Ages and ages since I had a ride. The rest of life caught me and would not let go. Lets see how long before it realises I have escaped.
A fine morning made the decision to ride easy, although I would like to think that I would have gone out anyway. The route was already in mind, a friend told me of riding up Otley Chevin on Sunday, so in the belief it was the Old Chevin I thought I should try the same thing. Hmm! But, there is a deal of riding to do to reach the bottom of that hill.
Navigate Holbeck, find the end of the navigation eventually and ride along the towpath to Viaduct Road, Cardigan Road to Headingley. A little diversion along Wood Lane, I was a delivery service that far, and then the A 660 all the way to the Dyneley Arms and Pool Bank. Down the hill and through Pool on the A 658, across the River Wharfe and continue to the left turn for Leathley. A red Kite was showing off above a field to my right, it is a good job the road is a quiet one . . .
Turn left to cross the River Washburn at Leathley Bridge and when the road bends right and begins ascending the quiet road is magically transformed, I don’t think. My lungs were trying hard. As was the rest of the aged body. The road looks as if it is levelling out but certainly does not feel that way for quite a distance. Then all of a sudden, it does.
After the whizz factor into Otley, I have the Old Chevin to try. It beat me. Two stops before I pedalled thankfully away from the final crest of that climb. That was hard indeed. I cannot find a road number, it is called East Chevin Road, says Google Earth. I have other names for it. After the effort, the rest of the ride is tame. At some point, the road becomes Otley Old Road, then back to the A 660 for the relaxing ride to Headingley, turn for Kirkstall and the towpath. Home after just shy of thirty one miles and 1800 + feet of climbing. My legs do not like me much, but I care not.
The map. Not compulsory viewing.