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A Little Rain

Ride Date - 22 April 2018

By Ren Withnell

Last night was definitely warmer. I think I've got a handle on this new sleeping bag and my pillow. I've slept rather well all thing considered. However I still need to pee more often than I would at home. I wonder if my own body doesn't like me very much?

When I finally extricate myself from the tent it's not raining but the leaden cloud that is approaching suggests it may do soon. That's a shame, I was hoping to put the tent away dry rather than having to spread it out in my bedroom when I get home. That is the one time when I could do with a garden.

Saying goodbye to this lot is difficult. No no no, not because I'll miss them terribly but because everyone insists on a hug. Personally I'm much more formal and standoffish, stiff upper lip, very English. A handshake is quite enough thank you but hey ho, when in Rome it's best to do as the Romans do.

With the tent on the bike there's a light to middling rain in the air as we head over the twisty Cliff Gate Road once again. She's a strange woman is Sharon, she was worried about not being fast enough in the dry but she's crazy mental quick in the rain. I'm gingerly negotiating the lumps, bumps, curves and corners as best I can and she's right behind me, pushing me on. She's not right in the head.

Sharon waves from her bike in a pouring torrent of rain
Definitely something wrong with this weirdo.

At Hawes we park up and head into the Wenslydale Pantry above the Spar shop. We've been here before. It's larger than the "popular with bikers" Penny Garth Cafe down the road, the prices are about the same and it's not ram jammed full. This is much more civilized. A small breakfast apiece sets us up for the day. We'll need it as it's hammering down outside now.

The rain remains with us for a few miles then eases to occasional drizzle. There's hope that today may not be a bad day after all. At Settle we stop to ensure Sharon has enough fuel to get home and to be frank this is where we leave the beautiful countryside behind. Soon we're on the A59.

The petrol station at Settle with stone houses and green hills in the background
Splash and dash before the final leg home.

McDonalds at Clitheroe is incredibly busy so we head to Subway. Subway's machine is broken so we end up in Greggs. They're all much of a muchness these places but the tea is fairly priced, there's a toilet and there's somewhere to sit. 

I can't believe how lucky we've been again this year. Last year was bitterly cold yet the sun remained with us, this year we've had both sun and milder temperatures. Yes, it has rained this morning but that's fine, we're going home anyhow. By the time Sharon and I part company on the M6 it has dried out.

Sharon holds a large wooden stake, a fence pole, looking aggressive against the Dales backdrop
If you are a vampire Sharon "Buffy" Parker has something for you!

I think the new sleeping bag is a limited success. For cold weather camping I'm considering a better mattress with insulation, for medium to warm weather camping the set up is more than sufficient. With Spain approaching rapidly I think I'll take my old sleeping bag rather than new one. There's life in the old one and I want to "save" the new one for cold camping. It best not be freezing cold in Spain!

Thanks to Billy for making it happen. I'm sure there's a bit more involved than just putting up a post on Facebook then waiting for people to arrive. 

I'm flapping now. Is my bike ready for Spain? Is Sharon's bike ready for Spain? Am I ready for Spain? Urgh.


Have you got any trips planned? How do you plan? What do you plan? We'd like to share you thoughts on Bikes And Travels. Contact ren@bikesandtravels.com

Inconvenience Is Better Than Disaster What should be a simple leisurely ride to The Yorkshire Dales is confused by unavoidable events. Don't worry though, Ren is going to have a good night's sleep. Maybe.
A Big Walk Motorcycle adventures don't *always* involve a motorcycle. This time the Chunkies are taking a walk through The Yorkshire Dales.
A Little Rain After another great weekend in Muker the rain has come but fear not, it's time for Sharon and Ren to head home.

Reader's Comments

Ian Soady said :-
There used to be a theory in the road racing world that new racers were faster than the experienced ones in the wet.

Until they had a big off after which they went much slower......

Of course this was in the days of tyres made out of tree rubber. I must confess that I'm much more cautious if I feel the surface is anything less than perfect whether it's damp leaves, water or mud.

Of course when you go to Spain if you avoid the plain you should keep clear of the rain. When are you off?
27/04/2018 09:22:26 UTC
Gary said :-
On the boat home from Spain now. Take a warm sleeping bag. Most of the sites I camped on were over 750 metres up. 26c during day becomes 6c at night. I use a good bag and a good pad. If too warm just zip bag open and lie half under it.
Enjoy your trip. Adios
27/04/2018 11:48:38 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Ian - I have considered Sharon's lack of experience on "olden" tyres. The ContiMotions on the CB500X are pretty good in the wet but there's that still small voice quietly reminding me of those times I've come a-cropper in the wet. While the bike and tyres may be quite capable I think it wise to listen to the voice of experience.

We have no plan for Spain. I would *like* to visit The Pyrenees and The Picos but if the weather sends us south or to the coast then so be it. The boat is booked for late May - that's all that is booked.

Gary - 6c at night? Positively balmy mate, if it's that warm I'll just take a sheet! Nah the old sleeping bag will be fine at those temperatures, I struggle when it's sub-zero that's all. I hope you've had a great trip. If not just lie to me will you?
27/04/2018 15:39:12 UTC
Rod said :-
If you are using the smaller roads in Spain look out for unexpected mud on the roads. It can be a warm sunny day, but the farmers will water their fields and drive their tractors onto the roads with wet muddy tyres!
27/04/2018 20:10:25 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Rod, I'll keep an eye out for that. I'm not planning on riding like a demon but it'll help to keep my focus.
27/04/2018 22:36:15 UTC
Sharon said :-
Hmmm me and wet weather riding. Ian you got me pondering on this again, I feel another blog post forming in my head about this.
As for our trip to Spain we shall be off near the end of May. I hope I get some dry weather practice in on this trip.
28/04/2018 22:44:37 UTC

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