Five made it on last Sunday's ride to Burnsall, myself, Phil, Damien, Simon and Paul D. It was a bit wet in the morning but being summer rain it wasn't too uncomfortable.  We went straight up to Cracoe and over Thorpe Lane which is always a joy to ride but particularly so last Sunday with all the wild flowers being at their peak. I regretted having left my camera at home (along with spare inner tubes and bottle) but Earthdreamer had been there earlier in the week and blogged this  http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/3184318 and as you can see does a far better job than me.
Getting to the cafe at half past ten I was surprised to find it already busy and we were lucky to find a table. Although the girls there were rushed off their feet they remained calm and efficient and were soon delivering bacon and egg sandwiches almost if not equal to Elaine's at Feizor.
Having dallied in the cafe for a good hour the roads were dry by the time we left and waterproofs were stuffed in back pockets for the rest of the day. There homeward journey was made down to Otley keeping to the east of the Wharfe with a good tail wind encouraging Damien to make frequent attacks whenever the road started climbing but with Paul claiming the KoM jersey. After the Chevin and Esholt we braved Manningham and Toller Lane en route to the peace and quiet of the Great Northern Trail from Thornton to Queensbury.

Results from the racing men have been hard to come by this week. Grimpy, Pete Smith and Mel were all racing at the LVRC event at Barton on Humber last Saturday but the results didn't make the LVRC web site. I know Grimpy took 2nd in his category; he tells me that Pete had a good ride and knew that Mel hadn't won but couldn't enlighten me further. Brian turned out a 1hr 58min 50 mile Time trial in the wind and rain in the Otley CC event on Sunday morning and for the 1st time this season Steve Cavell had team mates at a Summer Cyclo-Cross Series race, this week being at Newsome, Huddersfield last Wednesday evening he was joined by Ian Wellock and new man, Chris 'Robbo' Robinson .

We had a few apologies for absence on the Monday evening MTB ride but still managed 8 or 9, including Robbo making his debut. We headed out over the Magna Via, Claremount and Ambler Thorn to Ogden and over the moors to Fly Flat returning via Cold Edge Dams and Ovenden Woods to take refreshments at the Travellers, Hipperholme.

This Sunday the randonneurs section are riding the Yorkshire Mixture 200k,  leaving Otley CC clubhouse at 8am for a trip up to Swaledale and back through the Vale of York.