Shipley to Leeds Canal Cycleway

Yesterday, I cycled down from Menston to pick up the Shipley to Leeds Cycleway and I can highly recommend it. It is approximately 14 miles one way made up of a combination of Tarmac, rough surface and slightly rocky sections but are also easy to cycle over. I set off at approximately 8.30 am and was surprised how popular route it is even for that time of the morning, although it was a glorious day. I can imagine how busy it could get on a nice weekend. There are some really good websites which cover the whole of the Leeds to Liverpool canal route and I will add some links later.

Bike Radar Forum

Check out this website, see the link on the right hand side of this blog. There is so much information for both beginner and experienced cyclist alike, roadies and mtb's are catered for. A particular shout up for the Forum, which contains some really helpful tips and advice from the folk on there.

Magicshine MJ880 front bike lights

These front bike lights are simply superb, not as cheap as some of the Far East imports but the quality is second to none. Even beat my Ay-up lights that came from Australia!

Reva reservoir via Hawksworth to Menston

I plotted this route on Runkeeper last night, but not had the chance to ride it. It is a one way trip, rather than a circular route but could be picked up pretty easily if you live nearby and made circular if you prefer. The main road though is quite busy and narrow, and I know it well as I used to drive to work and back on it every day. There is also a similar route, a bit longer that I will plot, picking up the next bridleway closer to Dick Hudsons.

Chevin Otley Classic Figure 8 loop - time posted!

Just got in from 11 miles of mtb bliss on a beautiful but very cold ride around the Chevin and dropping back into High Royds and Menston. The trip included the classic figure 8 Chevin loop which is posted as a route in Runkeeper and a segment challenge in Strava. Took it steady and stopped a few times for a breather, I was determined to get up Miller Lane without stopping but failed, not fit enough but not helped with sheet ice across the path, with no grip for the tyres or my shoes. Try the route, it is great and if you have Strava, post a time. Details in the routes and challenges section.

Easy route around Highroyds

There is some really good easy cycling to be had around this site both for beginners and children. Whilst it is only a small area, there are all manner of loops and variations you can do to add distance and time to your cycling. This route is a good base to start from and you can easily link into this from Menston, Guisley and/or Tranmere Park.

Classic Otley Chevin Figure of 8 loop

This route is a classic around the Chevin, see a link on the routes and challenges page. I will be posting a time on this route soon, so lets see how you compare. It won't be difficult I promise! This is a 5.75 mile circuit route mostly off road, but some on road too. Plenty of parking on road and a couple of car parks just off Yorkgate, although at a weekend, if the weather is nice, it is a popular area, especially with dog walkers.

I was up on the Chevin this afternoon and I did some of this route and this included the Twig Hill challenge. It was a beautiful bike ride and still a small amount of snow in the shaded areas off Yorkgate.

Hello and Welcome

Whilst I have lived in Wharfedale for about 15 years, I am a recent convert to cycling, particularly mountain biking. However, I have found it really hard to find consistent advice about routes in the area, with many blogs and web sites being well out of date. So I am going to start to build up information, that I hope you will find really useful. It will focus on routes but also pull together the best bikes and equipment from around the web and magazines with some attempts at humour thrown in for good measure.

Watch this space.....