Hills and daffodils

Yesterday was the first day of spring, at least that was what it felt like. Birds were singing, lambs skipping about and daffodils adding a touch of gold to every scene. So it was a good day for the Cleveland Wheelers to take to the hills.

The plan was to ride south east out of Ayton, take in a couple of big climbs and several smaller ones to complete an 80km loop. With my ride to the start and finish I was looking at a tough 100km. About 20 riders set off together but we planned to let a couple of climbs sort us into two groups according to fitness and ability: I was fairly sure that I wouldn't be troubling the leading riders for long. As it turned out I was fairly comfortable as far as Danby but working hard to keep in touch on the flatter sections, so I decided to ease off and join the slower group. The day turned out to be hard enough, but very satisfying, even at the easier pace.

We enjoyed a lovely rolling ride through Esk Dale, the sun shining on daffodils all around. The steep hills of the North York Moors shelter quiet villages in beautiful little dales; there's nowhere lovelier than England in the springtime. Once we reached Egton Bridge the climbs started in earnest; a lung-busting 33% gradient at the start of Delves Lane Bank turned into a steady drag onto the moors above Rosedale. It was lovely up on the tops, even though the sun had become hidden by heavy clouds, with pipits, skylarks and the bubbling call of curlews all around. Following the steep descent into Rosedale our route headed up the valley towards Ralph's Cross on Blakey Ridge from where we enjoyed a swooping freewheel on a smooth road down into Castleton. There was a final climb back to Kildale before the return to Great Ayton and Fletcher's farm café. 

At Rosedale Abbey 

The social debrief over coffee and a bacon sandwich is an important part of the Sunday club run. It's a time to laugh, recover from a hard ride and get to know fellow cyclists. Joining a cycling club  - this particular cycling club - has been one of my best ever decisions. I'm already looking forward to my next ride.