Tour of the Dales

Mayday Weekend

After last minute adjustments to bikes and having to stop at John Gill’s bike shop in Leeming (I’ve negotiated 10 per cent discount for SOC members) for brake blocks, Liz Greg and I arrived at Geoff’s house in Northallerton just before Geoff arrived back from Stocksfield having picked up Barbara, James, Nell and Dick. Whilst bikes were being unloaded Peter arrived t complete the nine. Anne provided a well received breakfast of tea and cake after which she had half a dozen cameras thrust at her for the “start of ride photo shoot”. Eventually, we got underway, my bike wobbling all over the place. I am new to this “touring lark” and it took me a few miles to get used to carrying panniers. Thanks to Gary for the loan of his panniers and could I suggest the committee consider purchasing a red carrier as the black one I borrowed from the Club didn’t suit my bike at all!

Through-out the weekend the group would split on occasions with James leading the off-road routes and Barbara the on-road. The first split came at Morton-on-Swale with us off-roaders heading along the bridleway that follows the Swale to Maunby. Lunch stop was at Pickhill where we met the Roadies in the pub.

After our short break, we headed west along country lanes through Carthorpe and Thornton Steward to arrive at Middleham. Here we all instinctively headed for the cafe for afternoon tea. On leaving Middleham, we all headed off-road across Middleham Low Moor where the racing stables have their training gallops. At this point Barbara spurted to the front with commentary from James, “and its Barbara coming up on the rails” etc. By the time we arrived at Penhill Farm we were a little behind schedule, so out came Barbara’s mobile to phone Aysgarth Hostel with our dinner order.

On arrival at the Hostel it was a quick shower and change, dinner then a walk down to the falls. The falls looked quite impressive after the recent rain. Staring at waterfalls makes you thirsty so it was back up the hill to the Palma Flatts Hotel. After a few drinks and talk of the day’s ride, a darts competition was suggested. I was convincingly knocked out of the first round. I am hopeless with anything other than 25gram tungsten darts with Union Jack flights. Barbara and Liz went on to win beating Peter and Greg in the final.

Day 2 began with discussions at breakfast on how much off-road to include into what would be a tough day’s cycling. Liz was very insistent that we included the now famous Castle Bolton to Askrigg Track. After finishing breakfast, we loaded up the bikes and after one last look at the Falls we tackled the steady climb up to Carperby. At this point Barbara called for those wishing to stay on road and to everyone’s amazement, first with her hand up was Liz! Only James, Geoff, Gregg and myself ventured up the steep climb from Carperby to join the afore-mentioned track to Askrigg. It may have been just the extra weight we were carrying but the grass covered track seemed even more energy sapping than usual and progress was hardly swift. As compensation we were treated to superb views of the surrounding hills. Next came the infamous ford, featured in previous write-ups. This was Greg’s first time but he cleared it with ease, I ended up with a wet right foot whilst James and Geoff took to the stepping stones.

Finally we reached the end of the track but after a short downhill, we were climbing again up to Askrigg common and on to Oxnop Scar. Soon we were dropping down into Swaledale where we met Barbara and Liz. With Peter nursing poorly wheel bearings, the others had carried on. With plans quickly sorted for the next stage, Barbara left us to hopefully catch up with the others at Muker. All a bit complicated for me but Barbara and James seemed to know what was going on.

After a well earned break in the cafe, joined by Liz, we headed off-road again up Dyke Heads then following the north bank of the Swale as far as Currack Force. After our second tough stretch of off-road for the day we were glad to reach tarmac but the bad news was we still had some climbing to do heading up to Tan Hill where we met up with the others. After refreshments we all headed off together up the Sleighthome Moor Road to Bowes. Then it was on to Cotherstone where we headed west along Baldersdale arriving at Baldersdale Youth Hostel just in time for dinner. The dinner was so good we didn’t grumble when told we had to wash up. After dinner we had a pool competition but unfortunately I can’t remember who won, it was that exciting!

Unfortunately Baldersdale was the end of the ride for Greg as the next morning he had to drive home to Croydon ready for work the following day but he did kindly offer to take our unwanted luggage to be dropped off at Liz’s house. After a superb breakfast we set off for Eggleston passing through Hunderthwaite and Romaldkirk on the way. At Eggleston we again split into two parties to make our separate ways to Hamsterley Forest. Liz, James, Geoff and I took the bridleway along Blackton Beck. This would have been quite a nice steady climb along a single track if it had not been for the marsh, peat bogs and quick sand! On reaching the forest we had a very long enjoyable descent along forest tracks down to the Forest Drive where we met up with the others.

Next stop was a cafe in Wolsingham for lunch. As is the norm on SOC rides, having just eaten we then faced a long climb off-road up past Tunstall Reservoir. Our next section of off-road was the much easier Waskerly Way to Consett, very familiar I’m sure to those who have done the C2C. From Consett we headed north through Ebchester and New Ridley. Our bikes were not quite 100per cent covered in mud so Liz, James Geoff and I chose to complete the ride along a very muddy track, finally finishing at the Gravenor’s abode in Stocksfield for our well earned end of ride cake.

Thanks very much to Barbara and James for their hard work both before and during the weekend and also to Geoff for his help with the complicated task of transporting the Stocksfield contingent to Northallerton for the start and the rest of us after the finish. Also thanks to everybody for being such good company.

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	Swaledale Outdoor Club

Tour of the Dales

Mayday Weekend

Dave Neesam