Читать книгу Cycling the Way of the Roses - Rachel Crolla - Страница 10

INTRODUCTION

Crossing Winterburn bridge in front of a sea of buttercups (Day 1)

The Way of the Roses will appeal to just about everyone who loves cycling. The route is a 170-mile (274km) coast-to-coast ride that opened in 2010. It was designed to link the historic Red and White Rose counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire using scenic country lanes, minor roads and traffic-free cycle paths to create a superb ride between the seaside resort towns of Morecambe in the west and Bridlington in the east. Travelling by bike across the country is a hugely satisfying objective, and cycling the Way of the Roses is a challenge within the reach of cyclists of all abilities.

The beauty of the Way of the Roses is that it works equally well for those wishing to get serious miles under their wheels in some of the best cycling territory in the UK, and also as a more leisurely tour taking in the wealth of attractive sites that are passed. There is so much to see along the route that even the most committed pedal pushers will be tempted out of their saddles.

The route lends itself to making pitstops in idyllic villages and replenishing calories in riverside tearooms. It also provides a great choice of accommodation, pubs and restaurants. Added to that is an impressive array of castles, cathedrals, abbeys and prehistoric sites, along with stunning natural features such as the Three Peaks, Brimham Rocks and Flamborough Head; but the star attraction always remains the cycling itself.

Approaching the marketplace in Ripon, with the Cathedral behind (Day 2)

The ride has been ingeniously designed by Sustrans, taking little-known minor roads and avoiding busy parts of towns and cities by using traffic-free paths along rivers and dismantled railways. It follows the River Lune inland through Lancaster, then starts to get more hilly as it skirts the northern reaches of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) before crossing the county border into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Here the panoramic cycling on single-track lanes between ancient dry-stone walls is one of the highlights of the route. The Way climbs over into Nidderdale (another AONB) passing Fountains Abbey, after which the hills diminish and the ride continues through Ripon and on across the arable land of the Vale of York. The Way makes a grand entrance into the historic city of York, dodging the suburbs via a riverside cycle path and emerging through the medieval city walls to the Minster courtyard. Some pristine red-stone villages and short off-road sections add interest until the ride reaches the enchanting winding valleys of the Yorkshire Wolds. Thereafter the miles fly by on a former Roman road then down to the North Beach of Bridlington and the North Sea with its spectacular coastline of Flamborough Head Cliffs.

Why do the Way of the Roses?

On the road from Keasden to Clapham with Ingleborough beyond (Day 1)

If you are trying to decide between this ride and other coast routes – the C2C being the most well known – the Roses ride is much more road-bike friendly, has fewer sections on busy roads and (as of 2017) more consistent signage. Cycling the Way of the Roses can be approached as either a holiday or a challenge (or a bit of both). Average cyclists on average bikes will find it both achievable and enjoyable. It makes a perfect short active break and it’s a great way to see some of Lancashire and Yorkshire’s best landscapes. The start and finish points are accessible by train and the route-finding is simple. This swathe of country is a hotbed of cycling and you will find enthusiasm for the sport throughout the route, along with a warm welcome and amenities designed with cyclists in mind.

How tough is it?

One of the great things about the Way of the Roses is that it is a realistically attainable goal for most people. You can make it as tough or as easy as you like; some people might want to challenge themselves to race along it in two days, while others might choose to do five shorter day sections. Having ridden the route several times and talked to different Roses riders, the general consensus seems to be that an average relatively fit cyclist doing the ride over three days will find it challenging but still enjoyable. If you can comfortably ride 50 miles (80km) with 1000m of ascent and still clamber back onto your saddle the next day, then you will be more than able to tackle the three-day itinerary. If the outcome is in any doubt, plan to take longer.

For seasoned cycle tourers, the Way of the Roses route is more or less comparable to the C2C ride further north. There is slightly less ascent on the Roses ride but the route is about 30 miles (48km) longer and your legs will feel the extra distance on the final flatter section going west to east.

There is roughly 2500m of ascent on the route, which is mainly on the western half of the ride. It therefore makes sense to have a longer, flatter final day, however you choose to break up the route. Going west to east, the steepest climb is up High Hill Lane out of Settle. This reaches 20% at the very least and is the main place on the route where cyclists – particularly heavily loaded ones – have been seen getting off to push. Travelling at an average speed of around 11mph, you might expect to spend fewer than 16 hours in the saddle for the whole route. This doesn’t sound like a lot, but five hours of riding time repeated for three consecutive days has quite a cumulative effect. Also worth considering is that five hours’ worth of actual pedalling does not equate to a five-hour day. Part of the fun of cycling in a group is to stop for a leisurely lunch break, and the shorter stops for map checks, photos, bike fettling, calls of nature and clothing adjustments all add up.

Starting the toughest climb of the route up Settle’s High Hill Lane (Day 1)

Other factors can come into play to make the ride tougher or easier. As most people do not have the luxury of waiting for optimal conditions and setting off at a moment’s notice, cyclists will mainly be at the mercy of the elements. Of course Lancashire and Yorkshire are famed for their Mediterranean climates, but bad weather can make the ride a good percentage harder. The prevailing wind direction also plays a part. The general wisdom is that the prevailing winds are westerly, which is why the Way of the Roses is predominantly ridden from west to east. However, sod’s law often overrides the general wisdom and cyclists have been known to face a torrid easterly headwind on the latter section of this route. North-easterly winds are most common in spring, particularly April or May when they can blow for days or even weeks at a time. It is best not to bank on having favourable winds and then you won't be frustrated if things don't blow your way.

Logistics – getting there and back

Once the decision has been taken to ride the Way of the Roses, the next step will be to work out how. There are a few options depending on location and the size of the party.

By train

For small groups and solo travellers, the train is a viable option. The advantages are that it is environmentally friendly and cyclists can set off from home and make their way back again from a different place. Morecambe is on a branch line which connects to the West Coast Mainline (at nearby Lancaster), but is also served by direct trains from Skipton and Leeds. Lancaster is well connected by rail, with direct services to Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and London Euston. Bridlington is on the Yorkshire Coast Line and trains go to and from Scarborough, Hull, Doncaster and Sheffield. Services to and from both Morecambe and Bridlington are operated by Northern Rail, and no reservations are needed to take bikes on these trains. The trains don’t have to carry more than two bicycles at a time, if they are busy, but this seems to be down to the discretion of the staff and no problems have been reported. All UK rail operators carry accompanied bikes free of charge, but different operators on your journey may want you to reserve a space for your bike when you book your ticket.

It is possible to leave a car in Morecambe and catch a train back from Bridlington. This takes over four hours and involves changing at Hull and Leeds. The last trains allowing you to do this are not very late in the day. Alternatively, by extending the ride to Scarborough, it is possible to return to Morecambe by rail, changing once at Leeds. To work out whether the train is a viable option for your trip, check on www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Jubilant Roses cyclists wait for their return transport after a two-day ride

With a support vehicle

For a group of up to four cyclists, this seems to be a fairly popular option. It involves persuading or paying a family member or friend (with a large car and bike rack) to drop cyclists and bikes in Morecambe and then to pick them up several days later in Bridlington. This may be more or less attractive depending on where they live and the timescale of their ride.

Some groups have a support vehicle which meets them at overnight stops. Support vehicles are strongly discouraged from driving large sections of the route; this practice is inconsiderate to other cyclists and not in keeping with the ethos of the route. However, a considerate support vehicle could carry baggage and potentially help with equipment problems.

It is easy to find paid parking close to the start and finish points. There is long-stay parking in Morecambe just off Northumberland Street, 300 metres up the promenade from the Roses start point. In Bridlington, Beaconsfield long-stay parking is 400 metres south of the finish off Carlisle Road.

With return transport

This is a good option for larger groups of cyclists. A company transports cyclists and bikes between Bridlington and Morecambe either at the start of or end of the ride. A small number of companies organise a ‘package’ combining both accommodation and return transport between Bridlington and Morecambe. Details of companies currently offering these services are in Appendix B.

By bike

Some people choose to cycle from home to the start and back home from the finish of the Roses route. Most may not have the time or inclination to do this, but it is worth considering combining the Way of the Roses with another coast-to-coast route, making a round trip. This strategy works best with a return trip on a reversed version of the nearby Walney-to-Whitby ride. There are good cycling links between the two routes. Search online for the National Cycle Network map.

How many days?

Although this book primarily describes the route as a three-day ride, many people choose to take four days to complete the Way of the Roses. In order to have an enjoyable three-day ride you will need to be saddle fit and have completed some training (day rides of 50 miles/80km) in the weeks leading up to your trip. A three-day ride is within the capability of an average cyclist, but there is no shame in planning to take a little longer. A four-day ride leaves a bit more room to manoeuvre in the event of inclement weather, headwinds, punctures and tired legs, as well as giving more time to travel to the start and home from the finish. It also allows for an itinerary including, for example, a visit to Fountains Abbey, York Minster and perhaps the Coldstones Cut, Brimham Rocks or Burton Agnes. Taking four days still means plenty of time in the saddle, but a comforting proportion of time in teashops too.

Immaculate topiary at Burton Agnes Hall (Day 3)

Those with more time on their hands who want to spend some of their cycling trip acquainting themselves with the sights and sounds of Lancashire and Yorkshire should consider a five-day itinerary. The ride splits up nicely into five interesting sections and allows time for most of the main points of interest on route to be savoured, rather than ridden past. A five-day ride feels much more like a holiday than a challenge.

Another option for fit and strong cyclists used to riding long distances is to do the ride in two days. This would be a serious challenge for average cyclists but if time is short and fitness high then it means that the ride can be done in a weekend. The two-day itinerary works quite well breaking up the ride in Pateley Bridge or Ripon but means a much hillier first day and a longer, flatter second day. This two-day option lends itself well to strong parties who can make a relatively early start from Morecambe.

For the super-fit, it is possible to complete the whole ride as a day challenge.

The Way in three days

The Way splits up neatly into three stages: Day 1 Morecambe to Burnsall 53 miles (85km); Day 2 Burnsall to York 58 miles (94km); Day 3 York to Bridlington 62 miles (100km). The vast majority of the hills come on the first two days and the long third day is deceptively straightforward. It’s worth noting that the first overnight stop is in the small Dales village of Burnsall. Further accommodation options can be found in Appletreewick, Airton, Hetton and Cracoe, or even slightly off route in Grassington.

If staying in a city like York on the second night isn’t your thing, there are other ways of breaking up a three-day ride. A shorter final day allowing for onward travel on the same day would be: Morecambe to Pateley Bridge 63 miles (101km); Pateley Bridge to Pocklington 65 miles (105km); Pocklington to Bridlington 43 miles (69km). For a shorter first day try Morecambe to Settle 35 miles (56km), Settle to York 75 miles (121km), and York to Bridlington 62 miles (100km).

Climbing out of Millington Dale towards Pocklington (Day 1)

The Way in four days

There are two good four-day itineraries, depending on where you prefer to stop overnight. The first way is as described in the Route Summary Tables at the start of this book, breaking the route up into logical and relatively evenly matched sections. The only downside is that this doesn’t allow for a stop in York. If you want to have a shorter third day and spend some time sightseeing in York, it is possible to stop there on the third night having ridden 31 miles (50km) from Ripon, leaving a longer fourth day of 61 miles (98km) to Bridlington.

The Way in five days

A five-day plan allows some flexibility and the one given in the Route Summary Tables can be easily tweaked to lengthen or shorten stages according to where sightseeing stops are made or to allow for a shorter day travelling to or from home. This itinerary is a starting point and works on the logic of shorter hillier days at the start, followed by longer flatter ones. Again, this plan does not allow for spending a night in York. That would be ideally suited to a six-day itinerary, stopping in York and then Pocklington before reaching the East Yorkshire coast on the final day.

The Way in two days

A two-day assault on the Way of the Roses is best tackled with an overnight stop in Ripon. Although it is not halfway in terms of mileage, the area from Brimham Rocks to Ripon feels like a psychological mid-point as all the big ascents have been overcome. This gives a longer but mainly flat second day, when determination and staying in the saddle are the key to success, especially when riding with aching muscles after the punishing ascents of the first day. Despite the extra miles on the second day and the potential of aching legs from the first day’s climbs, most people actually find the second day considerably easier. Pateley Bridge is another option for the overnight break, but adding the tough climb up to Brimham to a long second day would provide an extra challenge.

The Dancing Bear at Brimham Rocks

THE WAY IN A DAY

Feeling on top of the world – starting the descent to Airton while cycling the Way in a Day

This is not an unrealistic goal but requires serious training and great determination. Always remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the ride, whatever happens.

The ride is much easier in decent yet not excessively hot or sunny weather, and westerly winds are a huge advantage. Make an early start; it is much harder to cycle the last section of the route in the dark when you are tired.

A super-fit cyclist with an average speed upwards of 14mph on hilly terrain will take roughly 11–13 hours in the saddle, with two additional hours of breaks (including a 30–40-minute lunch stop). Try to rope in someone in a vehicle to meet you at three points (less to carry and an incentive to reach the next stop), but be considerate and avoid having a car accompany you on stretches of the route. Take on as many calories as possible and keep hydration levels up. Eat whatever you are used to. Carry at least two water bottles and drink regularly.

Building up high mileages on endurance rides and plenty of shorter, faster rides up hills will help get you in shape. Testing yourself with a 100-mile-plus (160km) ride with over 1500m ascent will be a great psychological boost.

Cycling the route east to west

Although it is described from Morecambe to Bridlington in the main part of this book, the Way of the Roses is perfectly feasible in the opposite direction. East to west might appeal for various reasons: if you have already completed the ride in the standard direction; if the logistics prove easier that way around; or if your plans are flexible and the forecast is for prevailing easterly winds.

In the main, the Way is simple to follow from east to west (Sustrans intends the route to be followed in either direction and so it is signposted both ways). Having said that, there are a handful of spots where the signs for cyclists travelling from Bridlington to Morecambe are missing or not as clear as the ones for the standard direction. Therefore a little more care is needed with route-finding, and even cyclists who have previously ridden the Way west to east should take care. A good strategy is to look out for the signs for both directions and scan ahead to the posts and signage at upcoming junctions. There are a few places where the east-to-west route differs slightly from the standard direction due to one-way systems in place.

In spite of the fact that British weather systems are dominated by westerly winds – aiding a west-to-east traverse of the country – there are many times when substantial easterly winds set in for days at a time, favouring those making an east-to-west journey. Plan for your ride being considerably harder and taking longer if headwinds are forecast.

On balance the Way of the Roses is a more enjoyable outing done from west to east. Starting from Morecambe, the flatter and lengthier third section can be done with tired legs on the third day. Those starting from Bridlington should note that all the harder ascents come on the second half of the route, when energy levels may have declined. That is not to say that the east-to-west option does not have its merits.

Where to stay

There is ample accommodation along the route, wherever you choose to break up the ride, and a detailed list is given in Appendix A. Many people choose the option of staying in B&B accommodation – this is reasonably priced and saves cyclists the hassle of finding their own breakfast (though be warned that fry-ups and serious hills don’t always mix well!). Those who prefer pub accommodation will find plenty of choice; breakfast is often included and evening meals and drinks easily available. The cheapest options include basic bunkhouses – a number of these are convenient for the route. They are well worth considering if you want to cut costs by sharing dorm-style rooms or have a large group. Some cycle tourers choose to load their bikes with camping equipment. There is a satisfaction in carrying all you need, and campsites are by far the cheapest option. However, if choosing this option put in some practice cycling a good distance with a heavily loaded bike. Some quirkier accommodation options are included in Appendix A: a village hall, a yurt – and even a treehouse.

The stunning Dales village of Burnsall is a great overnight stop on the three-day ride (Day 1)

What kind of bike?

The answer to this question is simple: use a bike that you are comfortable riding and with which you are familiar. Exactly what type of bike is less important. Don’t be tempted to borrow a friend’s bike that doesn’t fit you and hasn’t been serviced. Likewise, a bike that has stood unused for years in the shed is unlikely to be reliable. For a successful long-distance ride, worry less about the type of bike and more about whether it is in good condition.

If there are limits to your mechanical expertise, then it is well worth taking your bike to the local shop for a pre-Roses service. Against the cost – which might only be £20 if everything is in order – weigh up the inconvenience of having to do any major running repairs en route or having to quit the ride. Make sure that the bike is set up correctly for you – you will be on it for long consecutive stretches. Incorrectly positioned saddles, handlebars and shifters can all make life far more difficult. Again, take your bike to your local cycle shop if it doubt.

Road bikes

Many would-be Roses riders are worried by the mention of off-road sections on the route and wonder whether they will cope on a road bike. Rest assured, the Way of the Roses is designed so that it can be done on a road bike, and the vast majority of people do just that. Even the bumpiest short section (on a dirt track near Stamford Bridge) is in no way beyond the capabilities of any serviceable road bike. The sections on narrow cycle paths will slow you down, but if your only reason for doing the Way of the Roses is to get a fast time, then perhaps the ride is not for you. The dropped handlebars of road bikes enable cyclists to vary their position and be more aerodynamic on flat and downhill stretches.

For years, road bikes had 23mm or even skinnier tyres, but the most popular choice now seems to be 25mm. This is suitable for riding the Roses route where there are many less-than-perfect road surfaces and some gravel tracks. The 25mm tyres give a good balance between comfort, likelihood of getting punctures and speed. Some aerodynamics experts believe that slightly wider tyres used on road bikes could actually be faster than skinny ones. There are also 28mm tyres that are becoming more common for road bikes too.

There is not room in this book to open up the can of worms that constitutes the technicalities of gearing. A debate about the precise number of cogs on your bike’s cassette and whether a double or triple chainring is optimal is best left to cycling magazines. If you have been riding your bike to get saddle fit for the Way of the Roses, then you know what sort of gradient you feel comfortable tackling. There is always a more expensive, higher spec bike out there but this ride should not be beyond the scope of a reasonably fit person on any good-quality entry-level bike. I have ridden the Way on a 16-speed road bike and still managed to stay in the saddle on all the hills.

Endurance road bikes such as those aimed at sportive riders and adventure models such as gravel bikes are gaining popularity at the time of writing and are undoubtedly suitable for riding the Way of the Roses if money is no object. Adventure bikes are a variation on the traditional touring bike: basically a sturdy road bike that may be set up for use with panniers, mudguards and wider tyres.

Crossing the Lune Viaduct on a hybrid bike, with the Crook o’ Lune beyond (Day 1)

Hybrid bikes

These are also a good choice for this route. I have ridden the Way of the Roses on both a road bike with 25mm tyres and a hybrid and have come across groups of cyclists with members on both kinds of bikes. A hybrid was slower overall, but the hills were easier and the ride fractionally more comfortable. It is a matter of personal choice. Despite the vast numbers of lycra-clad road bikers around, sales of hybrid bikes are still very high because these bikes are good all-rounders – the sturdy frames and wider tyres are great for tackling canal towpaths and gritty road surfaces.

Tandems

Tandems are a relatively common sight on the Way of the Roses. Although some tandems deviate from the main route to avoid the steeper climbs and descents, experienced tandemists should be able to stay in the saddle with one or two exceptions. Bear in mind that the unsurfaced section near Stamford Bridge may be tricky on a heavily loaded tandem. There are very few narrow traffic stopper posts and gates that have to be negotiated. Tandemists will be dismayed to learn that Northern Rail (which operates services to both Morecambe and Bridlington) do not currently include tandems in their definition of ‘bikes’ which can be carried on their trains.

Roses tandemists on the Overton path into York (Day 2)

Other options

As long as your bike is in decent condition, there is nothing to stop you from doing the Way of the Roses. There seem to be plenty of electric bikes making the trip across the country, and probably many other weird and wonderful contraptions.

It is possible, if unadvisable, to do the Way of the Roses on a mountain bike. The resistance caused by wide knobbly tyres would massively increase the amount of effort needed. If you only own a mountain bike, consider investing in some smooth tyres to make your life easier on the tarmac, or hire a bike to do the ride.

Riding solo

Although the most popular option seems to be to ride the Way of the Roses in a group, doing the ride solo allows you to set your own pace and make stops whenever the fancy takes you. Some people are nervous of cycling in packs (maybe those who have grown up watching massive peloton pile-ups in the Tour de France), and others enjoy the freedom of cycling solo. However, cycling solo means you do not gain the slipstream benefits from taking turns at the front and have less support in the case of a breakdown. Make sure you have all the necessary kit and know how to make basic running repairs on your bike if you choose to go it alone.

Equipment

Carrying your gear

In cycling, travelling light is a top priority. There is a baffling variety of ways to carry your gear, and how much you take and how you carry it depends on several factors: the number of days you are riding, the amount of support you have en route and to what extent you can manage without non-essential extras. It is a matter of personal choice.

Panniers are a long-standing good choice for cycle tourers and would probably suit those riding the Way of the Roses in four or five days, allowing for carrying picnics and some non-essentials. One obvious downside is that you will need to fit a frame to your bike. There are back- and front-mounted models – a rear-mounted model with two 20-litre bags is most typical. Cyclists wishing to carry oodles of camping equipment might add front panniers. Some people feel that panniers adversely affect the handling of their bike, cause excessive wind resistance and are cumbersome. If your bike already has a pannier rack, but two panniers seem excessive, a happy medium might be a 12-litre trunk bag, which mounts on the top of the rack and doesn’t affect the bike’s performance as much. If you must, it’s possible to cycle with just one pannier, which should be mounted on the side of the bike away from traffic.

Panniers are a popular choice. Between Wharfe and Stainforth with Pen-y-ghent providing the backdrop (Day 1)

A small daysack with decent chest and waist straps is a simple and cheap option, with a good capacity for cyclists travelling light. Another advantage is that there is no faff when making stops as your valuables are on your back. A daysack also gives cyclists the option of using a hydration bladder. The downside is that – although many groups of Roses riders do use this method – many find a small rucksack uncomfortable, sweaty or unbalancing.

A saddle bag which attaches to the seat and post rather than requiring a rack is another good option for those travelling light, particularly for shorter attempts or where a support vehicle is arriving at the end of the day. Three-litre seat-pack saddle bags are widely and cheaply available, and ideal for those carrying the absolute minimum and making maximum use of the pockets in their cycling jersey. This could be combined with a triangular frame bag which attaches to the bike inside the angle made by the frame to give extra storage.

Saddle packs and larger rigid saddle bags, which use similar attachments but have capacities of up to 17 litres, are becoming more common and are a great option. Some have an extra expandable area ideal for carrying a waterproof and set of evening clothes (although nothing too heavy).

A handlebar bag is an alternative option. These often have a 6- or 7-litre capacity and can include pockets so that your map or bike computer can be viewed while riding. The downsides are that they often sag when heavily loaded and are tricky to fit to some types of bike. A combination of saddle bag/pack and handlebar bag would provide plenty of storage for B&B-ers.

Other equipment

A basic tool kit should be the first item on your list. A pump or CO2 canisters and inflator, spare inner tube or tubes, tyre levers and a set of Allen keys are essential. A puncture repair kit is a back-up for the dreaded double-puncture day. In your group it is useful to have a good bike multi-tool, including screwdrivers, pliers, a knife and spanners. A roll of electrical tape, a few cable ties and a couple of elastic bands can also come in handy.

A bell is advisable for warning other path users of your approach on traffic-free sections.

Map, mobile phone, money, credit card and GPS device if you use one. Smartphone GPS mapping apps have the drawback of sapping battery power so make sure you have a back-up plan if this is what you are using.

A bike lock, though this will depend on how you are riding the route. If you are only stopping at cafés where you can see your bike and overnight accommodation with secure cycle storage (see Appendix A) then you might choose to go without.

Suncream and very basic toiletries such as toothbrush and paste, comb and possibly deodorant!

Hydration is crucial so water bottles are a must. It is easy to carry two bottles of up to 1-litre capacity in frame cages, but one bottle is fine as the ride never goes a huge distance without passing a shop or other fill-up point.

It is essential to carry some emergency energy food even if regular café stops are planned. Never underestimate the impact that a few calories can make on your ability to get up that hill!

Most other gear is a matter of personal choice. For a three-day ride, most people will want to take a change of clothes for the evenings.

What to wear

Helmets

There is no current UK law forcing cyclists to wear helmets and there are still plenty of people who choose not to. Please do not join their ranks and make sure yours is properly fitted and fastened. Helmets are now lightweight and allow airflow to the head.

Clothing

Most people will find that cycling-specific clothing is useful. Depending on temperatures and personal preferences, cycling shorts or tights are padded in the right areas and improve comfort during long days in the saddle. These items are designed to be worn without your usual underwear.

Cycling vests usually have several useful features. High-vis colours and reflective strips help make you more eye-catching to other road users, and a dropped back means that there is no draughty gap between top and bottom halves of your clothing. Many cycling jerseys and tops also have large easily accessible back pockets – it’s amazing how much gear and food you can cram into these.

A lightweight waterproof is also a must. Cycling-specific models include reflectors, pockets and longer backs. They are windproof and are generally designed to pack away compactly.

Wearing cycling gloves is again a matter of personal preference and temperature. Some people would not cycle to the corner shop without their gloves, whereas others don’t wear them outside of winter. Cycling gloves soak up sweat and allow you to maintain a better grip on the bars. They also include cushioning to lessen the vibration and impact caused by uneven road surfaces. They can also protect the palms in the event of a fall.

In windy or cold weather it can be useful to take an earband.

As well as sunglasses, many cyclists will wear clear glasses in less bright conditions. Others just put up with the odd insect in their eyes and do without. If you are prone to runny eyes when cycling, then glasses are fairly cheap and worth their weight in gold. Contact lens wearers might also find that clear glasses stop their lenses from drying out quickly while riding.

Riders passing the remote Keasden church don glasses in bright conditions (Day 1)

Footwear

The question of footwear might require a little thought. Wear what you are comfortable in. Most relatively firm soled trainers will suffice, and these have the benefits of comfort and saving you carrying extra footwear.

Specific cycling shoes are made with efficient transference of power in mind. The majority now work on a cleat system with clipless pedals and can take a little getting used to. There are several different cleat and pedal systems so you need to make sure yours are compatible; you may need to upgrade your pedals as many lower-priced bikes just come with standard ones. The firm sole of cleated cycling shoes means that little of your effort and power is wasted, but the downside is that they can be uncomfortable to walk in. Interestingly, some studies show that clipless systems actually make many average cyclists less efficient as they encourage upward pulling on the pedals.

Unless you particularly want to waste storage space by taking extra shoes for the evenings, choose footwear that will cover all eventualities (if you are planning to walk around York city centre or up the rough track to Coldstones Cut, for example). Cycling kit companies do seem to have taken note of these problems, with cycling shoes and footwear which looks more like a trainer with flexible or coverable cleat plates becoming more common.

Maps and apps

The maps in this book, along with the detailed route descriptions, should provide everything you need to do the Roses ride and all the day rides described. A Sustrans map of the route is available at the same scale as those in this book. For those who wish to have more detailed mapping, the route is covered at 1:25,000 scale by the following OS sheets: OL41, OL2, 298, 299, 290, 294 and 295. The Ordnance Survey now offers access to all its British maps on computers and mobile devices for a small fee. Other apps such as Viewranger allow users to access parts of OS mapping for a small fee and use Opencyclemap to provide larger scale free maps.

Apps such as Strava have become increasingly popular for logging rides and comparing times and can be very useful for working out an expected average speed and timings. One word of caution: beware of assuming that the distances and particularly cumulative height gains shown on GPS-based apps are exact. During the research for this book the Way of the Roses ride was logged (on one-day, two-day, three-day and five-day itineraries) on apps. The route had been the same but the total ascent data varied wildly from 2272m to 2846m. The actual figure is likely to be somewhere in the middle, around 2500m. The figures at opposite ends of the spectrum were taken from GPS app calculations on a two-day and one-day Roses ride, and my conclusion is that the apps are more accurate for ascent when you ride more slowly. The other warning is that smartphone-based GPS apps tend to deplete batteries, so a bike computer can be a good option.

Signage

Roses signage in Clapham (Day 1)

The route is impressively well signed the whole way across. Some cyclists claim that they have barely needed to consult a map. The route is signed throughout with the small blue pointer signs of the National Cycle Network bearing two small red and white roses. Note that the network numbers of the Roses route change several times during its course, and cyclists should beware following route numbers rather than the rose markers. The Roses route is initially labelled the 69 but soon becomes the 68 at Clapham and subsequently the 688, 67, 65, 658, 66, 164 and finally the 1 on its way into Bridlington. It also shares parts of its distance with long cycle rides such as the Lancashire Cycleway, Yorkshire Dales Cycleway and Yorkshire Wolds Way, so there is often a proliferation of signs.

As of 2017, having checked the route several times, there were signs at all the junctions going west to east (there are marginally fewer on the east-to-west route). Some signs take the form of blue stickers bearing the rose emblems on lampposts and road signposts, and others are easily obscured by foliage. Be eagle-eyed when approaching any junctions and scan the nearby road furniture for the tell-tale rose signs.

Cycling dos and don’ts