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