{"id":4369,"date":"2026-07-21T11:00:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T11:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/?p=4369"},"modified":"2026-07-21T11:01:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T11:01:01","slug":"ripon-fountains-abbey-04-jul-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/ripon-fountains-abbey-04-jul-26\/","title":{"rendered":"Ripon &amp; Fountains Abbey &#8211; 04 Jul 26"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We had five tandem teams with one solo rider set out for the relatively early start in <br \/>Boroughbridge today. This is a beautiful ride through lush, open countryside and <br \/>picturesque, quiet villages, we followed the NCN688 on the entire outward leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"797\" src=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260704-wa00194879636536620548853-1-1024x797.jpg\" alt=\"A tandem draws close with two smiling riders on it, the view shows a long straight path that goes off to the horizon, surrounded by grassy parkland and mature trees in verdant green leaf. More tandems can be seen in the distnce at intervals. The whole stretch of path show what is probably a half mile distance.\" class=\"wp-image-4364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260704-wa00194879636536620548853-1-1024x797.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260704-wa00194879636536620548853-1-300x234.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260704-wa00194879636536620548853-1-768x598.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260704-wa00194879636536620548853-1-1536x1196.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260704-wa00194879636536620548853-1-1200x934.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260704-wa00194879636536620548853-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">You can definitely see the back marker from here!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some very good junction marking on today made it easy to ride as a group.<br>We were serenaded on our circuit around the centre of Ripon by a full peel of bells from <br>the majestic cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00321875350458668214369-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"In a town street setting on a wide pavement rea withstreet furniture and planting the group pose for a photo. They are all stood but in position on their tandem bicycles.\" class=\"wp-image-4365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00321875350458668214369-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00321875350458668214369-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00321875350458668214369-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00321875350458668214369-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00321875350458668214369-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00321875350458668214369.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Say cheese!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Onwards we rode, into a full headwind and now gently but relentlessly uphill, we <br \/>entered Studley Royal Great Park over the cattle grids and under the gatehouse, <br \/>onwards along the die straight carriage drive towards the distant church spire on the <br \/>horizon. How special that feels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00282910115636349979898-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A group shot with some members still on bikes while others stand on their own two legs. They are clustered together in a grassy parkland area with mature trees and an ornate building with a stone spire in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-4366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00282910115636349979898-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00282910115636349979898-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00282910115636349979898-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00282910115636349979898-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00282910115636349979898-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00282910115636349979898.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This looks like a good spot!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We paused to admire the magnificent herds of Fallow Deer, before regrouping at the far <br>gate. We had one slight issue with a stoker saddle that refused to stay at the height it <br>was set, but did we let that spoil our fun? No, not a bit of it!<br>The sun emerged as we approached the Fountains Abbey visitor Centre, so it is not <br>surprising that the comfort break and bottle fill was followed by a swift ice-cream cone <br>for several of the crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With 15 miles under our belts and the wind now at our backs, our drop back towards <br>Ripon was as relaxing as it was swift. Should we use the canal towpath to avoid the <br>roundabout on Ripon ringroad? A no Cycling sign answered the question, so we stuck to <br>the road which proved to be unusually quiet today.<br>Over the river bridge and a right turn towards Newby Hall and we were once again on <br>gently rolling country lanes all the way back to Boroughbridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00277082688442604879446-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Steve G and Stevie B sit at a round wooden picnic table half tuned towards the camera smilong and posing. Katie is behind the table leaning her elbows across the top to join the photo. \" class=\"wp-image-4368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00277082688442604879446-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00277082688442604879446-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00277082688442604879446-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00277082688442604879446-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00277082688442604879446-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00277082688442604879446.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steve, Steve and &#8230;Katie!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>A slightly belated lunch stop at our favourite caf\u00e9 on the High Street, and we were ready <br>for our journey homewards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00256715061358828862651-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A garden style setting, 5 trekkers sit around a wooden picnic yable with parasol ejoying food ad drink. Sveral members have big grins or are laughing ope mouthed.\" class=\"wp-image-4367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00256715061358828862651-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00256715061358828862651-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00256715061358828862651-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00256715061358828862651-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00256715061358828862651-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/img-20260705-wa00256715061358828862651.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laughter a plenty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some lovely comments from our riders: \u201cMy favourite ride <br>so far\u201d, said one. \u201cThe Studley Park ascent was most impressive. All in all a lovely route <br>with beautiful towns and villages\u201d, said another. \u201cWhat a great ride! I really enjoyed it\u201d is <br>a sentiment we can all agree on. Unloading of the tandems by pilot and stoker, we were soon ready for a welcome nap! <br>What a great team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Until the next time amigos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Write up by Stevie<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We had five tandem teams with one solo rider set out for the relatively early start in Boroughbridge today. This is a beautiful ride through lush, open countryside and picturesque, quiet villages, we followed the NCN688 on the entire outward leg. Some very good junction marking on today made it easy to ride as a &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/ripon-fountains-abbey-04-jul-26\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Ripon &amp; Fountains Abbey &#8211; 04 Jul 26&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4369","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4369","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4369"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4369\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4370,"href":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4369\/revisions\/4370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4369"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4369"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tandemtrekkers.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4369"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}