Yorkshire Dales Cycle Way

sheffwed
sheffwed Posts: 23
edited October 2009 in Tour & expedition
Hi there.
Anybody on here done the dales cycle way, and if so, any info would be great!!

Comments

  • rickwiggans
    rickwiggans Posts: 416
    Yes - but can you be a bit more specific with what you want to know, and I'll be glad to help

    Rick
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    http://garstangcyclingclub.net
  • sheffwed
    sheffwed Posts: 23
    Cheers Rick.
    Well, how long it would take to do with a bit of effort, but not killing my self, any good places to stop, the big hills involved!!
  • rickwiggans
    rickwiggans Posts: 416
    We did it in 2 and a half days. 2 would have been perfectly do-able, but it was December, so the days were a bit short. As for hills - it would be easier if you asked where the flat bits are! It is a hilly ride, largely because there is a lot of skipping from one valley to another. We did it clockwise - the hills are kinder that way. The memorable ones are the climb out of Dentdale, the climb over from Wensleydale to Swaledale, and the climb out of Coverdale. We started from Ingleton, as we used to live there, and were able to leave the car. We then B&B'd at Grinton at the end of Swaledale, and in Skipton. I still have the route in Memory Map or GPX format if it's any use to you. Anything else, give me a shout

    Cheers

    Rick
    ______________________

    http://garstangcyclingclub.net
  • sheffwed
    sheffwed Posts: 23
    Thanks for your time Rick. Haven't got a GPS though!

    Looking to do it from Skipton i think as i can get on the train to there from Harrogate.

    One other question, can you suggest a decent pannier/rack as i am going to use this route as a bit of training for E2E next year.
  • rickwiggans
    rickwiggans Posts: 416
    Well there's a can of worms - you'll find lots of opinions. However - I use a Topeak supertourist rack - with a Topeak rack bag. The beauty of this is that the bag slides onto the top of the rack and locks in place - no need for straps or clips of any kind. I use Altura panniers, but to be honest - I think there are better ones out there. I've not used Ortlieb - but were I to buy any more, I'd seriously look at them, since they are pretty near waterproof. The Altura ones are great - but need a cover when it rains. I use a Blackburn low rider on the front, and a bar bag. However - I only ever use all these when cycle camping. I make do with just a rack bag and a small bar bag for credit card touring.

    Rick
    ______________________

    http://garstangcyclingclub.net
  • sheffwed
    sheffwed Posts: 23
    What sort of weight does your ( or your average rack bag) hold, as i have been advised to go for as little luggage as poss for the end 2 end, being a none tourer, and just a 60 mule a day guy, not used to all this as you might have guessed!
  • rickwiggans
    rickwiggans Posts: 416
    60 mules huh? You'll carry plenty then (sorry - couldn't resist!) The issue with capacity is what volume does a bag hold - and what weight will the rack support. I have two rack bags - one is 16 litres or thereabouts, the other is 7litres. The bigger one holds enough stuff for a five day ride. We then either decide to smell - or rinse stuff through! From memory, the capacity of the rack is in the region of 50 Kg - more than enough if you are not camping

    Rick
    ______________________

    http://garstangcyclingclub.net
  • sheffwed
    sheffwed Posts: 23
    Yeah them dam mules ha ha!!

    Thanks for the info Rick, very kind of you

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