The main road snakes around Richmond, a pretty yet slightly claustrophobic market town in North Yorkshire, and its downhill, so not much contemplation on a cup of tea… down we go! The 11-mile ride on a B-road from Richmond to Leyburn across Hipswell Moor is the most picturesque yet most demanding part of the ride. Never have 11 miles felt so long! After a nearly non-stop climb for 6 mile or so, the scenery is just stunning! And I take insane pleasure in shouting ‘Hellooo, sheep’ at the grazing lifestock of which there are many. Nobody will hear me up here, although I am in a military training area, so one might bump into a tank or two.