Another excellent day in North Yorkshire. Thanks to Dave Lloyd for planning an excellent course; to the usual band of helpers for making sure that the event ran smoothly; especially to the 5 volunteers who collected the controls after they had finished; and finally to Jeff Harris who sacrificed his ride in order to get the last 6 controls out between 12 and 1 as they had been locked up in the computer van and then he went back out to collect them in!!
I hope that the 3 problems didn’t spoil your ride. The track from Newgate Foot Farm had been ploughed up for a short section and the old gate fastened up since Dave’s last visit. Nobody was living at Old Fold below #22 two months ago. The stile at #7 was in the correct place but we have given some riders the benefit of the doubt.
The event was tougher than usual because we want to make sure that the stronger riders can’t clear the course – and this area had been badly affected by the floods in July. A wider spread of controls also means that you spread out more so we aren’t as noticeable!!
I stayed west because I wanted to cycle around Reivaulx Moor. It is always beautiful but the purple heather and views to the north were even more stunning than usual. I then worked hard in the forest so that by the time I got onto the road at Cowhouse Bank my only option was to get back. I was glad that I did because the event field with a choice of Fat Pigs or Wilf’s was a welcome sight.
It was a similar tale on Saturday when quite a few of our regular riders competed at Malham. It was another superb event but their event centre was slightly better as it was attached to the Malham Show. Thanks to Chris Wildman for organising this event and allowing us to include it in the North Yorkshire League.
It’s weekends like this which remind me why I enjoy riding and living in North Yorkshire so much.
Our next events are on Saturday and Sunday 10th/11th September in the Yorkshire Dales with the event centre at Askrigg School. Although both events count in the league you are very welcome to enter on only one day. Camping and caravanning is on the school field so there are toilets and wash basins but, unfortunately, no showers. There will be a bar on Friday and Saturday night and Fat Pigs will be selling breakfast both mornings as well as providing a free meal for riders after each event. If you are able to help at all please let me know as there is always room for volunteers.
The October event is in Dalby Forest. Unfortunately the Forestry Commission have decided not to waive the Forest Toll fee any longer so it will cost £2.50 per car. Please print off the flier and take it with you or you will be charged the full price of £5.
Steve Willis