19th July- Dent to Armathwaite- 88.7km but climbed 1268 metres!!

19th July- Dent to Armathwaite- 88.7km but climbed 1268 metres!!

There was real 'nervous energy' at breakfast this morning as we knew we had one "mother of a climb" to get on top of the Yorkshire Dales to make our journey to the north of England. Over dinner last night there was a lot of talk and joking about the climb and the decent...One of our guys ( Nigel from the UK) is having trouble with his leg and was trying to work out how he could do the climb "one legged"... he reckoned if he made it to the top ( 535metres/1750ft) he could roll down to the end of the ride!!

The weather was warm but cloudy on the top of the mountains so we knew we were in for an interesting time.

The first 6kms were pretty good to get the legs warmed up then we started the climb.....well not only did we have a steep road with gradients getting to 20%, but we had a head wind blowing at us. The first part of the climb was about 1.6kms which was really tough....then we had 2.kms of climbing at about 8% average...again with a head wind and fog!

Needless to say it was good to get to the top and recover....I was pleased to say I stopped only once to get my breath! The ride so far has made me a much better climber and I am finding it easier to get in to a comfortable rhythm on big climbs...hope this continues when I get home.

You would not believe it but after reaching the top we then had a reasonably big decent which as I have mentioned in earlier postings is not a great part of my riding skills yet. The decent took us to a small town in Cumbria called Outgill and along the Eden Valley...quite pretty...well it needed to be after what we had been through!

We also followed the Settle-Carlisle railway line which had some very interesting bridges along our route. We were told the railway line was scheduled to close many years ago but the locals "kicked up a stink" and forced the authorities to keep it open, It seemed to have a lot of passenger and freight trains running as we made our way through the valley.

Morning tea was at a coffee/tea shop in Kirkby Stephen which is owned by a bike enthusiast and he talking to Chris and I about the rides in the region and some of the locals who had gone on to make marks in British cycling. His wife also offered to sell the shop to Chris and I....we declined the offer!

As morning tea was a little more substantial (Scones for me and cake for Chris) we decided to push on for a late lunch......well the riding was simply magnificent!

We travelled through rolling hills but with a descending trajectory all the time, the wind was also behind us as we averaged 30-35kph for most of the trip in the open country. At times we were over 45kph!!!

Wow this was terrific after the start! Unfortunately we had to slow down through the towns!!

We passed through some very pretty country which we could see now as the day cleared up to be relatively fine ( 22 deg) with a little cloud cover.

The towns/villages of note were Appleby-in Westmoreland, Long Martin, Newbiggin and Culgaith. Seems each had a big Manor House near the edge of the town with large farming businesses...presumably the houses/manors being in "family hands" for many generations.

We had a late lunch ( 2.30pm) at Lanhwathby ( 71 kms in to the ride) then pushed on to Armathwaite where we are staying for the night.

As the riders from the group arrive there is general big smiles of achievement of a days riding which was both tough and extremely exhilarating

Another good day....

Tomorrow I pass 1000 kms for the ride!!! Yea!

....and we arrive in Scotland

Now for the photos

Todays Route which took us partly through the Yorkshire Dales...the tough bit

Then along the Eden Valley

 

At the top of the climb...I was thrilled to get to the top.
I think I was second in the group!!!
June arrived shortly after me as I was takin this shot

A big viaduct for the railway
Just look at the engineering!

The signpost going in to Cumbria!
Rob ( 0ne of our leaders) is from Cumbria.
Not sure whether tis is his house???

The railway line again....I just missed a train!!!

The Eden Valley with clouds on the hills.

This was the front gate to a manor house that took my eye...The Burrells
The photo does not really show the pretty house inside the gates

Appleby-in Westmorland. The main street

The Eden River in the same town....
I had a Mars Bar here.....while....

.....Chris spoke to the local Funeral Directors
He is a civil celebrant in NZ and said he wanted to understand the local customs
Could be a good tax lurk!

This sign took our attention...
Wonder if they have any shops in Knock???

Another grand entrance to a manor house

Lunch stop at Langwathaby for a sandwich and lime and water
Lime and water is a favourite drink for most of the group during the day and the first drink after the ride!!

 At Armathwaite..and the Eden River

Home for the Night at the Fox and Pheasant
Nice pub!!
The owner is even doing our washing and drying....wow!!!!