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Possibly staying at the village of Tong next week. I was thinking of bringing my road bike, however it looks to be hemmed in by potentially heavy traffic on all sides. Can I get away from the mayhem easily enough from 7pm or so? Any nice places to ride in the dark?
there's a good local loop that goes through Tong, it's in the VG west Yorkshire book. Also the woods up by the canal - the name escapes me but apparently there's some good stuff in there
biffins bridge is the spot you are looking for
igmc
You've not seen the weather forecast Molls? Its Snowmageddon up here from Sunday. So something with fat tyres may be a safer bet
It is a busy spot. There are some back-roads up towards Calverley etc but most of them are rat-runs for local traffic and not all that much fun to ride.
If you've got access to a car I would nip out a bit further and ride from there. Should only take 20 minutes or so to get somewhere much nicer - eg Bingley St Ives and ride the Bash on a MTB.
Are you staying at the Holiday Inn?
If you’ve got access to a car I would nip out a bit further and ride from there.
Not a bad idea.
And yes, Holiday Inn.
If you want to ride from hotel mtb would be better, there is a loop round Pudsey, taking in post hill, fulneck etc.
I live in Pudsey which is just down the road from Tong and I think you'll be ok on a road bike at that time. I ride into Leeds to work and yes, there's traffic on the roads but not sure you'll ever avoid that!
What I would avoid though is turning right out of your hotel on your bike, when you get through the village there's a long straight downhill road that isn't very wide and cars fly up and down it.
Sorry, can't really offer you a route but I'm sure Google Maps or Strava will help you with that.
There are some great mtb routes right on your doorstep but I think you'd have to be fairly competent/confident to attempt them in the dark for the first time.
What I would avoid though is turning right out of your hotel on your bike, when you get through the village there’s a long straight downhill road that isn’t very wide and cars fly up and down it.
He's not wrong! Anyhow, it's all been said now but I'm very close to where you are it's no busier at that time than on any other road. However, it's going to be quite grim and icy up here in the evenings this week and I doubt you'd leave with a happy memory of any either road or mountain bike.
I'd recommend popping into Drig and having the best veggie curry you'll ever have and a long island spiced tea 🙂
He's right, you know.
Why would you stay between Leeds and Bradford? Either stay in the metropolis and restaurant centre that is Leeds and head out to Otley on the road, or stay nearer Rawden/Rodley and be close to some good riding in then thar Dales.
If you're staying in Tong, check out the DATCC Facebook group. They have rides every Tuesday and most Thursday starting down the road at the Woodcock pub in New Farnley.
Friendly bunch, decent craic and all rides finish at the local Sam Smith's boozer.
There's some decent mountain biking from Tong, but it does get very muddy in the winter.
Why would you stay between Leeds and Bradford?
Cos the office is just off the M62, and if I stay in town I'll be forced to fight traffic. At least this way it's only a few miles.
Thinking I might just bring my rigid 29er to cope with possible snow and look for a short road loop. Too difficult to plan off-road for such a short trip.
Everything is currently a mudbath at the moment, so i'd say road.
I dont think that this area is particularly difficult to navigate - if you are taking the MTB then there would be a great route awaiting a little muddy discomfort!
I could put something in Strava rides to use on a Garmin if you have that facility?
I used to live in Birkenshaw and cycled around there for years- considering the proximity to Leeds and Bradford the cycling is excellent!
If you want a loop check out my Strava rides or let me know and I'll do a route for you!
That would be great thanks alibongo. I'd probably want a 1.5-2 hour spin. I'm tempted to bring the 29er in case of snow so I could take in a bit of gravel or some lanes. It's only for the week and then maybe another week later, so not long term.
+3 on the no MTB option. It's a mud bath round here like every winter (Pudsey resident). Road bike would be best. Once you get out past Yeadon/Rawdon there is plenty of great road riding. I would avoid the local roads if unfamiliar though (said as someone who rides them everyday for my commute).
Tempted to ride road on my mtb, having seen the forecast.
If you're in Pudsey, go to the Bearded Sailor for fish and chips. Magnifico.
You run don’t you ?
Directly opposite the hotel is a great off road rally driving school / experience area through forests etc I’m sure no one would objection to you running round with a head torch
Back in the day they held mtb races there too. Literally out of hotel turn right and first left
Edit: can’t say I’d want to ride a bike on the road around there
You run don’t you ?
Yeah sort of 🙂
Good shout though ta. Sometimes you just need an easy way to get exercise.
I'm glad someone mentioned Prashad - it's a must if you're in the area IMO.