61.66 Miles Cycled
1333 ft of Climbing
The Travel Lodge in Gainsborough provided a great night’s sleep and at a cost of only £39, yet again the budget hotel came up tumps. My family had also joined me for the evening which made it that extra bit special.
There was no early start today! Day 10 got off to a slow start. I repacked my bags and lightened my load slightly and then headed out for breakfast.
I was then back on the road after saying my goodbyes.
I had looked at the map and decided to carry on up the River Trent from Gainsborough rather than double back on myself. I set off up the East bank of the Trent looking for a place to cross but after a few miles it became apparent that there was no such place. By the time I had realised this I was too far on my way!
I had to bite the bullet and carry on cycling along the very flat countryside passing villages situated on the banks of the Trent. I eventually got the bridge at Althorpe which was way off my planned route.
This was where the fun began.
Cycling the busy A18 Was a Mistake
In order to get to my route, I had to cycle along the A18 and after only a short while it became a mission. The road was very busy with speeding cars, trucks and buses. The added bonus of a headwind made the next few miles really unpleasant. This 8 mile stretch of road while very flat was hard going and I was very glad when I reached my exit. In hindsight I should have picked another route.
I left the busy main road behind and the route passed through Thorne and headed North, I| was now in Yorkshire. I was soon crossing the M62 and then passing the huge Drax Power Station on my way to Selby.
I was delighted to see some familiar signs for the Trans Pennine Trail a route I cycle regularly in Manchester.
Again, following quiet roads, I soon found myself on the edge of Burn Gliding Club. Still following the Trans Pennine Trail the route took me on what was one of the best surfaces I had cycled so far. A freshly surfaced traffic free cycle lane across fields.
I soon joined the Selby Canal which as always provided a scenic traffic free ride. From Selby I followed the NCN signs for York and this is where I came across another section of pointless NCN infrastructure. Instead of taking the road, the NCN signs direct cyclist along a really rough path along the river Ouse. While only a small section the surface is bad and is best avoided.
A few miles out of Selby my Garmin directed me on the Selby to York Cycleway (NCN 62 the NCN 65). Built along the old track bed of the East Coast Mainline. This traffic free greenway stretches for over 14 miles. There a host of things to see along the trail. Eventually after an hour or so I found myself at York Racecourse. The route took me right across the course and in to towards the city.
My bed for the night was at the York Youth Hostel, a bunk in a shared dorm. York like many other tourist cities is very expensive and with the added visitors for York Pride and York Cycle Show the city was busy.
I crossed the city centre and followed the river to the other side of the city.
This was my first ever stay in a Youth Hostel and my first impressions were excellent. A safe and secure place to store my bike, a clean place to sleep and a chance to do my washing. All in all, a great place!
I then headed out in to York for the evening to take in the sites.