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@FridayMarch26th
The sun's come out, so I've found some weekends and sorted some routes. Amongst them is a highlight from last year that I'm keen to repeat:-
[ame]http://www.bikemap.net/route/729884[/ame]
It's just a lovely route, it really is. The scenery is stunning, the roads are well surfaced, and the traffic is minimal throughout.
Climbs? Climbs. Some are short and sharp, others are long and winding, but all are very much worth a go. Bikemap suggests about 2700m ascension, while last year my Garmin ended on a shade under 3500m (including the ride out). I reckon that the real figure is much closer to the second reading than the first. Just think of the final descent into Skipton, twenty easy miles, leaving behind the last ascent - the highest pass in Yorkshire!
The current logistical deal is this:-
I'm training from Kings Cross to Keighly on the evening of Saturday May 28th. The route proper starts at Skipton, which is the obvious destination station, but I'm in bargain basement digs on Saturday night, to which Keighly is the closest station.
I'll then ride all day Sunday, returning to London from Skipton in the evening, after eating whatever takes my fancy at least twice.
At the time of writing, train tickets are about £40, but you bet your boots they'll go up very soon. The cost of accommodation varies, but local youth hostels are under £20.00 for the night, and around Skipton there's no shortage of options (keep in mind that this is a bank holiday weekend).
If any of this sounds like an organisational nightmare, then rest assured that it's not. A spot of fiddling with thetrainline, a Google for a place to stay, a paperback for the train, and a jersey filled with with cereal bars. Done.
This ride is suited to anyone who reckons that they can push themselves around with relative form. It's a challenging route, but we've an entire day in which to do it, and I've no problem setting off in the wee smalls if it makes sure that the route is completed in time for the train home. The emphasis is on maintaining a steady spin (with coffee stops!), rather than whipping around at full whack (better you than me). My bike will have lots of gears, and yours should, too (sorry).
Self-sufficiency is key. I know you lot know the score – much more so than me (but please ask if you don't), in fact I'm reasonably sure that anyone considering the trip will be of the sort who knows how to prepare adequately.
So drop me a note if you're up for a day in the Dales (or with any questions), and yes, I'm pretty sure that I'll end up going on my own.
Friday (April 15th)