Up Hill & Through Mire

Cycling Misadventures Series

Earby, a little town that was once Yorkshire but is now Lancashire, was my starting point for a ride that turned into a mix of adventure, challenge, exploration and unexpected beauty.

The Plan vs. Reality

I had mapped out a 13-mile route, but as any off road cyclist knows, plans don’t always survive depending on the terrain. Hills, the weather, and boggy ground meant I had to adapt along the way.

The Climb That Felt Endless

Setting off from Earby, I was immediately greeted by an uphill slog. Pushing my bike for what felt like forever (but in reality, was only about a mile), I made my way up gravel, mud, and through cow mire. A proper test of patience & perseverance!

Moorland Trails and Hidden Ruins

At last, I reached the moors, a mix of rugged trails and boggy sections, where I rode on and off, picking my way. Along the way, I spotted a derelict building that caught my imagination. "I could live here," I thought, as I leaned my bike against it for a quick photo stop.

Fast Roads and Remote Byways

From there, I hit a quiet, scenic road for a brilliant downhill stretch, just fast enough to enjoy without worrying about traffic. Then came a restricted byway, leading back onto the moors. This section was surprisingly rideable, though it still required focus to stay upright on the rougher, boggy patches.

A Rainy Descent to the Finish

The final stretch was a downhill ride into a heavy shower, because what’s an off-road ride without getting soaked at the end? Thankfully, I’d packed my Paramo coat, which fit over my down jacket and kept me dry. Without it, this ride might have ended on a much colder note. A reminder to always be ready for the weather, especially on the moors.

Final Thoughts

This ride was a reminder that adventure isn’t about thd distance, it’s about the experience. Earby’s mix of moorland tracks and quiet lanes, made for a great ride, even with a few route changes along the way.

Most importantly, there was joy in the journey. The uphills might feel endless, but there’s always a view, or a wee house, waiting at the top. And of course, the downhill is always worth it.