There are two routes north of Malham up to Malham Tarn. The steeper (Cove Road) with some 1 in 5 sections according to Simon Warren (Cycling Climbs Of Yorkshire) being tougher than the Malham Rakes climb with its road sign promising 20%. Today I took the easier route because I wanted to enjoy the glorious plateau at the top called Street Gate - an old roman road now known as Mastiles Lane - under the clear blue sky.
On a sunny day Malham heaves with tourists although relatively few cars are allowed into the village thereby encouraging tourists to wander all over the roads, with uncontrolled children and associated dogs on lengthy leads. Oh joy!
But nothing could spoil 48 miles (3700 feet) of fighting the ferocious (or "brisk" according to the BBC) wind all day.
The sight of a summer sun also encourages the emergence of posing "look at me" cars. Today a Ferrari (in red), a Bentley (blazing blue) and two Lamborghinis - one in grey and one in yellow. Naturally.
I was, of course, on my modest Bianchi in understated celeste.
But two Lamborghinis?
Common as muck round our way.
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