Tour of Ilkley Moor

This route would make a good test circuit. Plenty of short sharp hills, and a few longer drags. It was certainly a tough ride for early season, and had me crawling along for most of it into a chilly headwind.


Karen was competing at the Ilkley Moor Regional orienteering event, so i went along to keep her company for the drive and for a change of scene from the local roads. 
I had a rough idea of a loop to take 2-2.5hrs but maybe had forgotten how tough the roads are. With parking for the O event on Wells Road on the south of the moor. I didnt have too much of a warm up before the Cow & Calf climb. I have ridden this once before, but this time it was a little tougher. I was trying to console myself with the thought of the Tour of Britain riders struggling up here in 2008, but decided i was set for a slow grind to the top.
The rest of the ride round the edge of the moor on minor roads was a roller coaster, plunging steeply down to the villages then crawling back uphill into the wind. 
All in all a good test for the legs, heart and lungs and worth the trip down.
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Activity Details for Tour of Ilkley Moor

Welcome to my New Blog

Hi. I intend to post some thoughts & photos about my passion for cycling, some training rides and general cycling stuff about my 2010 season - my 40th year!
This is my first attempt at blogging (yeah takes me a while to catch on!), so please be gentle with your comments.