Day Four

Kirkby Stephen - Osmotherly 65 miles

After a rather demoralizing day, we arose in good stead after a good nights sleep and with the daunting prospect of what was going to be a big day ahead. Our brief over breakfast which included myself, Dave and Roger and to follow were Dan and Steve, was to put a contingency plan into action. The days scheduled distance was forty nine miles. But we now had to add the sixteen miles left over from the day before making today the longest distance in the saddle. We were relieved in a way that most of the days riding was to be of more tarmac, therefore, optimistic that we would finish at a more reasonable time. We did have a problem and who was not at breakfast? JMC was reluctant to carry on with the challenge.

Happy smiles after a previous long day!

Whilst on the off road parking area next to the hostel, and making checks on our bikes and for me and Dan a different choice in pedals to make use of our SPD shoes for the first time since we started as opposed to lightweight walking boots, JMC was to emerge after a few words from Roger and was going to start with us.

We left in cloudy conditions and a somewhat slow pass heading for Rookby via Winton. This route would eventually take us to our only off-road section of the days ride, well we had to hit the trails just for the sake of it, only to get lost, once again, in boggy open land in the Winton Fell/ Karber Fell area. Thoughts from the day before hit us with a vengence and, for some, this was not pleasing at all, but we were soon back on track heading for the highest pub in England, Tan Hill. Of course a stop was made here for a hot beverage and pints and most importantly a photo.

A windy stop at the highest pub in England.

We were soon on our way again now heading for which should have been our stop last night, Keld. From here we deviate from the route in the book. The route we were now to take instead was a twisting undulating road to Muker and soon picked up the original route at Low Oxnop and continued along the valley bottom of Swale Dale along with the River Swale with its steep hillsides. It was to be the first time we, as a group, would split once passed through Grinton and once again to deviate from the suggested route to follow the road which joined the main road (A6108) into Richmond. This would consist of Dave and Steve pushing ahead at speed and soon to be out in the distance. Then there was Dan and myself not too far behind, and JMC who wanted take a more slower pace and rode by himself, which I think he preferred.

The fast pace that was set soon found myself and Dan stopping at the first pub in Richmond to see Steve and Dave just starting a pint. It was also time to see if the connection of the mobile phone world would work to Roger as the plan was to meet Roger in Richmond after taking a more direct route with the van to Osmotherly Youth Hostel and for him to get out on his bike.
The connection worked just as he was entering Richmond from the east side. After explaining our location and what could not be a better place than a small tourist information point opposite the pub, the race was on to see who would get to us first; a refreshed Roger or a tired and bewildered John. Well it was pretty much neck and neck with John making good progress riding on his own at break neck speed towards us.
The group now six strong and once again fine warm weather hit the centre for a mid afternoon break and feed.
A final stop was made to a well known bike shop for me to get a new saddle, and we were to leave Richmond.

It was a well-timed stop under the A1 to don our waterproofs again as the clouds, though warm air, started to spill water. It was also the only time on our route that there would be six riding together, although by the time we entered Danby Wiske, the group had split once again for the faster pace of Steve, Dave, Dan and myself to move on, than the slower pace met by Roger and a rather jaded John.
With the other two some way behind and definitely out of sight a final check made in Brompton of the route we were soon to be glad of our arrival, if somewhat wet, at Osmotherly Youth Hostel at about six, a much better finish than the day before.
Some ten to fifteen minutes later, Roger and his companion John turned up. John now being a bit under the weather was saluted on a good ride, by pointing out that he had made the day and there was one more to go. Needless to say he retired to bed early that evening.

Day Four Route.

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