A crisp 52° and the wind blowing off the river quickly chilled us as we loaded our bikes, just after 7:30 this morning.  We donned our jackets and headed off on our dirt path squeezed in between the railroad tracks and river.Last evening’s downpour had packed the dirt, so puddles were minimal.Just as we emerged onto the the pavement we met Brian, who helped with directions and informed us that the park we had just come  through was originally a brickyard.  We wound our way through the pretty town, paying particular notice to the bricks on the homes.  Not sure how we found it, but managed to climb the only hill around; great vista

but not so good on the legs.  At nine as we came to the edge of a small town, we decided to pop in for breakfast.  The trek to the restaurant was a mile longer than the two block promised and service not the quickest.  A half hour down the road, as we stood at a crossroads, where “almost 80” year old George stopped his car to offer help.  Once our direction was established, the boys chatted for a couple of days (or so it seemed).  So by eleven, over three hours into our ride, we had barely gone 15 miles. But the villages boasted beautiful homes and the countryside was grand. At noon, twenty five miles under our belt, we pulled into a gas station for re-fueling as there would be no place before our destination.  Five minutes was all the break we allowed ourselves as the clouds we had watched build all morning, were beginning to look very threatening.  With a slight turn in direction, we were finally aided by the wind.  The afternoon ride proved as beautiful as the morning half.  We passed fields, farms and a movie crew.   This however, is a favorite; we often pass young foals playing in the fields, but rarely are we quick enough to get a shot.  Though mom was very protective, her babe was curious.  

There was no doubt we were approaching York;  Tour De France yellow bicycles were everywhere.  We even had our own dedicated bike (and bus) lane for most of our ride into the city.  A quick stop at the gates of the old Roman city and then check-in.  We had totally dodged the rain today, though many of the roads we rode were still wet from the showers.  We were anxious to see the city before the rain hit. York is a walled city at the confluence of the River Ouse and River Foss, established by the Romans in 71 A.D.  History

and bicycles were everywhere.But unquestionably most impressive is the Minster Cathedral.  First built of wood in 627 A.D., it has gone through fires, emperors and kings conquests, rebuildings and expansions. Unfortunately it is impossible to step far enough away to get the entire building in the camera lens.

Everyone was enjoying the afternoon and sunny skies.But the day had grown long (sun sets about 10:30) and after 50 miles we were tired and hungry.  A stroll back to our hotel along the river, dinner and bed.