Tour de Yorkshire

We pedalled out from Otley this morning in more drizzle to find a spot to view the women's race coming through on their first of two days.  I liked the look of a banking in Leathley village so stopped there to bag a spot whilst Tony rode on to view them going up the only climb of the day, the Cote de Lindley (and to climb it himself!).

I was soon joined by more cyclists and local folks with Yorkshire flags.  The police officers parked up to control the traffic relayed back the timings to us so we knew to get ready for them coming through.  Just as they were about to come in to view, a white van parked up right in front of our viewpoint (!) but sensibly moved on when he realised he was in potential bother!

I have to admit to getting very excited when all the motorcycle outriders and tour cars come racing through first.  Two riders were out in front, followed by a pack of four and then the peloton swept past.  Some time later, amidst all the team cars, came a solitary rider, no fun being off the back.  And then it was over!  The rolling roadblocks instigated by the Tour work really efficiently and soon all was back to normal. 

A few moments later, Tony arrived having enjoyed the spectacle of the women riders smashing the climb and we took a circuitous route back to Otley via Farnley.

We are now watching the men follow the same route, on the tv, in much better weather than the women had this morning!