Reeth To Dent

The second installment of another Cycling Saga complied by Nick Holmes

Dave Rolled into Reeth admitting he was the one that had “Popped” and not his inner tube. Perhaps I should have waited and given Dave  my emergency Mars Bar, however when gravity is pulling a 74kg mass downhill towards a pub the only thought I had was “Never Look Back!!”

After a quick brew and an internet hook up to download Strava Data we went to the Bar, apparently if Dave Lowe were  there the Bar would have been his first stop for Carbohydrate reloading. After a couple of pints of Blonde followed by a Steak and Kidney Pie I couldn’t stop my eyes from closing. I hit the sack while the others continued to load Carbs for the next mornings climbs.

Breakfast at the pub was copious and there weren’t rations on either Beans or Coffee.

The first climb was Greets Moss, 2.5 miles at  7%, which features at Number 144 in the second volume of 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, Cragg is in at 138. I could see Gary climbing with ease his silhouette reminding me of the Wolf in American Werewolf in London “Remember, Keep to the path lads” I was having trouble keeping to the road!

The pace picked up again and next place of note was Bolton Castle from Bolton Castle we seemed to be flying and managing to stick together, with Rick, Gary, Dave and Jon all doing a turn on the front. Seems we ironed out a couple a Cat 4 climbs, Newby head slowed me down a bit mind you.

So far no cobbles , this was to be corrected on the way into Dent. Lunch was at the “Posh” Stone close Cafe where Egg & Beans had to be ordered as a “Special!” furthermore some of the lads ordered soup, I couldn’t understand what was going on!

Jon checked the map on the Cafe Wall highlighting the next Climb “BOOM!” he was right and I was “BUST!” I was now having to Zig Zag up Gawthrop, 1.4 Miles at 7%.

Unaware the ride back to Kirby Lonsdale was easy riding I eased off a bit and enjoyed the ride, with the exception of a puncture!

Cheers Rick, it was an honour.