In the end, I did a nice steady 60 miles on Christmas Day. It was a rare December day, when the weather was as good as it gets. The early morning sun made the Wharfe Valley look very attractive. It was a steady ride up the dale, with frequent stops to take photos.
After two hours, I got to the foot of Park Rash. I was in two minds whether to climb up to the top. There may have been a good view from top, but after 50 metres, I did a u-turn. – I got some great presents, but all I really wanted for Christmas was a compact chainset. The 39*25 is too high for this time of the year.
If I had strained every sinew in the body I could have hauled the winter tank up to the top. But, I didn’t feel like it. It turns out you don’t have to start training for October hill climbs the previous December.
I went as far as Buckden and then, with a tailwind behind me, I picked up the pace for the return leg. I came across another rider, Matt from Baildon. Matt had started even earlier and had been as far as the top of Fleet Moss – impressive for Christmas Day and also proving – there’s always someone who will have done more training than you. But, the sight of a fellow cyclists, seemed to galvanise me into cycling a bit faster . With the wind behind you, it can be a great ride down the valley from Buckden to Burnsall and to Ilkley. There were only a few cars on the road, and the valley flew by.
60 miles and four hours. So no epic training ride, like the vainglorious promises of a few days ago. But, it was a pretty good ride, and back just in time for Christmas dinner.
Photos from Yorkshire Dales
Burnsall
Burnsall signposted.
Related
- Winter training rides
- Park Rash
- Yorkshire Dales in winter
Ah, Park Rash. Happy memories… I love the fact that the little knee popper out of Kettlewell isn’t even part of the climb!
Nice set of pictures. Brings back memories! Used to know the area pretty well 60 years ago.
I must say the road surfaces were much better then! Many less vehicles on them.
Now in Arizona, still riding a lot.
Comment on the costs….. at that time, I could build a full road racing bike, 10 speed & tubulars for less than 40 pounds. Even in the late 70’s, in California, I imported a Holdsworth, full Campy Record for $300!
Although I don’t always agree with your practices, I have enjoyed your blog for a long time. Keep up the good work.
Lovely photos. Looked so quiet out there – roads around here were rammed but then I was heading into civilisation and not out onto the hills.
lovely pictures. blissful.
Nice piece Tejvan,
I feel I was almost there wonderful photo’s. We’ve had a good cycling winter (so far) here in the Surrey with very little rain a a few cold spells plenty of dry roads. I’m hoping to cycle in the Pennines Chapel Fell and the Hartside in a loop in April (whether permitting)
Happy New Year to you.
Simon
Amazing pictures. lovely walls and river. Well done for training on Christmas day!