Leeds to Bainbridge, TdF 2014 Grand Depart Stage 1a

For enthusiastic non-pro cyclists and old men such as me - Stage 1 over 2 days. Bainbridge is just about half way through, and is a good base for a cycling holiday. Ribblehead station is 15 miles away with a sparse but adequate service to the Stage 1 start at Leeds, then cycle back to your holiday cottage/camp/B&B. Bojangles cafe in Skipton circa 30 miles is a good carb-load stop - friendly proprietor, hot coffee and very reasonably priced. This is a fairly gentle start to the tour, but don't worry, it gets tougher!

My Bainbridge to Leyburn loop doesn't complete the whole of Stage 1 but is a similar distance, returning to Bainbridge, a takes in all of the breathtaking scenery and equally breathtaking climbs of Le TdF day 1.