Report on myself and Claire's trip to York rally to meet up with members of the club. - By Roger Taylor
Setting off from Burnley/ Padiham on touring bikes with camping gear on board we went over the moss road from Laneshaw Bridge to Silsden, following the same route as Sundays's short ride to Ilkley, through to Addingham but then crossing the river on the suspension foot bridge to join the quiet back road to Otley. Lunch at Otley then quiet roads and cycle paths (lots of and good ones) straight to the racecourse.
Arrived at the Knavesmire at about 4 pm, pitched tents, found food vans, then beer tent for the quiz (which actually started earlier than advertised). We were soon joined by the club gang consisting of Jim and Jackie, Ian Lowcock, and Paul (electric Paul). Despite my very recently acquired knowledge of modern innertube material and the rest of the team answering the rest of the questions we didn't win.
On the Saturday we looked round the stalls, and I test rode two Ice Recumbant trikes. Then we rode out to Riccall on the solar path, route 65 (I think). Had lunch and bought food for barbeque, then looped back for said barbeque which was great after the gas knob got turned to full on.
Ian went on the real ale trail so missed the Barbi.
On Sunday we had a quick look round the saddle bag sale then me and Claire headed home following the reverse of our outbound route. We spotted a Red Kite being mobbed by a crow towards Bolton Abbey, arriving back home safely just after 6 pm.
A big thanks to Jim and Jackie for their hospitality, providing breakfast and brews, and organising the ride and trip in general. Thanks everyone else for your company it was a great event.