Okay, so it's Wednesday and I'm still aching from Bank Holiday Monday's ride. It's not down to the mile count or the gradient, lack of fitness
(maybe?) or poor bike choice...
I fell off. There... I said it, I feel better already.
It was a simple corner, a slight step down into a puddle which concealed a rock. A rock which impeded my front wheel's progress sending me over the bars. Still clipped-in I fell sideways like a sack of potatoes onto my dodgy shoulder, delicate right wrist, ribcage and right ankle. All of which are sending me signals telling me I'm too old!
The point of this blog isn't the fall, it's where it happened. I rarely fall on my local trails. I hardly ever fall at trail-centres, both of which are understandably predictable riding.
This ride was one of those hidden gems, my riding-buddy and I didn't see another cyclist on the whole loop! And what a loop, starting out from
Ripley near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, taking in ancient bridleways, tiny forgotten villages, churches used and unused,
Fountains Abbey (including a ride around the perimeter Monk's Wall), woodland, farmland, Manor houses and a fantastic single-track bridleway, gently downhill and flanked on either side by wild garlic - absolutely magical.
Our average speed was no more than six miles per hour, a case of ride-a-bit, map out, ride-a-bit-more, map out. Occasionally looking for well concealed signposts and bridleway arrows.
This was definitely one of those rides that will stay logged in the memory banks for quite a while and has given me a taste to explore more. So, get out your
OS Explorer maps and ride where you don't ride, exploring is never boring.
Update: Here's the route for you to explore:
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