Club Run - Mirfield to How Stean Gorge 19/07/09 (Did the Thorpers make it there ??!!)

19/07/2009 by Al and Sarah.

Club Run Report - 19/07/09 - present were Alex Millman, Doug Tomlinson, Alastair Wareham, Martyn Bolt and Robert Bradby.Woke to a very miserable morning, not very hopeful for our quest to get the Thorpers to How Stean Gorge at last.Its been years since anyone has been there on a club run so we were determined to try and make it regardless of the miserable weather forecast. So the above five set off heading towards Otley via the most direct route through Leeds where we got drenched !  Stopped for a brew at Otley cafe to dry off and Brad turned back home as Ange was feeling a bit peeky (hope you’re ok Ange and not got the dreaded stomach lurgy that we’ve had !)Apprehensively I decided to head on towards How Stean , not knowing how my knee would react especially in view of facing the notorious Norwood Edge. We all got up it safely and went on through Menwith Hill, Dacre Bank, Summerbridge and Pately Bridge. How Stean Gorge is then 8 miles outside Pateley Bridge along some very windey, cyclist friendly quiet roads. We made it at last and what a fabulous ride, great roads and fantastic scenery that even made the weather bearable.Had lunch in the lovely cafe at How Stean Gorge, where we met Sarah, Little Al and Sarahs mum. Sarah said she thought she saw Derrick en route near to Shipley ? Was it you ??!!After lunch, headed on back to Pateley Bridge where Martyn suggested we try a route up to York Folly (I think it was called ?) which was one brute of a hill ! and had the beans on toast stirring. Then back over the main climbs to Otley, where it was decided we would stop for afternoon tea (minus the scones).  Then the trudgery of riding back through Bradford and up Manchester Road where we parted with Alastair at the top who had done a sterling job of breaking the 100 mile mark - in fine style, well done mate you made it look a breeze.A great ride, and How Stean will be firmly back on the calendar now as a great route and great cafe.Ride statistics were 90 miles, average speed 15.4 mph.

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