THE York rally was well attended with a dozen members camping on the Knavesmire and two in bed and breakfast accommodation.

Saturday saw a sponsored charity ride of 150km which went due North across the plain of York and into the Howardian Hills where the large groups began to fragment and riders reverted to their own speed.

After Kirkbymoorside we entered the North Yorkshire Moors and the climbing began in earnest.

From Farndale we faced the infamous Blakey Bank in the rain and against a headwind before descending to Castleton.

The return leg saw us climbing over Glaisdale Moor to Rosedale Abbey but any thoughts of an easy ride back to York were dispelled as a fast pace was maintained past Castle Howard and all the way back into the city to finish well within the time limit.

Sunday was more leisurely with a visit to the Central Methodist Chapel for the annual cyclist's service and the parade back to the Knavesmire where the trade stands were scoured for bargains. We met friends from as far away as Hertfordshire and Glasgow, Workington and Middlesbrough and we exchanged stories and news.

After lunch some could not resist another ride and the Sustrans route along a disused railway line to Selby was followed with a return along unclassified and B roads.

Runs for Sunday, July 3, from Wilkinsons, The Rock: A to Arncliffe, Bury 8:30am and Edenfield 9am. B to Southport, meet Bury 9am