We elected for a 2100h Friday start to give an evening finish to allow straight to bed and a chance of a normal Sunday. This also has the advantage of the night ride being first instead of last, all the problems of night riding will be faced when fresh and alert.
Two of rendezvoused at Leeds Station at 2015 for coffee and more food, it was buzzing with revelers arriving for a night out in the city and a few late commuters making their way home. Departure time rolled around and we set off though the streets with lights on as darkness started to fall. Very quickly we got out of the traffic and directly up the A58 to Wetherby then the A168 to DIshforth. We know this route very well but tonight we noticed something we had never seen before. On our right to the east was a radio mast with many red lights on. Must be Bilsdale. It watched over us for hours as slowly we crept past it as we made our way north. Into the lanes following a route sheet to Scotch Corner. I am glad we had been this way before as we missed some turns and realised immediately so all we needed to do was stop and check the go back. My front light isn?t quite good enough for dark lanes, I had trouble at times distinguishing the road from the hedge. I can?t remember if my halogens were any better, I don?t recall this problem before. I shall refit them now that I have my hub back from it?s service.
At about 0130h we arrived at Scotch Corner Services to meet Deano who had brought some food with him for us. He was to continue the ride with us to complete his first 400km. Well done. His knowledge of the area meant that no navigation was required, he led us up a short section of the A66 then back onto the LEL route bound for Middleton-in-Teesdale via Barnard Castle. A beautiful night to be out, no clouds, the stars were shining like rebel diamonds. It was getting light all the time and after a short stop in M-i-T at 0400h for food we switch off our lights at commenced the ride up Yadd Moss. A long and gentle climb, one that I really like. We could see the sunlight on the hills to the west of us, we were in shade and it was really cold, I longed to the in the sunlight. My time soon came near the summit.
Understandably there was no other traffic, we had these super roads and landscapes to ourselves, well, apart from the sheep, bunnies, birds and alpacas. The latter were in a farm. Dozies attacked me, a caffeine pill staved them off and I took two more as the day progressed.
The cashpoint at Alston was out of order so nothing for a control at 0555h. We took some photos to demonstrate that we were there and chatted to the street cleaner!
At the pace we were going we?d get to Carlisle for about 0800h just in time for breakfast. Perfect, it worked out that way.
The sun was out, not a cloud in the sky and a headwind. We put lighter clothes on and made for home. Some nifty navigation got us out of the city very quickly and soon we were in Penrith. More drinks. Heaving traffic, it was nice to turn off, head east towards Appleby. That?s more like it. Next proper stop Kirby Stephen for lunch, it wasn?t too bad going to there, well not for me, the headwind was getting to my companions and the small climbs one after another sapping their strength. I was OK which is very pleasing. That headwind though.
Revived and refreshed ready to take on one of the highlights of the route, Mallerstang Common. With a morning start the challenge is to make it through here in daylight. In the afternoon sun it is spectacular. From wide flat valley the round progresses up getting narrower until it meets the railway and finally spills out into Garsdale at the Moorcock in. Left turn.
Sadness. Shortly before we arrived there had been a motorcycle and car collision. The rider was dead. No police or emergency services had yet arrived so the other drivers and riders stopped the traffic. We respectfully walked past on the grass verge as far away from the incident as we could.
Hawes was heaving with people. We sat in the shade and ate and drank. We didn?t really want to go into a cafe, they were all busy and we?d have to wait ages. Onward, on the back road. I managed to drop my companions on climb, another rider overtook me and waited and we rolled along and chatted about long distance cycling. Once he turned off I slowed to let the other two catch up. The wind was less strong here, we were lower down and heading due east but even when we started heading south east towards Masham and Ripon it seemed easier, I think it was dropping. I wasn?t looking forward to this road, it?s a transition from the Dales to the Vale of York and I find it tedious. We did OK though, letting the weakest rider set the pace he wanted.
19:15. Very quick stop in Boroughbridge ready for the blast back down the A168 to retrace our outward leg of 22 hours earlier. Back in Leeds a shade over 24hours which I am pleased with all things considered. The head wind was irksome in places, it kept us cool though. The sun meant we needed regular fluids. The night ride was superb. Dean was on Fixed and continue on home, 100km on his own to finish his first 400km. Well done.
