Sunday, June 15, 2014

TdF stages X 2 - not recommended.

Looked like a great day out in the Wolds. I also just had Saturday available for riding and took on the questionable challenge of completing the two Tour stages in a day. Setting out at 5am the Stage 1 loop round Swaledale was a joy and I joined Stage 2 on the A59 after Killinghall around 11.00, which cuts about 30k off the distance.
After a cafe stop at Cross Roads I still felt OK and even resisted the temptation to miss the Haworth loop out. Luckily the usuall westerly wasn't blowing so Cock Hill and Cragg Vale were fine but by Holme Moss it was hurting and turning toward Langsett the head wind was at me over Woodhead, reminding how folly this idea was. The sting is certainly in the tail on this stage and although it is lovely countryside Midhopestones and Bradfield really hurt and the Cote d'Oughtibridge is a swine. As I got in to Sheffield the route is harder to follow so I missed the Cote du Jenkins Road, thankfully. Sheffield is not the best place to end a ride which is probably why so many sportives are using Stage 1 - I sat outside a Pizza Hut with a beer waiting for my good lady to collect me, feeling decidedly spent. 350k not to be repeated.      

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