More than 240 riders turned up for this year’s Seacroft Wheelers’ Reliability Ride. That’s a record turn-out for the club.
Being held in January and February, the series of rides put on by local cycling clubs and open to all is obviously subject to the vagaries of the seasonal weather; so, attendance always fluctuates depending on late night online weather checks, and even a peep from behind the bedroom curtains on the day! Although mild on the day (Sunday 28 Jan 2018), there was a forecast for rain and some riders, especially those starting towards the end of the registration window, did get wet.
However, we hope that didn’t detract from what we would regard as a very successful event. Starting and finishing at Squires Bikers’ Cafe, Newthorpe, nr Sherburn, riders had the choice of two routes – 31 & 50 miles – with most opting for the latter. The now eight-strong series of rides – known as the Hateful Eight! – are designed for cyclists to test their bikes (and themselves) in the winter months before the season really takes off – see more here.
Credit to the Wheelers’ volunteers on the day, for preparing staffing the registration points – great job, Antony Brumby, Richard Goddard, Ian Hirst and Mike Farthing. Thanks also to Squires for letting us start and finish the event there – great chip butties, by the way!
It can’t have been that bad an event – here’s what a few people said afterwards:
“Thanks from the riders from Airedale Olympic. Really well organised sign on as usual, and we all enjoyed our ride. Thanks Seacroft!” – AJ Johnston
“Thanks for today lads and ladies!” – Stu Sklinar, Alba Rosa
“Big thanks from Valley Striders for today’s Reliability Ride.” – Eleanor Stafford
Other clubs also represented on the ride included Selby and Knottingley.
Don’t forget – frequent discussion on Seacroft Wheelers matters and, indeed, all matters cycling, can be found on the club’s facebook page; click on the facebook logo near the top right of this website.
As well as the photos below, lots more from near the top of the Weardley Bank climb are available here (courtesy of Jerry Watson, many thanks Jerry!). Also thanks to @cavsdad for the pictures leaving Squires and the Lotherton to Sherburn stretch.