Monday 22 September 2014 07:23, UK
It was under a woollen sky that, at 830am on Saturday, we bade farewell to the magnificent Belfry and saddled up for the first leg of today’s two part journey to Lindrick in Nottinghamshire and Moortown in Leeds.
The 78 mile section to Lindrick proved very pleasant riding with gentle country lanes taking us through some of England’s finest rolling countryside. For most people, this leg of the journey surely represents what cycling in England is all about.
We arrived at Lindrick at around 1.45pm and, despite running slightly behind schedule, we were warmly greeted by Club President John Clark and Captain Roger Ellis. As luck would have it, the clouds parted long enough for us to pose for photos in glorious sunshine.
Clad from head to toe in lycra, we proceeded to tear up the clubhouse dress code regulations and sat down to enjoy a very civilised and unexpected lunch.
It was at around 230pm when, around 90 minutes behind schedule, we tore ourselves away from Lindrick’s generous hospitality.
Clambering back on the bikes with swollen stomachs, for the next leg of the ride north we were joined by friends and fitness fanatics Ben and Andy. These two seasoned riders-cum-ironmen took positions up front, taking the wind and creating a slipstream which allowed us to ramp up the pace to around 20 miles an hour.
Cycling at speed in a mini-peleton proved fantastic fun and made for highly efficient riding as we fought to recoup time, knowing that in a few short hours, friends and family would be gathering at Moortown to welcome us to our home county.
All was going well until, midway between Doncaster and Pontefract, we reached our crossing point of the A1. The A639 was shut and meant an unexpected 8 mile detour for Tour Manager Mark and the motorhome. Thankfully, we were able to shimmy the bikes round the vehicular blockade and continue at pace.
The final 5-6 miles from the centre of bustling Leeds was a long, steady climb and it was at 640pm when we finally arrived in the leafy suburbs that are home to Moortown Golf Club.
The sight of friends and family after six, long, hard days in the saddle instantly chased away the aches and pains we’ve now become accustomed to. After press photos and a quick change, we joined Captain Martin Duffield for drinks and a meal before parting company with wives and girlfriends and making our way back to the motorhome for some much needed kip..
Highlights: The generous and unexpected welcomes afforded us at Lindrick and Moortown and being able to spend a few short hours with our loved ones.
Lowlights: Parting company with loved ones, knowing that our own beds back at home were less than an hour’s drive away.
Don’t forget to check our Sky Sports blog again tomorrow for the latest Tour de Ryder Cup happenings, or catch up with us on route at https://twitter.com/TourDeRyderCup or https://www.facebook.com/tourderydercup.
Donations in support of our efforts can be made at www.justgiving.com/teams/TDRC.
Andy Crowther, Darren Tordoff, Andrew Walker and Rick Gillgrass
Tomorrow: Stage 7 – Moortown – Ganton - Yarm
