Learn to ride a bike.... and then do the Trans Pennine Trail! 

Six years ago I learned to ride a bike at the ripe old age of forty eight. The challenge of the TPT sounded like a suitable test of my skills. So, after enlisting the essential and much appreciated support of my wife, also a cyclist, but not mad enough to take the challenge , we booked the B&B's, bought the maps and set out one Saturday morning in May.

Southport seemed like something from the sixty's sea side towns of my youth. A quick cup of tea in Maccadee's, a few photos and I was off, leaving a worried wife to meet me somewhere down the line later that day. The light drizzle was quite pleasant and soon the miles were ticking over and Aintree arrived with the first route mistake. I almost joined the horses racing around the track! Back on the right course, (get it?), the scenery soon improved with a long beautiful cutting through some interesting geology, which, unfortunately I did not have time to explore further. The miles ticked by and after risking the broken glass, etc, around Speak the thatched houses of Hale were a delight.  I called it a day after 32 miles at Widnes and met up with my support team (my wife and estate car) for the return to our digs, with a good meal and a few pints to celebrate a good first day. 

Day 2 (Sunday) started with a puncture, the glass made its mark after all.  Soon on my way leaving my wife to the delights of a Trafford Centre shopping day, while I peddled on through wonderful countryside, punctuated by small lanes through estates and ending with an exciting few moments through Stockport, navigating very busy roads and heavy traffic.  The last part of the day proved difficult, as navigating through, the many paths of Reddish Vale Country Park was a challenge I didn't need after 40 plus miles.  No-one seemed to know where the visitor centre was and even my wife's sat' nav' had trouble finding it.  More signage please.  The “digs” in Sale proved very pleasant with loads to do in the vicinity, with a good choice of pubs and eateries. 

Monday started well, but proved the most challenging day of the whole trip. Navigation problems, mechanical gremlins and the long climb up to the Woodhead tunnel entrance meant that I only managed 24 miles. A frustrating days riding with another puncture and a malfunctioning valve on a new tube, tested my patience and resolve, I was a very tired rider that evening, worried that the whole thing was beyond me.

Refreshed after a good night's rest and encouragement from my support team, I made the ascent to the top of the pass.  A glorious start that could not fail to inspire the most exhausted traveller, and with the promise of some downhill, my mood brightened with the sunshine.  The next 30 odd miles can only be described as superb.  Good surfaces, simple navigation through Don Trail and Dove Valley Trail.  A wonderful day's riding that reinvigorated and rejuvenated tired heart and legs.  I intend to return here for many more, shorter, rides.  The day ended with a nice surprise, with my wife walking from the B+B to meet me. Brill! 

An early start straight from the digs, at Mexborough, set me on my way to Selby.  An interesting town that looks like it would be worth more investigation.  The day went quickly with interesting, varied riding through lanes, riverside tracks and a long straight canal section.  Unfortunately when looking for a lunch break, all the pubs were closed and the small isolated villages didn't really cater for breaks.

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