York/Thirsk Road ride

Writing this now, on Friday morning, yesterday seems like another season ago!! The roads were dry, the sun was out and t-shirts worn all round. I was going to recommend bringing ski goggles and a gum shield as I got hit in the face by so many bugs! Then at 10pm last night it started raining, just a small downpour we thought, and it's still going 11hrs later. The forecast for Sunday is OK, so lets hope they get it right.

The course sets off from Sutton Bank, along the ridge for a few miles before dropping steeply off the edge and into Boltby. The impressive remains of Byland Abbey come next after which there are some long, flat country roads to get up some speed on. A gentle climb brings you to Hutton-le-Hole and the manned drink station. This village is where Heartbeat is filmed and is picturesque, with sheep roaming the green and a pub. The Drink Station is outside Merrills shop which sells fudge, drinks and ice cream ( Cookies and Cream - Yum! (well on a sunny day anyway)) From here the ride splits with the long route disappearing into the North York Moors National Park for a hard 22miles before returning to rejoin the route a mile up the road. Back through Helmesley and a final sting in the tail climb back up to Sutton Bank.

We're all camping this weekend ( seemed a good idea a couple of weeks ago) and are about to put out tomorrows ride - Keith is getting into his wetsuit. Not sure if that's to do the ride or whilst he's bailing out his tent, which he's pitched in a rut that's filled with water! Thing are floating in there.

Pics. to follow when we get a fast connection.

Dean