Range Life 100 from Darlington - 26/09/20

[Deano]

https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8047

Short notice rescheduled event, but (to turn a phrase) it's been a funny year.

This is a decent loop of the northern Dales, with a flattish start, a hilly middle, and a finish that's downhill or flat. Some of my favourite roads, especially the run over Cordilleras from Newsham.

It'll be a barebones event with a postal finish, but there are plenty of options along the route. The Dales Bike Centre is a classic hangout, and not just for its free watertap.

PS the Nineties indie kid in me couldn't resist the reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VVj1zqbWpU

[JonB]

PS the Nineties indie kid in me couldn't resist the reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VVj1zqbWpU

The tune popped into my head (and it is a great tune) as soon as I saw the thread title. I never knew there was a video for this despite playing it a zillion times or so. Ride sounds great but a bit far from Bristol for me - hope it goes well

[PeeJay]

Yeah, I made the same connection.   In a similar vein I also think Slanted and Enchanted (the album it's from) would make a great title for a hilly ride

[Hendry670]

Looks great. I’m in. Fingers crossed for Saturday and no further restrictions between now and then 

[Peter]

The hairpin climb at Rake Beck looks a cracker!  Bit like Strines, near Holmfirth - best done in the dark!

[Deano]

It's not quite on the scale of Strines, thankfully, but it's quite impressive. I love the whole road, from the wooded climb up out of Newsham, to the dash across the ranges, passing buildings abandoned to time and target pracrtice, to the views across the Dales from the north, and the harum scarum descent to Marske.*

*pronounced Mask

[Deano]

Looks great. I’m in. Fingers crossed for Saturday and no further restrictions between now and then 

Aye, me too - got your entry, cheers Mark.

I'll email everyone round (hopefully tomorrow), but in the meantime I've a bit of work to do on the routesheet, as my local spy informs me that the Grinton road is properly closed. They're doing the bridge at the top which was ruined in floods last year, and there's no way through.

This is good news and bad news - it makes it a bit longer and we'll miss out a big climb, but we'll miss out a big climb, and it'll be a bit flatter overall: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30388139

[Deano]

PS the Nineties indie kid in me couldn't resist the reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VVj1zqbWpU

The tune popped into my head (and it is a great tune) as soon as I saw the thread title. I never knew there was a video for this despite playing it a zillion times or so. Ride sounds great but a bit far from Bristol for me - hope it goes well

Ah, next time I'll offer a free entry to anyone who gets the reference, that'll lure you down

I do have a great ride title with a music reference, just waiting for the right route to use it. A Pub, a Pie, and a Pint of Real Ale, That's the Way You Spell Bedale (after Dillinger)

[Peter]

It's not quite on the scale of Strines, thankfully, but it's quite impressive. I love the whole road, from the wooded climb up out of Newsham, to the dash across the ranges, passing buildings abandoned to time and target pracrtice, to the views across the Dales from the north, and the harum scarum descent to Marske.*

*pronounced Mask

Not much danger of me getting that wrong - you'll know the one near Saltburn, too.  Wish I could ride this.  Still hoping!

[Deano]

Ah it'd be lovely to see you Pete, pack your ukelelele.

[JonJo]

No miles in my legs but entered on the grounds that we'll get blown up the hills. It'll be a right grovel back from Newton-le-Willows mind.

[sojournermike]

Was windy from the east when I went out this morning. Bit of a shock to be honest and I ran back inside to put tights, base layer and gloves on.

Have they set off? Any reports yet Deano?

[Karla]

I heard they went over the turnstiles and out in the traffic, then they settled down to a steady pace.

[Deano]

We had 13 in small groups set off, with two shortcutting the route (we just met them at the pub in Scorton).

The earlier riders will have long finished but we're having an easy ride

[Karla]

Has there been any crooked rain yet?

[sojournermike]

Thumbs up to all!

Hope you stay dry and warm.

[Deano]

A few photos. Don't ask me to explain the shower caps:

[sojournermike]

Sunshine and shower(cap)a, and smiles