Who in their right mind would go on a three day cycling trip to Yorkshire in the middle of January? For weeks over the Christmas period roads had been unfit, and downright dangerous, for any cycling, let alone a trip over the Pennines into deepest Indian country. A BBC weather forecast clinched it. Following a cold start to the week beginning the 9th January 2011, things were set to warm up a bit – no ice, no snow, but maybe a bit of wind and maybe a lot of rain. Just what the doctor ordered to blow those winter cobwebs away, let’s get out on that bike.

With permission granted from a very understanding wife, the route was planned, the panniers packed as lightly as possible for a winter trip, and on Tuesday morning I was off at the crack of dawn. Well, 9am is dawn in January isn’t it? It was mild and fine with little wind. I always say the first ten miles of any ride is the hardest and lugging luggage on the back of a (relatively) heavy bike up to Longridge proved my point adequately. I hadn’t ridden my Dawes Ultra Galaxy touring bike for quite a while, and had forgotten how heavy it was compared to skinny lightweight summer bikes. Loaded panniers try their damndest to bring you to a standstill on even modest inclines!

After a few miles though, getting into my stride, the fun and enjoyment of touring was coming back to me. On a touring bike you have to forget the time, the speed, and the weight, and just go with it – enjoy the comfort that sort of bike provides and relax soaring downhills and use those great big gears to slowly plod away on the uphills.

Ribchester was soon passed and through Brockhall to Whalley, resisting the temptation to call at the excellent Abbey Cafe, so well known to club members.  A few undulations later I had passed through Read on unfamiliar lanes before arriving in Barrowford for a coffee stop. After five minutes searching, I found what I was looking for, the Pendle Heritage Centre Cafe. And what a find! If you are in this area, this watering hole is a must. Proper, homemade grub at reasonable prices – a gem of a cafe! I had to resist the tempting array of hot dishes, knowing that there were some big hills to come soon.

After Barrowford, an easy stretch alongside the Leeds Liverpool Canal brought me to Foulridge. From here, the land certainly started to get seriously bumpy! After Earby there was Bleara Moor to get over, skirting Kelbrook Moor and finally arriving at Laneshaw Bridge, just outside Colne. Only about 8 miles to go now to Haworth, and my B&B accommodation. It was still only 1.30pm, so a nice, leisurely ride would see me there in no time at all. The climb out of Laneshaw Bridge is quite vicious, especially on a loaded touring bike. A brief stop at the Wycollar Country Park car park gave me the opportunity for a short break and to pop inside the Pendle Panoptican Atom – a bizarre modern sculpture with views across towards Pendle Hill. Continuing upwards, with magnificent moorland views, the road finally levels out on the top of Stanbury Moor before eventually dropping down to Haworth. After booking into the B&B and having a shower, I sampled the life of January Haworth – nothing to write home about! After a decent meal in the most crowded pub (4 people), and a phone call home, I was in bed watching telly at 8.30pm!

The following morning, Wednesday, after the obligatory ‘Full English’ I was out on the road by 9am and heading off towards Keighley (not a good town to cycle through!). After crossing the River Aire to Riddlesden, a circuit of Ilkley Moor was the objective. And a great ride it was too! Quiet, undulating roads, with some very steep sections, with the pleasant little town of Ilkley in the middle. Steady drizzle had set in which obscured any views that were to be had, but it was pleasant – not cold, and no wind. I had been looking forward to seeing the ‘Cow and Calf’, two rocky outcrops on the hillside soon after Ilkley, which I had climbed on many, many years ago. They are not far from the road but with the drizzle and thick mist, even these were out of sight – a big disappointment! It was only a 40 mile ride and I was back in Haworth before 1pm. What to do with the remainder of the day? Getting old does have its advantages – one being the good old bus pass! A free trip into Bradford and a visit to the brilliant (free) National Media Museum filled a couple of very interesting hours.

Eating my second ‘Full English’ in as many days, I looked out of the B&B window, watching rain sweep across the distant misty outline of Ilkley Moor. Looks like I’m in for a bit of a soaking! I pushed my bike across the wet, slippery cobbles of Main Street Haworth, and began the long, steady climb up onto Stanbury Moor, retracing my outward journey, but this time in steady rain, thick mist, and a fairly strong headwind. I had planned a different route home via Sutton Moor and bypassing Skipton, but the weather put paid to that plan – a direct route was the order of the day. From Laneshaw Bridge, a bit of unpleasant main road riding got me quickly around Colne and to Barrowford. The remainder of the route home was a reversal of the outward journey, but this time stopping at Whalley Abbey Cafe for some lunch. The rain had now stopped, leaving me to enjoy the last 20 miles on familiar roads with only the wind to contend with – but even that had eased.

The whole trip was around 150 miles, not a big tour by any means but, for January it was a refreshing start to my cycling year.