Tackling Tan Hill October 2018
Tuesday 23rd October 2018. I knew today would be a windy ride, but I seriously underestimated the strength of the gale (correct word) while climbing Tan Hill. Starting from Kirkby Stephen, I enjoyed the initial climb of Lamps Moss out of Nateby with a 20 mph tail wind and the ride down to Keld and along the Swale valley was sublime. The overcast day was brightening by the hour and things were good.
Then I changed direction at Reeth and the world changed. Suddenly, the 10 – 15% gradients didn’t matter – it was the vicious head wind that was all I could think about. The wind on the moors felt more like 30mph with stronger gusts that virtually stopped any forward motion. Factor in no hedges, walls or anything to slow the wind meant that after a mile I stopped to take stock, seriously considering turning back for safety reasons – I was concerned about being blown into the path of a car or (more likely) a Landrover – but I decided I’d face the same problem either way, cycling up hill and into the wind.
But, long story short, I have now conquered Tan Hill in the correct direction, as required by Simon Warren (write of 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs), but probably with one of the slowest times imaginable. I saw no other cyclists on the road over the moors – not surprising, really.
The annoying thing was that at the summit, the worst of the storm seemed to have abated and the wind had dropped (a bit!) for the descent. At least it made it a bit safer.
The pub at Tan Hill Inn was host to a bunch of granddads who’d been let out for the day. They were all sat at a table watching funny YouTube videos on a phone and were giggling like schoolgirls, asking each other to Whatsup [sic] the various links. It provided good entertainment for the rest of us.
Tomorrow’s plan is to head North West, so at least I should have a wind-assisted ride back to the car.
Wednesday 24th October 2018. The weather enhanced today’s trip rather than challenged it; the wind was gentle, and barely noticeable at times. No significant climbs today but lots of undulations through the gorgeous Westmorland countryside. (I still think of it as Westmorland despite it losing its identity in the 1970s because most of it hasn’t changed a bit in 4 decades.)
Highlights were cycling in the central reservation of the M6 (just North of Tebay), discovering that Shap has an Abbey (I thought it had nothing more than a summit), cycling through Lowther Castle grounds and appreciating the autumn colours.
