Vital statistics:
When: 13/10/2013
Distance: 82.5 miles
Elevation gain: +84 08ft
Café stop: Penny Garth Café (Hawes), Ivy Cottage Tea Room (Reeth).
Having previously ridden together at prestigious events (Durham Beast Ride, Stockton Velo) many of the riders were no strangers to each other and road captain Chairman Whelan ensured that the riders were well marshalled, directed and most importantly fed!
Early weather forecasts meant most riders started the day sweating profusely as they worked their way up the first major ascent of the day – the Stang. With salt still stinging the eyes it was not long until the epic 8 mile drag to Britain’s Highest Inn (Tan Hill) was started with a furious tempo nearly dropping some of the peloton. Reports from the back said that it was glorious sight to see 9 riders strung out on the road ahead.
The next stretch of road was all a build up to ‘Yorkshires Best Descent’ – sadly the damp tarmac meant that full horse power could not be applied – but a return trip in dry conditions and with a kind wind could mean that descend speed GARMIN PBs are smashed left, right and centre!
Riders then took full advantage of the 1st feed station at Hawes where mushroom soup, paninis and assorted cakes were hastily * eaten (* for hastily, replace slowly in efforts to dodge the rain) with the coffee receiving glowing reviews. The welcome warmth from the rain and cold wind was not felt by all riders with one hard man of the peloton opting to ride in fingerless gloves.
A key moment of refuelling at the 50 mile check point and resisting the urge to stop at the Wensleydale Cheese Factory ensured successful ascents by all, of Buttertubs Pass – an official categorised climb of the 2014 Tour de France route. Rumour has it that Dave Brailsford of Team Sky is attempting to access the Team’s GARMIN data on the road as feedback for Chris Froome…a superb climb with freshly laid tarmac on a descent which offered stunning views down the valley and a taste of what’s to come in 2014 when hopefully bathed in June/July sunshine and a fleet of helicopters filming proceedings.
The next optional feed station at Reeth was taken up by half the riders and a glowing review of a very ‘homely’ café. A potential for future stops and on a sunny day, the ice cream parlour in Reeth could be a winner…also, the bathroom in the café was actually the owners own bathroom so bath/shower was a possibility that the 5 men at the café did well to resist!
The remaining 10 miles to Kirby Hill saw most riders having to dig deep into the suitcase of courage to complete the route. Notable efforts were given by Mike who ground his way through the final miles which featured as extra bonus ascent out of Maske as Chairman Whelan and Rich ‘The Power’ House were not feeling tired enough (definitely not lost, just wanted the extra miles…). Some splendid improvised mechanical work involving tying a knot in a gear cable ensured that in fading light, all riders returned unharmed to the Shoulder of Mutton. 78 miles, 2700 meters of ascent with 3 climbs from Simon Warren’s 100 toughest climbs books – a superb day in the saddle and topped off with a Trip Advisor rated “2nd best restaurant in Richmond”.
GARFELTIZED team management would very much like to extend and return the hospitality offered by Chairman Whelan on some Northumbrian roads very soon.
[click photo for the full gallery]
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