Swallows dip across my path, a stoat jumps out from the verge and leaps back again when it sees my bike. I’m training again for the sponsored ride next month and sending pictures to the blog from the roadside.

This is familiar country for me. The roads north of York are mainly quiet, flat and pass through pleasant villages. Today I’m cycling to Easingwold. It’s only ten miles on the main road but this route winds along 18 miles of country roads. This shot came after leaving Strensall about 9 miles into the ride.

To sponsor my Yorkshire Dales ride click here