Wigginton Pond

Wiggington Pond

Originally uploaded by Dawnriser

A pretty sight in the lengthening shadows, Wigginton and nearby Haxby ponds
seem to be in competition a few hundred yards apart on either side of
the same road. Sometimes it’s the little things on the way are what make
cycling so special.
The new saddle feels good too. I’m about to raise it a little for the
rest of the ride. In the end the right position is trial and error.
I’ll only have time for about twelve miles tonight. I like the way the
wind drops around dusk. If I time it right I can cycle out with the
wind and it’s just a whisper as I cycle home. Tonight is one of those
nights.

Are those really hills?

Elevation.jpg

Originally uploaded by Dawnriser

This is the contour graph of the ride I am making in the Yorkshire Dales. Total climb = 8678 feet that’s 2645 meters. So you can see it’s no picnic – much more challenging than my usual rides around York.
I’ve been to Cycle Heaven today to obtain some kit for the journey. Top of the list – a new saddle. The Brooks B17 is the classic leather saddle. When I bought it the salesman said – that’s a choice for life. They don’t wear out and over time take a personal shape that matches your “sit bones”. I also selected new panniers and an extra pair of padded shorts.
So all that’s left is the stamina – O and your donation: www.help.co.uk/ridingbike – even if you have no intention of giving just go and look at the rising total …..

The Map

 


The Map

Originally uploaded by Dawnriser

This is the map I’ll be using when I ride the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway on July 7th/8th. It’s all for charity – I’m raising funds to bring five Palestinian Christians to the UK for the Riding Lights Summer School.
To donate click on www.help.co.uk/ridingbike
The total is rising nicely and I hope to reach my target before setting off for Grassington to start the ride. If I do, each mile will be worth £15.00
Thanks if you are one of those who’s contributed to the total.

Twenty one miles

At the end of the ride the bike computer reads 21 miles, further than I had intended to ride. It’s a good exercise though and my perception is that in this intensive series of rides I am riding one gear higher as a result. My average speed has increased from 14.5 to 15.5 mph too.

So in the past week I’ve cycled 121 miles and the fundraising total on the page is £640 with another £90.00 pledged offline. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far.

If you haven’t clicked to sponsor me here’s the link www.help.co.uk/ridingbike

Elvington


Elvington

Originally uploaded by Dawnriser

I’m travelling a little slower here than Dickie Hammond did at this location. This is the airfield where he broke the land speed survival record.
I’m just passing 10 miles into this morning’s ride. I wish I had time
to explore the Air Museum but I must press on.