Singing myself home

Watching a farmer racing a tractor against a hotfooting herd of cows was an amusing start to the day.  He beat them! But only just in time to exit the gate in front of me, dash back on foot and latch it before their imminent arrival.  We had a quick chuckle!

I made a less hasty journey to Kettlewell and over to Coverdale, looking dapper dressed in glowing greens.  I had a few options for the day.  I discounted Kettlewell as my final destination when I was still dry on arrival.  I enjoyed a flyby of their scarecrow festival, with Four Weddings and a Funeral, Krufts (K for Kettlewell!) and Superwoman my favourites. 

By the time I was in reach of the next valley, I knew I wasn't up for a monster day.  I was less than half way and feeling like toast so I headed west into the headwind but towards a cafe that was a little further than my mind and body would have liked.

It's been a day of persuasion and luck.

I've avoided numerous big black clouds with perhaps only 134 drops of rain, which I count as a grand success. But, with a tailwind over Park Rash, I realised the epic ascent I'd had last year heading over Kidstones may well be repeated today.

Bracing myself, I took it very steady after lunch.  It was here that I began to sing into the headwind.  Many different tunes - pop, classical, hymns, carols - but all amended with the lyrics I'm toast.  Sometimes an adjective was required so I had a selection of one and two syllable expletives that worked perfectly; both with the music and keeping me amused and going. 

It was at the little steep section at the top that I felt mighty relieved.  Instead of hunkering down and facing the worst of it, I found myself in the lee of the hill and didn't really discover the breeze again until I was heading over the top.  And that wasn't desperate.

I was in need of another stop pretty much as I left the cafe though so I had Kilnsey in mind for cake and another coffee.  Continuing to sing, I made it but swapped cake for savoury - you can probably guess what by now.  I'd concluded that it was going to be a Type 2 fun day but that virtually made it Type 1, given I knew I'd enjoy myself by the time I got home

On my way again, I missed another shower and began to contemplate the final leg.  Could I face the last incline to our house or should I go over the Cow and Calf and enjoy a last descent and about a mile less pedalling?  Leaving it until the very last moment, I took a right at the Box Tree, not being up for queuing for the lights - so that made up my mind.

I have to say, I didn't manage to sing but I did make it over (with a tailwind assist).  
And the descent home was a joy.