Swaledale Outdoor Club

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Northallerton

The Fencotes, The Broadleys, Paul and I set out on a drizzly morning from Northallerton and took the back roads to Thirsk. Andrew, Anna and Alice left us at The Iron gates to make their way back to Northallerton via Thornton Stud Park.

The weather deteriorated and by the time we reached Coxwold we were somewhat wet and the prospects did not look good. Mick and John were keen to keep going so we continued to Hovingham where even a possible tea stop didn’t tempt them to shorten the ride. They were determined to do the full route so a further 2 miles brought us to the farm cafe in Slingsby.

We found warm radiators, stripped down to our shorts, wrung out our socks and steamed up the windows.

After a well earned break we put on our wet clothes and ventured out into the rain again. A tailwind was a welcome aid to our return journey which took us through the grounds of Ampleforth College and on to Byland Abbey, Oldstead etc. We finished the 66 miles very wet and bedraggled but all feeling a sense of achievement and with no regrets. Thank you John and Mick for your enthusiastic support and to Paul for just being there.

Liz Corner

Last Modified: 7 May, 2003