Robert Bialek volunteers to be Sunday ride leader for the first time
With the designated leader off to his daughter's wedding, I volunteered to lead the ride instead. With mounting suspense I reached King Cross where four hardy souls awaited.. Perhaps the weather deterred the other regular riders? The outlook was cloudy and windy, and it stayed that way.
Going through Bradford centre, on't freeway to Shipley to get into't countryside quickly, our group consisted of Charlotte ("Leave me, I'll get there by Christmas!"), Nick (“I can’t believe how easy it is riding this new bike”), Malcolm (in't middle), and Len(ny Henry). Up Hollings Lane via Park Road to Guiseley, Nick and I took the lesser used High Road up to Moor Top and Chevin Rd. It was with some surprise that I discovered a very good value for money (OK then, cheap) cafe, Dunnes on Bridge St, Otley. It was 10 am & all five of us sat down to eat. For £2 you get a double sausage 'n' chips 'n' gravy, with a mug of tea thrown in for just 30p!! Wow!
Off up the B6451 to Farnley where we seem to have lost Charlotte. Up and up, then pausing for others to catch up; the windswept descent to Bland Hill was exhilerating. Going right at Worstall Craggs and across the A59 to Kettlesing was “interesting”. Up to Birstwith & down along The Nidd Valley to Darley was a “memorable experience”, said Nick. Back at the B6451 it was down hill to Dacre and past Mill Hirst to The Countryside Cafe. It seemed a trifle posh & the food prices reflected that, but I was told that the cakes were nice and I can vouch that they were. Suitably refuelled we departed at 1pm onto't back roads just West of Dacre. From Thornthwaite, a steep descent to Blubberhouses and a sharp pull up to gain the height for a long, final descent to Otley. It just had to be teas all round at the cheap cafe, again. It was barely an hour since leaving Dacre and we all agreed that it was a ride out that shouldn't be missed. Going our separate ways, Len took the train back home, and the remaining three of us went up East Chevin Road & Birdcage Walk, Nick to Eccleshill, and Malcolm and I to Bradford Centre after a great day out.