Carlisle to Bingley

Summary

Cycling point to point has always fascinated me. The freedom of travelling on two wheels gives me perspective on life, a mental peace and an overwhelming amount of joy. It teaches me about myself. The human body is amazing if you think about it, condition it well enough and you can experience great things in life and go further than you ever thought was possible. Although fear and uncertainty can become a big factor, it feels much better to have tried, to know you have given it a chance. To take a risk and do something big with your life. Every time I experience doing something new, like cycling from Carlisle to Bingley, riding 90+ miles around the Yorkshire Dales or competing at some gruelling sportive. However much it is hurting, and my body is screaming for me to stop, I always have to keep on telling myself: ” I can do it, keep on pedalling, it’s not going to last forever, it will end.” Although I like to ride great distances, it always seems a bit of a blur. I move through life at what feels like such a fast pace, it’s hard to take it all in. I always remember how I feel more than anything, and the achievement at the end is fantastic. Knowing I rode all that way by my own steam and willpower.

The ride

Getting the train at 6.30am to ride from Carlisle to Bingley was a great way to see some places I haven’t seen yet in the Yorkshire Dales, as the route goes directly through the middle of the national park. Not to mention that the train journey is apparently one of the best in the country, and it certainly was. I loved the journey, the experience and the sense of achievement. It wasn’t necessarily the hardest ride I have ever done, mainly because of the terrain. However, Fleet Moss was horrific mid ride, I was crawling up that climb. Afterwards though, I began to truly relish in the moment, enjoying every pedal stroke as I rode towards home. Cruising through quiet lanes, watching life stay still as I move through the landscape. Every town I went through, every change in scenery, every person I met. I always experience something new. It tests me and takes me out of comfort zone. I loved this ride, it felt iconic, and felt great to have ridden through my homeland of Yorkshire.

It’s never about the speed or time it’s taken, but the journey you had along the way, and this is certainly one I will take again.

GPX