The Stang

As I cycled to Richmond for the start of my latest road ride, I had the embarrassment of being overtaken by Roly, mind you he was in his car at the time. Kev was already waiting at Nun's Close car park. Liz and Paul must have been arguing at the breakfast table as Liz arrived alone in the car. Even after stopping to fix a puncture, Paul managed to arrive only minutes later!

The five of us set off out of Richmond via Barrack Hill the first climb of the day. At Whashton crossroads we turned left through Kirby Hill. Kev and I were feeling a little insecure being out numbered 3-2 by the roadies, so we stopped off at Newsham for reinforcements, namely Rob. We carried on along the undulating road through Barningham to Thwaite. Here outer layers were removed in readiness for the big climb of the day, up The Stang. As I reached the second of the bends, Paul was already at the top. Rolly, having just returned from altitude training, was also in fine climbing form. As I struggled up the final section a cyclist came tearing down the hill towards me. "It's alright for you" I muttered to myself, then I noticed it was Paul coming back down to do a lap of honour! Everyone coped admirably with the climb, I'll have to find some steeper hills for my next ride.

On reaching the top it was on with the outer layers again for the long descent to Langthwaite and on to Reeth for lunch. In Reeth we bumped into the Roberts Family who had cycled up from Northallerton. The children were keen for us all to return together but our route back was too short for them and theirs was too long for us! We took the main road back down to Richmond and it wasn't long before we were back at the cars.

Thanks to everyone for turning up, it made a pleasant change to be cycling around the Dales.

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	Swaledale Outdoor Club

The Stang

Dave Neesam