After the last little commuter caper trying to get to work over the mountain, I'd lost a little confidence. So naturally for work today I wasn't gonna cycle there, but did go up and do a little ride taking in number 104 of the 'Another 100 Greatest Climbs'. The stats looked not too bad and I'd left almost enough time to get up there and back, then another sleep before work.
At first due to time pressures and the knocked confidence I almost called it off. But training for the Aafia Siddiqui Ride next month (240 miles to London Masjid from Dewsbury if boys might be interested*) meant I needed to get up and out. 21 miles to the climb and another 21 back, how hard could it be.
Early into the ride the weather started showering. Although I'd forgotten my gloves - though deep winter glovee were in my framebag for backup - I had my waterproof jacket. So, on it went and using google maps I was taken up a footpath. Thankfully the 'point and ride' feature on the Wahoo Bolt V2 came in handy. I was back on track and on the road, which meant I'd have less of a mucky back upon return. No mudguards unfortunately/fortunately.
It wasn't long before I was heading up 'that climb'. Finishing now, nope... some more and then again the same question... Nope, it just kept goinh up and up and up. Tiring work, which meant it was at least a good workout and the right choice. 600ft or so up and it ended, but instead of taking the obvious route back, I turned left. This made a potentially mile route into a 58 miler.
The first pic taken after the climb. Iy was rather wet by now and the view was special. But I was careful to not drown my phone.
For the next 10 miles or so I thought about missing the BB200 and what a shame that was. Also as to how I was gonna find somewhere dry enough to say my prayers. Especially since I was wearing my prayer mat and didn't fancy putting my face into wet mud. Not that I'd want to put my jacket down in it, but I would have as long as it was a bit dry and I wasn't risking catching a pneumonia.
Soke more epic pics or possibly Wales across the Severn and then it happened.
I rode past this beautifu prayer mat shelter which I'm happy (Thanks God) I spotted since it was recessed from the road. Turned round and climbed back up the road after my brain had managed to process the 'its perfect prayers shelter'.
Paeked my bike on the concrete and went into the bakery to see what business I ciuld offer them in return for the shelter. Cheese and Onion Pasty £7.50, gulp. All the oyher stuff just seemed pork based so I settled on a coffee. Don't think I can afford too many small meals at a tenner.
Whilst waiting for the coffee I noted they sold gingee beer in a bottle. That means it's the expensive stuff and I already have one for £3.50ish from Butherly Bwarp (how its pronounced) in the Lakes. Turned out this one was £2.50 but I wouldn't have minded even if it was £3. Didn't tell em that theirs was cheaper than the YHA version buy happy that I had another souvenir and I'd managed to give the locals a little business... As well as finding myself a prayers spot.
Harrods type Ginger Beer inset.
Wondered if the landowner knew someone had given his hill a 'Last of the Mohicans' hair-do!
Then last but not least, I tried to capture the rabbits (or were they hares) scuttling across my route. Obviously I didn't manage to get any pics and that's why this is a bit bare...
58 miles and 3000ft of climbing. Still feeling a bit knackered despite a tiny sleep afterwards. I'll take that as a 'training ride wel done'.
THE END (for now).
*Any girls that wish to organise their own thing for raising awareness of her case and abuses inflicted then do feel free.
Didn’t notice until this morning. Now I’ve got to spend a couple of hundred quid to replace it and the bits that were in it.
