I rode my sixth 100km (106km really) permanent today and realised that I was
going to be in for a hard time. The route:
Otley
Knaresborough
Harrogate
Pateley Bridge
and back again, had several long drags and some climbs in store for me but
in addition there was a 10 - 15mph againsterley. I started well and was
doing evens or better until I got to the drag upto Ruddings Park.
Nevertheless I got my head down and soldiered on. The steep climb into
Knaresborough was despatched thanks to the v.low gearing I have at my
disposal thanks to a mega range cassette. The ride from Ripley to Pateley
Bridge was a grind with the wind in my face for most of the way. I was
enjoying the descent into Pateley Bridge until I remembered I'd be coming
back up it. I didn't have enough time banked to be able to linger in
Pateley Bridge but found enough time to have a good snoop around a
deli/bakers and consume a leek and chicken pasty and a yorkshire curd [censored] -
plate sized - I knew I'd be needing a large energy source for the return
leg. I washed the food down with some Fentimans botanical drinks - highly
recommended if you can find somewhere that stocks the range. The scenery
was pretty good and I'll be returning to Pateley Bridge for some leisure
rides later in the year. I'll be there for a Grimpeur this coming
Saturday - if there wasn't a lowered lower speed i'd not be there though ;-)
The ride back appeared/and felt to be easier to Harrogate but it actually
took a little longer. Back to Knaresborough was relatively relaxed and then
the final grind commenced along the road back to Otley. Time was ticking
away, the wind was still in my face and things were looking tight as I
approached Pool in Wharfedale. I had to average around 12mph for the last
five miles and thankfully the final miles were virtually flat allowing me to
get my final proof of passage with two minutes left - phew!
Got a nice flat one tomorrow.....
-=V=-