Clifton CC

How was it for you?
Four set off from the square on a wet & wild Sunday morning which was 3 more than I was expecting. Destination Thorpe Perrow Arboretum near Bedale. By the time we got to Shipton the capes were off and the rest of the day was pleasant and relatively sunny. Plenty of flooded roads though but nothing to cause any problems. Took the backroads to Boroughbridge, Ripon, Grewelthorpe befor dropping into Masham. Straight out on the Thirsk road and left at the crossroads for Well. The cafe is just a couple of miles further on - just far enough to get caught in a shower!
Cafe was a bit disappointing - not much hot food despite it being reasonably busy.
I had it in mind to skirt the moors on the way back so we took the main road to Northallerton which was ok with a stiff tail wind. Took the Knayton road out of Northallerton and a right turn after the A19 for Upsall and a steady climb which was a new one for me. Back through the familiar lanes to Sutton under Whitestone Cliff, Kilburn, Crayke.
Not far off 90 miles for me and glad I made it out having missd the previous Sunday with illness.

Caroline had a singing rehearsal so I had a day of freedom, not that the thought cheered me too much when I peeped past the curtains to see rain lashing against the window. Anyway, I pulled on various bits of supposedly hi-tech kit which promised to keep me dry and splashed out around 9:30 for four hours-worth of brisk-but-steady. Having occasionally found myself up to the bottom bracket in floodwater recently I plotted a route out through Aberford, looping round past Selby and back up through Skipwith which at least avoided the risk of drowning, but definitely proved that the waterproof overshoes weren't (but then they never are). 65 miles and very damp but warm when I got back, despite the chilly south-westerly and a mix of sunshine and very heavy showers.

I fell off - right in front of Mrs Mal - not too much harm done - severe rollockin' when I got home!

Am hoping the Xmas riders' dinner was less eventful than last year?

Claire and I took advantage of day long baby sitters on Saturday. Clockwise route to Driffield via Langton and West Lutton. Back via Hutton Cranswick and Millington. Nice day, clear skies, pleasant route.