Three Bromptons, a Moulton and a Bickerton from Northallerton - Sat 24/02/24

[Deano]

I should rename it the Northallerton Festival of Cycling, since I'll have three rides from the Scout and Guide Centre on the day. But here's the 200, a ride for small-wheelers and everyone else:

https://www.audax.uk/event-details/11103-three_bromptons_a_moulton_and_a_bickerton

There have historically been just a few small-wheelers on the ride, more always welcome. I've even kept mostly to the same route with a few tweaks, despite the temptation to head out into the hills: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44768661

[grams]

Anyone done this on a proper Bickerton yet?

[Deano]

Nope, just Moultons and Brommies.

[John Stonebridge]

Looks tempting - I enjoyed the 2022 version even with the last minute route change due to flooding.   

[Mobbsy]

You confident Aldwark Bridge will be re-opened by then Deano? 

[Deano]

Hmm, I thought it was due to have re-opened by now.

There's always the Myton alternative for a bit of bonus bridleway-bashing.

[madcow]

Aldwark bridge still closed and may not be open until some time in January .

[Deano]

Surprised no one has commented on the route between Moulton and Brompton #1 yet...

And I wanted to add - as has become traditional since Grams suggested it, there will be a wooden spoon prize, I'll be accumulating some suitable tat.

The last couple of riders have been delighted with their prizes!

[grams]

And I wanted to add - as has become traditional since Grams suggested it, there will be a wooden spoon prize, I'll be accumulating some suitable tat.

I don't see how I can lose.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba1m3MOBwbe/

(assuming I actually enter, and it doesn't snap before the finish)

[Mobbsy]

I see Aldwark Toll Bridge scheduled to re-open on 17th Feb, excellent planning Deano 

[Deano]

I'll believe it when I see it, the route still goes around: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44768661

And the ride is now closed, I'll see you there if you've entered.

[John Stonebridge]

I'm particularly liking the bridleway to avoid that bit of road between Brompton and Scorton. 

[Flite]

Dean could have sent you round the gravel pits....

[Graeme]

Absolutely fabulous day!
Beautiful sunshine. My quickest calendar 200 to date. Unbelievably great food and fellowship. Bonus smiles from CrinklyLion.

Deano: organiser extrodinaire.

[John Stonebridge]

Cracking day out again, and also a fairly quick one for me, just over 9 hrs which allowed a daylight finish.  The icy start melted from the memory into a glorious afternoon pootling the lanes.   Well done Dean (again!)

[Revellinho]

I'll second that.  Thanks Dean - you're a star.  Your organising is much appreciated.

[Deano]

Thanks, everyone, it was a fun weekend despite me getting a tad grumpy about a fair few riders tagging along without entering. I'm over it now though.

There were 68 finishers on the 200, two Bromptons, no Moultons and once again, no Bickertons. Someone get me a Bickerton, I'll have to do it myself.

A few photos across the three rides - as well as the 200, there was the Don't Keep to the Road brevet unpopulaire with 24 finishers (they were finishing around the same time as the 200 riders, but it was easy to pick them out - it wasn't the mud, or the kit, it was the Look), and Just Visiting 50 which I should have renamed Not Visiting, as sadly the prison cafe had to close over the weekend. I had 30 finishers on that and it was easily the most diverse ride of the day, and clearly a fine opportunity to drop the kids off at the prison daycare...

Thanks to the riders for the prison photo and the lovely Brommie photo, and congratulations to Shaun on his wooden spoon prize.

 And, of course, thanks to my fabulous helpers, without whom etc etc.