posted on 12 May, 2011 by michaelstout
Receration of the ride from Alan Bennets play
A DAY OUT
29th April 2011
This ride was to try to re-enact the play written by Alan Bennett first transmitted by the BBC in 1970s.
A group of four riders mounted on an assortment early 20 century roadsters left Halifax cenotaph at 7-00am supported by one motor vehicle plus one spare cycle. The first leg went straight into several long slow steady climbs, skirting Bradford and onto Pudsey, where we were joined by a fifth member for a well earned and much appreciated cup of tea and freshly baked scones. Now with five riders we progressed onto much quieter scenic lanes heading up onto Ilkley Moore and the Cow and Calf for a group photograph.
Down the Cow and Calf for a severe brake test session, we all made it “just”. Riding through Ilkley then along country single track lanes to Bolton Abbey with a pit stop for chain repairs then to another photo shoot at the Abbey, then onto the café for a well deserved lunch. Then a spot of cycle maintenance “brake adjustment”.
We now retraced our route via the single track lane through Ilkley to the bottom of Cow and Calf where all five riders tried their best to ride up but all conceded to their lowest gear “24inch” two feet. Refreshments were had at the café half way up.
Now retracing the ride to Pudsey for more tea and scones dropping of the fifth member in the process, again suitable refreshed we returned to Halifax arriving back approximately 12 hours after the start to load up after a strenuous but rewarding “Day Out” , not bad about 72 miles on machines that are more than 80 years old.
M Stout