Day 1.
Set off from home at 7.30am and met up with Cliff at a warm and sunny Pateley Bridge where we set off on the route.
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Masham
Leyburn
Hawes
Brough
Tan Hill
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Melkridge
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In case you're wondering, we got satnav jinxed after Tan Hill so can't say exactly where we went. Up until the jinx, Cliff had the route down to a tee with some lovely roads and great scenery to enjoy.
I think we were somewhere between Leyburn and Hawes when we stopped off here.
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The only busy place we visited was Hawes, the centre was packed so we made for the Wensleydale Creamery. It's a good pace to park up as there's a cafe, toilets and a shop wot sells icecream.
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Some of you might recognise this amazing structure.
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Back out on the route and again we were enjoying the quiet roads and sunny weather, stopped off at Brough and had a sausage bap and a coffee.
Then we were off again on our way to Tan Hill for a dump.
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By now the sunshine had gone and the clouds were looking a tad ominous.
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Time was cracking on so we decided to head for our meet up with Alan (Favs) at the Hadrians Wall Caravan and Camping Centre, which, interestingly is close to Hadrians Wall.

A mile or so from Melkridge. Got there at 6.30pm with Alan turning up about 10mins later. Then it was off to the shop for a few bottles of beer before a short ride out to a local pub where we had a great meal. Went back to the bunkhouse and after conceding defeat to the midges, we retreated to the bunk for a chat and to get the neighbouring bunk room peeps knocking on our door asking us to please keep quiet as it was 12 midnight. Oooops !

  A long day in the saddle, for me anyhoos, with over 250 miles covered.
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Day 2.
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Set off to Longtown to meet up with Sam (Tintin) and to get a brekky. Didn't take a lot of pics as I kept forgetting, really must make an effort to take more.
Alan led the way today and we enjoyed some roads that you prolly wouldn't find as a tourist, but we were in Alans territory.
First stop off was at Hartside. Alan told me to go for it up the sweepy side, which was fantastic :good: Then he suggested I go down t'other side, with Sam behind me to experience the twisties on my own. Fookin' loved it too. :badgerrock:
Turned round at the bottom and passed Sam still on his way down.
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The return to the top was a slow affair with lots of poor noggins pulling carts up.
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It's another world at the top though
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Not really sure where we went after Hartside but Alan stopped off to show us where he used to go as a kid in the summer holibobs. A beautiful scenic place you wouldn't know existed if you were passing by.
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Weather was closing in now and it was tough going for me on the bumpy roads with non-waterproof clothing. :blush2:Â We ended up back in Hawes seeking refuge in a cafe where we decided to call it a day and make our way home.
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All in all I had a great time with great company. Cheers guys. :drinks:Â Â Covered over 500 miles in 2 days and I learnt a lot.