North Bristol Mountain Bike Club

The Circuit of the Dales is a 50 mile hilly time trial through some of the most scenic parts of the Yorkshire Dales. It includes nearly 1000 metres of climbing and a mixture of road surfaces – from flat tarmac to roads so rough it could be almost Paris-Roubaix. There’s nothing really steep, but it is constantly rolling and very challenging.

Ilkley CC riders warming up before the start

The sun shining on Sedbergh. (photo Andy Davy)

Many years ago, I used to cycle around this part of the world. Not in a race, but in Sunday club runs with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and the views. This time was a bit different to say the least. Fortunately, the weather was good, a bit cold at the start, but sunny and low wind. The course was shortened by 1.5 miles due to road works, so we started just outside Ingleton. The first section was to Kirby in Lonsdale and then up the valley to Sedbergh. I used to visit Sedbergh quite frequently, in my youth. I was always told we had a famous relative  from Sedbergh. His name was Adam Sedgwick and was an important geologist. (I guess he’s famous in geologist circles).

Anyway it was great fun to be racing through the centre of Sedbergh’s one way system. Out of Sedbergh there is a very rough road which was uncompromising on a disc wheel blown up to 9-10 bar. From Sedbergh to Garsdale there is some spectacular scenery (and quite a bit of climbing) After passing Garsdale and under the famous Settle Carlise line, there was a nice fast descent into the bottom of Wensleydale.

On the outskirts of Hawes the road starts to climb. Here, at 35 miles I was pretty pleased, with my time. I had averaged 43 Kph, and was pretty hopeful to break the magic 25mph barrier. But, the last 14 miles or so, were quite different( I averaged 34Kph for last section). From nowhere, there seemed to develop a strong headwind. Combined with a remorseless climb and tired legs, I soon found myself in the bottom gear grovelling up the climb to Ribblehead. On paper, it’s not a spectacular climb, just 100 metre ascent at an average of 4.4%. (average speed of climb was 25kph) But, I don’t think I’ve been slower in a time trial. The problem with the Ribblehead road is that it is very exposed and there are several long drags with a few false flats. The great momentum of first 35 miles evaporated; it became a struggle to get to the finish. I can’t imagine what it would have been like if it has been REALLY windy….

Finally I got to the iconic Ribblehead viaduct. There were  hundreds of motorbikes revving their engines and passing me with annoying ease. Even after Ribblehead there were still a few difficult miles before the finish.

Ribblehead a nice sight for sore legs.

Ribblehead Viaduct.   Chantry Bee (using creative commons)

I really enjoyed the ride. It was quite a challenge, with a little bit of everything from 50mph descents to 10mph grovelling up hills into headwinds.

I did actually even get time to admire the scenary a little when racing. My legs were definitely tired the day after. It was great to see so many riders (124) enter this difficult race. I would like to come back and try and squeeze under two hours for the full 50 miles.

Thanks to Nelson Wheelers and all marshalls for putting on a great race.

Great ride by Richard Handley Rapha Condor Sharp – I’m sure he has a great future. The Circuit of the Dales has quite a roll call of former winners including: Chris Boardman, David Lloyd, Gethin Butler, Kevin Dawson, Andy Wilkinson

The current record holder is three times winner Mark  Holton in a time of 1.56

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