Half of Spurn Head

Sneaked a 200km DIY in yesterday in case we don't manage the 300 next weekend. Had a bad feeling about it being the final weekend of the month. Anyway, I'd submitted an entry for an easy 200 a few weeks ago as a standby. The weather was looking good, no rain forecast, it was windier than they'd lead us to believe though.

Can't really work out why my route included Knottingley instead of Castleford, it would mean doubling back to Ferrybridge if I wanted to take the back roads to Howden. I use these roads all the time but rarely the main road, the last time I used the main road was January in the dark, so, with the tailwind I decided to go for it. Traffic was light and on my own it was absolutely fine. Fast, no real turns, made it to Howden in 1 hour 15 mins. including the stop in Knottingley. By the way here is the route The ride down to Thorn wasn't as bad as I'd feared, it's very exposed out here, no shelter from the winds. I turned and headed west directly into the wind, I was travelling much slower hoping that I'd find some shelter in the lanes. No chance. Short stop in Askern, affixed route sheet for the next section which I didn't know so well. This was a tough section, cool wind in my face, sun and hills. Heavy going, I was gald to get to Woolley Edge services and sit down for a while, some coffee and more food. I was getting too hot so I removed my tights for the first time this year. The next section is also hilly but I went better, maybe it was the food or the fact I was no longer overheating. The roads became more and more familiar and I felt better with the ride.

I first did this ride in 2005 as my recce. for Spurn Head 400 but turned for home at Mamas & Papas near Huddersfield. just had had enough that day. On Spurn Head itself it was dark for the stretch I did yesterday, stars shining bright above me. I don't remember much about it to be honest, I was with others and probably very very tired with it being my very first 400km.

It got quite cool as I rode up Calderdale to Mytholmroyd, dull, low cloud. Quick stop, put tights on and headed east with the tailwind. I felt a bit funny, cold and shaky. At Sowerby Bridge I put my gloves and gilet on again, and managed to relax on the downhill roads. It is all quite easy cycling to Dewsbury especially so with the tail wind. Dewsbury isn't my favourite West Yorkshire town and I didn't want to leave my bike just anywhere. I found a control on the way out of town and completed the last 9 km home with consummate ease. Got home before it got dark, didn't get to try my new lamp !

A New Year

It's been a while but I am still here. Still cycling. My hip is in pretty good shape, I am getting some fitness back now after a pretty good winter. The gym work is paying off (I shall probably talk more about this), my cycling is good for the time of year, my weight is good. The weather is getting better and generally I am looking forward to a good spring and summer. My ride plans are taking shape, Easter Arrow at Easter and LEL in July.

You might notice a new addition on the right, my 2009 LEL micro Blog. My plan is to update this as I do the ride so you, the reader can track my progress on line.