Advice and tips for cycle touring in the Yorkshire Dales

General tips

Buy the official map.  The routes are signed but having the maps makes it clearer and a lot easier to follow the route.

Make sure that you are physically prepared for cycle touring by doing plenty of training rides prior to attempting the route. You don't have to be Superman or Wonderwoman (but on some of the hills it helps!) to complete it, but, you do need to know that you can manage more than 30/40 miles on a bike for a week or so.

The routes are suitable for cyclists of all abilities but ONLY if cut into manageable chunks depending on your ability, fitness and inclination. Most people will tackle a route over a week but this is not set in stone. Know your own limits and pick a trip duration to suit.

Those cyclist's who are planning to camp along the route should bear in mind that the extra weight of the camping gear will slow you down considerably and this should be taken into account when planning your ride times.

The route can be ridden on most types of bike as long as they are mechanically sound.  A wide range of gears is recommended.

Some parts of the routes shown are extremely steep (1 in 4 or 25 per cent) and great care is needed when going downhill, particularly with a laden cycle in wet weather. On some hills it is necessary to take extreme caution.

Advance booking of your accommodation is desirable if not essential.

Some sections of the route involve riding through exposed, isolated, upland areas so be prepared. Check the weather forecast, take adequate foul weather clothing (i.e. waterproof NOT shower proof and preferably breathable) and emergency rations as well as a basic set of spares in case of mishaps.

Unless you have arranged for luggage transfers you will need to carry all your personal belongings, clothing, tools etc. either in some panniers or in a rucksack.

Some sections require short rides on busy roads so be careful and remember it is not all quiet roads and traffic free sections!

Do not underestimate the amount of liquid you will need to carry, the norm should be a minimum of two bottles which you keep topped up through the day.

If you plan to ride road sections late in the day then take some lights with you because even in summer the mist can come down very quickly in the hills or unforeseen punctures etc. can slow you down - it is still a good idea to carry lights with you regardless.

Oh yes and don't forget - enjoy yourself!

The Bike Bit

You might have got yourself into shape to complete the route but have you thought about your bike and how it will cope with the extra demands you are about to place on it? Below is a basic (very basic) list of checks you should carry out on your bike before you start and don't do them the night before you set off! If you are in any doubt as to your competence regarding cycle maintenance then take your bike into the local bike shop to get it serviced before you set off.

Brakes
Make sure that the blocks are not rubbing on the tyre when you apply your brakes, also check that the blocks hit the rim squarely and do not slide under the rim. Check that the blocks are not overly worn and that they connect with the rim cleanly.

Cables
Check that neither the gear or brake cables are frayed. If they are replace them.

Tyres
The tyres should be inflated correctly to manufacturers recommendations and check the amount of tread left, if in doubt replace them.

Lubrication
Apply lubrication to front and rear mechs, brake holder pivots, all entry and exit points on cable outers, and chain.

Running repairs
It is a very good idea for you to be at least conversant with changing an inner tube, mending a broken chain and other little mishaps which can happen to anyone at anytime.

Check list
Below is a basic list of kit you are advised to carry with you on any long distance trip. Not all is compulsory but this will give you a starting point for what you need to take.

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