The Annual Dales Trip took place recently from May 12th to the 14th at the Dales Bike Centre near Reeth in the Dales (yep that's 3 mentions of the Dales so far).

10 members went on the jolly (sorry Cycling weekend) First timers Adam Williams, Shaun Jarvis, Simon Winter and John Montgomery and old timers Mike Biggs, Sam McDonald, Tom Muldoon, Simon Richardson, Martin Bond and myself as Organiser and veteran of 3 trips Norman King. So a very male orientated group (no reason why we should have some ladies along look out for next year's date). 

I organised the Centre, got the pub booked, menus chosen and sent out the courses, immediately Sam asked for his Sat course to be included (a tough 82 miler which 3 of them rode). 

Travel. Transport was sorted and our group comprised Monty with his Motorhome, Mike, Simon W and myself. All aboard the transport to the Dales. Others travelled in pairs or on their own. 

Day 1. Arrival at the Dales Centre now showed a brand new Cafe and Rest area and this year's breakfast was back indoors. It all looked very good (and it proved to be very popular). There was also a new Bike Store and Workshop, all very impressive. For next year the accommodation should be rebuilt.

We were looking to leave between 1330 and 1400 to get to Tan Hill (1,700 feet and the highest pub in Britain). Simon R was going off-road (of course he was). So off we set, I was with Monty and even though we were on the valley bottom I think Monty was surprised at the amount of undulations. Soon we got to Keld and turned North to Tan Hill. I was in the wrong gear and failed to get around the first sharp bend (it must have been 20% (honest)). All the others were ahead of us. Not a hot day but after some 30 miles we got there. Adam, Sam and Shaun were sitting outside so as not to get "cafe legs" and were off to do the Stang (a top 100 climb). The rest were in the pub, warm and enjoying a pint. We joined them and then we saw Simon R coming down a gravel track. It had been hard work for him, but he was determined to go back off road. So we all eventually left as we needed a shower and to get to the pub for 1930. 

Going back was easier, but you had to take off sheep, bridges and bends and the odd sheeps muck. Simon went down by road in the end the off-road option was too difficult. So back changed and we were all in the pub by 1900. Few beers had a fantastic meal but largely most were in bed by 2200. I am told there was some snoring.

Day 2. People started stirring from 0700 with breakfast at 0800. So after doing my organisers bit again getting menu choices we all tucked in to our various choices. Today was a mixture of 3 doing Sam's 82 miler, the rest of us doing 54 miles and Simon R another off road off some 60 miles. We all set off from 0945 (in hindsight should have left earlier). Greets Moss was only half a mile from the start, I think everybody on our course found this a tough start (well I did and I had 2 short walks (I enjoy the views)). Today was a warmer day and I was glad to have 2 bottles on board. Next climb was after about 12 miles, another toughie, and yet again at 16% I had a short walk, I was hoping Monty was OK with this. Near the top Tom came flying past with Simon W, Mike and Martin in close pursuit. About 6 miles before Kettlewell we had a 2 miles drag/climb/walk up to the top before Park Rash. It was warmer and I was enjoying this immensely. Park Rash is tough from Kettlewell but the other it's tough, going downhill on your brakes is hard work. Took a call from Shaun as Tom was looking for us. I think some of us were taking too many photos/resting/drinking/eating. We all got to Kettlewell and 6 of us went to a pub, service was slow so we went across the road and ordered food and drink. Service was slow but the beer/soft drink was good. The food when it came was excellent. It had changed hands since 2019 when Gary organised the trip. (that was an interesting lunch as well).

So after over an hour we left for the last 25 miles, what could be easier. I rode this in 2019 and knew after a 5 mile ride along the valley bottom we would have a stiff climb. It was warmer and this was hard work but I cycled it all (hurrah). So downhill and along another valley bottom. We got to near Aysgarth Falls and Monty and I decided to save some climbing (but not distance) and went back via Leyburn. It seemed to take a long time and I know we were both tired. Anyhow out of Leyburn and we climbed the easier climb past a Army Firing Range. A lovely downhill to the Bridge at Fremington. The plan was to have a beer but the guys were leaving plus we needed to get our bikes stored, so much like faffing at an Audax keep an eye on the time. Simon W did more, out to Richmond and was just in time for dinner!

So, shower, changed and again we were all in the pub by 1900. The meal was a bit more subdued, tired bodies but everybody seemed to have enjoyed the ride. Sam, Adam and Shaun still looked fresh. Simon was tired (he's a full value off-roader). Most people left earlier and it was very apparent people were asleep earlier (at least there was no snoring).

Day 3. So another lovely day, people stirred a little bit later and after doing my organisers job people drifted into the breakfast area. Tom and Martin had to get back early so went to Muker and with Mike. Simon R, Monty and I did Muker and back a little later. This was only 18 miles (I was hopeful of a coffee in Muker). Adam, Shaun and Sam went on a Buttertubs ride and Simon W did something similar. On our ride Simon R turned at the Punchbowl and went tiling. We saw the others coming back towards us. We got to Muker and both cafes were shut. We sat and enjoyed the scenery. We then returned to base, slowed in Gunnerside but the cafe was closed (it was open 10 mins later). So all back, showered, changed and we all left for home.

Everybody told me they thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would come back again. I struggled to get 12 people, not sure why. If you have any ideas/suggestions on this trip let me or a member of the committee know. In the meantime we've booked the Dales Centre for next year May 17th to May 19th 24.

Full Photo Gallery link from here.