{"id":12906,"date":"2014-07-08T03:32:59","date_gmt":"2014-07-08T07:32:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=12906"},"modified":"2015-07-02T15:36:19","modified_gmt":"2015-07-02T19:36:19","slug":"day-10-monday-july-7-hessle-to-york-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourdebocrie.com\/?p=12906","title":{"rendered":"Day 10. Monday, July 7 – Hessle to York, England"},"content":{"rendered":"

A crisp 52\u00b0 and the wind blowing off the river quickly chilled us as we loaded our bikes, just after 7:30 this morning. \u00a0We donned our jackets and headed off on our dirt path squeezed in between the railroad tracks and river.\"DSCN8022\"<\/a>Last evening’s downpour had packed the dirt, so puddles were minimal.\"DSCN8028\"<\/a>Just as we emerged onto the the pavement we met Brian, \"DSCN8033\"<\/a>who helped with directions and informed us that the park\u00a0we had just come \u00a0through was originally a brickyard. \u00a0We wound our way through the pretty town,\u00a0paying particular notice to the bricks on the homes. \u00a0Not sure how we found it, but managed to climb the only hill around; great vista<\/p>\n

\"DSCN8042\"<\/a> but not so good on the legs. \u00a0At nine\u00a0as we came to the edge of a small town, we decided to pop in<\/em>\u00a0for breakfast. \u00a0\"DSCN8044\"<\/a>The trek to the restaurant was a mile longer than the two block promised and service not the quickest. \u00a0A half hour down the road, as we stood at a crossroads, where “almost 80” year old George stopped his car to offer help. \"DSCN8053\"<\/a>\u00a0Once our direction was established, the boys chatted for a couple of days (or so it seemed). \u00a0So by eleven, over three hours into our ride, we had barely gone 15 miles. But the villages boasted beautiful homes \"DSCN8046\"<\/a>and the countryside was grand.\"DSCN8055\"<\/a> At noon, twenty five miles under our belt, we pulled into a gas station for re-fueling as there would be no place before our destination. \u00a0Five minutes was all the break we allowed ourselves as the clouds we had watched build all morning,\"DSCN8064\"<\/a> were beginning to look very threatening. \u00a0\"DSCN8062\"<\/a>With a slight turn in direction, we were finally aided by the wind. \u00a0The afternoon ride proved as beautiful as the morning half. \u00a0We passed fields,\"DSCN8060\"<\/a> farms and a movie crew. \u00a0\"DSCN8072\"<\/a> This however, is a favorite; \"DSCN8086\"<\/a>we often pass young foals playing in the fields, \"DSCN8084\"<\/a>but rarely are we quick enough to get a shot. \u00a0Though mom was very protective, her babe was curious. \u00a0\"DSCN8087\"<\/a><\/p>\n

There was no doubt we were approaching York; \u00a0Tour De France yellow bicycles were everywhere. \"DSCN8096\"<\/a>\u00a0We even had our own dedicated bike (and bus) lane \"DSCN8099\"<\/a>for most of our ride into the city. \u00a0A quick stop at the gates of the old Roman city \"DSCN8102\"<\/a>and then check-in. \u00a0We had totally dodged the rain today, though many of the roads we rode were still wet from the showers. \u00a0We were anxious to see the city before the rain hit. York is a walled city\"DSCN8109\"<\/a>\u00a0at the confluence of the River Ouse and River Foss, established by the Romans in 71 A.D. \u00a0History<\/p>\n

\"DSCN8171\"<\/a>and\u00a0bicycles\u00a0\"DSCN8115\"<\/a>were\u00a0everywhere.\"DSCN8134\"<\/a>But unquestionably most impressive is the Minster Cathedral<\/a>. \u00a0\"DSCN8121\"<\/a>First built of wood in 627 A.D., it has gone through fires, emperors and kings\u00a0conquests,\u00a0rebuildings and expansions. \"DSCN8125\"<\/a>Unfortunately it is impossible to step far enough away to get the entire building in the camera lens.<\/p>\n

Everyone was enjoying the afternoon\"DSCN8177\"<\/a> and sunny skies.\"DSCN8158\"<\/a>But the day had grown long (sun sets about 10:30) and after 50 miles we were tired and hungry. \u00a0A stroll back to our hotel along the river,\"DSCN8183\"<\/a> dinner and bed.<\/p>\n\n\t\t