Ossett to Scarborough (York!)

Maybe I was being a bit optimistic with the 'he'll be fine' comment?

We set off at 6:30am as arranged in a torrential downpour. I even had to put my 'waterproof' (sic) on, so that tells you how bad it was. The rain didn't let up until about 11:30am.

Despite the weather, we started well. After sorting Alex's ride position out to avoid knee problems, we were trundling along at about 10mph and got out of the traffic once we got through Castleford. Not long after, Alex started having problems with his back - at one point we stopped at a Tesco Express to get some pain-killers.

We arrived at Selby about 10:45 and stopped in the cafe for a cup of tea and a bite to eat. Alex indicated his back might not let him make it to Scarborough. Trouble is, once you've allowed the negatives in, they just don't go. As the route I'd chosen doesn't follow the railway line, I suggested we divert to York and get the train back home. Which is what we did.

So, instead of the 79 miles to Scarborough, we did about 50 to York. Add in the 4 miles from Wakefield to home and total about 55 miles.

(Alex sent me a text later to say he'd ridden a further 15 miles, taking his total to 69. Just 10 more and he would have done the distance to Scarborough. That's what I mean about letting the negative thoughts in!)

Oh well, always another day.

Ossett to Scarborough

Back in June, Alex mentioned he fancied riding to the coast. He's not a cyclist and the furthest he's been before is from his house to Leeds - about 10 miles. (I'm not sure if he rode back; I assume so, which means a max of 20 miles in a day) Anyway, I said I'd go with him and suggested the first week in August as I'm off work and, as a teacher, he has nothing to do in August anyway.

Given Alex's lack of experience and the fact that we'll be returning on the train, I thought I'd break out the folder again. Its about 80 miles from Ossett to Scarborough - mainly flat, although there's a bit of a hill as you approach the coast. Having never ridden that far before, Alex is a bit nervous about it. Well, anyone would but he'll be fine.

More tomorrow after we've completed it - along with some pics. Weather looking a bit iffy, so will have to take my coat - so I don't get cold, you know my views on wearing waterproofs!