Etape du Dales & wet shorts

[Andrew G]

Congratulations to everyone who rode. I thought the CR was hell, I can't even begin to imagine what 7 - 10 hrs in the Dales in those conditions were like. Conor - that has to qualify for hero status.

Good luck (for the weather and the ride) to those travelling to Wales at the weekend.

Re chaffing/rashes - I plucked up the courage to ask about this in GB's last year and they also recommended liberally applying chamois cream for longer rides, and after a wet ride Savlon post shower helps. Not a very comfortable conversation, but he did say it was worse when he had to tell women riders!

[Conor Cormican]

I think Brian Nolan should come in for praise, he has not posted his account yet. He started at the same time as me and finished in just under 8 hours which I think was phenomenal given the weather conditions.

[Brian Nolan]

Hi all,

man - that was tough ! easily the hardest day I have ever experienced on a bike so far... I have never seen as much rain in one place like the Dales this w/end !
The day started in bright sunshine and stayed that way for about 3 hours. Whilst the sun was out I could appreciate the beauty of the Dales but that all changed when a few drops of rain in the wind morphed into a deluge driven by gale force winds..
I was very pleased to make it back in 7hrs 59mins and 40 seconds for a mug of tea and a brandy !

high points ; the Dales in the morning...

low point ; 60-70 miles in the p*ss*ng rain.....

scary point ; doing 56 mph on the descent from Fleetmoss and getting a weave on after some bumps...

[Brian Nolan]

Hi Connor - nice timing , just seen your 2nd post - thanks 4 everything...
all that finished done mighty well..

[Maria David]

Hats off guys for getting round in such horrendous conditions.

I love the Yorkshire Dales - being from up North I get up there quite regularly - and I have to agree that they landscape is beautiful when the sun shines - but when it doesn't, by 'eck it's right grim !

I've signed up to do the White Rose Classic, which will be about 170km, taking in similar areas - ribblesdale, hawes, fleet moss, garsdale, silverdale etc. With it starting in Otley, the first 30 miles will be uphill with a stinking climb at Pately Bridge, gateway to the dales.

Hopefully by the time race day comes on June 11th we will have something approaching Springlike weather !

[Jon H]

Good luck with that one Maria.

Looking at the route I guess you mean Greenhow Hill out of Pateley Bridge, I agree that's a nasty one, although be grateful they're not sending you up Guisecliffe instead. And going over Cow & Calf to get from Ilkey to Otley is a bit of cruel sting in the tail when you could just nip down the valley on the flat.