Five wheelers (Richard H, Steve, Jason, Brian H and Dave Scales) went up to Leeds to tackle stage 1 of TDF Yorkshire with some of Richard's work colleagues. Northern prices (5 pints and a burger for £12) were a pleasant surprise. Less pleasant was the hotel which goes straight into the top 3 of best wheelers hotels ever. Saturday morning and we loaded our bags into the support van and set off in the dry. The rain arrived before we reached Leeds outer ring road, as did the first mechanical - derailleur failure going into spokes, so one work colleague resorted to using the spare cyclocross bike (what a support van !!). Did I mention the rain? It threw it down for all the time we were cycling....
The route took us first to Skipton (25 miles), with a sharp hill just before we arrived and a good run down into town where we regrouped in a cafe (Bojangles) and Dave was chatted up by a couple of lovely pensioners. Next we passed some amazing scenery on the way to Kettlewell and Buckden and the first real challenge up to Kidstones. Turns out the Hertfordshire mountains are nothing compared to the hills (or speed bumps) in Yorkshire.
With that obstacle conquered we had the downhill to Aysgarth where we had planned to stop for lunch. All was well until the last two miles which turned out to be uphill again, with a waterfall running against us. The hospitality was superb. The pub welcomed 13 dripping cyclists and offered to light the fire or get a drying room set up if we were planning to stay for a long time. Sadly, we had our sandwiches and headed out for the toughest challenge of the day. Onward to Hawes and up Buttertubs, with several sections > 17%. It was the third really steep bit that did it for me, although I had stopped for some 'rests' after the other two. But I had to get off and walk the last bit. Jason cramped up and for a moment or two couldn't move. Eventually the blood started circulating again and we rode gently to the waiting group. Buttertubs is a gift that keeps on giving, but once the presents were all doled out there was tremendous downhill, or rather it would have been if it was dry. Needless to say I need new front brake pads as I didn't fancy skidding off at a sharp bend. From then on in, it was downhill more or less all the way to Grinton, apart from the last half mile (20% anyone?) to the Youth Hostel. Then it sipped raining and the sun came out while we were freshening up so we could enjoy a beer outside before heading down the hill again on foot this time for dinner in the pub.
Sunday morning - what a difference. It was sunny, and warm. What remained the same was that we had to get up a hill to start off with. The first two miles took me 17 mins up another couple of sections of 16% gradients. But then what a downhill. Straight roads, no potholes, no traffic, 39mph. This is what makes it all worthwhile. We regrouped and then flew into Masham for coffee, scones and ice cream in the sun. Best bit for me was the 2 to 3 miles with Brian H drafting behind a tractor and trailer with an enormous bale of hay at 25 mph (Steve was in front of the tractor pacing it for us).
After Masham, there was a fairly dull bit to Ripon, but the wheelers train of Steve, Brian and Dave took on all comers and won. I got within 10 metres of them but had to concede and fell back (when there was a slight incline). At Ripon, our marvellous support van driver (Lindsay) lost some brownie points by saying the A61 was too busy and we should go a different route by the back roads. "It's a bit lumpy though." Famous last words ... A drag out of Ripon heading west, followed by a 7% down and up and down and up then 20% down and up (with huge potholes on the up). And then back onto the A61 and into Harrogate and the 10% climb about 1 mile before the end. Cavendish will need to do better than me on that climb if he is to stand any chance.
A couple of people stopped in Harrogate and I should have eaten something there, because the 15 miles back to Leeds were hard work. Long up hill drags to Harewood House and beyond which never seemed to end, and then finally Leeds....but we seemed to be in danger of getting lost in the suburbs for a moment before we found the Otley Road and back to the hotel. Tired but happy.
