I scoured the forum and asked the long suffering Chew a dozen noob questions (he’s my main source of MTB advice also), I purchased a Stuart approved sleeping bag (thanks Stuart!) - a green “Force Ten” bag with an orange inside liner, I can’t remember the model or the numbers but green and orange are my favourite colours, what could go wrong?! I followed this up with a bivi bag, and numerous bags that I could attach to my push iron (as they call them round ‘ere). A mat loan from Chew and a last minute tarp loan from Composite meant I was good to go (cheers chaps). I brought a few things along to the start but left them at Chew’s house, I still regret leaving the cowbell behind.
P1060459 by Jaymoid, on FlickrAs I drive passed Chew’s I see a serious looking man unstrapping a carbon bike from his car, this guy means business! I cruise passed and grab some last minute fish & chips from the shop down the road, I may need the energy.
Chew played a good host, put on a brew and got the danish pastries out. I was introduced to everyone, and started to relax when I realised that everyone was friendly and chilled.
We set off, the group of nine was reduced to eight when a shifter mechanical meant MM-on-Point was stuck in one gear, which as luck would have it, was the wrong one for the terrain we were riding. We parted ways, carried on and rode some of the more industrial trials out of Halifax and headed upwards and northwards - scratching and stinging ourselves on the local flora as we ride.
P1060419 by Jaymoid, on FlickrWe ride over some great trails, leaving Calderdale and heading North. Some 35km or so later we arrive in Saltaire, a lovely Victorian village on the outskirts of Bradford, and head straight to the Boathouse inn for a pint and some food. As luck would have it, it was fishy friday; Fish & Chips and a booze of your choice for a tenner. Fish & Twice in one day - welcome to the North. After dinner we head up to Bingley moor, and carefully select a spot behind a wall and set up camp, and erect the tarps for the night; rain was forecast and arrived after we were tucked in. This was going pretty well!
P1060423 by Jaymoid, on FlickrIn the morning we cruise down to Ilkley town centre, crowds were already assembling, and the whole town is kitted out with yellow bicycles and red polka dots. Breakfast consumed we find a quiet spot just outside the town centre.
P1060449 by Jaymoid, on FlickrChew assumed position in the road, determined not to let any rider passed until they could recite a full verse of On Ilkla moor bah’t ‘at, whilst Zippy, his bro and I find a spot stood on the wall to watch from… [SELFIE WARNING]
P1060451 by Jaymoid, on FlickrThe racers eventually zoom passed, the atmosphere was fantastic. Prior to the peloton - children were riding the course to the cheers of the thousands of onlookers in the crowds, smiling from ear to ear, they won’t forget this in a while, it may spur them on to be the next Wiggo!
We’re in no rush so we grab some sandwiches and carbs and chill for a while.
P1060457 by Jaymoid, on FlickrShortly after we head up and over Ilkley moor, passed the iconic Cow and Calf and aim towards Oxenhope.
P1060475 by Jaymoid, on FlickrWe arrive and head towards the reputable fish & chip shop next to the cricket club. Yup fish & chips for the third time
Pic stolen from CompositeThe midges are out in force, for some reason they really like me more than the rest of the group, by this point it's becoming a re-occuring joke that repellent is not needed when I'm in attendance. We ride to the top of the valley and find a spot where the wind is keeping them at bay.
P1060483 by Jaymoid, on Flickr
P1060487 by Jaymoid, on FlickrWatching the sunset from my bivi was particularly lovely. Everyone agreed that I had been very lucky to get such a perfect evening on my first bivi trip.
P1060519 by Jaymoid, on FlickrIn the morning, we pack up and head to Hebden Bridge, a particular favourite riding spot of mine, and probably the mountain biking capital of West Yorkshire. After breakfast we head up to Stoodley pike; a challenging climb, with amazing views from the top, and a technical descent. Ragley should name a bike after this place.
P1060538 by Jaymoid, on Flickr
P1060552 by Jaymoid, on Flickr
P1060556 by Jaymoid, on FlickrWe head towards Cragg Vale, our viewing spot for the second day.
P1060601 by Jaymoid, on Flickr
P1060602 by Jaymoid, on Flickr
P1060560 by Jaymoid, on Flickr
P1060598 by Jaymoid, on FlickrAll that was left was to head back to Chew’s, taking full advantage of the closed roads we speed downhill, slipstreaming each other and passing lycra clad roadies.
Overall it was an amazing weekend, I’m still buzzing from the high! Everyone who came along was a great laugh, the riding was superb and the tour atmosphere was so vibrant, I’m not from Yorkshire but I’ve never been so proud to call it my home for the past 14 years.
A final and big thanks goes out to Chew - who had planned the perfect route; his local knowledge of the trails plus the time and effort that went into planning it meant we were in the right places, at the right time, with grins and mud on our faces.
~ James
p.s. Few more pics here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jaymoid/s ... 598641953/
p.p.s. Stuart, please can you change my username to ‘MidgeMagnet’, it seems much more appropriate now.
