Big Ride In The Moors

Wednesday - 27/4/2011

The plan for the day was to cover 100 miles in prep for the C2C which is now fast approaching. The route was plotted & I was to rendezvous with James & Mike before heading out to Helmsley & Whitby before looping back to Middlesbrough, this would bring us in at just under 100 miles.

So I left Hartlepool in the car and headed to the Cycle Circuit in Boro to meet with the others for a 9am start. In the end we set off about 9.20am & headed out up Marton Road at a good pace. We turned right down Brass Castle Way & began making our way through the lanes to Hutton Rugby. I was leading the way the majority of the time with James & Mike tucking in my wheel. As we approached Hutton Rugby James hit the little climb first I was second & decided to jump out the saddle to attack it only for me to loose the chain a 1/3 of the way up. This is only a very short climb but difficult to get clipped back in and restarted on the bank, so I decided to descend to get turned round then up I went. Through Hutton Rugby and a left turn for Sexhow had us heading towards Carlton and the 7/10 difficulty rate Carlton Bank. None of us up until today were yet to make it up Carlton Bank in one go, would today be the day? We decided we would all climb at our on pace and re group at the tops of climbs. I lead the way spinning well up the gentle incline out the village and over the cattle grid. James was a little further back grinding away with Mike taking up the rear spinning at his own pace. (it should be noted that Mike is fairly new to cycling & has never experienced climbs like he would today ever before) Once over the cattle grid I jumped out the saddled and began bouncing on the peddles getting over the first sharp inclines, I was doing well, on my last attempt I had to stop twice splitting the climb into three. This time I was determined to get all the way up without stopping. But it wasn't to be Carlton Bank had beat me again, I managed to reached the right hand turn at the top but had to stop before the last kick up as my breathing & heart were sky high I was risking passing out. I pulled over at the side and waiting for James & Mike before tackling the last little section. James pulled in to join me for a break while Mike decided to continue on completing the climb at his first attempt in one go! Well done Mike, excellent climbing.



James and Mike getting up Carlton Bank to where I had stopped to wait!







Once up & over Carlton bank we stopped for a little rest at Lord Stones cafe, unfortunately it was closed so we had to make do with a couple of energy bars on the road side.
We were soon off again flying to Chop Gate at break neck speed and turning right to head for Helmsley. I had never previously cycled all the way to Helmsley before, having usually turned off for Hawnby but I now know I have been missing out. The road to Helmsley from Great Broughton is Fantastic. This road has it all speed, views to die for and a lovely climb of Newgate Bank. We flew along this road with myself and James pulling on the front and we were in Helmsley before we knew it breaking to get down to the 30mph speed limit!
Time for a quick stop to refuel on water and bars in Helmsley before setting of again.



James & Mike topping up with water in Helmsley centre.



So off we went again at a good pace heading through Kirbymoorside and onto Hutton le Hole. A long steady climb into Hutton le Hole had us pass a few other riders & also had ourselves strung out.
Once arriving at Hutton le Hole we pulled in and re grouped. Mike declared that he was starting to suffer as this was now one of the longest rides he has ever done if not the longest and toughest. We discussed cutting the ride short and heading straight for Castleton but I convinced them that there wasn't much climbing left, after all we would be descending Rosedale Chimney not having to climb it! How wrong I was to be...............
We hopped on our bikes and made light work of the sharp incline out of Hutton le Hole up towards Rosedale. At the top we were left with a choice of two roads. I opted for us to go left onto the road which stated Rosedale Chimney Bank Top 1:3 gradient not suitable for large vehicles! I though Rosedale would be easy as we would be descending the fearsome bank, however I didn't think abut having a long climb up the opposite side first. This climb was extremely energy sapping. Starting with a very steep gradient which eventually levels out but then just rolls up & up gently. By this point Mike was way off the back suffering. James was also feeling it and decided to wait for Mike to Catch up. I decided to plough on and eventually reached the car park at the Chimney Bank top.



Once again I waited and we regrouped at the car park before taking on the descent of the chimney! This was with out a doubt one of the most frightening couple of minutes I have gad on the bike! I honestly think I would rather have a crack at climbing the Chimney than have to go down it again.

Once down we again stopped to check where we would head from here.



It was decided that we should now look to pick the quickest / shortest route back everyone was starting feel it from all the climbing we had in our legs up to this point. So there would be no Whitby today and a new route was quickly thought up. We would head back towards Castleton before turning for Kildale, hopefully avoiding any more major climbs!
Unfortunately once out of the valley that Rosedale appears to sit in the road kicks up again onto the Moor! At this point I pushed on and found myself way out front and climbing well. I reached the top of the moor I sat up to wait from James & Mike to catch up.


Once back together it was obvious James and Mike were almost spent! I sat on the front trying to pull them along but they didn't appear to have much left in their legs. This was going to be a long difficult stretch back with nothing left in the tank!
We were eventually turning right at the T junction and onto the fast run into Castleton. Once at Castleton I discussed with the lads that I was pushed for time so had to push on to get back for work on the evening. So it was decided that if I felt ok I would push on and leave Mike & James to make it back at a steady pace.
I flew down Dibble Bridge and onto the long drag of a climb that goes on & on all the way up and over the Moor again before descending fast and then the last short climb of the day Crag Bank. By this time James & Mike were along way back and I was turning left and on the final push at speed through Kildale, Great Ayton & on towards Marton. Eventually arriving back at the Cycle Circuit.
What a fantastic day out this was, I believe Mike & James arrived in Great Ayton about 30 mins after me and stopped for a while to rest before making their way back into Middlesbrough Centre.
This was without a doubt one of the best days I have ever had in the moors! Loved every minute, even the frightening descents and painful climbs! A hell of slot of climbing done in one day! I would recommend this route to everyone, fantastic scenery and a real challenge.
Can't wait to get back out in The Moors again,

Stats from the ride:

Finished Cycle: 27 Apr 2011 15:07:16
Route: Boro - Helmsley - Whitby
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/57ff/6606/4b6c/b05a/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110427-0907.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/fvTgyv
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/57ff/6606/4b6c/b05a/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20110427-0907.kml
Ride Time: 4:39:45
Stopped Time: 1:19:43
Distance: 68.68 miles
Average: 14.73 miles/h
Fastest Speed: 38.30 miles/h
Ascent: 3964 feet
Calories: 0

http://www.cyclemeter.com



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