This weekend the AOCC annual 100 mile chip shop ride to Scarborough took place. Twelve riders set out to complete the ride (Nathan planned to turn back at Stamford Bridge).

A handful of bleary eyed AIR riders met at 7.30am in Rawdon the plan was to collect the others along the way. The weather was grey and bit nippy but dry.

Chris, David and Ian were waiting at the Dexter in Shadwell and shortly after we were on our way to Bramham where we were meeting Jonathan and Jay.

After a few minutes of waiting and no sign of the missing duo, someone checked their phone to see if there was a problem, and sure enough we had a message letting us know that Jonathan had experienced one puncture three times due to his inability to spot the small piece of glass in his tyre.

Once the repair was completed for the third time and Jay had talked Jonathan down from the ledge, the two continued to the rendezvous (at a considerably faster pace as they were no longer weighed down by spare inner tubes).

Once we were altogether and aided by a tailwind we made quick (ish) time to the first Cafe stop in Cawood (The Village Tea Room) 31 miles into the ride. This Cafe was a first for Airedale and hopefully it was one we will visit again, great value food and drinks in an unusual setting.

Shortly after finishing our food the SRAN riders arrived looking very pleased to have caught up so quickly. We had a quick chat with them and we were on our way.

There was lively chatter amongst the group as we headed east, although everyone knew that at 60 miles we were due to tackle Hanging Grimstone and as we approached the grumbling increased.

As we began the climb the talking stopped and the AIR group began to fragment as everyone settled into their own pace. Suddenly I felt someone fast approaching behind me and Hamish sailed past only to nearly crash into one of the gates strategically placed on the hill to give people an excuse to have a breather. Jay reached the gate first opened it and due to a breakdown in communication and Hamish’s desire to beat his PB up the climb the gate ended up closing on his bike.

With the SRAN sailing off into the distance the AIR continued the ride and headed to the second stop (The Bluebell Inn at Weaverthorpe).

The SRAN were already enjoying their refreshements as the AIR arrived, and after a brief stop we were on our way to finish the remaining 20 or so miles.

At 4.15pm we arrived in Scarborough and after the traditional photo on the seafront we headed to the Anchor Fish and Chip Shop and then onto the King Richard III for a well earned tiny pint.

At 6pm we met up with our drivers and loaded our bikes into the mini buses and made the trip back to Leeds.

Thanks to everyone who made it such an enjoyable day out, and particular thanks to Chris, Hamish, Alan and Ian for organising. This year the Hares won (only due to the punctures and the regular wee stops) let’s do it all again next year.

Cheers

Steve

P.S. You may notice a lack of SRAN photos, this is because they are serious athletes and taking photos and chatting is for losers and AIR riders…