In the land of Hills, the triple is King!

So what’s all the fuss? Did the Cheshire Cat today, 102 miles, in the company of the bald one. Quigs and I stayed overnight in a comfy B&B and started the day with a full breakfast.

Out into a cold morning, and two miles later we were at Crewe Alexandra stadium alongside 3000 others!

What a great ride too... perfect weather conditions, cold to start but blazing sunshine for the day. Out came the suncream and off came the armwarmers. Not bad for March.

The first half was constantly interesting. Little ups and downs, lots of twisting and turning. After 15 miles, Mow Cop hove into view. I’ve done it before on the Cat in 2007. It’s steep, but so is Honister!

On a triple I flew up int, accompanied by the noise of a participant groaning and shouting his way up.

Kilotogo are pretty organised, so photos and videos attached below.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of speed and feedstations. Twice I got into a group that was moving pretty fast (for me) Each time it was for about 10 miles as we approached the feedstations at 50 and 80 miles. Both times Quigs got shelled out the back, but then he is ancient.... (I just hope I’m that fit at 63!)

GunHill was another notable climb, though not in the 100. (Rumour has it that it will appear in the next volume. Note the pain on Quigleys face!

The ride was really enjoyable and a great day out. I’ll be back, hopefully next year with the Bike Club as it’s a perfect route for a group ride!

102.9 miles 1719m

Wind, wind, wind!

“This is the windiest day I’ve ever cycled”. Thus spoke the oracle. The Descender has an encyclopaedic knowledge of our day’s out, so it must be true.

And what a day! It started sluggishly at 6.30, and as I headed out to Keswick the car belonging to the casualties we rescued on last night’s callout was still parked up at the Royal Oak.

Dene was ready and waiting, and an hour later (and a minor navigation hiccup) we were heading out from Middleton-in-Teesdale in glorious sunshine. However, it was soon to change. As we headed over the moor to Stanhope we had our first experience of the wind. Blowing from the side, it pushed us all over the road. Fast descents were out, either because the wind was in our faces and slowing us down or it was from the side and pushing us over.

A steep descent into Stanhope, and our first tick of the day approached.

I’ve done Crawleyside Bank a few times now, most memorably with Ems on the C2C, but today the wind made it harder. The summit soon came though, followed by a slow descent into Edmundbyers. Blanchford was our next destination, with a great cafe, lots of mountain-bikers and a respite from the incessant gusts.

The second half of the day was a little daunting, with three hills in addition to the target of Chapel Fell. The pattern continued. Climbs with the wind in our face, and then descents where the wind threw us around and slowed us down. We were well behind schedule, but a stop in St John’s Chapel for Cadbury’s Creme eggs gave the energy for the final summit push.

The climb over the highest paved road in England passed relatively painlessly.

Then we had the best section of the day, a fast and furious ride back into Middleton. With wind at our back and a gentle downhill we were soon screaming along at over 30 mph. Six minutes saw three miles added to the speedo. The final five miles were not quite as fast, but just as good!

50 miles, 2055m of ascent

Two doing two becomes one doing one.

Planning is wonderful. No matter what you plan, or how detailed the organisation is, it always goes wrong.

Example...... Saturday night the Descender and I agree a route for Sunday. He’s not too keen, as the weather forecast is crap, but I can’t see what the problem is. I’m going anyway. Two hills to do, setting out from Middleton in Teesdale. However, the weather has other ideas. 06.30 on Sunday and it’s raining heavily at Seathwaite. The contrast between a warm bed and a cold car to much to contemplate. I opt for the bed and set the alarm. 08.00 arrives. I phone the Descender, but wake his Mum! Bad news. No doubt I’ll get grief next time I see her. Anyway, forecast is better and we agree that I’ll set off from school at Midday.

Midday arrives, but no sign of the Descender... It’s not a Man City day, so no excuse.

I head out for Kirkstone, solo.

90 minutes later and I arrive at the summit.  Two pub summits in two weeks!

It’s been a flog from Keswick but I’ve pushed hard and enjoyed the effort. It’s been a quiet few weeks, but I’m finally getting used to the Giant again. I’ve spent a lot of time on my trusty steed this week and we’re back into the old routine.

I had a bit of trouble standing the bike outside the door, and as I’m finally sorted, out pops Liz and Julian plus kids. Nice to see a friendly face at the top of a hill, though totally unscheduled.

A quick spin down to Ambleside and I set off back to Keswick (though I only just survive the Golden Rule roundabout as I get cut up by a local!)

The next few miles pass in a blur of hail and wind as the weather finally hits, but I climb up out of Grasmere into sunshine and white fluffy clouds.

An hour later and I’m back in Keswick, one more down and a great day out on the bike behind me.

46 miles 1253m of ascent