Originally uploaded by Dawnriser
The climb out of Swaledale up Crow Trees Hill is possibly tougher than the climb in. It’s
certainly longer. But the payoff is the view across the dale. This is
one shot looking west - the other direction is just as beautiful.
Originally uploaded by Dawnriser
I didn’t notice the sign on this tearoom until I came out of it. I
can’t imagine a penny farthing coping with the terrain round here.
I’m in Gunnerside and I’ve just had a Pot of Tea, Fruitcake and big slab of
Wensleydale Cheese.
A dear lady, who’s lived in the village for 16 years, told be about a
visit from the BBC when they filmed a story about the problems of
living in a remote rural community.
Now - on to Askrigg
Originally uploaded by Dawnriser
Between Grinton and Reeth there’s a neat bus shelter. This is it. The
noticeboard is full of information about events in the area The Best Queen Show Ever in a school hall in
Leyburn - Vacancy for a Parish Councillor - several concerts in Reeth
with tickets on sale at the village Post Office.
It hasn’t stopped raining but I want to get on …….
Originally uploaded by Dawnriser
Part push, part pedal. To reach the top of these inclines you have to know
when it’s quicker to push. Some of the steep inclines are beyond my
lowest gear.
The sun has come out in the dale about ten miles from where I am. It
won’t last.
This is a tough ride but very rewarding and each mile is worth pounds
for the students we’re bringing across from Bethlehem to the summer
school. An added bonus.
Originally uploaded by Dawnriser
Somewhere above the village of Redmire in Wensleydale Is this gated
road. The weather is fine at the moment but there’s rain up the dale.
I may miss it as I’m heading for Swaledale
Originally uploaded by Dawnriser
I’ve made it from Wharfedale through Coverdale and now crossing
Wensleydale. A stop for lunch at the Three Horseshoes in Wensley. Coronation
chicken on ciabata with salad. The rain has stopped briefly, changed
my socks and I’m looking at another climb over the Swaledale.
The bike is bearing up. The chain came off changing down on the first
steep hill otherwise all is fine.
The bike computer reads 22 miles so I have another 24 ahead.
Next stop Grinton near Reeth.
Originally uploaded by Dawnriser
Two one-in-four climbs followed by a one-in-five. If you have to start
somewhere it may as well be here flanking Great Whernside (behind the
sign) I’m 504 metres ASL at the moment and it starting to rain again.
Originally uploaded by Dawnriser
First stop, a bus shelter in Kettlewell. Beautiful as ever but still
raining. The first stiff climb is out of here and over the Coverdale.
The smell of the dales is fantastic. The flowers, rain, grass and
farmyards all combine to tease my nose. Real fresh air. A quick drink
now and back into the rain. God is good.
Originally uploaded by Dawnriser
A quick prayer and on this wet morning my adventure across the
Yorkshire Dales is about to begin. It’s rainy but looking bright.
I’m a little late because I had to make a detour into Harrogate to buy
a helmet. A lapse of memory left mine in York. So time to hit the
road on stage one out of Grassington. More later
Originally uploaded by Dawnriser
This morning I’ve taken the bike apart, cleaned and oiled it in
preparation for the Yorkshire Dales next week.
It’s a dirty job of course, but the layer of old grease, oil and
general muck that had built up this summer has gone and bits that were
“gungy” are clean.
The bike is a Scott Roadster S1 frame and forks with S3 bits - due to
a partial upgrade when the frame started to corrode in the guarantee
period. It’s an alloy bike so pretty rigid. That’s what I like about
it. I can feel the road and every ounce of effort reaches the wheels.
No suspension or flexing frame to absorb the power in between.
The sponsorship total online is now £1116 and I received an email this
morning telling me about another £100 that had come to the Riding
Lights Office. Thanks for your support.
Packing next.