Sir, – So Gary Verity thinks those of us that don’t like his pipe dream (bike race) are whingers. Well here is a whinge to put in your pipe and smoke.

May I suggest you come down from what ever planet you are on at the moment and spend time among people whose lives have been left in limbo on July 5/6, ordinary working folk who can’t get to work, businesses that can’t open, did you ever think what chaos you might cause with your pipe dream?

I am even told churches can’t open in places because regulars can’t get there, unheard of. Yes, I can hear you say, but it is good for Yorkshire and fill a few wallets, really, tell that to those who will lose a day’s pay or a business that loses out on a day’s income.

No one asked me if I wanted the bike race, did you ever think to ask locals?

I can assure you that a lot and I mean a lot, are dead against it and as for your comments on the impact on farmers, well as an ex-farmer myself, I have a feeling they may have some unwelcome comments to make to you.

MALCOLM RAINFORTH Waterside, Knaresborough