Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TheroutethatourbookdetailedtookusoverKirkstonePass,whichisthehighestmoun-
tain pass in England and would be the
'toughest climb of the tour'.
The road gains 1,300 ft
in six gruelling miles, and promised to be unlike anything we had ever attempted.
In reality, it wasn't too bad. By this, I mean that we didn't have to get off and walk at
any stage. We did, however, swiftly remove our t-shirts after the first half-mile struggle. A
well timed break after about four miles broke up the journey nicely, too. We sat against a
stone wall at the side of the road and ate our lunch.
Using the stale bread that the lady had given us in Lancaster and the bags of crisps from
Bob - the student - we built two epic crisp sandwiches each.
Thefinaltwomilespassedwithoutanyincident,andonreachingKirkstoneInn-which
marks the top of the pass - we had to ask someone if we were actually at the top.
We stopped to take in the view, which was stunning in every direction. The road behind
us snaked its way back down the valley towards Lake Windermere, and then beyond us in
the direction of Scotland. The sun was out and the visibility was excellent. It is apparently
commonforEndtoEnderstoreachKirkstonePassandnotbeabletoseeanythingbecause
of fog.
We could see a lake at the bottom of the valley in the direction we were heading and it
taunteduswithitsshimmering,cool,refreshingquality.Hot,sweaty,dehydratedandonthe
top ofa mountain, the scenery was suddenly oflittle interest. We were in desperate need of
a swim.
ThedescentfromKirkstonePasswasundoubtedlythefastestIhaveeverbeenonabike.
It was possibly the fastest that man has ever travelled, in any form of transport.
If The Falcon had had wings, I swear she would have taken off. It was one of the scari-
est, but most exhilarating things I have ever done. Braking wasn't really an option for me,
as The Falcon's brakes only had any slight effect when travelling at a ridiculously slow
speed, or uphill. I just gave in and let The Falcon do what she was best at doing - not stop-
ping.
There was surprisingly little traffic in either direction, which meant that we were able
to take the 'racing line' through the many twisting bends. Cars would be unlikely to reach
such speeds on such a winding downhill stretch, so it meant that we didn't have to contend
with any cars trying to overtake us. I flew past Ben, who swerved and nearly had a heart
attack when he saw me pass.
The road slowly levelled out at the bottom of the valley, and I steered The Falcon up a
grass verge to come to a stop. It was at least ten seconds before Ben reached me.
'How the hell did you go so much faster than me?'
'I told you. The Falcon is an elite racing bike.'
'No, you're on a crappy child's bike. I didn't brake once down there yet you still flew
past me.'
'Never underestimate The Falcon.'
Search WWH ::
Custom Search