Sometime ago I optimistically signed up for a summer sportive around the Dales, thinking it would be great to get some training in for the Alpe Triathlon.

While the country basked in glorious sun and the news readers uttered the seldom heard ‘British Heatwave’ and most of the land was covered by weather alerts for hazardous temperatures, the dales had other plans. As per, the one blob of blue on the forecast map was over the Lancashire / Yorkshire / Dales area.

Unperturbed, an early set off brought to Horton in Ribblehead, collecting my cycling partner on the way, for the 7:30 start time. Shrouded in mist, and heavy drizzle, there was very much a “well, sooner out, sooner back” vibe, and set off in clusters.

First hour and a couple of kicks uphill through the rain and mist, eventually gave way to brightening conditions and dry.

Sadly road works meant that Park Rash was off the climbing menu. The relief was tempered by slight disappointment at not having an attempt at the beast.

Still, lots of uphill aspects ticked off a few more of the Top Cycling Climbs list, and brought up to glorious sunny weather on the tops.

Well, scratch glorious. Try bloody windy! A strong headwind for a good number of the route miles made for heavy going, and by the time we made it to the last feed station (10 mins before main cut off) they had decided so many riders were still out that they were having to push cut off back by 30 mins. In addition to the sweep van being full of abandons.

After a decent refuel at the aid station, there were two hours of proper glorious riding left – sunny, gentle breeze, and the challenge of Coal Road and some others I forget the name of.

A great days riding, challenging but achievable route. Well organised ride, with good feed stations. Highly recommended.

186km, 3895 m of ascent for me.

Cheers Ben