Determined to get away, I was intending to go to Hawes, looked like some nice campsites up there. I bought a map for that region. This was to be a trial run out with new luggage, I haven't been cycle camping in nearly 30 years.
I packed my bike.
Campsites full.
Weather terrible.
So I decided to go to Kettlewell instead. No map, Googlemaps routing to the rescue.
Route out of York was . . . interesting. I didn't even know there was a cycle path there.
Nice bridge
Still, the sun is shining, I'm touring, who cares if it is taking ages to get anywhere. Several hours later I see a sign for Harrogate. Wait, I'm just passing Harrogate? I've ridden something like 40miles, Harrogate is about 25miles from York, this is a bit ridiculous.
Still, the sun is shining, I'm touring . . .
A while later, I'm in Pateley Bridge and a bit hungry. A small tea rooms/cafe doesn't look all that promising, until I see a sign saying 'cyclists and walkers' welcome. I ask if it is ok to lean my bike against the wall. No it isn't, they insist on walking round with me to the yard round the back, where "they can keep an eye on the bike for me from the kitchen window". It is boiling hot and I'm very grateful for the huge glass of cold water they bring with my drink to the table.
Leaving Pateley Bridge I suddenly realise that the route is going up Greenhow Hill. I remember this from many, many years ago as a horrible, relentless dreary slog. My memory was faulty. It is a steep horrible, relentless dreary slog, with cars buzzing you. I have to stop to rest twice. About half way I'm passed by a roady who looks in amazement at my laden bike and says "It's hard enough without luggage". Yeah. I swear never to come this way again.
Did I mention it was hot? There were also thunderstorms. Drenching thunderstorms. Then baking sunshine. So I was a teensy bit desperate that Kettlewell campsite wouldn't turn me away.
Nobody on reception, but a phone number "If you've bothered to cycle here in this weather, we can't turn you away". Bless them.
Actually a really nice campsite. Bit crammed in close together, but mostly full of families with kids and barring one tent that had a radio going, no noise makers.
I even managed to get my tent up before the next deluge hit.
The Pro-Action lives!
Next day, I chose my own route, resolving to avoid bloody bastard hills - so I went via Storiths. Barring an unfortunate road rage incident at the Storiths ford involving a Land rover parked in the ford (I didn't rage, he did), it was a very pleasant ride home.
About 130 or so miles, maybe a bit more over the two days. I need to ride more often. DEFINITELY need lower gears for this touring lark. And never ride up Greenhow Hill again.