Cleveland Wheelers

A successfully opening to the challenge ride season today with a huge turn out for the Northallerton 50 in 4.  With 67 riders signing on at Ayton, although more like 80 taking part. John Kelly ran out of signing on sheets! Anyhow all riders were dispatched safely from Ayton and completed the course without incident, other than the usual punctures and mechanicals. Condition’s definitely felt a bit Tour of Flanders today with muddy roads and some cold rain. 

The ride attracted quite a few up and coming youth talent that wished to test themselves on the reliability ride, we even had guests from Wearside Tri club driving down for the event, and a guest appearance from Cleveland wheelers original and legend Terry Lunn who traveled up from York to take part ( Terry is 84-85 I think ?) 

Only tweak I’m going to make for next year, is I’m going to reroute the ride so heading in to Northallerton, after the railway bridge we will take the left at the mini roundabout, through the industrial estate, out on to the Croft road and right on the new bypass. Things were getting a little tricky today as the groups turned right in Northallerton and the cars were backing up over the rail crossing. 

Thanks to John kelly for his officiating, and for all those who took part. 

Cheerio 👋 Dave K 

Hi wheelers, it’s the start of challenge ride season again. The first up is the Northallerton 50/4, this Sunday 16th March, departing 09.30 from Ayton high green car park. 4 hrs to complete the route, finishing at the Stokesley sign, with John kelly signing you off, either in the town square next to the toilets and the flower pots, or in his car outside the town hall, depending on the weather. Usual challenge ride rules apply, please depart in ability order from Ayton, fastest riders first, and please keep things tidy heading out through Stokesley high street and Hutton rudby bank! remember it’s not a race! 

The challenge events are not lead rides and it is up to the participants to navigate the route arriving back within 4 hrs. Having said that it is the trend these days for groups to form before departure, and likely we will have a Cleveland wheelers steady, medium and speedy group. Further details and route available by following the link below. 

Please arrive at Ayton in good time to sign on, and enjoy the ride. Cheers, Dave K