Mucky weather yesterday, and I was not brave enough to find out if I would enjoy it. So me and the geared bike went out today, when the forecast was not so dismal.
A hundred yards past the awkward right turn, I remembered it. Other routes are available, still crossed the Aire on Crown Point Bridge and then wended my way up to Oakwood, and more up to cross the Ring Road on the road to Wetherby. Which I soon turned off, left onto Whin Moor Lane, a road that changes its name before reaching Shadwell. There to Slaid Hill the breeze was noticeable but once turned right at the lights that breeze was an extra push all the way to East Keswick.
And the Potts clock is still stopped there. I do wonder what is amiss, will ask a local when I see one. Anyway, climb out of the village and find the A659 again, turn right towards Collingham, then left to cross the Wharfe on Linton Bridge. Past the pub, the Windmill I think, and straight on to Wetherby where I rode back across the River Wharfe and then negotiated the roundabout and onto the A58, heading back to Collingham. And once there, turned left onto Jewitt Lane.
The last bit of the video there is a click or a creak to be heard. This has been on both bikes now for a week or three, always at the same part of the crank rotation. Thought it must have been the shoes, checked the cleats and found one sort of sharp edge on the right hand (foot) one. Silent on the fixed, still there on the other bike. Spray of WD40 on the pedals at month end maintenance and this morning no click. Except on the video. Keep looking.
East Rigton next, along this little lane that always feels like the top of the world, views a bit rained on this morning. But still worth a look at! Milner Lane gives a brisk descent before reaching Thorner, at the junction I saw a bus coming down Church Hill. Not wanting to be in the way, I turned right onto Carr Lane. Really, it is a while since I have ridden up this, time for another go.
Only as far as the A58, yet again. Turn left on there, and left again onto Coal Road, ‘cos I could. Red Hall Lane back to the A58. Which very conveniently takes me back most of the way into Leeds centre. Back across the Aire, and I noticed the weather had become dry again. Not that it matters, home and a shower is now close, no wonder I have a smile. Ah, the numbers. Thirty three miles and 2101 feet of up. An extra one always feels better.
Ups, downs and sideways. Not quite Over, Under, Sideways, Down. Anyone remember what year the Yardbirds did that one?