Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Not far enough on 20 December, 2016, 03:02:55 pm

Title: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Not far enough on 20 December, 2016, 03:02:55 pm
300 km exploring some of the lesser-known roads of the Dales, Pennines and Howgills.

Any proceeds from this event will be donated to Alzheimer's Research UK
 :thumbsup:

I'm in  ;)

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/17-324/

Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 20 December, 2016, 04:36:27 pm
 :thumbsup:

You're only slightly interfering with my carefully-crafted publicity campaign ;)

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/593/31619662122_f0627096fe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Qb82Wj)

Yes, I know it's the same day as the Tour de Yorkshire, and I'm expecting some disruption, but it'll all be over before Ilkley. Plus, you might get to see a bit of racing, and when any  wags try to tell you you're going the wrong way, you can reply "no, I'm doing a proper bike ride!"
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Graeme on 20 December, 2016, 10:15:26 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Not far enough on 21 December, 2016, 02:15:03 pm
Quote from: Deano on 20 December, 2016, 04:36:27 pm
:thumbsup:

You're only slightly interfering with my carefully-crafted publicity campaign ;)



Do you just want me to delete it, so you can post your carefully crafted one?  ::-)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 03 January, 2017, 11:37:28 pm
Thanks to Steve, this event now has AAA points - 3 of 'em, for the hilly middle bit, but don't let that put you off, as the descents are fabulous, and the start/finish are relatively flat, and you'll be able to make up any time you lose in the hills. And it's all about the views round the Dales, Howgills and Pennines:

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/2/1682/26132940114_c7fc6f794c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FPh9D1)
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/2/1706/26645514342_5bb5a3d180_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GAze6G)
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/2/1478/26132890514_59bb20a55f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FPgTTQ)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Steve GT on 04 January, 2017, 04:07:18 pm
I rode the route in July and it's a great route.
Hilly in the middle, but has no really tough Dales climbs like Park Rash or Fleet Moss.
I wrote a ride report in my blog if anyone is interested.
http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html (http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html)

 
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Peter on 04 January, 2017, 05:24:56 pm
Lovely report, Steve.  It also gave me the chance to see your piece about our ride with Dean and Graeme - thanks!

Peter
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Steve GT on 04 January, 2017, 05:35:38 pm
Quote from: Peter on 04 January, 2017, 05:24:56 pm
Lovely report, Steve.  It also gave me the chance to see your piece about our ride with Dean and Graeme - thanks!

Peter

Thanks peter.
I would love to do that ride again!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Graeme on 04 January, 2017, 06:31:54 pm
Me too!
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Philip Whiteman on 05 January, 2017, 11:24:43 am
Looks good :)

I like the route profule appearance of the last 100km being downhill. I rather suspect that it may be too good to be true.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 05 January, 2017, 08:38:17 pm
Well, you're welcome to come along and give it a try! Every cyclist should get to ride from Folly Top to Staindrop with a tailwind at least once.

There is a noticeable section of climbing, as you cross watersheds from the Tees to the Swale, but it's nowt compared to the earlier bits, and you can divert around it (but it's not worth the effort IMO as it adds about 5 km).
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 05 January, 2017, 08:41:54 pm
Link to route for anyone else who wants a neb:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17587210

Also, I should add that the start is very accessible from London, as Grand Central trains run directly from King's Cross to both Thirsk and Northallerton, and they're are as bike-friendly as they come - you can chuck a bike anywhere, without a reservation. Other services are available too.

And there is some camping at the start, just PM/email me if you want this and I'll let you know the crack.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 13 February, 2017, 10:35:58 pm
Little bit of routesheet checking yesterday, and dinner at the Queen's Arms in Littondale, where they'll be very happy to have you all aboard:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2337/32072378633_12cbae0b8a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/QS8jMp)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2911/32072365483_a2bc2e2698_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/QS8fSF)

Shame about the rest of the ride, but we survived.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Steve GT on 14 February, 2017, 07:23:50 am
The Photo of Steve - was it taken at the top of Askwith Moor?
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 14 February, 2017, 07:17:19 pm
Just before the drop to Askwith, so I guess that's Askwith Moor.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: mr ben on 20 February, 2017, 06:38:40 pm
This looks awesome...tempted.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: mr ben on 20 February, 2017, 07:11:18 pm
Quote from: Steve GT on 04 January, 2017, 04:07:18 pm
I wrote a ride report in my blog if anyone is interested.
http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html (http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html)

How can you manage to go so far with so little stuff? In awe.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Steve GT on 21 February, 2017, 04:01:53 pm
Quote from: mr ben on 20 February, 2017, 07:11:18 pm
Quote from: Steve GT on 04 January, 2017, 04:07:18 pm
I wrote a ride report in my blog if anyone is interested.
http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html (http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html)

How can you manage to go so far with so little stuff? In awe.

Bad planning!
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: mr ben on 27 February, 2017, 08:37:56 pm
I'm in.  :D
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 27 February, 2017, 10:36:01 pm
Good on you, Ben :thumbsup:

I've put you down for camping too.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: mr ben on 28 February, 2017, 12:40:56 pm
Excellent, thanks.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Graeme on 06 March, 2017, 01:21:30 pm
Quote from: mr ben on 27 February, 2017, 08:37:56 pm
I'm in.  :D

Ditto.

Can't do the LWL now as I have to be in Hull on Sunday, so ECE it is. Camping?
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 07 March, 2017, 10:20:20 pm
You're in, G. Entries are coming in steadily, but plenty more space for anyone else who fancies a day out in the Dales, Howgills and Pennines. Have another enticing photo:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3920/33312042595_1a5131447e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SKEVFZ)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Graeme on 07 March, 2017, 11:36:53 pm
Rupha. :)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 16 April, 2017, 11:10:41 pm
Just a couple of weeks to go - and I'm still taking entries.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Dave_C on 17 April, 2017, 03:15:38 pm
I initially entered the Small Audax (http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/17-325/) but then decided to go LARGE with this ride.

This also fulfils my need for a 300 this year for my SR, and takes me over some new roads I have not ridden on before!  :thumbsup:

Dean, we can camp over afterwards right?
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 17 April, 2017, 05:47:45 pm
 :thumbsup:

Aye, you can camp both nights. It would be a little cruel to kick out riders who may be arriving after midnight.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 18 April, 2017, 09:59:52 pm
I'll be doing a helpers' ride/routecheck this Friday, then I'll email all the entrants with the final info. I don't expect anything to change from the published routesheet, but you never know.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: jsabine on 19 April, 2017, 01:46:09 am
This kinda looks good, but we're definitely away on holiday. Any plans for next year?
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 19 April, 2017, 07:47:50 pm
I'd love to do it again, but let's see how this one goes.

If you're desperate for a trip up north this year, then - http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/17-352/

I might even finally return your bar bag, you never know.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 08:36:20 pm
Totally nervous about this ride. Which I take as reassurance that I'm still sane. Riding up to Newby Wiske the day before, and ECEing it home to Hull afterwards. If this goes well I'll consider myself on target for LEL. And by "well" I mean "not dead yet". I'm expecting a hard ride - and only slightly befuddled about whether I'll be competing in the women's Tour de Yorkshire or not.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 08:37:56 pm
Quote from: Steve GT on 04 January, 2017, 04:07:18 pm
I rode the route in July and it's a great route.
Hilly in the middle, but has no really tough Dales climbs like Park Rash or Fleet Moss.
I wrote a ride report in my blog if anyone is interested.
http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html (http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html)

Re-reading this I'm now anticipating a cold and wet ride.





Just a bag of fun me.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Chris S on 21 April, 2017, 08:45:33 pm
Quote from: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 08:37:56 pm
Quote from: Steve GT on 04 January, 2017, 04:07:18 pm
I rode the route in July and it's a great route.
Hilly in the middle, but has no really tough Dales climbs like Park Rash or Fleet Moss.
I wrote a ride report in my blog if anyone is interested.
http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html (http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html)

Re-reading this I'm now anticipating a cold and wet ride.


You'll be fine - I'm riding it on Friday. Saturday will be lovely :)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 08:53:00 pm
Quote from: Chris S on 21 April, 2017, 08:45:33 pm
Quote from: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 08:37:56 pm
Quote from: Steve GT on 04 January, 2017, 04:07:18 pm
I rode the route in July and it's a great route.
Hilly in the middle, but has no really tough Dales climbs like Park Rash or Fleet Moss.
I wrote a ride report in my blog if anyone is interested.
http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html (http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html)

Re-reading this I'm now anticipating a cold and wet ride.


You'll be fine - I'm riding it on Friday. Saturday will be lovely :)

Ah. POETS day. There's a lot of climbing... Should burn off a parmo's worth of calories.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Chris S on 21 April, 2017, 08:55:44 pm
Quote from: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 08:53:00 pm
Quote from: Chris S on 21 April, 2017, 08:45:33 pm
Quote from: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 08:37:56 pm
Quote from: Steve GT on 04 January, 2017, 04:07:18 pm
I rode the route in July and it's a great route.
Hilly in the middle, but has no really tough Dales climbs like Park Rash or Fleet Moss.
I wrote a ride report in my blog if anyone is interested.
http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html (http://faniefiets25.blogspot.fi/2016/07/deans-dales-ride.html)

Re-reading this I'm now anticipating a cold and wet ride.


You'll be fine - I'm riding it on Friday. Saturday will be lovely :)

Ah. POETS day. There's a lot of climbing... Should burn off a parmo's worth of calories.

S'OK - They (http://www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw2-bHBRDEh6qk5b6yqKIBEiQAFUz29jwzjRcfBOlduOSeq8Mh2yqUu7vVniYlMXtx7e53eokaAqj48P8HAQ) work on POETS day  :-*
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 09:13:20 pm
 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Chris S on 21 April, 2017, 09:15:05 pm
Quote from: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 09:13:20 pm
:facepalm:

I'm much better now  ;D
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 21 April, 2017, 10:48:21 pm
Well, I'm back from the route check, and I can confirm all the hills are still there - but thankfully so are the descents. No major changes to report, so I'll send the final info after some sleep.

It was a damn fine ride, apart from a perma-headwind all the way from Boroughbridge to Sedbergh, a howling north-westerly, which I was quite looking forward to having over my shoulder from Folly Top to Darlo, but I rode into a weather front near Roger Moore Farm, and the damn thing swung around.

I didn't take any hip young audaxers with me today (though I did meet a lad named Dan from Otley, and I nearly convinced him to ride while he was humouring me up Wharfedale), so all my photos are of hills and empty roads and shit like that.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2938/34144289176_f90e5962e2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U2dpAY)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2950/34027467212_c223fc9733_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TQTEvb)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2909/34027564002_91ec58401c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TQUagY)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2920/34027509632_07350b1a88_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TQTT7y)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2812/34027520242_dcf9da00af_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TQTWgu)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2921/34144319686_b84b61f2f9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U2dyF1)
Shame they don't convey the strength of the wind - try this one:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2842/34144409736_93271fcf69_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U2e2rA)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 21 April, 2017, 10:56:48 pm
Quote from: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 08:36:20 pm
I'm expecting a hard ride - and only slightly befuddled about whether I'll be competing in the women's Tour de Yorkshire or not.

Unlikely - it's been bloody hard to get definite info about the rolling road closures, but there were some signs out today. I haven't done the calculations, but you'd have to be really pushing the time limit to get held up. I'll work it out and add the info, but it's a flat start, so hopefully everyone will get through before the women's race arrives.

And you'll be fine. You might arrive back after midnight, but I doubt it - I think the last pub on the route is in Ainderby Steeple, just aim for last orders there and it's only 4 miles back to the finish.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Graeme on 21 April, 2017, 11:27:39 pm
Ossum! :)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 23 April, 2017, 09:40:54 pm
Everyone should have the final email now.

It's going to be a great day, I reckon, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: CrinklyUncle on 27 April, 2017, 09:58:42 am
This ride had been in the top 3 rides I wanted to do this year since seeing it last year. Unfortunately some other stuff more important has come along and I can't make Saturday. I hope everyone has a great day.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 29 April, 2017, 06:09:06 am
They're off! 40 riders on their way through the Dales. Well, 39 and one faffer.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 29 April, 2017, 06:50:13 pm
First rider back - 11hrs 40 mins :o
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Chris S on 29 April, 2017, 07:02:42 pm
Quote from: Deano on 29 April, 2017, 06:50:13 pm
First rider back - 11hrs 40 mins :o

Waaaaa??  :o
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 29 April, 2017, 07:34:51 pm
Typo - 12 hours 40. As if that isn't bonkers!
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: ramcityrocker on 30 April, 2017, 01:01:54 pm
Dean, that was a simply wonderful weekend; great route and a brilliant Arrivee. Many thanks to you, Mike and all involved.  :thumbsup: 
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Philip Whiteman on 30 April, 2017, 05:07:22 pm
To Dean, our host and all the friendly helpers at the control and on route.

Many thanks for a magnificent day-out. For me, it was well worth the journey up from Worcestershire.  The route was superb and I was amazed how 'main road free' it was. Plenty of spectacular scenery en-route. 

The food at the finish was very welcomed.

PS, where do I send my lactic acid?
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Chris S on 30 April, 2017, 05:07:35 pm
I rode on Friday, as I was stamping cards at The Lion on Saturday, on Dean's equally even more barmy 100.

I made a bit of a meal of it, to be honest. Dave A did a great job of towing me out to Markington, even after I scared the b'Jesus out of him by appearing in his driveway when he least expected it.

I was even slower climbing than usual, which meant Dave soon disappeared into the distance. We rejoined at Ilkley for Gregg's Breakfast, but he soon dropped me on the Bolton Abbey road, and that was the last I saw of him all day.

What an absolute cracker of a route. You've got a knack for this, haven't you Deano? Nearly all new roads for me, and I loved 'em.

Peak moment of the ride? Cresting the climb out of Littondale, and thinking "Holy f*ck - that's Pen-y-ghent, right there in front of me."

The spring went from my bungee after Staindrop, and I limped back to the start at a rather embarrassing 20kph, having to frequently stop for slumped-over-the-bars moments, and even a quick nap in the bus shelter in Scorton, less than 20km from the end.

Run it again next year, Dean - pleeeeeeeeeeze?

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2816/34231738081_195f893be5.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U9WB7H)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Terry2wheelz on 30 April, 2017, 06:56:10 pm
Superb Ride yesterday !
For sure the traffic free route does take some beating, well sorted by Dean -  plenty of  "Big Sky" & panoramic views - the view back towards the Howgills when almost at Middleton are especially fabulous.
 I enjoyed a proper sit down cafe' dinner break ( for under a fiver ! ) just before Horton-in Ribblesdale, which was topped off nicely with steam train passing meters away & bathed in glorious sunshine.
Many thanks to all the hard working members of the welcoming, organising & catering team -  people have received OBE's for less ! 
I drove home early this morning back to Manchester with a huge grin on my face (& slightly tender knee's.)
I had an unforgettable ride, but can't help wondering who the strange fella with the harmonica was, sat outside Queens pub before opening time  :)

Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Peter on 30 April, 2017, 06:58:49 pm
Yes, I wondered about that, too.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Dave_C on 30 April, 2017, 08:18:12 pm
What a fantastic route Dean. As others have said, lots of car free roads, something that had crossed my mind when I tried something other than the mainly Scottish routes I have ridden to date. Wonderful views, wonderful fellow riders and the host Mike was superb! The start finish point really helped make the weekend special.

Thanks for organising and to Mike & family, for hosting us, and to the helpers on the ride and at the Arrivee.



Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 01 May, 2017, 12:32:13 pm
Quote from: ramcityrocker on 30 April, 2017, 01:01:54 pm
Dean, that was a simply wonderful weekend; great route and a brilliant Arrivee. Many thanks to you, Mike and all involved.  :thumbsup:

Cheers, Rob - how's the road rash? (no photos, please!)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 01 May, 2017, 12:34:20 pm
Quote from: Philip Whiteman on 30 April, 2017, 05:07:22 pm
To Dean, our host and all the friendly helpers at the control and on route.

Many thanks for a magnificent day-out. For me, it was well worth the journey up from Worcestershire.  The route was superb and I was amazed how 'main road free' it was. Plenty of spectacular scenery en-route. 

The food at the finish was very welcomed.

PS, where do I send my lactic acid?

Thanks, Phil  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 01 May, 2017, 01:01:42 pm
Quote from: Chris S on 30 April, 2017, 05:07:35 pm

Run it again next year, Dean - pleeeeeeeeeeze?


Thanks, Chris. It's tougher on your own, and everyone got back quicker than I expected! My helpers at Staindrop were underused, and they'll be having flapjack/pies/quiche for breakfast, dinner and tea for the next week.

I'd be happy to run both rides again next year, but it all depends on Mike and family, as starting and finishing there made the events. Aidan also suggested running the 300 as BRM, which means more paperwork, and a little less time on the road, but the last riders were back before half twelve, so it should be OK unless the weather's truly 'orrible, and it makes sense in a pre-PBP year. I'll also be double checking the routesheet for the last run-in, and possibly skipping the Ainderby-Warlaby shortcut.

Anyway - there were 40 starters, and only one DNF (he made the early decision to pack as he wasn't well). Special congratulations to Mr Ben for your first 300 - there was at least one other rider on their first 300, and one lad on his first audax. He says he'll be back :)

Thanks to the helpers on the day - Andy C and team at Markington (waving down random cyclists and asking if they wanted their card stamped ;D), Peter and Steve GT at Litton. I should also point out that the Boroughbridge to Ilkley route was designed by Steve GT, and works brilliantly, so cheers, Steve. And thanks to everyone else NOTP.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 01 May, 2017, 01:14:48 pm
Quote from: Terry2wheelz on 30 April, 2017, 06:56:10 pm
Superb Ride yesterday !
For sure the traffic free route does take some beating, well sorted by Dean -  plenty of  "Big Sky" & panoramic views - the view back towards the Howgills when almost at Middleton are especially fabulous.
 I enjoyed a proper sit down cafe' dinner break ( for under a fiver ! ) just before Horton-in Ribblesdale, which was topped off nicely with steam train passing meters away & bathed in glorious sunshine.
Many thanks to all the hard working members of the welcoming, organising & catering team -  people have received OBE's for less ! 
I drove home early this morning back to Manchester with a huge grin on my face (& slightly tender knee's.)
I had an unforgettable ride, but can't help wondering who the strange fella with the harmonica was, sat outside Queens pub before opening time  :)

Cheers, Terry - you should have come and had breakfast with the rest of us!
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: zacklaws on 01 May, 2017, 03:23:01 pm
I would like to say a big thanks to Deano for organising such an incredible event, found all the things in life I hate, hills, especially big ones, the one between Brough to Middleton on Tees must rank as one of the worst I have ever encountered, just on the edge of just not to steep to crack and stop on and full of false summits and all you can do is keep pedalling. Deano even managed to synchronise the Cockerill in the garden to start calling out just before getting up time so no need to set your alarm, all you had to do was endure a 30 min lay in with a cockerill calling out.

Also a big thank you to the helpers, and great to see that "STRANGE MAN with the harmonica", Peter again.

Most importantly though I would like to say a big thank you to Mike and his family for their hospitality and use of there home etc to turn an audax into an unforgettable experience.

Roy labouring up the hill from Howgill Pike.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i99/zackl_2006/IMAG0128.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/zackl_2006/media/IMAG0128.jpg.html)

Bad hair do in Middleton on Tees. Deano's ride has ruined it for the post ride party.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i99/zackl_2006/IMAG0130.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/zackl_2006/media/IMAG0130.jpg.html)

Deano's speech.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i99/zackl_2006/IMAG0133.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/zackl_2006/media/IMAG0133.jpg.html)

Roy demonstrating how he managed to pedal up the hills in the form of dance with some dandy footwork.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i99/zackl_2006/IMAG0136.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/zackl_2006/media/IMAG0136.jpg.html)

The legend Bob Bialek celebrating life after loosing another of his nine lives after duck paddling with his bike across the slip road to Tebay services as a monster HGV was entering. Driver was non plussed as he waved his arms about as if he was doing a Kate Bush impersonation. And I was non impressed either after shouting a warning which was ignored.
(http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i99/zackl_2006/IMAG0137.jpg) (http://s70.photobucket.com/user/zackl_2006/media/IMAG0137.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: mr ben on 01 May, 2017, 06:55:11 pm
An awesome event!  Very many thanks to Dean for organising, to Mike and family for their hospitality, and to all the helpers; I like to think I did my bit to keep them busy at Staindrop.  How fab to be greeted by the sound of cowbells!

The highlights of the route for me - apart from finishing the bloody thing - were riding along the Howgills, and the unfenced roads over the moors, especially towards Asby Scar.  One of the things that kept me going was thinking how inaccessible these roads are; if I didn't ride them now, would I ever?

(http://www.sloeburn.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/G0107087.jpg) (http://www.sloeburn.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_5885.jpg)  (http://www.sloeburn.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_5884.jpg)

It was great to be welcomed by everyone as I'm new to longer events, I hope to see you again - at a start, if not on the road!
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Terry2wheelz on 01 May, 2017, 07:36:48 pm

Cheers Deano -  But by 3am I'd woken up 4 times already to sort my "owd' mans bladder", so thought better to drive home than risk waking anybody else up -    Dead sorry to riders that I disturbed with constant opening & closing of van door, I really tried to be quiet :-[   

One of my favourite rides this one & god willing I'll be riding it again next time -  brilliant route & superb company.
T.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: ramcityrocker on 02 May, 2017, 05:54:37 am

Cheers, Rob - how's the road rash? (no photos, please!)
[/quote]

The road rash is fine, thanks Dean - as someone has observed above "fat cyclists bounce better"...
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: madcow on 02 May, 2017, 05:00:07 pm
 Zack-I felt the same as you about hills before this event but not anymore.In one day, I collected more AAA points than in my previous umpteen years of audaxing.
 Hills =scenery and lots of it.
We really are most fortunate up here to have some of the best countryside in Britain and this ride showcases the lot.
It is easy to see why the organisers of the TDF were blown away. I was and I thought I knew Yorkshire pretty well.
 
Classic route+Deano's organising skills+Mike's hospitality+lots of helpers= great inaugural run. Long may it continue.

I have just viewed my GPX track .It recorded 306 kms and 3798 metres of climbing. Do Garmins tend to overestimate climbing ?
Anyone else got GPX  history from Saturday?
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 02 May, 2017, 09:36:03 pm
Cheers, mc. I'll pass everyone's thanks on to Mike and family.

Steve Scott got just over 3000 metres (don't look at his average speed): https://www.strava.com/activities/965176121

Around 3500 seems typical: https://www.strava.com/activities/964357191

But the things are so variable, dependent on weather, phases of the moon etc, that I wouldn't worry.
Title: Re: Beyond the Dales We Know 300km 29/04/2017
Post by: Deano on 02 May, 2017, 09:37:20 pm
Provisional results now up!

I didn't get many photos at the start, but there are some great expressions here:

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4190/33603726213_95ecaeb064_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TcrT4T)