Dare you cross the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle? It's a bit like the Bermuda Triangle, but there have been no known reported mysterious disappearances of Audaxers.
There are hills at the beginning and end of this Goolish ride, but as it doesn't qualify for AAA points, it shouldn't be too scary for those who don't like climbing. Most of the ride lies below 100m, and in fact, flooding can be a big problem in parts on occasion, so a watch on the flood forecasts can be useful before you set off.
In fact, the only Gool-ish aspect of this Perm is that it gets to within sight of, but doesn't quite reach, Goole an inland port connected to the North Sea.
The ride starts with a climb over Saddleworth Moor on 'The Isle of Skye Road', so called because there used to be a pub of that name at the junction with the Meltham Road. Although the pub was pulled down many decades ago, the name sticks as there is nothing else up there to name the road after.
From the top it is 10km downhill all the way to Holmfirth. Continue east through Denby Dale and High Hoyland and you will soon reach the flat lands of Ackworth, Darrington and Snaith. Refreshments can be taken at Glews Garage which has been looking after Audaxers since the formation of AUK in 1974. You'll find a McDonalds, a Subway and a cafe selling bacon butties.
From here the ride heads north towards York for a further control at Escrick. Interestingly, Escrick lies at the southernmost limit of glaciation during the last ice age, leaving behind that slight ridge you might notice as you descend to the control. You do have to climb it again afterwards.
A prominent landmark at Uppermill
The ride is still mainly flat as you return through Cawood, Sherburn in Elmet and Ledsham. Manchester City fans might be delighted to pass through Kippax. The last control is just after Mirfield, after you have safely negotiated the Rhubarb Triangle.
The final leg of this Perm skirts Huddersfield before following the Colne Valley and climbing back over Marsden Moor.
The start is in Uppermill, Saddleworth. If you drive here, it's handy for M62 junction 22 and there is free all-day parking at the car park by the leisure centre. If arriving by train, Greenfield Station has connections to Manchester and Leeds. TransPennine Trains allow a limited number of bikes on trains which they insist must be pre-booked, a policy ruthlessly observed.
Flooding of the River Ouse can sometimes be a problem at Cawood
☕ Some Useful Café Suggestions:
118km: Market Drayton, Morrisons cafe, Wetherspoons, Costa 208km: Uppermill, Many cafes, including Abaco and Cellar Pot
