Post by: Graeme on 30 July, 2018, 11:29:28 pm
I've got a couple of days off work and fancy organising a Tan Hill Overnighter (https://www.tanhillinn.com/). [clicky]
14th December. It is a Friday.
They have camping. They have rooms.
They have beer. They have food.
I'm committed and I've booked a room.
Who is in?
Expect cycling. Expect COR.
Expect FUN of types I, II, IIIa and IIIb.
Shall we ride together or do we each need to take a completely different route to the top - no sharing routes?
http://balancingontwowheels.com/2017/12/winter-adventure-into-the-wilderness/
Graeme.
Roll call:
Quote
Sojournermike
Kim
Graeme
Joe.B
Deano
Yorkie
Phantasmagoriana
DALE
Fboab
Socks
Tiermat
ChrisS (although perhaps unaware of this fact)
iddu
Potentially: Woollypigs
I wonder if there is any room left in the Inn. There always camping for those hardened to that sort of thing.
Jingle bells!
(click to show/hide)
Post by: Oscar's dad on 31 July, 2018, 09:23:58 am
Post by: tiermat on 31 July, 2018, 09:31:11 am
Post by: Socks on 31 July, 2018, 10:33:47 am
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 31 July, 2018, 11:36:03 am
[Edit: and it's been approved, so I'll book my bunk!]
Post by: Graeme on 31 July, 2018, 12:30:19 pm
I knew that it wasn't too early to plan Christmas. It's always nice to have something to look forward to, especially now the nights are drawing in.
Post by: L CC on 31 July, 2018, 12:54:56 pm
Post by: Kim on 31 July, 2018, 01:09:23 pm
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 31 July, 2018, 03:05:00 pm
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 31 July, 2018, 03:06:31 pm
especially now the nights are drawing in.Give over man.
Heard someone talking about how Autumn is their favourite season yesterday. I just don't need this kind of negativity in my life.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 31 July, 2018, 03:10:11 pm
especially now the nights are drawing in.Give over man.
Heard someone talking about how Autumn is their favourite season yesterday. I just don't need this kind of negativity in my life.
Autumn is the best season! Bring it on! :thumbsup:
Post by: yorkie on 31 July, 2018, 06:53:08 pm
Post by: Graeme on 31 July, 2018, 07:04:36 pm
G.
Post by: Joe.B on 02 August, 2018, 10:48:17 pm
Put me down for this one, I really fancied the last couple of Tan Hill Overnighter's but the dates just didn't work out. I'll get this one on the calendar nice and early :)
Post by: Deano on 02 August, 2018, 10:50:12 pm
Post by: Graeme on 02 August, 2018, 11:09:08 pm
Hi Graeme,
Put me down for this one, I really fancied the last couple of Tan Hill Overnighter's but the dates just didn't work out. I'll get this one on the calendar nice and early :)
Good news. :)
Just a heads-up: I'm not making bookings or anything.
If you fancy a bunk room, double bed room, or simply camping near Deano you'll need to contact Tan Hill directly. This event is looking popular and more people seem to be planning a day off work.
Post by: sojournermike on 26 August, 2018, 11:25:17 am
Mike
Post by: Graeme on 02 September, 2018, 08:54:15 pm
:)
Graeme.
Post by: Kim on 08 September, 2018, 12:27:02 pm
Post by: sojournermike on 08 September, 2018, 05:08:38 pm
I seem to have accidentally booked a bunk...
Yay!
Post by: Graeme on 08 September, 2018, 05:53:54 pm
Sojournermike
Kim
Graeme
Joe.B
Deano
Yorkie
Phantasmagoriana
DALE
Fboab
Socks
Tiermat
Oscar's Dad...
I wonder if there is any room left in the Inn. There always camping for those hardened to that sort of thing.
Jingle bells!
Post by: sojournermike on 08 September, 2018, 11:14:48 pm
Roll call?
Sojournermike
Kim
Graeme
Joe.B
Deano
Yorkie
Phantasmagoriana
DALE
Fboab
Socks
Tiermat
Oscar's Dad...
I wonder if there is any room left in the Inn. There always camping for those hardened to that sort of thing.
Jingle bells!
Dare I camp?
Post by: Graeme on 08 September, 2018, 11:57:50 pm
Winter camping on top of the Pennines. Now that is full value!
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 09 September, 2018, 06:52:27 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 10 September, 2018, 10:56:18 am
Post by: L CC on 15 September, 2018, 08:02:42 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 20 September, 2018, 01:28:10 pm
I can't make the December Shindig :( But...
The early afternoon of Friday 22nd February could see me in the environs of Tan Hill and I should have until the Sunday morning so that gives me two nights and all of Saturday for mid-winter fun and games. I know its a way off but is anyone likely to be about?
If there is some interest I will start a new thread to avoid confusion.
Post by: Graeme on 20 September, 2018, 09:13:45 pm
He's not admitting it yet but Mr Smith should be on that list. I've paid for his bed so he has one fewer excuse.
Yay!
Post by: Graeme on 20 September, 2018, 09:14:02 pm
Bad news and good news...
I can't make the December Shindig :( But...
The early afternoon of Friday 22nd February could see me in the environs of Tan Hill and I should have until the Sunday morning so that gives me two nights and all of Saturday for mid-winter fun and games. I know its a way off but is anyone likely to be about?
If there is some interest I will start a new thread to avoid confusion.
Boo!
Post by: Oscar's dad on 21 September, 2018, 09:01:26 am
Bad news and good news...
I can't make the December Shindig :( But...
The early afternoon of Friday 22nd February could see me in the environs of Tan Hill and I should have until the Sunday morning so that gives me two nights and all of Saturday for mid-winter fun and games. I know its a way off but is anyone likely to be about?
If there is some interest I will start a new thread to avoid confusion.
Boo!
Yes, sorry about that. 2019 should afford me more flexibility hence hoping to conquer Tan Hill in February.
Post by: sojournermike on 21 September, 2018, 10:05:46 pm
Bad news and good news...
I can't make the December Shindig :( But...
The early afternoon of Friday 22nd February could see me in the environs of Tan Hill and I should have until the Sunday morning so that gives me two nights and all of Saturday for mid-winter fun and games. I know its a way off but is anyone likely to be about?
If there is some interest I will start a new thread to avoid confusion.
Boo!
Yes, sorry about that. 2019 should afford me more flexibility hence hoping to conquer Tan Hill in February.
Ah, I read that as 22 Dec! May be free in Feb - start a thread. Camping erm...
Post by: Oscar's dad on 25 September, 2018, 10:04:35 am
Ah, I read that as 22 Dec! May be free in Feb - start a thread...
Done!
Post by: Graeme on 25 September, 2018, 07:47:38 pm
Ah, I read that as 22 Dec! May be free in Feb - start a thread...
Done!
More
Moar Tan Hill goodness.
:thumbsup:
Post by: Karla on 09 October, 2018, 01:01:09 am
Post by: sojournermike on 04 November, 2018, 05:52:35 pm
Looking forward to seeing you all.
Mike
Post by: Graeme on 04 November, 2018, 07:53:29 pm
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 06 November, 2018, 10:12:27 am
Post by: Socks on 06 November, 2018, 07:08:45 pm
I've got a bit of annual leave to use by the end of the year, so am taking the following Monday & Tuesday off work too - I'm seriously tempted to extend this and ride home, though obviously a lot depends on the weather! Now to look at potential routes...
I've booked a double room for me and the current Mrs Socks. We'll have the camper van and bike rack so will have space for a couple of people plus bikes if anyone needs a lift to lower ground. (Assuming that the weather is OK for us to get there of course).
Post by: Joe.B on 09 November, 2018, 11:31:58 am
I was considering bringing the tent and extending my ride home to include a night out, I'm not so sure that I'll have the time for that now and will likely ride back to Newcastle on Saturday morning.
I don't have anything booked in with work for the 14th yet so I've penciled in a working from home day, that will allow me to get away after lunch, probably by train to Darlington followed by a ride up via Barnard Castle.
One quick question for those with some local knowledge: Whats Route 70 like between Barnard Castle and Tan Hill? I see from the online maps that there is a 2-3 mile stretch of unmade road, how is it?
Post by: L CC on 09 November, 2018, 01:46:30 pm
Fine. Absolutely fine.
[No sniggering at the back boys and girls]
Post by: Kim on 09 November, 2018, 02:10:05 pm
However, on the grounds that both bad weather and crap lungs are real possibilities in December, I'm erring on the side of caution (and vastly cheaper trains) and taking the Kirkby Stephen approach. Choice of steed to be made in light of prevailing conditions nearer the time.
Post by: JonJo on 09 November, 2018, 03:15:09 pm
One quick question for those with some local knowledge: Whats Route 70 like between Barnard Castle and Tan Hill? I see from the online maps that there is a 2-3 mile stretch of unmade road, how is it?
I rode up and down it on 28mm gatorskins this summer with no bother. Bone dry mind.
Post by: Karla on 09 November, 2018, 04:51:27 pm
Post by: Graeme on 09 November, 2018, 04:52:38 pm
One quick question for those with some local knowledge: Whats Route 70 like between Barnard Castle and Tan Hill? I see from the online maps that there is a 2-3 mile stretch of unmade road, how is it?
I rode up and down it on 28mm gatorskins this summer with no bother. Bone dry mind.
Mr Bunbury did it downhill in the ice on 23mm tyres. There's always someone crazier than oneself.
[x-post]
Post by: Karla on 09 November, 2018, 04:58:16 pm
One quick question for those with some local knowledge: Whats Route 70 like between Barnard Castle and Tan Hill? I see from the online maps that there is a 2-3 mile stretch of unmade road, how is it?
I rode up and down it on 28mm gatorskins this summer with no bother. Bone dry mind.
Mr Bunbury did it downhill in the ice on 23mm tyres. There's always someone crazier than oneself.
[x-post]
They were 35 mm Schwalbe G Ones thankyouverymuch!
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 09 November, 2018, 06:40:44 pm
Might be on 43mm tyres this time, if I can't be bothered to switch them! ;D
Post by: Kim on 09 November, 2018, 07:19:26 pm
Post by: Joe.B on 09 November, 2018, 10:48:02 pm
I'll probably be on the bent, though it normally wears 559x42 Marathon Supreme's I might fit the 50mm Conti Winters which have been loafing in the loft since Mrs B started commuting on 20" wheels. Only drawback is there's no room for guards with those tyres.
Post by: Joe.B on 12 November, 2018, 01:39:35 pm
Post by: Graeme on 13 November, 2018, 09:07:12 pm
Looks like Northern Trains are going to be striking on the 15th.
Joy.
:(
Post by: sojournermike on 13 November, 2018, 10:07:33 pm
Looks like Northern Trains are going to be striking on the 15th.
Joy.
:(
I'll be riding home then - good job we'll have the bikes
Post by: woollypigs on 13 November, 2018, 10:13:47 pm
Post by: Deano on 13 November, 2018, 10:24:43 pm
Everyone else - you can still get back east without having to brave Northern trains.
Post by: sojournermike on 13 November, 2018, 10:53:15 pm
Ah go on Woolly.
Everyone else - you can still get back east without having to brave Northern trains.
Oh yes, my problem with Northern is that I could get to York via Darlo, then they'd leave me stranded. Just be easier to roll down the dale.
Go on Woolly!
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 14 November, 2018, 02:28:09 pm
Post by: Joe.B on 14 November, 2018, 06:39:44 pm
I'm thinking of riding to Durham on the 15th, weather permitting, so hopefully will avoid the strike.
I'm likely to be heading in that direction as well.
Post by: Graeme on 15 November, 2018, 12:44:28 pm
Post by: woollypigs on 15 November, 2018, 01:08:24 pm
Post by: Graeme on 15 November, 2018, 06:14:09 pm
\o/ snow storms !!!!
Daily Star lol
Post by: woollypigs on 15 November, 2018, 07:08:04 pm
\o/ snow storms !!!!
Daily Star lol
but but but I read it in the newspaper, sniff, sticks bottom lip out
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 15 November, 2018, 09:11:56 pm
I'm thinking of riding to Durham on the 15th, weather permitting, so hopefully will avoid the strike.
I'll be to-ing and from-ing Durham I think, dependant on weather. Slow though, I'll be camping it up.
Post by: iddu on 26 November, 2018, 12:52:53 pm
Better pack the fleecy underwear
In.
Post by: iddu on 28 November, 2018, 07:26:11 pm
Well, that's the plan. I'll tap y'all up just before for (local) weather advice needing SNO tires.
Post by: Graeme on 28 November, 2018, 09:46:28 pm
http://www.gpxeditor.co.uk/routes2/users/iddu/201812-THI-Trip
Well, that's the plan. I'll tap y'all up just before for (local) weather advice needing SNO tires.
:o
Post by: sojournermike on 28 November, 2018, 09:54:58 pm
Post by: Deano on 28 November, 2018, 10:49:56 pm
Post by: iddu on 28 November, 2018, 11:52:49 pm
Just remember it could be a bonus lock-in at the Lion ;D
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 03 December, 2018, 11:53:27 am
Anyone know what the A68 between Bellingham and Jedburgh is like?
Post by: Joe.B on 03 December, 2018, 08:36:38 pm
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 03 December, 2018, 09:13:47 pm
Post by: Joe.B on 07 December, 2018, 04:54:09 pm
Post by: iddu on 07 December, 2018, 11:42:29 pm
Not packing any more stuff...
Happy trails :)
Post by: iddu on 08 December, 2018, 12:36:09 pm
Oh for the countryside ::-)
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 08 December, 2018, 12:53:12 pm
Post by: Kim on 08 December, 2018, 12:55:14 pm
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 08 December, 2018, 12:55:59 pm
Looks like Ice Spiker Pros to me. (I fitted Ice Spikers to my mountain bike yesterday in an attempt to ward off winter.)
That's what I thought. I'm worried now; was hoping to get away without them at the weekend!
Post by: woollypigs on 08 December, 2018, 01:02:01 pm
Post by: Chris S on 08 December, 2018, 01:03:28 pm
Looks like Ice Spiker Pros to me. (I fitted Ice Spikers to my mountain bike yesterday in an attempt to ward off winter.)
That's what I thought. I'm worried now; was hoping to get away without them at the weekend!
Forecast currently looking sleety rather than icy.
Post by: Kim on 08 December, 2018, 01:16:23 pm
Forecast currently looking sleety rather than icy.
Sleet with a scattering of rail replacement buses. >:(
Post by: sojournermike on 08 December, 2018, 02:00:02 pm
It is looking cool mind. And damp
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 08 December, 2018, 02:47:12 pm
Looks like Ice Spiker Pros to me. (I fitted Ice Spikers to my mountain bike yesterday in an attempt to ward off winter.)
That's what I thought. I'm worried now; was hoping to get away without them at the weekend!
Forecast currently looking sleety rather than icy.
Joy. Still haven't decided where to cycle from - if it's sleety, will go for the easy option of Kirkby Stephen! :-\
Post by: Graeme on 08 December, 2018, 05:01:11 pm
Looks like Ice Spiker Pros to me. (I fitted Ice Spikers to my mountain bike yesterday in an attempt to ward off winter.)
That's what I thought. I'm worried now; was hoping to get away without them at the weekend!
Forecast currently looking sleety rather than icy.
Joy. Still haven't decided where to cycle from - if it's sleety, will go for the easy option of Kirkby Stephen! :-\
Even though it'll show me down, I'll be going for spiked ice tyres because "morning" at Tan Hill and "downhill".
Post by: sojournermike on 08 December, 2018, 05:33:49 pm
Mmm, car has all wheel drive...
Post by: Joe.B on 08 December, 2018, 06:36:48 pm
Post by: iddu on 08 December, 2018, 06:47:40 pm
Are those studded tyres?
Yes, ISP's, as stated
Optimism: There will be SNO. There WILL be SNO, There WILL be SNO...
Post by: iddu on 08 December, 2018, 06:51:59 pm
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 08 December, 2018, 07:48:22 pm
Are those studded tyres?
Yes, ISP's, as stated
Optimism: There will be SNO. There WILL be SNO, There WILL be SNO...
Oh dear, I've just checked the Met Office forecast and it does appear to agree... :-\
Post by: Chris S on 08 December, 2018, 11:03:19 pm
Moist (from York) - currently ensconced in a Malton hostelry for pre-camp nosh and partial drip-dry...
Congratulations on making it through Mordor, largely intact.
You know, we refer to that ( *points *) the other side of the hill, as Mordor - largely because there are flames and noises and rumblings, that disturb one's constitution. You will see...*
-------------
* If there's an 'incident' at the Olefins plant at Wilton (not uncommon), you can pretty much see the flames here, 10km away.
Post by: Kim on 08 December, 2018, 11:07:03 pm
Post by: Chris S on 08 December, 2018, 11:11:34 pm
Yeah, but at least you're not in Birmingham.
I know. And we're not in Middlesbrough either, but... WE KNOW IT'S THERE!
* points to orange glow in the sky *
Post by: Kim on 08 December, 2018, 11:24:02 pm
Yeah, but at least you're not in Birmingham.
I know. And we're not in Middlesbrough either, but... WE KNOW IT'S THERE!
* points to orange glow in the sky *
That's pretty much my problem with Birmingham, tbh.
Post by: iddu on 09 December, 2018, 04:53:01 pm
de rigueur tome tonight - Bram Stoker, natch. If I get a different number of steps down/up after some local wet stuff, be danged if I’m doing a recount.
Post by: iddu on 09 December, 2018, 09:18:03 pm
$DEITY - Church Lane. 1:2.4 at the bottom, with setts :o :o :o That’s worse than Harlech...
Not sure I’d even try going down that; NAFC going up, even on the 13” Trice.
(https://www.whitbyonline.co.uk/whitby/whitby-leisure/donkeyroad/)
^^^ class loon ;D
Post by: Deano on 09 December, 2018, 10:19:58 pm
Post by: sojournermike on 10 December, 2018, 12:11:39 am
Oh good, still 199 each way.
$DEITY - Church Lane. 1:2.4 at the bottom, with setts :o :o :o That’s worse than Harlech...
Not sure I’d even try going down that; NAFC going up, even on the 13” Trice.
(https://www.whitbyonline.co.uk/whitby/whitby-leisure/donkeyroad/)
^^^ class loon ;D
Think I’d want flat pedals before trying that one!
Looking forward to Friday and hoping the weather will be like today
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 10 December, 2018, 06:31:30 am
Post by: sojournermike on 10 December, 2018, 07:12:57 am
I don’t think I have any possibility of ice tyres, but I may need to check.
Post by: sojournermike on 10 December, 2018, 07:18:14 am
Met office has Tan Hill at -2 to -1 on both Friday and Saturday, rising to 0 if you stay till 6 on Saturday.
I don’t think I have any possibility of ice tyres, but I may need to check.
Actually I’ve got a spare set of wheels for the yellow peril, and Spa seem to have them in stock.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 10 December, 2018, 10:18:26 am
Anyone know if there's a working webcam anywhere near there? The one on the Inn's website doesn't seem to be active.
Post by: sojournermike on 10 December, 2018, 06:46:00 pm
Happy to be not camping now and thinking a set of Marathon Winters might be just the thing.
Post by: aidan.f on 10 December, 2018, 10:20:11 pm
Post by: iddu on 11 December, 2018, 05:37:50 pm
Got the tracks out the way early, rather than rampage across moors bridleways in the dark, so just had to suffer the inclines in the afternoon - lots of walking and looking at views but hey, it’s a holiday, right? ;D
Post by: iddu on 12 December, 2018, 07:42:35 pm
Cthulhu’s balls - how much for Ham & Eggs? Mollified a bit by getting half-a-pig and a mountain of chips, but still, significantly north of a tenner is pushing the boundaries.
Post by: Kim on 12 December, 2018, 08:36:52 pm
Main concern at this point is lurgy, which isn't getting better at any kind of speed. Currently producing prolific amounts of snot and feeling low-level rubbish, but my breathing's okay, so I'm not chickening out yet. It's not that big a hill, after all.
[1] Which has useful features like 700c wheels, proper mudguards and dynamo lighting.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 13 December, 2018, 10:09:43 am
Post by: Deano on 13 December, 2018, 10:18:15 am
Post by: Graeme on 13 December, 2018, 10:30:16 am
Post by: L CC on 13 December, 2018, 10:48:42 am
With studs. I fully anticipate muchos hike-a-bike
Post by: woollypigs on 13 December, 2018, 11:16:41 am
As I will be in a van, shall I bring my bike rack (room for three), to be broom wagon?
Post by: Socks on 13 December, 2018, 01:49:38 pm
Post by: Kim on 13 December, 2018, 01:55:58 pm
Post by: sojournermike on 13 December, 2018, 02:47:00 pm
Winter tyres on order, but unlikely to be here in time. More positively, the forecast has ‘improved’ to cold, but with lower probability of precipitation while I expect to be riding. Given the current tyre and weather I’ll bring the dynamo bike I suspect.
Look forward to seeing everyone.
Mike
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 13 December, 2018, 04:03:02 pm
I don't think ICBA with studs. I'll just take the bike as is. Tomorrow morning could be interesting (but the road from Tan Hill to Reeth is supposed to be gritted).
Same. I say I CBA; what I mean is if I had some to put on, I probably CBA to put them on.
Leave after it warms up, but before the snow starts. Or failing that, I don't fly until Tuesday. Be reet.
I'm riding Sunderland - Bish Vegas - Bowes - Tan Hill I think.
Post by: iddu on 13 December, 2018, 08:39:44 pm
Lovely, back on the tracks, and my favourite valley of Kingsdale, climbing over to Dent.
But you just had to try that 4th track, didn’t you? Two miles of bog trotting later in the dark, I bailed it when a SP said another three miles, still having to scramble a mile straight downhill into Dentdale. Good job I’m in the Howgills bunkhouse, and can deskunk everything for tomorrow ;)
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 13 December, 2018, 10:16:12 pm
I'll be riding up from Oxenholme, as it was the cheapest place I could find a train ticket to this morning when I finally bothered booking. Didn't fancy riding from anywhere north, given the likelihood of a headwind - sojournermike, you should have a lovely wind-assisted ride! I did consider going from Harrogate but it's too much of a faff getting there.
Post by: sojournermike on 13 December, 2018, 10:22:22 pm
I've gone for the no studs option (but still fat tyres: 43mm!), which probably means it'll snow. Bar Mitts are on though. ;D
I'll be riding up from Oxenholme, as it was the cheapest place I could find a train ticket to this morning when I finally bothered booking. Didn't fancy riding from anywhere north, given the likelihood of a headwind - sojournermike, you should have a lovely wind-assisted ride! I did consider going from Harrogate but it's too much of a faff getting there.
I’d have been glad of the Company. Still undecided on tyres! 28mm with dynamo or 54mm racing Ralph without.
Agree the wind looks helpful up, not so great heading back on Saturday.
Post by: Canardly on 13 December, 2018, 10:33:11 pm
Post by: Kim on 13 December, 2018, 10:35:35 pm
Main question is lurgy. Lungs are working, which is the important thing, but my eyes and throat are sore, and I'm still feeling low-level urgh. If I get to Mordor Central and feel like death, I won't be getting on the train.
Post by: Deano on 13 December, 2018, 10:44:28 pm
I've gone for the no studs option (but still fat tyres: 43mm!), which probably means it'll snow. Bar Mitts are on though. ;D
I'll be riding up from Oxenholme, as it was the cheapest place I could find a train ticket to this morning when I finally bothered booking. Didn't fancy riding from anywhere north, given the likelihood of a headwind - sojournermike, you should have a lovely wind-assisted ride! I did consider going from Harrogate but it's too much of a faff getting there.
Ah, nice and flat then.
Post by: woollypigs on 13 December, 2018, 11:45:59 pm
Post by: Karla on 14 December, 2018, 05:56:48 am
Post by: woollypigs on 14 December, 2018, 09:36:18 am
Post by: Kim on 14 December, 2018, 09:37:47 am
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 14 December, 2018, 09:41:16 am
I'm not bailing! I'm on one of Mr Branson's finest trains.
Ditto!
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 14 December, 2018, 09:43:53 am
I've gone for the no studs option (but still fat tyres: 43mm!), which probably means it'll snow. Bar Mitts are on though. ;D
I'll be riding up from Oxenholme, as it was the cheapest place I could find a train ticket to this morning when I finally bothered booking. Didn't fancy riding from anywhere north, given the likelihood of a headwind - sojournermike, you should have a lovely wind-assisted ride! I did consider going from Harrogate but it's too much of a faff getting there.
Ah, nice and flat then.
I think the 40t sprocket might see some use later...
Post by: Graeme on 14 December, 2018, 09:46:31 am
Well I'm bailing, because of the weather and the other plans I have. I would be driving in the mist of the worst of that incoming weather front, in high and exposed places in a van without winter tires.
Oh no! Could you get a lift with someone? Not too late is it?
Post by: mattc on 14 December, 2018, 10:03:44 am
I am very jealous of you all!
*Several 100s of kms south.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 14 December, 2018, 10:17:55 am
Post by: andrewc on 14 December, 2018, 10:43:58 am
Post by: Joe.B on 14 December, 2018, 11:17:53 am
Top Contact Winter's fitted, new Kool Stops on the front, digital thermometer taped to the bar to tell me what I already know, pack lunch made up and a variety of hats packed into the bar bag.
Time for one last cuppa then off the the station for the 1220 to Darlington.
Post by: iddu on 14 December, 2018, 11:41:10 am
Post by: Joe.B on 14 December, 2018, 12:23:32 pm
Not a disaster as I've got paper maps.
Post by: Kim on 14 December, 2018, 01:21:04 pm
Post by: yorkie on 14 December, 2018, 01:25:53 pm
After a pain wracked night, I found that the earliest "emergency" appointment I could get was 5pm, so I won't be able to make it up there tonight. 
If anyone wants to make use of the bed booking, feel free, I shall let them know I'm not coming.
Other than that, have an enjoyable evening!
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 14 December, 2018, 01:53:59 pm
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 14 December, 2018, 03:09:54 pm
Post by: Joe.B on 14 December, 2018, 03:13:42 pm
Post by: Graeme on 14 December, 2018, 03:51:58 pm
Post by: L CC on 14 December, 2018, 05:43:48 pm
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 December, 2018, 06:43:27 pm
Post by: Graeme on 14 December, 2018, 07:16:01 pm
We're back home, we set off, but I'm not well enough to do big hills. Have fun everyone.
Next time. :(
Post by: sojournermike on 14 December, 2018, 07:34:30 pm
Post by: Chris S on 14 December, 2018, 09:39:13 pm
There’s quite a gang. I landed at 5 - it was cold and dark. Ride up was largely grand, cold, sunny and dry. Views, as ever, spectacular. Enjoyed curry and only wondering how the morning will look.
The morning will be fine. It's the afternoon that might be interesting.
Post by: woollypigs on 14 December, 2018, 09:50:18 pm
No lift to be had as I'm the driver :)Well I'm bailing, because of the weather and the other plans I have. I would be driving in the mist of the worst of that incoming weather front, in high and exposed places in a van without winter tires.
Oh no! Could you get a lift with someone? Not too late is it?
Metoffice has updated the warning to be amber with ice kicking off at 10am instead of noon yellow with snow/sleet.
If I didn't have other things booked I would have been there and ridden the weather out if it turned out as the warnings says
Post by: Kim on 14 December, 2018, 09:51:26 pm
Post by: Chris S on 14 December, 2018, 09:53:12 pm
Post by: woollypigs on 14 December, 2018, 10:20:56 pm
Post by: Canardly on 14 December, 2018, 11:19:43 pm
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2018, 12:02:30 pm
It's a balmy 2C in Kirkby Stephen, time for a rail replacement bike ride...
Post by: sojournermike on 15 December, 2018, 12:43:12 pm
Now sitting in cafe with soup, roll, scone and cream/jam. Waiting for Sue to pick me up. The headwind is coming from Harrogate!
Happy days:)
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 15 December, 2018, 01:02:23 pm
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2018, 02:37:04 pm
Post by: woollypigs on 15 December, 2018, 02:45:28 pm
Now drying out in a cafe in Penrith. Could have done without an hour of freezing rain...Best Fish and chips in that town if needed !
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2018, 02:54:57 pm
I’m also sitting in a cafe, in Bishop Auckland, getting some lunch before the final stretch into Durham. Hoping I get there before the snow does!Rumours of snow are greatly exaggerated. *drips*
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 15 December, 2018, 03:10:34 pm
I’m also sitting in a cafe, in Bishop Auckland, getting some lunch before the final stretch into Durham. Hoping I get there before the snow does!Rumours of snow are greatly exaggerated. *drips*
I made it to Durham before the snow. Apparently it’s due to hit about now, so I’m holed up in a cafe.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 15 December, 2018, 03:22:23 pm
Now drying out in a cafe in Penrith. Could have done without an hour of freezing rain...
Did you have the magic Rainlegs?
Post by: Deano on 15 December, 2018, 03:24:46 pm
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2018, 03:35:32 pm
The rain started slowly and given the faff of gloves etc I didn't stop to put them on. This may have been a tactical error.Now drying out in a cafe in Penrith. Could have done without an hour of freezing rain...
Did you have the magic Rainlegs?
Post by: woollypigs on 15 December, 2018, 03:43:19 pm
Here at the other end of the Yorkshire Dales, the snow and ice they promised turned into rain and wind, which has given us unstable power, light has blinked a few time, not kicked the pc over, but the router has fallen over a few times.
Why can't we get snow (that could be song to a Cure tune)
Post by: sojournermike on 15 December, 2018, 04:47:50 pm
Quiet night in I think.
Good to see you all last night!
Mike
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2018, 04:50:44 pm
I'm now on a nice warm Pendolino.
Post by: Joe.B on 15 December, 2018, 05:50:06 pm
Thanks for a good night all and happy birthday Deano.
Post by: Socks on 15 December, 2018, 06:48:12 pm
Post by: Graeme on 15 December, 2018, 07:33:59 pm
Deano's sister had been gathering as many of his non-yacf friends together as possible, lots of VC167 in that too. I'd been charged with gathering as many yacfers as possible. Deano's sis had arranged for the barn to be decorated as it was big enough for everyone to gather, eat and drink. The space was beautiful with a 20' Christmas Tree, fairy lights everywhere and there were pictures of Deano from his childhood pinned up around the walls. A sustrans style cake was baked with BMXs stuck to the top. It was brilliant. Deano's sis had also arranged for live music entertainment.
Cycling to Tan Hill Inn in winter is crazy. Who wouldn't want to give it a go?!? I planned to cycle from Northallerton via Reeth, Muker, Keld etc. With two weeks to go I was beginning to suffer from arthritis in my ankle. It was getting worse. Cycling was okay - but walking was awful. However with two days to go I realised I couldn't head out into the Pennines in winter with an arthritic ankle - so I arranged for a lift with Deano's sister.
I caught a train with separate tickets from Hull to York, to Northallerton, and then to Darlo. I walked across Darlo stopping at an excellent Vegetarian and Vegan cafe called The Health Warehouse. The salad was delicious and filling... then onward to Deano's Mam's (translation: Mum's) house. Deano your Mum is so lovely! Coffee and chat and loads of photos of you and your sisters when you were kids. So cute!
Then into the campervan for the journey to Tan Hill. We arrived just before Deano and sat in the warmth to watch a couple of cyclists trying to set up tents in the cold and wind.
Any chance of a surprise was undermined when Deano rolled up and saw his Mam. Then Lynn and Aidan tried valiantly to pretend they'd come to the pub on a whim. As did Rob. Deano wasn't falling for it. Over the course of the evening more and more cyclists turned up, each to a cheer because it was dark and cold outside. Only one had to be rescued having sought shelter from the cold, and sadly fboab and ChrisS were lost to us. :(
The food and drink and company was just brilliant. I loved renewing friendships and meeting others for the first time. Lovely to listen to iddu describe the 6 day wild camping journey he'd taken to get there. I also realised that the last time I'd met Phanta was on a Scottish audax from Linlithgow in September 2014... and the last time I met Kim was probably at a camping barn in Teesside goodness knows how long ago. sojournermike and I once did an Easter Arrow together and meeting up again was like meeting an old friend.
Unfortunately the impact of walking through Darlo was getting worse. My ankle felt bad and at about 7pm I headed to my room to see what was happening - I took my shoe off and my foot swelled up like a balloon, throbbing with pain. It was not pleasant and meant my evening was over. However I was able to listen to the band and hear the fun going on downstairs - it wasn't as 'saddo' as it sounds. I was pleased I'd made it, pleased I'd chatted to most people and resigned to ICE my ankle. I'd rather wisely booked a private room so I wasn't camping, I wasn't in a campervan, and I wasn't in a bunk room. I actually had a really comfortable bed but I needed two duvet to stop the shivering (which might have been from the discomfort rather than the cold) and I had several pillows under my foot.
I think the music, singing/bellowing ended about 2am.
I was very glad to be travelling back in the campervan. That weather looked utterly miserable. Cyclists are a crazy breed to want to ride in those conditions. :)
Thank you everyone who came along and to everyone who wanted to come but couldn't. Happy Birthday to Deano and a big thank you to his sister for putting on a fantastic evening.
---
One of the many conversations I had last night was about having another Tan Hill gathering in the summer when it might be nice for more people to camp, when the conditions are less likely to kill us, when more people might be able to come. Tan Hill Inn is really brilliant at the moment - the food is rather good, the beer selection is excellent and the location is jaw-droppingly stunning.
So what date should we go for in Summer? Another Friday/Saturday? July?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 15 December, 2018, 07:53:12 pm
Thanks for a good night out. Look's like everyone got back OK and beat the worst of the weather - chapeauI didn't. I've only just got home. :facepalm:
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2018, 07:58:44 pm
Post by: Graeme on 15 December, 2018, 08:32:28 pm
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4914/46329175741_fc29fae929_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2dzX8S6)Tan Hill Camping (https://flic.kr/p/2dzX8S6) by Graeme (https://www.flickr.com/photos/147630562@N04/), on Flickr
Post by: Kim on 15 December, 2018, 08:58:25 pm
Act I: ZOMG sno! Am I going to need studded tyres? Or a lift in a campervan?
Act 2: The only way is up (baby)
Act C: Teh weathers haz gone insanz0r! Half of YACF holed up in geographically diverse cafes. REMAIN INDOORS.