A week before this ride the weather reports were not looking too favourable, but the closer we got to Sunday, it was a relief to see the rain replaced with clouds on the various weather apps.  True to their forecast we had a brilliant day for the ride. It was a little bit cold on the top in the open, especially when you stay in one spot for any length of time, but at least we were dry.

              Please enjoy the short slide show below, and don't forget to check out all the photos from the ride in the equestrian ride gallery on this website.  There are also extra photos to be viewed on my Facebook page album at the following link. 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1069384563120196.1073741918.100001459869526&type=1&l=0c839f4d1e

After stopping off to help Helen with hitching up to her trailer, loading her car and playing a little Frisbee with Harley (our dog), I made my way to the venue for just after 8:30am.  As the start of the ride wasn't until 9:30, this gave me time to walk on to the first point I had in mind. 

In past years, this ride has ben held in June when there has been more colour in the heather.  But this is still a great location to get photos as you set off on the various distances you have planned for the day.  In between riders I was kept company by various birds, who were very careful to keep their distance.

Previously, I have stayed put until I think everyone has set off before moving on, but I had a plan to move around the route to capture different sections of the ride that the organisers had put together for you.
 

    On a previous Helmsley ride I was able to get some great images on the lower section, down from the moorland section.  So this was my plan for this ride, however, once down there I found that the going was very rutted, stony and hard going.  Also, I had heard that there was a walk section through the sheep.

So a quick change of plan, which was to pus on to my third choice which was a field at the top of the very steep road.  Luck was with me, as though I kept checking over my shoulder I was able to make it to the field without being overtaken.  My only other fear was the sign on the fence saying 'bull in field' but no need to worry, and was able to spend another hour here to watch you pass by at a variety of paces.

HelmsleyHelmsley is a very scenic ride.
 

Late comers at the canal
 

With the Helmsley routes taking you off into the woods, this gives me chance to try and capture you on your return to the venue.  This doesn't always work for the early starters, or the speedsters among you, but is always worth hanging around for you.

Again with the earlier date the field I like to use as a back drop was just freshly prepared soil, so I moved on to the woodland below and on this occasion being early in the season actually helped as I found a spot in the open allowing in enough light and space for me no to be on top of you as you negotiated the muddy track back to your trailers.

I do hope that you all enjoyed your rides and were able to get home safely.  It was a good turn out and I am sure that the organisers and helpers were glad to see you all after all their hard work.

I really would like to thank everyone who has ordered prints from me and that you have lots of memories from the rides you have participated in.
 

Take care of yourselves and hope to see you at another ride soon.