Knayton

Grant, Charles, Melanie, Paul and I met at Knayton for what was programmed as a strenuous ride. Charles is becoming a regular on the SOC rides and when he arrives on time even gets the chance to ride with the rest of us, glad to say he was on time today. It was good to see Melanie out on a hard ride and feeling fit again. We warmed up on the little hills as we headed through the villages to Boltby. We climbed Boltby bank using six different individual techniques to get to the top of this steep hill, some cycled, some slogged and others even managed a little neat foot shuffling, pushing the bike in front of them.

We gathered at the top and set off along the right turn towards Sutton Bank, then took a left turn, which descended quickly down, towards Rievaulx Abbey, passing the chocolate box cottage at the bottom and admiring the new Abbey being built in the valley. Must try and remember to go back in a few years time to see this building when it is completed, assuming the planning department approves the design and the fact that the building does not appear to have sash windows or adequate toilet facilities, not to mention the lack of sinks in the kitchens that is proving a real headache for the environmental health people.

Hemsley, or Helmsley depending on which end of the town you enter from, was our caf‚ stop and we found the old police station had gone down the nick a bit since the last time we arrested here. We may have found them on a bad day but I can't recommend this caf‚ for service now.

Harome, Nunnington and Ampleforth are picturesque little villages and these were followed by the equally attractive Byland Abbey, Kilburn (especially so because we stopped here for a pint), Sutton-under-Whitestone cliff and Felixkirk. Back to Knayton for another pint in Grant's local and thanks for an excellent ride.

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	Swaledale Outdoor Club

Knayton

Liz / Paul