as we did not have the tools to fix it.  We walked to the top of the climb in Farnley and James went ahead to see if Chevin Cycles was open (which it was) whilst Martin pushed Jamie down into Otley.  Thankfully those guys came across some other cyclists who did have the necessary tools to fix the chain so Chevin Cycles was not needed.

After a coffee stop in a very greasey spoon in Otley, we made for Askwith.  Along the lane we passed Lizzie Armistead out on a training ride and then headed up the climb to the top of Askwith Moor.  From here we returned to Harrogate via Timble and Fewston and along Pennypot Lane, before sneaking into the Specialized shop for some window shopping.

A good way to start the New Year, with plenty of climbing.

View the route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/61599268

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Christmas Ride – 29th December 2010

The weather conditions looked like they had thawed enough as a few hardy souls gathered to try and blow away a few of the Christmas excesses on this morning.  We decided to keep the ride nice and gentle and head out towards Boroughbridge, before dropping down to Wetherby.

However, just outside  Knaresborough at Lingerfield, Luke and Richard hit some black ice and came tumbling down to tarmac with a solid bump.  Thankfully there were no injuries, however the collective decision was taken to head to Knaresborough for an early coffee, before then heading for home.  We only ended up doing just over 13 miles, however everyone’s safety was more important that a few extra miles.

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas for the Cappuccino Cycling Club based in Harrogate

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Lower Nidderdale – 14th December 2010

The forecast was for rain, but thankfully there was no sign of it as three of us met outside St Aidans School, for our first mid-week night ride in a few weeks.  We decided on a route out past Beckwithshaw on down in to Nidderdale.  As we set off three soon became four as Alex did a quick u-turn to join us after suffering a few puncture problems in his basement.

A steady pace was set up the Otley Road and on through Beckwithshaw to the top of the climb at Little Almscliff.  We then headed down past the Sun Inn and onto Penny Pot before turning to go over the A59 at Kettlesing Head and dropping down Tang Lane to  Birstwith Hall.  After a steep climb to Clapham Green, we descended into a very festive Hampsthwaite (great effort with all the house lights) before making our return to Harrogate via Hollins Lane, Jennyfields and the Duchy.

A nice ride in the dark, with a few hills thrown in the make the legs work.

View the route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/59759342

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Boroughbridge – 12th December 2010

After a couple of weeks of Arctic weather it was good to finally get the road bikes out again on another bitterly cold morning.  Karl, James and Jonathan set off steadily on a fairly easy ride towards Boroughbridge via Knaresborough, Staveley and Minskip.  The first interesting bit was along the Riverside in Knaresborough which was still very icey.

The run up to Boroughbridge was into a biting northerly wind.  As we had only planned to be out for a couple of hours, it was a relief to go over the A1 and turn south with our winds on our backs.  We headed down the old A1 and turned back in towards Harrogate through Arkendale and Coneythorpe, before continuing along a very icey Abbey Road and back up the hill in to Harrogate for a much needed coffee at Cafe Rosso, where Jamie joined us after his morning run.

It was good to stretch the legs, despite the slippery conditions.

View the route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/59638425

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Suncatchers Cafe, Masham

Suncatchers Cafe, Masham

52 Market Place, Masham, North Yorkshire, HG4 4EF

Tel: 01765 688809
Web: www.suncatcherscafe.com

Comments: What a great place to stop and rest weary cycling legs. This cafe can be found in the far corner of the square in Masham and is a real belter, whether you are cycling or not. The service is friendly and the bohemian decour and log fire creates a really cosy atmosphere. The food is excellent – especially the bacon and egg sarnies. We will be back….

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Home Farm, Farm Shop, Beningborough

Home Farm, Farm Shop, Beningborough

Home Farm, Beningborough, York, YO30 1DB

Tel: 01904 470 562

Map Link

Comments: This is a must for anyone cycling in the Vale of York. The welcome is warm, the selection of food is great and the drinks aren’t bad aswell. I would recommend that you take a rucksack as you will want to stock up your larder with some of the gorgeous array of foods available to take home….

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Lemon Meringue Tea Rooms, Pateley Bridge

Lemon Meringue Tea Rooms, Pateley Bridge

Bridgehouse Gate, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5HG

Tel: 01423 711013

Map Link

Comments: A little gem of a tea room this. They have a great selection of cakes and pastries, and the portions are huge. Service is friendly and the prices are good. Plenty of room for the bikes down the side of the cafe.

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Rascals Tea Rooms, Knaresborough

Rascals Tea Rooms, Knaresborough

29, Waterside, Knaresborough, HG5 8DE

Tel: 01423 863606

Map Link

Comments:  One of our favourite tea rooms this.  The staff are friendly, the coffee is good and there is an excellent selection on food to eat.  Plenty of room for the bikes outside as well.

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Sun Parlour Cafe, Ripon

Sun Parlour Cafe, Ripon

Spa Gardens, Ripon

Tel: 07851 395923

Comments:  Great value tea, coffee and cakes – but filter coffee only, so no Cappuccino!

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