When I was getting my things together for this weekends ride on the Friday, this was the time when I noticed that the Saturday ride was not due to start until 2:30pm.  First thought was great, I get a lay in, happy days.  Saturday morning came and it was a gloriously bright and warm day (in Thirsk), this gave way to fog and mist as I drove to the venue.

              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. 

Saturday Link : http://www.marimages.co.uk/p338531026

Sunday Link :   http://www.marimages.co.uk/p501732659

I had spent part of the morning checking the internet, to identify the direction of the sun so that I could plan which side of the tracks I needed to be to light the riders and horses.  As it turned out I could have probably had a bit more sleep.

It seemed strange to put on my thermal long johns on, as it was beautifully warm in the Spring sunshine, but knew that  I was planning on spending quite some time out on the North Yorkshire Moors in a sea breeze and wanted to make sure I kept warm. 

There wasn't much of the scenery on view during the course of the ride, but it was great to see so many smiling faces, and quite a few new ones as well.  Thank you for all the waves and snippets of conversation with some of you as this also kept up my spirits and helped to pass the time.

When I got back to CP1, Helen's hair was covered in droplets from the fog and was shivering with cold, so it was not the day we had anticipated as we had brought sun cream, sun glasses etc. but we soon warmed up with the walk back to the venue for a hot drink, cream buns and a go on the raffle.

    How does that song go, "What a difference a day makes"?, Sunday came and after helping Helen to hitch up and get loaded, I left Thirsk in the fog and mist of Saturday.  Only to rise above it all on the hill from Guisborough to the venue. 

   The sun was out in real force up on the moors, and before the first riders came past I had already stripped of the long johns.  I was in position nice and early to see helpers and stewards make their way to the various check points around the route, and Ian advised a good spot by the stream for some shots which I was really glad I made the walk as it was nice to get photos from a different section of the ride I had not been to in the past, and they made for some really great shots.  There were a few refusals, but everyone eventually made it through to the other side.

HelmsleyHelmsley is a very scenic ride.
 

Late comers at the canal
 

The thing I really like about this big weekend ride at Jolly Moors is that there are 2 completely different routes from the same venue on the 2 days.  Which is great as many of you managed to ride out on both days. Some of you on different horses.

After the stream, it was time to head out onto the moors, and this is my favourite spot of the weekend.  It is in the middle of nowhere and I can see the riders approaching from the monument at the top of the hill.  There is also a grassy open space for you to have some fun and express yourselves with your horses which is very much appreciated as this can make for some seriously good photos.

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.

Music for the slide show was provided by www.joshwoodward.com and www.bensound.com