The Way of the Roses

 

The Way of the Roses is a 170-mile waymarked coast-to-coast route across the width of England, west to east or east to west.

I chose east to west, from Bridlington in the white rose county of Yorkshire to Morecambe in the red rose county of Lancashire.

Assistance with the prevailing wind is is probably better west to east but a 'slight breeze' did not give me problems. Having ridden the route I think the hills are just as hard whichever direction is taken!

There are not many photographs of this ride - cycling was taking all my energy!

Monday 11 August - Bridlington to York

                               

The North Sea at Bridlington - looking almost inviting

From the seafront in Bridlington the first section is a 19-mile ride to Driffield. After an initial long but steady climb out of Bridlington the road rolls up and down. At some point after the Driffield - I cannot remember the location - the route follows a two-mile section of stone, gravel and sand track. Nothing for anyone to worry about, only my our aversion to anything less than 'smooth' tarmac. The good news is that after a slow and careful ride I emerged without any problems.

I took a minor diversion off the route at Stamford Bridge, for no better reason than to buy lunch, then back on the trail at the former railway station.

Road signs at Dunnington then on to finish the day York Youth Hostel.

 

Tuesday 12 August - York to Malham

A day of two sections. The first a ride through the flat (ish) Vale of York and a cafe stop at 'Plenty', a cafe in Boroughbridge. Plenty by name and Plenty by nature. The portions were good and the quality was first class. Very interesting 'wall art' as well!

From here onwards the second 30-plus miles of todays ride began to get hard work, the majority of the 4,852 feet of climbing comes after this point. 

The first climb is a 'steady one'. a straight road through the attractive Studley Royal Park.

For me, the hardest climb - actually a walk - was at Pateley Bridge were the road climbs for almost two and a quarter miles at 16%. No way was I going to ride that with a loaded bike. I ride the parts that were not so steep but gave up on the 16% sections. The reward was the view from the summit.

The route ended after 69 miles at Malham Youth Hostel.

Wednsday 13 August - Malham to Morecambe

The day began with the four mile climb of Black Gill Lane, skirting KIrk Gill before the 18% decent to Settle - what a relief!

A steady day with 'only' 3,140 feet of climbing.

The highlight of the day was joining the cycle greenway alongside the river Lune, just before Lancaster. This is a smooth surface and almost level traffic-free route that avoids roads all the way - the final nine miles - to the finish at Morecambe.

Welcomed to the finish line by the comedian, the late Eric Morecambe.

Thursday 14 August - Rest Day in Lancaster and Morecambe

Leaving the bike in my hotel room this morning I took a bus journey to Lancaster for a self-guided walking tour of the town. 

Priory Church of St Mary

The Music House

The Museum

The Lancaster Canal

Returning to Morecambe a walk along the sea front seemed to indicate that this was the place for international 'street food'. Anything you want from any country!

 

The former railway station - inside is now a market

A repaint required?

The waiting room at Morecambe bus station.

By way of contrast - the Art Deco Midland Hotel.