Summer in the Yorkshire Dales - Day 1
5 people attending
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Join us for a road cycling weekend in the southern Dales, from the very accessible Skipton.
Day 1 - check out Day 2 here
Today we'll take an absolutely epic route over to Hawes, one of your leader's favourites:
Route option 1: 120km, 1700m ascent
This takes us through the remote Coverdale, Wensleydale and stunning Langstrothdale.
For those wanting a shorter route, or in case of bad weather, it'll be possible to turn back at Kettlewell for a ride back through Bolton Abbey:
Route option 2: 62km, 700m ascent
We will aim to offer both routes, using two leaders, depending on the group's preferences. That said, we'll stop several times including for lunch and cake and aim to make a relaxed day of it. With the daylight hours and some of the most motivating scenery you'll find in the UK, this is a great opportunity to push yourself and go for the longer route - even if it's your longest ever ride!
No accommodation is included but there are lots of local options, including a Travelodge, B&Bs and hotels and cottages. If things are booked up, try the Premier Inn in Bingley, the Ibis at Shipley or the Travelodge in Keighley, all of which are close to railway stations, with a frequent service to Skipton, taking only a few minutes (plenty of space for bikes). The leader will be staying over on Friday and Saturday night, but you are welcome to just come for the day.
Pace and Terrain
All on road, with a healthy dose of climbing. It is Yorkshire after all!
The event pace and route is designed for road bikes rather than hybrids and is aimed at those who are reasonably bike fit, however the day is intended to be an outing rather than an endurance test. We will stop for slower riders to catch up whilst going faster in between stops to allow them to develop their technique and fitness. Broadly, anyone who has recently cycled over 60km and who has tackled some steep hills without too much difficulty will be able to complete this ride, for the longer route we'd recommend having a couple of rides over 100km with hills under the belt.
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IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete the Cycling Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending a cycling event.
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
Images from ODL leader Thomas Haywood, with permission
What to bring
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe
Bike: a road bike
Helmet: OutdoorLads requires you to wear one
Clothing: lightweight and layered, colourful and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible to other road users
Footwear: suitable for your bike and pedals
Gloves: cycle gloves help avoid blisters, and are good in the cold
Punctures: spare inner tube, bike tyre pump and tyre levers
Tools: any special tools that your bike needs
Small snacks: such as chocolate or energy bars
Plenty of water: in bottle/s on your bike or in a daysack/bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Eye protection: avoid getting grit or insects in your eyes, sunglasses are OK if they are not made of glass and not too shaded
Sun cream: take care, even on overcast days
Bike lights: be seen and safe
Storage: small day-sack or a bag on your bike
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies
Food & drink
Bring plenty to drink and appropriate snacks. We will stop for lunch and cake!