Paul, Donal and I headed out to Masham today, eager to get out into the 'Great Outdoors' and work off some Christmas calories, despite the weather forecast. Light rain greeted us as we got out of the car, and we'd clocked the post ride cafe just opening on the square before we'd even set off.
As we headed west I was hopeful that things may not be as bad as I thought, the rain seemed to have stopped, and the sun was trying to get out – this would be short lived! After a warm up along the road, we battled through some traditional dales winter conditions as a few sheep fields reduced the track to a mud bath, and we emerged back onto the road pushing mud-clagged bikes uphill out of the farmyard.
I'd picked the ride as it gave most of the climbing on the road, and as it was also heading into the prevailing winds would be easier, and mean we had the wind behind us on the off-road return leg. As we started the 7km climb past Leighton Reservoir and up onto High Ash Head Moor, the full force of the forecast winds hit us. A sprinkling of rain / sleet ensured that my face got the full 'sand blasting' effect, and we had to use the full width of the road just to stay upright. By now wet feet and cold hands were numb, and you know the wind's strong when you have to pedal downhill….
As we turned onto the track to begin the return leg, the tailwind instantly made life much easier, even the short uphill sections were a breeze (sorry) and we had some well deserved fast descents on the landrover tracks as we headed NE across the moors towards Ilton. Once here, we'd dropped off the Moors and out of the worst of the winds, and finshed the ride with more muddy fields, and then road through Swinton Park back to Masham.
By the end, my fingers were struggling to function on the gear shifters, and feet felt like…well I couldn't really feel them. However once back in dry clothes and warming up in the cafe, all agreed it was good to get out, and beats spending Sunday on the sofa – just!
Ride distance – 32km, ride time about 3 hours. Would be a great one to do again in summer, and the right side of the Dales for a quick blast from York.
