Coed Brenin Enduro 2014

Coed Brenin Enduro 2014

Sunday 28 December 2014

The Yorkshire Tundra

Initially I wasn't sure if I'd made a mistake in suggesting biking today, especially with Rachael heading up to play in the snow on the Lake District fells, which sounded a good option. But I'd promised Steve I'd ride today, and besides -3 isn't that cold, is it....

-3 and icy at the start

Colourful sheep
We set off from Helwith Bridge in the Yorkshire Dales and within 2 minutes I couldn't feel my fingers or toes as we skated around on icy roads, however Steve had factored in lots of uphill so we quickly warmed up as we headed towards Malham Tarn up some bridleways I'd never ridden on before.

Wish I had spikes on the tyre...
Once in the 'high country' the roads were completely covered in a heavy frost and dusting of snow which luckily was on the whole grippy, and very beautiful. We were even able to help free a completely stuck car who'd managed to get wedged sideways on the narrow snowy road.

The tundra.....

Quick break at Malham Tarn
There were a few folk walking at Malham Tarn, and the odd bike track but we didn't see another cyclist. We dropped back via Stainforth, and a 'new' section of the Pennine Bridleway I hadn't seen before.

Don't touch the brakes...

Another fun section that was surprisingly fast and fun
Sadly we didn't see any polar bears, wolves or arctic fox, but we did really enjoy the 18 mile ride on the Yorkshire Tundra.

Sunday 7 December 2014

Beloved Bowland

When I should have been getting 'sorted' for Christmas, instead I 'reconnected' with the local area - Bowland. Firstly cycling in the morning, which was great until I strayed onto the route of a classic car rally.

Beloved Bowland Hills
Not sure why most of them felt the need to beep their horn before zooming past me far too closely and then engulfing me in toxic heavy metal exhaust fumes. At one point I recall shouting 'you may have a classic car, but learn to drive the damn thing...'. Most of the owners/drivers looked as infirm as their vehicles, which I guess explains a lot.

The fence line leads me home
Not to out done in the afternoon I stretched out the legs and walked to Abbeystead and back and didn't see another person. Now, must get on the internet and get the Christmas shopping done....