Day four arrived and three very tired riders made their way back to Kirby Stephen to start a long 60 mile + day. The day before was one of the most physically demanding riding experiences we have had. Our wife's were very concerned as they were listening to the Cumbrian Mountain Rescue being interviewed on the radio, who were predicting a busy weekend. On the top of the fells is a mountain bothy provided by the Mountain Bothies Association (I will be making a donation). Although it made for dry shelter we were all very cold and had to make the decision to keep moving as there was a real danger of hypothermia setting in (no joking - it was that bad). This was very relevant for me as I had also taken a spectacular 'over the handlebars' fall into a very wet bog! Although our cycling clothing is good - it's not at all up to a day of severe weather in the fells. All in all a day we will never ever forget.
Anyway back to day four. We had to traverse both the Pennines and the Yorkshire Dales. This is only possible by hitting a fair bit of tarmac, which made for a very welcome respite!The conditions on the Pennie Way made for very difficult riding with some very technical and scary downhills thrown in.
The ride out of Kirby Stephen allowed me to see a bit more of the Eden Catchment aswell...ever the professional!
The Dales were spectacular and the descent through Swaledale into Gunnerside was fantastic. Then it was push through to Richmond and our campsite near Northallerton.
Again this was a very very tough day and at times we were all starting to question our sanity.
Special mention must be made of Beth (Mark's wife) who is doing such a fantastic job supporting three grumpy bikers..without her the ride would not have been possible. Beth you are a superstar!
One day to go!
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