Holbeck Lane kicks up immediately to twelve percent as soon as I turn left out of the hotel driveway and the effects of two heavy colds in two months and more than one too many extravagant dinners make themselves evident. Still, the scenery is truly stunning, and as I ride I feel the sun warming me deliciously. Excuses to strip off arm and knee warmers are as welcome as opportunities for photographs on the rest of the climb up Kirkstone Pass. With creaks, groans and muttered oaths I begin to wish I had left that triple chainset on my bike, or at least put the cassette with the 28 sprocket on. Maybe next time I’ll be healthy and light enough not to need it. Well, it’s a dream.
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