"The Esk to Esk", a coast to coast journey from west to east.

In 2004, the club did the "coast to coast" over a weekend taking in a route from Barmouth to Great Yaymouth. It was one of the "Ten Commandments" series that year and was aptly named the "Mouth to Mouth". At over 300 miles it was a bit of a monster but some fit legs, favourable winds and warm sunshine saw us complete both days with average speeds of around 17mph which also included the Bwlch y Groes climb on the first day.

This year we are re visiting the popular coast to coast style ride with an equally silly name, "The Esk to Esk". That is the mouth of the River Esk at Ravenglass in the Lake District across to the mouth of the River Esk at Whitby on the east coast. The ride is split into two days and covers 167miles across some pretty rugged landscape.

The first day will barely give you chance to warm up before you hit the climbs of Hardknott, Wrynose and Kirkstone passing through the lakes and into Westmorland. Climbing up onto the Pennine ridge is also a brutal task at the end of the day before a downhill finish to the village of Reeth at 89 miles.

The second day of 78 miles is probably the easier of the two but will be just as tough over the North Yorkshire Moors before finishing in Whitby for some well earned fish and chips.

The route is nearly all minor roads and some B roads. The route over the Kirkstone Pass and around Ullswater is an A route but unfortunately there is no real alternative. However, we rode this route last year on our three day tour and it wasn't too bad.

The ride will start with a bus journey to Ravenglass on Sunday Morning in a mini bus. An overnight stop on Sunday night at Reef will require you to carry overnight wear and clothing for Monday. The mini bus will collect us from Whitby on Monday afternoon for the ride home. The ride will be unsupported so you will be required to bring a roadworthy bike and some kit. It's only one night though so a race bike with one of the modern style of seatpost packs should suffice. Travel light, go smelly!

There are no cost details as yet but the ride is planned to go ahead on September 21st and 22nd which is a Sunday and a Monday. It's likely that places will be limited. Please speak to Will if you are interested in the ride.

Will-0161 432 4936.