Clifton CC

Have been talking with Nigel Lawson for a few years now about getting a group together to do a night ride to the Lake District. York CTC used to put this on as a sort of Audax in memory of John Hessle. Nigel rode a few times and I joined the ride in '92. The objective is to crest Kirkstone pass and ride along Ullswater at dawn.

Itinerary (a bit sketchy at the moment):
Leave York at 1830 on Sat 30th August
F&C supper in Skipton
On through Kirkby Lonsdale and Kendal to Windermere.
Kirkstone pass at about 0500 or so. On to Penrith where the Little Chef should be opening for breakfast.
Back via Kirkby Stephen and Hawes. Back in York mid afternoon on Sun 31st.

Its about 390km. There's some climbing, obviously, but its not like we've gone out of the way to find the steepest hills!

At the moment we're planning to go unsupported. This means being self sufficient between Skipton and Penrith (possibly 7-8 hours) for food etc. Although Nigel reckons there's a petrol station with a tap! Most of the nightime stretch is on "A" roads which at that time are quiet and easy to navigate. The sun will be below the horizon from 2000 till 0600.

So, any takers?

[to put this on as a sort of Audax in memory of John Hessle]

Did John Hessle get knocked down after riding his bike through the night?

All I know is that John did a lot for the CTC and cycling in York. He died in the 80s. His favourite place was Ullswater and his wife was part of the organising team that put on the event in his memory. They did a grand job cooking bacon sandwiches in a layby near Kirkby Lonsdale at 1am.

I'd love to do this!, sounds very good .

How much will it cost sounds very exciting!

The cost is expensive if you go with an Sports Tours Agency but this years entry only fee was £125. I'm kidding. Its one of those fantastic benefits of membership. You will have to check that your lights are suitable for seeing with (as well as being seen) and that the battery system has enough umph to get through 9 hours of darkness. I'm not an expert, but am sure others on here will direct you to the Cycle Heaven Boutique.

F&C supper

bacon sandwiches

I'm interested

Rob wrote:The cost is expensive if you go with an Sports Tours Agency but this years entry only fee was £125. I'm kidding. Its one of those fantastic benefits of membership. You will have to check that your lights are suitable for seeing with (as well as being seen) and that the battery system has enough umph to get through 9 hours of darkness. I'm not an expert, but am sure others on here will direct you to the Cycle Heaven Boutique.

They seem ok the ones I have, they can light up anyone in front of me and the rear red light could be seen 30+ meters back on a sign on the other side of the road.

I guess most of it will be in the dark then?

Will - Rob's post says:

The sun will be below the horizon from 2000 till 0600.

To make it a proper ride you should do it in winter

Talking of night rides, I've always fancied doing the Dunwich Dynamo, I don't need to mention of course, you'd have to get down South n then there's accommodation to sort etc. I might do it one day I suppose.

You could always do a 300k plus Audax from the calendar (Audax UK), plenty to choose from. If a group of us want to get together and do one, I might be up for that, as I've never done more than a 200 mile ride.

Arthur wrote:Will - Rob's post says:

The sun will be below the horizon from 2000 till 0600.

Yea thats why I said I guess it'll be dark mostly? Wont be daylight untill we on the way home.

I'm game for this Rob; please count me in!

Rob

I'm interested but will need to think hard about it.
I have got better at riding in the dark and would be ok on the A road but don't know if I can cope with any sort of descending on unlit roads.I am
not robust enough to cope if its heavy rain.Big fan of bacon sarnies( added tomatoes no butter) but is there a non fish and chip option at Skipton.
Mentioned it to Nick- he said something about only having one set of lights so
I suggested I could ride if it's not to bad or even nice and he could be the 'Man' if it's really wet.

Helen

At 9 in the evening, its a bit of Hobson's choice w.r.t. eating..... Open to suggestions - but I think we need to get inside and sat down to get ready for the night stretch. Chips with curry sauce? How about a good donner?



I've ridden through the night on a number of occasions and, believe me, this is the best way; getting it done early on in the ride when you're still fresh. What is new to me is the prospect of such a long night - only ever done it in June/July before.

Also note to all that this is the weekend after Tan Hill which offers great preparation.

So if I did come how much money should I bring for food as I suspect I'd have to stuff my face to have enough energy to complete it.

Not sure I'm good for 390k but it's tempting.........