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Northern Dales tourist trials 7th September 2008.
The annual Northern Dales Audax events were held this year on Sunday 7th September. For the 16th consecutive year the two events attracted cyclists from throughout the North of England with one or two participants from further south and from Wales. The persistent rain over previous days had done little to dampen enthusiasm although there were a number of non starters amongst entrants from the North East.
The two events were once again based upon the Youth Hostel at Arnside with riders in the 202km event starting their ride at 8am and those participating in the 110km event starting one hour later. Both routes followed the same outward journey from Arnside on to Yealand Redmayne, Burton in Kendal, Priest Hutton and Capernwray before climbing Sunny Bank past Lord’s Lot and on to Hornby and Wray via Gressingham and Loyn Bridge. By the first checkpoint, at 29km was at the foot of the climb at Ravensclose near Wennington, the riders had formed small groups or were riding alone according to their chosen pace. Ian Hellawell from Darlington, the leading rider in the longer event last year, was already forging ahead. All 29 participants in the 202km event had gone through before the arrival of the first in the 110km event. The two routes continued to follow the same course through Ingleton, past White Scar Caves and Ribblehead until, 47km into the rides, the two routes diverged. The longer event continuing towards Hawes and Leyburn whilst the “Populaire” turned towards its next checkpoint in Dent.
On the road between Hawes and Leyburn a farm dog put paid to the chances of one rider when it ran into his path, causing him to crash and sustain a broken arm. This unfortunate incident led to the rider being driven to hospital by his brother whilst the rest of the riders continued to check in at Leyburn before the start of the hardest part of the trial. Leyburn, Reeth, Arkengarthdale and Tan Hill came next before the checkpoint at Kirby Stephen where riders were checking in between 1.30pm and 5.15pm. However, this was not a race but was a tourist trial; and all those checking in there were well within the time limits imposed: average speeds allowed were between 15kph and 30kph. 27 of the 29 riders were back in Arnside after a testing ride. Ian Hellawell maintained his position as the fastest rider and, as if to prove the wealth of variety within the field, amongst the later finishers were at least two O.A.Ps. and a 16 year old boy who had ridden around with his father.
For the 34 riders riding in the companion event the ride down Dentdale was swiftly accomplished and several made use of the café checkpoint for refreshments before tackling the steep climb from Gawthrop over Barbondale. The route back to Arnside was via Casterton, Devil’s Bridge, Wennington and Arkholme before heading towards Carnforth, Warton and Arnside. All 34 riders completed their event within the requisite time frame: 12.5kph to 20kph average speeds allowed.
Altogether, apart from that one mishap, it had been a very successful day’s cycling. It was particularly satisfying to see so many riders from local cycling clubs participating: the Lune R.C., Lancaster C.C., and the Kent Valley and Barrow Central Wheelers were well represented as were riders from the Lancaster, Eden Valley and Fylde CTC groups.