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Liz's Warm Up

As Liz was unable to lead this ride, I stepped into the breech, but since it was my fault, as Liz asked me to change the date before the new programme was issued I couldn't really say no.

It was a dull overcast morning in Northallerton when I pulled up, as little worst for wear from the previous night to find Roland, and Dave Scoones debating whether to wimp out. Shortly after that Mick Loughran, Dave Neesham, and Alan also appeared, All of whom were keen as mustard.

We took off through Northallerton, after chatting to Liz, who had come to see us off, and headed off across to Knayton, and then across to Thornton le Street, before dropping into Thirsk, and back out through Sowerby. Most of the chatter being about Roland's threat of buying a mountain bike, and various people talking to Alan, who was on his first ride, about the section and what a wonderful set of people are in it and who we have such fun times! Not sure he was convinced at this point. Alan was starting to wear that expression reserved for when you are sick of the double glazing salesman!!

We headed through Dalton, where the sun had broken though and the day was starting to show real promise, and up through Topcliffe, and past Topcliffe Mill, where we inspected the amount of water in the Swale while Roland pushed some more air into his tyre.

We meandered through the lanes up to Skipton on Swale, where we joined the B road heading across to Masham, and the cafe stop. Dave and myself being the adventurous souls with a taste for the exotic, both ordered the Ostrich burger, whilst the rest of the party stuck to what they knew and loved.

On leaving the cafe, Roland surprised us all with his inspired and thoughtful opinion about the waitress who served us in the Cafe. descression forbids me from revealing it in print, but once again, just ask me and I'll tell!

From Masham, we headed across more lanes, to Thirn, and Newton le Willows, before turning and heading back to Bedale.. Both the roads and the sunshine put a wide smile on everybody. Unfortunately it was a main road bash back from Bedale to Northallerton, but once back we all found that the salty bacon had given us a real thirst, and had to drop into the Standard for a quick one.

Thanks to everyone for coming out, and especially Alan for his first time, and Dave S, who doesn't manage to get out as often now as he'd and we'd like.

Gary Dawes

Last Modified: 7 May, 2003