Cycling the Way of the Roses. Rachel Crolla
tackling. There is always a more expensive, higher spec bike out there but this ride should not be beyond the scope of a reasonably fit person on any good-quality entry-level bike. I have ridden the Way on a 16-speed road bike and still managed to stay in the saddle on all the hills.
Endurance road bikes such as those aimed at sportive riders and adventure models such as gravel bikes are gaining popularity at the time of writing and are undoubtedly suitable for riding the Way of the Roses if money is no object. Adventure bikes are a variation on the traditional touring bike: basically a sturdy road bike that may be set up for use with panniers, mudguards and wider tyres.
Crossing the Lune Viaduct on a hybrid bike, with the Crook o’ Lune beyond (Day 1)
Hybrid bikes
These are also a good choice for this route. I have ridden the Way of the Roses on both a road bike with 25mm tyres and a hybrid and have come across groups of cyclists with members on both kinds of bikes. A hybrid was slower overall, but the hills were easier and the ride fractionally more comfortable. It is a matter of personal choice. Despite the vast numbers of lycra-clad road bikers around, sales of hybrid bikes are still very high because these bikes are good all-rounders – the sturdy frames and wider tyres are great for tackling canal towpaths and gritty road surfaces.
Tandems
Tandems are a relatively common sight on the Way of the Roses. Although some tandems deviate from the main route to avoid the steeper climbs and descents, experienced tandemists should be able to stay in the saddle with one or two exceptions. Bear in mind that the unsurfaced section near Stamford Bridge may be tricky on a heavily loaded tandem. There are very few narrow traffic stopper posts and gates that have to be negotiated. Tandemists will be dismayed to learn that Northern Rail (which operates services to both Morecambe and Bridlington) do not currently include tandems in their definition of ‘bikes’ which can be carried on their trains.
Roses tandemists on the Overton path into York (Day 2)
Other options
As long as your bike is in decent condition, there is nothing to stop you from doing the Way of the Roses. There seem to be plenty of electric bikes making the trip across the country, and probably many other weird and wonderful contraptions.
It is possible, if unadvisable, to do the Way of the Roses on a mountain bike. The resistance caused by wide knobbly tyres would massively increase the amount of effort needed. If you only own a mountain bike, consider investing in some smooth tyres to make your life easier on the tarmac, or hire a bike to do the ride.
Riding solo
Although the most popular option seems to be to ride the Way of the Roses in a group, doing the ride solo allows you to set your own pace and make stops whenever the fancy takes you. Some people are nervous of cycling in packs (maybe those who have grown up watching massive peloton pile-ups in the Tour de France), and others enjoy the freedom of cycling solo. However, cycling solo means you do not gain the slipstream benefits from taking turns at the front and have less support in the case of a breakdown. Make sure you have all the necessary kit and know how to make basic running repairs on your bike if you choose to go it alone.
Equipment
Carrying your gear
In cycling, travelling light is a top priority. There is a baffling variety of ways to carry your gear, and how much you take and how you carry it depends on several factors: the number of days you are riding, the amount of support you have en route and to what extent you can manage without non-essential extras. It is a matter of personal choice.
Panniers are a long-standing good choice for cycle tourers and would probably suit those riding the Way of the Roses in four or five days, allowing for carrying picnics and some non-essentials. One obvious downside is that you will need to fit a frame to your bike. There are back- and front-mounted models – a rear-mounted model with two 20-litre bags is most typical. Cyclists wishing to carry oodles of camping equipment might add front panniers. Some people feel that panniers adversely affect the handling of their bike, cause excessive wind resistance and are cumbersome. If your bike already has a pannier rack, but two panniers seem excessive, a happy medium might be a 12-litre trunk bag, which mounts on the top of the rack and doesn’t affect the bike’s performance as much. If you must, it’s possible to cycle with just one pannier, which should be mounted on the side of the bike away from traffic.
Panniers are a popular choice. Between Wharfe and Stainforth with Pen-y-ghent providing the backdrop (Day 1)
A small daysack with decent chest and waist straps is a simple and cheap option, with a good capacity for cyclists travelling light. Another advantage is that there is no faff when making stops as your valuables are on your back. A daysack also gives cyclists the option of using a hydration bladder. The downside is that – although many groups of Roses riders do use this method – many find a small rucksack uncomfortable, sweaty or unbalancing.
A saddle bag which attaches to the seat and post rather than requiring a rack is another good option for those travelling light, particularly for shorter attempts or where a support vehicle is arriving at the end of the day. Three-litre seat-pack saddle bags are widely and cheaply available, and ideal for those carrying the absolute minimum and making maximum use of the pockets in their cycling jersey. This could be combined with a triangular frame bag which attaches to the bike inside the angle made by the frame to give extra storage.
Saddle packs and larger rigid saddle bags, which use similar attachments but have capacities of up to 17 litres, are becoming more common and are a great option. Some have an extra expandable area ideal for carrying a waterproof and set of evening clothes (although nothing too heavy).
A handlebar bag is an alternative option. These often have a 6- or 7-litre capacity and can include pockets so that your map or bike computer can be viewed while riding. The downsides are that they often sag when heavily loaded and are tricky to fit to some types of bike. A combination of saddle bag/pack and handlebar bag would provide plenty of storage for B&B-ers.
Other equipment
A basic tool kit should be the first item on your list. A pump or CO2 canisters and inflator, spare inner tube or tubes, tyre levers and a set of Allen keys are essential. A puncture repair kit is a back-up for the dreaded double-puncture day. In your group it is useful to have a good bike multi-tool, including screwdrivers, pliers, a knife and spanners. A roll of electrical tape, a few cable ties and a couple of elastic bands can also come in handy.
A bell is advisable for warning other path users of your approach on traffic-free sections.
Map, mobile phone, money, credit card and GPS device if you use one. Smartphone GPS mapping apps have the drawback of sapping battery power so make sure you have a back-up plan if this is what you are using.
A bike lock, though this will depend on how you are riding the route. If you are only stopping at cafés where you can see your bike and overnight accommodation with secure cycle storage (see Appendix A) then you might choose to go without.
Suncream and very basic toiletries such as toothbrush and paste, comb and possibly deodorant!
Hydration is crucial so water bottles are a must. It is easy to carry two bottles of up to 1-litre capacity in frame cages, but one bottle is fine as the ride never goes a huge distance without passing a shop or other fill-up point.
It is essential to carry some emergency energy food even if regular café stops are planned. Never underestimate the impact that a few calories can make on your ability to get up that hill!
Most other gear is a matter of personal choice. For a three-day ride, most people will want to take a change of clothes for the evenings.
What to wear
Helmets