A 200 in Yorkshire and a 200 in Lincolnshire linked by the Humber Bridge. I rode to the start from Borugh Station, a very pleasant 11km in warm sunshine with no wind. I sussed out a new road which will be useful for my Humber Bridge 200 Perm and have the benefit of avoiding Swanland Bank, not that it’s very difficult, and Jenny Brough Lane.
A small crowd was amassing at the start, I was pleased to see Mr Wilkie, not seen him for about 2 years. Some clubmates were there and rumours that others were in the cafe were circulating. They showed up on time giving 8 of us from VC167 and about 30 in total. A midday start we headed out on the roads I had just travelled to get here !!
I assumed my usual position near the front out of any potential trouble. The whole field more or less stuck together to the first check point then as usual groups departed together. I was in a club group, four or five of us. We must have taken a wrong turn, we approached a side road from the wrong side and while we were pondering, some other rides approached from ahead of us. We regrouped and headed towards Helmsley. It was hot and some hills reared up. This split the groups but I was one of the stronger riders and remained near the front. We didn’t stop for long here, 105km done and the town was very busy, it always is on sunny days so we headed out to Malton for the Yorkshire Tea Rooms, only 30km away. It’s one of my favourite cafes, don’t know why, the service is often slow, but they don’t seem to mind groups of cyclists and the toilets are very spacious and cool allowing me some time to organise myself. We ate well since this was the last cafe stop on the whole ride, things would be starting to close now. As we ate we chatted to Graham, a Scotsman who were were to spend more time with on and off during the ride, nice chap, wish I’d got his surname.
Andy and I headed out together and had a comfortable ride to Thixendale, I don’t come here very often, once before if I remember correctly, with Banjokat in 2006. An info, control but we allowed ourselves the luxury of a cold drink. We overtook a large group from Hull DA, the hosts of the ride, resting in the village, Mr Wilkie seemed to be leading them. He’s an experienced rider and I think he was helping some new riders round their first 400.
I planned a variation of the route to save us going round Jenny Brough Lane, it worked out fine, left instead of right onto Occupation Lane then a blat down the A164 to the Bridge. We’ve used this road before and it really isn’t bad for cycling on, no slip roads, wide with good sight lines, not all A roads are the same. The organisers caravan was open at the halfway point, his helpers were serving food and we sat around drinking tea and eating and preparing for the night section for about an hour. It was quite relaxed and a good atmosphere, most people had had a good ride so far, the weather was great, no one seemed to be complaining about excess heat though it was quite hot.
Off we went, just the two of us, we can make it if we try. Across the Humber Bridge, lights on and into the night. The first part uses my Humber Bridge 200 route so I lead us along at a good pace, nearly took us off route as I assumed we went through Barton-Upon-Stather rather than by pass it to Flixborough. We were OK though, Andy was vigilant and soon corrected all my mistakes this evening ! Across the Trent on that over engineered lifting bridge at Gunness then to Epworth and Bawtry. We met Chris Crossland and his companions at the garage but they left before us. It was about 23:30, assorted drunks came and bought stuff and questioned us, the garage attendant kept the doors locked and I don't blame her.
Now we had the prospect of 88km to the next stop in the dark on mostly country lanes. I don’t like long stretches like this. Saw some wildlife, a badger, hares and bunnies. Some birds of prey as the sun started to come up. We had company on and off, met Chris’s group and dropped them, spent a bit of time with Graham and admired his lights, a B&M Cyo. Sun came up before we got to Louth, I let my batteries run flat to save discharging them before recharging them. It was never very cold on this night ride, didn’t need legwarmers, I don’t think that has happened before, on top I wore long sleeve thermal, short sleeve jersey and gilet, track mitts. The Louth control was the organiser and his car in a car park. Serving rice pudding, tea and cakes and a sit down. It would have been quite different had it been bad weather but we were lucky today and not getting indoors since five o’clock the previous evening wasn’t a problem. My spirits were not flagging but they were buoyed to learn that only two riders had passed through before us.
The morning was bright and we headed out to Caistor. It was hilly, unwelcome, draggy, up and down with no flat for 30km. We passed some WWII runways, this is Bomber County, large slabs of concrete with grass growing through the joints. 625 Squadron, Lancaster Bombers involved in night raids on German cities. There was a memorial on the corner of the field; this was RAF Kelstern, “We Avenge”. . Then we couldn’t find the info. control, we guess it has been redeveloped since the route was last surveyed so we just wrote down what we thought might be the answer. Seemed everyone else did the same. Thankfully the final run in was downhill or flat and we had a very relaxed finish to the event.
A relatively easy 400km ride, no difficulties, great weather, great organisation and hospitality. The route might have been a little better particularly the second half to allow riders to get indoors during the night. Perhaps a control at Blythe Services instead of Bawtry and lose the extra distance somewhere else, perhaps missing out some hills in the last 60km.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Summer Arrow
I didn’t get off to a good start. I’d arranged to meet Peter at The White Bear for a lift to York at 06:15. I was early so I waited by the entrance to the car park thinking that he’d not need to pull in to pick me up. After 20 minutes of waiting I wondered if there was actually another entrance to the car park, I knew he’d approach from the other direction. Sure enough there he was, he’d been there since before me. Oops. He said he was disappointed, that he was getting ready to call Keith saying that I’d not turned up so he had the perfect excuse not to ride the 24 hour Summer Arrow. One drop out would make the team too short !! I was preparing to call Gordon to say I’d make it to York Station in time to tag along with their team !!
A fast drive later, we arrived at Keith’s for some more breakfast and finally rolled out at 07:45 bound for Ripon. The wind was in our faces but we were fresh and the roads are pretty sheltered Keith knows these roads well and lead us directly to WH Smiths for a control. The Harrogate Post is what may receipt said, hmm, thankfully the previous customer hadn’t bought ‘Nuts’ or ‘Your Pregnancy’ !!!
We headed North East with the wide behind us, ruckenwind as they’d say in Germany. Keith took us on a private road past some rather impressive sculptures of prehistoric creatures made from scrap metal. Seems a shame to have them hidden away like this but hardly the think the Yorkshire Sculpture Park would show, far too recognisable for that place. We were led on a track, a disused railway towards Northallerton and using my road maps I still can’t see where it was !!! It did allow us to cross a river which often causes me to have to take long detours, apparently the landowner of part or the route asks people to write to ask permission to use the road. It’s always granted but then it covers him from ‘right of way’ issues since he’s granted permission.
Thankfully they’d built the new bridge over the A1 near the Rountons, I didn’t fancy doubling back into the wind. A control at Westbrook Cycle s in Stokesley then up Clay Bank into Bilsdale. With the tail wind this climb was very easy so was Newgate. Hoards of motorbikes passed us, all loaded up with camping gear. Custom bikes mainly, not sport bikes, interesting machines. They were noisy but most riders gave us plenty of room. Lunch in Stokesley at a new cafe for me, one of Keith’s favourites, full of pensioners (!).
Loon long leg to Beverley, the tailwind made it easy, a couple of climbs with chevrons but not very long and all of us made it up pretty easily. Navigation by chance in Beverley, we found Tescos at about 17:45 and the cafe was still open, not much choice of food though at least nothing that I really fancied. This was meant to the a short stop with a longer stop for dinner two hours later The toilets were kind of open the cleaner was doing her job and told us at least three times that she should have knocked off at 18:00. “Just go home and let us use the toilets” we though. The average age of the three riders was 56 and well you know what it’s like at that age. Our short stop was longer than we’d planned but on this ride our plan did give us 6 hours off overnight so we could afford to take it easy as we went on.
I was a little concerned about the main road down to the Humber Bridge, I thought at tea time on a Friday it might be busy, it was but not too bad, We made it Ok, but that long twisty detour to get on the bridge cycle path is rather tedious, Well sign posted but surely a simple chicane/bollard arrangement around the toll booths would have worked. I felt a bit nervous riding over the bridge on the wind. The early evening was splendid, mid summer so the sun was still fairly high, our shadows dance on the dirty rippled water beneath us when I dared to look down.
Now, last I was in these parts heading for Gainsborough we went through Scunthorpe but today I wanted to suss out the B roads that appear to be more direct on the maps. So that’s right at the end of the bridge access road and through Barton-Upon-Humber. Straight through the town, left then soon right on the road to Brigg. Perfect, it worked out well, soon we were riding parallel to the A15 as on the map. There was no traffic, it was great. Linking together places by following the signs we made it to Kirton Lindsey by 20:30 in time to eat at the pub. The landlord kindly allowed us to park the bikes in the yard out of the way. He claimed to recognise Keith from an earlier visit but probably just the VC167 jerseys on other club members as we pass through this area more frequently on Arrows.
We suited up for the night and headed out, bound for Gainsborough. It’s a null town. Youths hanging around, boy racers in crap cars. Same as last time. Tescos again. Another shopper thought she’d seen us in Lincoln earlier in the year, “probably someone else from the club” I told her.
Arrived at Blyth at 23:30 for at least three hours off. We agreed to leave a hour earlier than the schedule demanded, Peter was worried about keeping the speed up for the final run up to York. We snoozed until about 02:20 and got away at about 02:45. It had drizzled overnight and the roads were wet, it was cool but not too cold. No wind. I warned that we’d have to kill time in order to be not too early at Thorne for our 22 hour control. I faffed as much as I could on the road, put my jacket on, had a pee etc. We had to kill 40 minutes, the lady in the 24 hour garage wouldn’t let us indoors until they’d ‘done the papers and washed the floor’, we offered to help her but not even Keith’s nor my charisma persuaded her !
Finally we were on our way again. Selby, cashpoint receipt and onto York arriving at the racecourse and the York Rally at 07:10. Gerry Boswell in the stewards tent was our finish controller and gave us an official stamp. We parked our bikes in the tent and went for a cup of tea. Our Arrow was done, not a difficult ride, a nice route, I am pleased with the North Lincs part in particular. Nice to ride with some other people, we got on well and kept each other amused.
Our final task was to lead the Ron Kitching Challenge Ride out of the city !
A fast drive later, we arrived at Keith’s for some more breakfast and finally rolled out at 07:45 bound for Ripon. The wind was in our faces but we were fresh and the roads are pretty sheltered Keith knows these roads well and lead us directly to WH Smiths for a control. The Harrogate Post is what may receipt said, hmm, thankfully the previous customer hadn’t bought ‘Nuts’ or ‘Your Pregnancy’ !!!
We headed North East with the wide behind us, ruckenwind as they’d say in Germany. Keith took us on a private road past some rather impressive sculptures of prehistoric creatures made from scrap metal. Seems a shame to have them hidden away like this but hardly the think the Yorkshire Sculpture Park would show, far too recognisable for that place. We were led on a track, a disused railway towards Northallerton and using my road maps I still can’t see where it was !!! It did allow us to cross a river which often causes me to have to take long detours, apparently the landowner of part or the route asks people to write to ask permission to use the road. It’s always granted but then it covers him from ‘right of way’ issues since he’s granted permission.
Thankfully they’d built the new bridge over the A1 near the Rountons, I didn’t fancy doubling back into the wind. A control at Westbrook Cycle s in Stokesley then up Clay Bank into Bilsdale. With the tail wind this climb was very easy so was Newgate. Hoards of motorbikes passed us, all loaded up with camping gear. Custom bikes mainly, not sport bikes, interesting machines. They were noisy but most riders gave us plenty of room. Lunch in Stokesley at a new cafe for me, one of Keith’s favourites, full of pensioners (!).
Loon long leg to Beverley, the tailwind made it easy, a couple of climbs with chevrons but not very long and all of us made it up pretty easily. Navigation by chance in Beverley, we found Tescos at about 17:45 and the cafe was still open, not much choice of food though at least nothing that I really fancied. This was meant to the a short stop with a longer stop for dinner two hours later The toilets were kind of open the cleaner was doing her job and told us at least three times that she should have knocked off at 18:00. “Just go home and let us use the toilets” we though. The average age of the three riders was 56 and well you know what it’s like at that age. Our short stop was longer than we’d planned but on this ride our plan did give us 6 hours off overnight so we could afford to take it easy as we went on.
I was a little concerned about the main road down to the Humber Bridge, I thought at tea time on a Friday it might be busy, it was but not too bad, We made it Ok, but that long twisty detour to get on the bridge cycle path is rather tedious, Well sign posted but surely a simple chicane/bollard arrangement around the toll booths would have worked. I felt a bit nervous riding over the bridge on the wind. The early evening was splendid, mid summer so the sun was still fairly high, our shadows dance on the dirty rippled water beneath us when I dared to look down.
Now, last I was in these parts heading for Gainsborough we went through Scunthorpe but today I wanted to suss out the B roads that appear to be more direct on the maps. So that’s right at the end of the bridge access road and through Barton-Upon-Humber. Straight through the town, left then soon right on the road to Brigg. Perfect, it worked out well, soon we were riding parallel to the A15 as on the map. There was no traffic, it was great. Linking together places by following the signs we made it to Kirton Lindsey by 20:30 in time to eat at the pub. The landlord kindly allowed us to park the bikes in the yard out of the way. He claimed to recognise Keith from an earlier visit but probably just the VC167 jerseys on other club members as we pass through this area more frequently on Arrows.
We suited up for the night and headed out, bound for Gainsborough. It’s a null town. Youths hanging around, boy racers in crap cars. Same as last time. Tescos again. Another shopper thought she’d seen us in Lincoln earlier in the year, “probably someone else from the club” I told her.
Arrived at Blyth at 23:30 for at least three hours off. We agreed to leave a hour earlier than the schedule demanded, Peter was worried about keeping the speed up for the final run up to York. We snoozed until about 02:20 and got away at about 02:45. It had drizzled overnight and the roads were wet, it was cool but not too cold. No wind. I warned that we’d have to kill time in order to be not too early at Thorne for our 22 hour control. I faffed as much as I could on the road, put my jacket on, had a pee etc. We had to kill 40 minutes, the lady in the 24 hour garage wouldn’t let us indoors until they’d ‘done the papers and washed the floor’, we offered to help her but not even Keith’s nor my charisma persuaded her !
Finally we were on our way again. Selby, cashpoint receipt and onto York arriving at the racecourse and the York Rally at 07:10. Gerry Boswell in the stewards tent was our finish controller and gave us an official stamp. We parked our bikes in the tent and went for a cup of tea. Our Arrow was done, not a difficult ride, a nice route, I am pleased with the North Lincs part in particular. Nice to ride with some other people, we got on well and kept each other amused.
Our final task was to lead the Ron Kitching Challenge Ride out of the city !
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
The Border Raid
I thought about packing twice on this ride. The first time was while riding up England’s second highest road in the rain for several hours, freezing cold with numb hands. I was shivering in the cafe and had started to form a plan: if the conditions hadn’t improved by Brampton I’d get a train back to Newcastle and Darlington. Things did improved, my breakfast helped undoubtedly. After that, things were better, we even saw some sunshine and the views in the Scottish Borders are spectacular in good weather. Clothes dried out, some strategic changes made sure everything was dry before dark in case I needed more layers later. All was well again.
I was riding with Deano who was on Fixed. It meant I had an easy ride as he was not able to go faster than me to put me under and stress. Maybe a little slower than I could go on my own at times but that’s OK, I enjoyed the company, I am too old to spend so much time on my own and with difficult conditions I’d be visiting all the dark corners of mind. We had company of others at times of course, some new people, Dynamo Dan for example and some old friends. People come and go some people are more sociable than others.
This route is superb, some very very quiet roads with splendid views, easy to ride two by two and chat. In the dark though I feel we missed one of the best bits. The climb up to and into Devils Beeftub. A long gradual climb with a long fast descent, I really must pass through here in daylight, the dark descent was a little nerve wracking.
Easy run into Annandale Water Services where we slumbered for 3 whole hours on the floor. Other randoneurs came and went while we were there before we set off just before first light. I felt OK, not too hungry and quite alert. Five of us rolled down to Longtown and then to Carlisle and on the back roads to Penrith. We met Les coming the other way. He had got as far as Penrith then decided enough was enough and was heading to the station at Carlisle for a train back. He’d given it 400 km, considerable more than some folk who had packed in the rain nearly 24 hours earlier.
Breakfast at Penrith. Then the climb of Shap. It shouldn’t have been, we should have turned off sooner and not climbed this big hill. The others stopped behind us and I thought they’d realised the mistake and would have turned back, they didn’t though, then climbed this hill too. The descent was exhilarating, but then we had a most horrendous road to get us back on route. Steep and narrow in places. Poor Dean on one gear. Not much time for recovery on this roller coaster. I went on as our slow progress was starting to make me think that we may be getting close to the time limit. At Sedburgh we were one hour inside, I sat on a wall and had a drink. A passer by asked me if I’d cycled far, about 200 miles so far, he was flabbergasted like most people are !! Dean was about 15 minutes behind me, we quickly controlled and headed on up the road to Garsdale. It’s been a long time since I rode up here and I had no memories of it. It felt easy, I thought the headwind was responsible for our slow progress but Dean assured me it was up hill. He was cruising, slowly but I think my words sped him up a little. Garsdale Head crept up on us unannounced and I was pleased, I knew the roads from here on in and that always makes me feel better. My second thought of packing was starting to dissipate now. At Leybrun we were had hour and a half in hand. Thankfully a tailwind to Ripon. At least no more rain today and some sun. It turned out to be a lovely ride round the Scottish Borders and Yorkshire Dales.
We finally finished with two and half hours in hand. Just fine. I finished during a bad patch, I think I had mentally switched off about 30km too early, the last part became a drag. Never mind, we finished with no real traumas.
I was riding with Deano who was on Fixed. It meant I had an easy ride as he was not able to go faster than me to put me under and stress. Maybe a little slower than I could go on my own at times but that’s OK, I enjoyed the company, I am too old to spend so much time on my own and with difficult conditions I’d be visiting all the dark corners of mind. We had company of others at times of course, some new people, Dynamo Dan for example and some old friends. People come and go some people are more sociable than others.
This route is superb, some very very quiet roads with splendid views, easy to ride two by two and chat. In the dark though I feel we missed one of the best bits. The climb up to and into Devils Beeftub. A long gradual climb with a long fast descent, I really must pass through here in daylight, the dark descent was a little nerve wracking.
Easy run into Annandale Water Services where we slumbered for 3 whole hours on the floor. Other randoneurs came and went while we were there before we set off just before first light. I felt OK, not too hungry and quite alert. Five of us rolled down to Longtown and then to Carlisle and on the back roads to Penrith. We met Les coming the other way. He had got as far as Penrith then decided enough was enough and was heading to the station at Carlisle for a train back. He’d given it 400 km, considerable more than some folk who had packed in the rain nearly 24 hours earlier.
Breakfast at Penrith. Then the climb of Shap. It shouldn’t have been, we should have turned off sooner and not climbed this big hill. The others stopped behind us and I thought they’d realised the mistake and would have turned back, they didn’t though, then climbed this hill too. The descent was exhilarating, but then we had a most horrendous road to get us back on route. Steep and narrow in places. Poor Dean on one gear. Not much time for recovery on this roller coaster. I went on as our slow progress was starting to make me think that we may be getting close to the time limit. At Sedburgh we were one hour inside, I sat on a wall and had a drink. A passer by asked me if I’d cycled far, about 200 miles so far, he was flabbergasted like most people are !! Dean was about 15 minutes behind me, we quickly controlled and headed on up the road to Garsdale. It’s been a long time since I rode up here and I had no memories of it. It felt easy, I thought the headwind was responsible for our slow progress but Dean assured me it was up hill. He was cruising, slowly but I think my words sped him up a little. Garsdale Head crept up on us unannounced and I was pleased, I knew the roads from here on in and that always makes me feel better. My second thought of packing was starting to dissipate now. At Leybrun we were had hour and a half in hand. Thankfully a tailwind to Ripon. At least no more rain today and some sun. It turned out to be a lovely ride round the Scottish Borders and Yorkshire Dales.
We finally finished with two and half hours in hand. Just fine. I finished during a bad patch, I think I had mentally switched off about 30km too early, the last part became a drag. Never mind, we finished with no real traumas.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Leeds-Carlisle-Leeds
I have done this route twice before, it?s a great route crossing the Pennines twice, using England?s second highest road on the outward journey and the spectacular Yorkshire Dales on the return leg. This year we modified the last leg of the return journey to take in Boroughbridge instead or Ripon to avail of a late stop at Morrisons and used the very easy A168 home.
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.
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.
Sunday, 22 March 2009
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 !
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 !
Friday, 20 March 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Wetherby 100
Off we go, sure enough everyone sucked my wheel, I split the group pretty quickly and four others hung on, perhaps that’s too strong a word, I wasn’t challenging them or trying to drop anyone. In Garforth after about 10km I need to switch my gilet and armwarmers for my rain jacket. I stopped at a red traffic light and told the others what I was doing, no one waited of course when the light went green. I thought I’d catch them up. I rode on alone, in the rain. I moment of indecision in Barwick-in-Elmet and I lost a minute or two. I pushed on, I know these roads very well and on arriving at the A64 I saw my prey, the busy main road probably delayed them. They were delayed a bit more when they failed to see the turn for the bridleway. They stopped soon after and shouted back to me as I waited for them to U-turn. It was wet and muddy but thankfully not very long. I could have navigated us directly to the first control at Thorp Arch but first we had to find an info control at Wetherby Racecourse, I wasn’t sure about this as I don’t go that way very often, the 2007 Easter Arrow was the last time. I was leading us by now, I was in this position for most of the day but I didn’t mind that as it meant I kept out of other peoples spray. The gate to the racecourse crept up on us, I noticed it as a truck overtook, we stopped and u-turn and had a brief conflab about the turn. We went onto the racecourse but couldn’t see the info L On through to find a locked gate for our exit. Climbing over a wet steel gate made of tubes is not easy in Look cleated shoes, I did not want to fall. I made it. No info here either but plenty of rain. On to the control, I led again and we arrived while John the organiser was still there, he set off 20 minute before us to give the stamps to the controls. He was angry about the locked gate and couldn’t see the info either.
The next section to Copmanthorpe is quite nice in the sunshine and not too bad in the rain. I got my head down and sucked the rest alone, I know the roads. The York-Selby path was used for 9km and it was wet and muddy, my bike that was cleaned only yesterday is now filthy and no longer purring alone L. Some lunch at Selby Bus Station café, John was there still and they have a picture cut from Arrivee on the wall taken on Christmas day last year.
The final 20km took less than an hour, easy. The while ride was easy for me, I am very pleased. The 30km home took just over an hour so all in all an easy day that shouldn’t have been that easy. I think I need some more challenges now.
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