The Beauty of Littondale

Well, I managed the ride.

Despite it being quite wet setting off at 630am, I felt keen to keep to my plan of doing my long ride.

After waving goodbye to the early-birds at Cavendish Pavilion at 7, I set off in good spirits. There was a stong headwind all the way out along Wharfedale and Littondale to Halton Gill. I rode well and kept it solid all the way.

The climb out of Halton Gill is one of my favourite climbs - the view back along Littondale is a marvellous site. Today, especially, it was beautiful. The sun broke through the clouds and illumited one side of the u-shaped valley. The Skirfare also caught the glint of the sun and looked like a silver serpent as it wound its way across the bottom of the valley. Amazing.

At the top I was accosted by 200-300 sheep. I think they were expecting some food from me!

Once under Pen-y-ghent, the wind was a devilish cross-wind which buffeted me all along silverdale.

I punctured on the steep descent into Malham and enjoyed the respite as I leisurely repaired it.

I did the whole ride in about 5 hours, which was a pretty good effort. I was pleased as I finished feeling really strong - I could have done it again (or so I thought!).

Right now the Tourmalet and Hautacam hold no fear for me.