Today's Bike Ride

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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.

We saw those cars on the A65 and counted about 10 last friday morning as we made our way to Gargrave to test ride a tandem. Kate my wife was knocked off her bike 6 months ago and due to concussion has double vision that isn't improving. She has been happy on the TACX trainer over the winter but as she previously covered 8000 miles per year needed to get outside and pedalling. The tandem requires a bit more thought to ride but we enjoyed it and are collecting a new one this friday. Hopefully we will continue to ride up the French cols this summer.