Logistics, logistics, logistics........Riding this route 2 years ago all I had to worry about was me. Oh Mrs. S. was a big help on that one, sorry darling. However planning this adventure became a lesson in logistical skills. Four adults with bikes and kit in an old Vauxhall Astra, across country.With overnight stops and bike storage, it wasn't easy. With our support driver, Mark, it was somewhat eased . This turned out to be essential, we couldn't have ridden these bikes without somewhere to store and transport overnight kit.
So at about 6:30 am on Thursday we all gathered and sorted everything out and we were on our way soon after. Overcast and raining the forecast wasn't great. Morecambe and this time I was determined to get my picture taken with Eric. A group photo and we rode to the official start point just the other side of The Midland Hotel. Another group photo and we were off . We had arranged to met Mark in Settle for lunch.
We had barely crossed the road when we all decided we needed the toilet. The welcoming staff at a nearby Frankie & Benny's must have wondered what the hell was going on, but she was ever so obliging. By diverting I must have missed a sign and we didn't seem to be on the right track. However we soon picked it up again and started to knock off the miles. Soon enough the flat run out starts to climb and the effort becomes more concerted.
This is a lovely run and the weather was behaving and the following wind was a bonus. By the time we reached Settle and Mark, we were all ready for something to eat. I'd chosen The Kitchen on Market Square. I had a marvellous sausage sandwich there last time, it was as I'd remembered. Sam plumped for a full breakfast on a butty and soon realised he may have overdone it.
This was all a distraction from what lay ahead of us, the "killer hill" out of Settle. Last time it almost saw me off, on a bike with full panniers. This time I hoped it would be easier. It wasn't , after both Sam and I cramped up and stopped a bit, we carried on to the top, where Mark was waiting. We knew this would be our toughest day and this hill would be the hardest climb.
From there on in things got a bit easier, a few more climbs and by the time we caught up with Mark again outside The Angel at Hetton, the rain had started. We considered a cup of tea there, but decided to push on to Pateley Bridge. By the time we reached the dangerous 2 mile decent into the village the roads were soaking. It's still a thrill but must be treated with respect.
We all arrived safe and there was Mark waiting for us outside The Lyndale Guest House . All our bags had been checked in and put in our rooms. We took off our wet kit and the bikes were put in there storage shed.
I had stayed there before on my last trip and Lynn & Steve are so helpful. Changed we walked straight into The Crown to sample their excellent beers and hearty food. On finishing we were surprised by our friend Dave , he had driven up to see us and was staying in the same B&B . He planned to ride some of tomorrows leg with us.
Day one complete .
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