Yesterday I caught the train to Leeds, with the bright idea of riding the central section of the Trans Pennine Trail NCN 67 from Leeds Railway Station to home. Took about 4 hours. 46 miles.
First half was good, couple of light showers, good surface. Second half wasn't. Poor surface, muddy and puddled, coupled with heavy rain made for a memorable ride for all the wrong reasons. The last 5 miles felt like 50 as it hammered it down.
The 67 follows the Aire and Calder Navigation and the abandoned Barnsley and Royston canals before reaching the 62 - the mainline East - West route of the TPT - and my cue to turn left, and head for home.
I'm not as fit as I'd assumed. I was inadequately prepared. This was a punishing lesson learned.
Went up to Galloway and tried the ncn 7 through glentrool. Lingering flu meant we cut the ride short, but only after doing the one massive climb of the day
Just a casual shopping run with the work horse. Which means 40 kms of wonderful forest ride.
Luckily it was not that boring at every part, our local trail maintenance crew is working hard on our entertainment.
They provided us a new singletrack
And built a new swamp zone for even more fun.
I've done this type of ride myself (not the route, but the lack of prep and higher expectation of my stamina!)
The funny thing is, as months pass, you convince yourself that actually it wasnt too bad, quite enjoyable in hindsight, a bit of an adventure.
And then all of a sudden you find yourself up on some soggy moor far later than planned, back out on some cruel, grueller of a ride which you weren't prepared for!
Everything was lovely except for the mud and ponds. Had to hike a few things and turn back because of all the downed trees in other places. Very disappointed with my fitness, but it's early in the season