Tour de Yorkshire

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Sky blue vintage VW campervan at the Tour de Yorkshire in Cragg Vale

Along with half the population of Yorkshire, we watched the Tour de France at the weekend.

people in cycling gear at the Tour de Yorkshire in Cragg Vale

Armed with picnic & camera we hiked to Cragg Vale on Sunday – the longest continual incline in the country… and now also the world record holder for continuous stretch of bunting.

racing bikes against a fence in Cragg Vale

We thought we’d share a few images with you. The cyclists are the focus of the day of course, but these pictures capture the crowds, decorations and atmosphere which were as much a part of the event.

Adelle and Fudge at the Tour de Yorkshire in Cragg Vale

Well, it’s not everyday you see three giant rabbits winding their way across the moors.

Giant Miffy figures atop cars at the Tour de Yorkshire in Cragg Vale

Everyone had their spot – some people jostled for a position at the roadside – others took a more laid back approach.

Man sitting wearing a hat at the Tour de Yorkshire in Cragg Vale

There were a fair number of camper vans in evidence, but most people arrived on foot or by bicycle.

Parasol and bikes against the fence in Cragg Vale

Some people were there to cheer on favourites, others just to support the whole peloton on its epic journey.

Yates flag at the Tour de Yorkshire in Cragg Vale

The sun shone and there was much cheering & laughter in this normally remote & quiet spot.

Pylons and a St George's flag in Cragg Vale in Cragg Vale

We’re already looking forward to watching again next time round (and there surely will be a next time)… or following it round France in our camper van when we’ve saved enough money.

TV helicopter filming at the Tour de Yorkshire in Cragg Vale

It was great fun watching it later on TV too – all those familiar villages & roads transformed into something very different for a few hours.  A truly memorable day!

Gimme Five! Tour de Yorkshire souvenirs

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Gimme Five! Tour de Yorkshire souvenirs | H is for Home

The Tour de Yorkshire is pedalling its way through the county this weekend. There’s a fantastic atmosphere in the Calder Valley. Lots of the shops have made a big effort with their cycling-themed window displays; houses along the route sport bright yellow bicycles in their windows and the schools have gone to town with banners and cycling figures attached to railings.

We drove up Cragg Vale (the longest, continuous gradient in the country) this week to reckie a good vantage point for Sunday. There are multiple colourful strings of bunting right the way to the top – apparently it’s a world record attempt – over 10 kilometre’s worth!

The Tour’s visit to this area will be a once in a lifetime occurrence – here’s a little cross-section of commemorative and celebratory things produced in recognition.

  1. Bang Tidy Clothing women’s Yorkshire Cyclisme 2014 T shirt: £10.97, Amazon
  2. Tour de Yorkshire, day two – signed, mounted limited-edition print: £120, Michelle Campbell Art
  3. Handmade Tour de France Yorkshire bunting: £15, Etsy
  4. Velo-City – 12-bottle case: £32.50, York Brewery
  5. Cragg Vale cyclists print – inspired by Tour de Yorkshire: £45, Folksy