Photo by Joseph Gwynne-Jones with my daughter and puppy in tow (from session 2 below), capturing me on a ride.
{ Building the miles where legends once rode }
Hills, wind, and hard climbs
Survived storms, riding for life
Paris calls my soul
The countdown to the London to Paris Cycle Challenge begins, and there is honestly no better training ground than the voluptuous Yorkshire Dales, all hills, wind, and spectacular views. This is where my journey began: cold mornings, steep climbs, and gusting winds that test every ounce of motivation. I’m incredibly grateful to be riding where the Tour de France once rolled in 2014, building the miles, memories, and strength that will carry me from London to Paris. Riding through these dales felt surreal – I would pause to photograph the breathtaking landscapes, yet the journey often blurred by as I focused on pedaling toward my destination.
** Curious about this challenge? Click my donation page – link’s right there in the left sidebar (or above for mobile)! **
Every ride is a small reminder of how far I’ve come; living beyond cancer, embracing life fully, and challenging myself in ways I never imagined. I’m riding not just for me, but to raise money for four incredible charities that support others facing battle of their own. The first few rides have been about testing the legs (and lungs!), battling the elements, and rediscovering why I love every bit of the suffering. Here’s how the journey is unfolding, one ride at a time.
Session 1: How Stean Gorge – Epic First Ride! (25th October 2025)
Legs on fire, ego (just) intact!
The first training ride in the build-up could not have been better. A cracking (13 miles) ride from Risplith to Lofthouse (via Pateley Bridge). Naturally, inexperienced me forgot to record the first part of the ride (classic!). But it still felt incredible to get the training wheels rolling toward Paris.
Session 2: Littondale Loop – You Little Ripper! (1st November 2025)
Tough climb today – the gradient and headwind teamed up against me, but I persist!
In true Yorkshire style, she threw everything at me today, 19 mph south-westerlies with gusts up to 37 mph (stronger still on the hilltops, where the wind nearly toppled my bike) made every climb feel longer. My legs protested, the wind howled, but my spirit held. As I fought the gusts, I reminded myself how far I’ve already come – through every treatment, every setback, and into this new chapter of life. There’s something about battling the elements up those Dales climb that makes you feel alive (and slightly mad with a lot of swearing!). This (19 miles) ride isn’t just training; it’s a celebration of second chances!
Brootes Lane
You can’t miss Pen-y-ghent rising in the distance.
Somewhere on the Silverdale Road.
I couldn’t have done those rides without all your support, and especially the love and encouragement from my family.
Session 3: Aldwark Bridge loop from Deighton Bar (8th November 2025)
This was my longest ride yet, but also the flattest by far – 40.99 miles with just 745 ft of elevation gain. The first 25 miles felt smooth sailing… until I slipped and hit the ground. I was fine, but my bike picked up a few scratches. The last 15 miles turned into a real grind, and I realised I need to get better at fueling myself during long rides.
To top it off, my husband took me out for a one-to-one pizza – my little reward for getting through the ride!
Home Sessions
With winter drawing in, I’ve set up a smart bike trainer and the Zwift app – because (as my family would say) consistency is key!
Honestly, the first few rides on a home trainer feel worlds apart from being out on the roads. But winter in Yorkshire can be brutal, and as a complete cycle beginner in adulthood, I need to be sensible – gradually building my cardiovascular fitness and strengthening my muscles’ endurance. It’s all part of the journey. At some point, I’ll probably share my Strava profile – so anyone who wants to follow my training journey up to the big day can do so!
Katrina Gwynne-Jones 
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