York to Hebden Bridge, TdF 2014 Stage 2a

For enthusiastic amateurs and old men such as me - Stage 2 over 2 days. Hebden Bridge is just about half way through, and is a good place to break the stage with many B&Bs and pub accomodation. My Hebden Bridge to Sheffield route completes the Stage.

The run out of York is against the prevailing west wind and can be quite a push for the 30-odd miles to Bolton Abbey where there is a convenient cafe. (Not very welcoming if you arrive too close to closing time - the food was okay but there was no chance of a second cup of coffee.)

Turning south towards Hebden Bridge, the terrain gets rather lumpier and the short climbs out of Haworth and from up from the dam wall shortly after are as steep as I can manage. I kipped overnight at The Robin Hood Inn a couple of miles before Hebden Bridge. It serves bar food all evening and an excellent breakfast, and it's right on the route.