As Paul and I drove up the 'Cote de Blubberhouses' in the mist and rain at 8.30 on Sunday morning we looked at each other and wondered if we were in for 'one of those days'. However by the time we'd reached Gargrave and met Peter and Phil, the mist had cleared, and although it was still overcast, my optimistic nature was at least imagining a bright patch in the clouds where the sun was trying to get through.
Phil and Peter on one of the lanes
We were soon off and riding, with Peter providing the navigation as this was one of the routes he knows well which meant mapreading stops were few and far between. We warmed up the legs along the Leeds and LIverpool canal, before heading south from Bank Newton to East Marton. Some very muddy sections then followed along typical Dales lanes, and past a pheasant shoot to arrive at the Town End Farm Shop and tea room at Airton for an early lunch stop. It seemed like a favourite for cyclists with lots of other groups having the same idea. Being the only mountain bikers in there, we definitely won the 'comedy muddy face' competition and it wasn't until I saw myself in the mirror that I realised why the server had burst out laughing when we ordered!
Paul in the mist and mud on Hanlith Moor
After an excellent lunch and cuppa we continued north to Kirkby Malham and then began the drag up Hanlith Moor, through the cloud and mist, and some very boggy ground that meant walking and pushing at times. The reward was a great fast descent on a good track back down to Calton, then through Bel Busk and back to Gargrave.
Dales riding
The stream provided a chance to clean most of the mud off the bikes before we stowed them in the cars and headed to the pub to rehydrate. The sausages I'd bought at the farm shop during lunch had also survived the second half of the ride, and made a great toad in the hole when I got home. All in all a cracking day out, and very pleased we went for the optimistic weather decision in the morning!
Pete gives his bike a much needed wash
Route overview