Saturday 11 September: cycling over two passes

 A better night’s sleep as the wind seems to dull the sound of the Church clock although we were so tired that we both nodded off reading our books last evening! Today is a cycling day. It is overcast and there is fog on the fell tops but I’m hoping we won’t be climbing up that high. The road is rural and quiet and starts gently before ramping up to some double chevrons. Simon does well to pedal all the way but “I’m not too proud to push”! Once again the scenery is spectacular and it feels amazing to be cycling in such wild countryside. We pass over Dalehead beneath the shadows of Whernside before a lovely swooping and gently undulating descent into Ingleton. We have coffee in a Greasy Joe’s cafe where Simon has a bacon butty and I have coffee cake! A rather nasty section on the main road before heading off on another beautiful pass back to Dent. We shelter under some trees to avoid a passing heavy shower before returning for a late picnic lunch in the warmth and comfort of the van! Unlike us we decide on the leisurely option and while away some hours back at base.