So Colin and I set off on the 0824 Preston to Edinburgh train which was surprisingly busy - quite a few Celtic supporters heading north- we got off at Oxenholme and got riding. Back roads to Sedburgh then took the road towards Hawes. Stunning scenery and a truly fantastic day for October. Long, long climb up the Hawes - Ingelton Road and at the top (1500+ ft) I decided we should detour to Dent as that had been on our orignal route, so we dropped down the valley road about 700-800 feet only to realise we had to turn around and climb it again (some of this was 17% gradient). Once back on the Ingleton road were in desparate need of re-fuelling - passed the buttie van at Ribblehead and eventually stopped at a tearoom on the oustkirts of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, 2 Beans on toast (one with scambled egg, one without), pot of tea, black coffee, plus refill of water bottles - a shade over a fiver, can't go wrong !Through Settle, Gindleton and onto some very small roads north of Grizedale Forest (the sort with gates that you have to open, I kid you not!). Eventually picked up the road from Tosside towards Clitheroe / Sawley and limped back on familiar territory, Last 20-30 miles were really tough when anything other than flat or downhill.
But we made it !
93 miles. 6100 ft of climbing. Ouch.
Nice! Can we see the route please?
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