Yorkshire Dales (202km)
Getting from A to B
There used to be a time when hitting 2/100 greatest climbs was the highlight of the day. Waddington Fell and Cross of Greet will always feel special. But when you’re heading to the Dales, they’re just a means of getting from A to B.
The route to Waddington was pretty straight forward. A direct road up A666 drop down from Langho to Whalley, Barrow, skirt round Clitheroe, cross the river and up into Waddington — one of the prettiest villages you’ll ever meet. No time to hang around, social distancing in full swing and the first big climb of the day.
It’s very easy to look down when climbing, or spend your time searching for the summit (there’s plenty of false summits on this climb). But sometimes, you need to look around, behind you and the majestic beauty of Pendle Hill — looming there in the background. More of Pendle later.
A couple of cattle grids and a fellow cyclist catching his breath. Normally you’d spot a few twitchers hiding out but not today. Another cattle grid and a lick of wind signalled the start of the descent. And hold on to your tails. Averaged 62 km/h over 3.5 km. Could have gone quicker, if it weren’t for Postman Pat. Seriously, this the was first car I’d seen for half an hour!
Plenty of cyclists spotted between Newton and Slaidburn, but only the hardcore (or stupid) make the trek to Bentham.
It was 2012 when I first rode the 10km climb to Cross of Greet. It was the Ride with Brad Sportive, right on the back of the Olympics and that yellow-jersey-winning Tour de France. Somehow, the climb to Cross of Greet always glows golden in the sunshine. Stunning.
On reaching the top, a cheeky tailwind helps out as you head further northwards. And as the views open up, you get chance to see Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. There aren’t many views like this. Lakes to your left. Dales to your right. A rapid descent into Bentham for our first pitstop. A socially distanced queue was forming outside the Coop. A traditional bacon and egg butty with plenty of fluids taken on board.
Limestone landscapes
Leaving Bentham, a short track towards Ingleton provides plenty of rollers and kickers to test your stiffened legs. Head up the A65 a junction and take the turning to Thornton in Lonsdale (signposted Dent).
This is where the fun (and geography lessons) begin.
After a short steep section, the views open up. And the limestone landscapes provide the most amazing backdrop.
Ingleborough (723m) passes by and Whernside (736m) comes into view. These are the two highest mountains (yes, mountains—not hills) in the Yorkshire Dales.
The road to Dent is a lovely gentle gradient following the contours of the land. But when you reach the farmhouse in the middle of the road, you know it’s going to get grippy. A second five bar gate greets you and you know you’re nearly at the top.
Dropping down to Dentdale
TOP TIP — If you’re going to photos, make sure they’re on the uphills or flats. ‘Cos when you start going down, you’re never going to stop.
When planning this route, I was tempted to take Tina. But chose against the idea for one reason — the descent into Dent. A technical downhill with a 5-bar gate is what I remember. What I didn’t remember was the second 6-bar gate straddling the road. Thank God I could brake — just in time. Evidence of plenty of cars and bikes that have seriously misjudged this one!
The road levels out to a rapid route to Dent. With plenty of obstacles to test your skills, you’re grateful when you reach the signpost signalling Dent straight on Dent Station to your right.
Cowgill
The reason for today’s ride was to explore the road east from the hamlet of Cowgill. Normally, the masochist in me would climb to Dent Station and beyond, but not today. And I was pleased with the decision.
The road starts off covering the most beautiful section of the ride: limestone river beds, rock pools, and centuries-old stone bridges. The gradient rises and you soon see a glimpse of the Settle-Carlisle railway. What first looks like an ideal backdrop in the distance, suddenly becomes a brutal test of endurance as you weave under the arches until you’re high above looking back on Dentdale.
Take a moment.
A short section over to B6255 completed my mission for the day.
Now time for the journey home.
100km in the bag. 100km to go.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks
The B6255 is another one of those roads that’s would normally be a highlight. I’ve ridden the road plenty of times, often as part of a training ride with The Apprentice… or back home after a night out in Yarm. :-)
Heading south, it’s a glorious road. The gradual descent made up for the slight headwind. Managed to hold TT tuck position with head down most of the way. Alice enjoyed this one!
Whizzing past The Yorkshire Three Peaks brought back many memories. First failed attempt at Three Peaks Challenge in 1995. Gearstones Lodge in 1996. Trainspotting in 1997…
Ingleborough is first in view, breaking the skyline with its bold outline. Then Whernside to the right, with the Ribblehead viaduct in the foothills. A left hand turn where the burger van normally sits, and we’re heading to Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
Didn’t hang around in Settle, skipped through Giggleswick, and before you know it heading towards Pendle.
Took the decision to keep on (relative) lowlands through Rathmell, Wigglesworth and onto Sawley. Perfect road and conditions for full on time-trialing. Loved every minute.
Decision to sit down at Chatburn and raid the local Spar for food supplies. Got told off by the checkout girl for camping out too long outside the shop. How rude!
From Good to Great… to an Epic Adventure
Shall we take the A59 easy route or try something different? Feck it. Let’s do Pendle (557m), drop into Barley, Newchurch-in-Pendle then head over Crown Point.
Sound like a plan?
Cycling long-distance solo rides can callus the mind. And that’s a good thing. You’re able to block out pain, grind out steep gradients and ignore distances to go. You just need to keep peddling!
The views from Chatburn to Downham and over to Barley equal anything seen all day. With Pendle on your right hand shoulder, you’re able to look back and see where you’ve been. The Yorkshire Three Peaks are now just three lumps in the distance.
Easy on the downhill into Barley. The local witches decided in 1612 not to repair the roads, and they haven’t improved. Plenty of loose stuff to cause a few spillages.
Before I knew it, I was climbing the 20% gradient to Newchuch-in-Pendle. Keep grinding it out.
The reward was the road to Burnley (not Burnley itself) and then Todmorden Road/Bacup Road to Crown Point. This has to be one of my favourite routes home. It’s not your obvious choice. But the Alpine-esque long and twisting road is a great one to keep you legs rolling. Nothing too steep, just a nice tempo to complete the day.
30km to go. Autopilot engaged.
Waterfoot, Rawtenshall, Edenfield, Ramsbottom, Hawkshaw then home.
It’s a great feeling to arrive home after an Epic Ride. A real sense of achievement. Especially when riding solo.
When you arrive home, I always say you’ve got half an hour to get something to drink, eat and take a shower before your body shuts down. Recovery drink of choice is milk and water (half and half). Bike maintenance and washing can wait for tomorrow.
As for what makes an Epic Ride?
For me, it’s knowing that you’ve tested yourself. Put yourself out there. Emotionally and physically. Highs and lows. Pain and suffering are all part of an Epic Ride. So too is the ability to enjoy yourself, take in the views and being able to ride another day.